Harman’s Soundcraft brand has introduced the Si2 digital console, a small-footprint model with 48 inputs mapped to 24 faders. In addition, the firm has made available three new interface cards for the full Soundcraft Vi Series of digital consoles, all aimed at expanding the line’s broadcast applications.
New SDI and Dolby E cards allow the desk to handle the de-embedding of audio channels from within SDI video streams (and re-embedding for onward transmission), and decode up to eight channels of audio from Dolby Digital or Dolby E streams. All individual audio channels are then available within the Vi Series’ digital patchbay for mixing. The Dolby E card contains two complete decoder sections, saving space and weight in critical OB vehicle applications. The new ADAT card can connect two ports of eight channels (inputs and outputs) to an ADAT-equipped hard disk or software-based recorder. Two cards would enable 32 channels of audio to be recorded and played back almost instantaneously.
The new Si2 digital console features a series of rotary encoders and OLED screens on every channel, allowing at-a-glance channel status at the source. The board includes four Lexicon effects engines and features dedicated input and output XLRs for every channel in a 56in frame, allowing analog snakes and splitters to interface directly. The power supply is also onboard, saving space and making digital upgrades to existing copper infrastructure.
