CS Audio deploys Soundcraft consoles for British Tenor Alfie Boe

CS Audio has recently deployed a selection of Harman’s Soundcraft Vi and Si Compact consoles for British Tenor Alfie Boe’s tour of the UK.

In order to ensure that all audio aspects of the tour were sufficiently covered, CS Audio specified Soundcraft’s Vi4 and Vi6 consoles to mix 64 channels of audio at FOH, while a Vi1 was selected for monitors and an Si Compact 24 was chosen to sub-mix the choir.

“Soundcraft’s Vi consoles were our first choice as we feel they have the right combination of features,” stated Paul Hatt, managing director of CS Audio and monitor engineer for Alfie Boe. “The intuitive layout, operation and most importantly the great sound quality approaches the best of analogue while still offering all the benefits of a digital console.”

When commenting on the selection process regarding choir mixing duties independently of the main console, Hatt added: “The Si Compact fulfilled perfectly all the aspects we were looking for while keeping a small and tidy side-of stage footprint. Having the combination of consoles can really provide us with diversity. When we are in theatres with only Alfie we are able to use the Vi1 and then the Vi4 if the Orchestra and Choir are added. It’s great to have a system where we have an existing show file which is compatible between all surfaces and we are able to expand it according to the venue and input count, all while maintaining the same sonic characteristics throughout.”

With a range of desks available on the market, Hatt and CS Audio remain confident that they made the right investment. “We are impressed with everything, from the sound quality, color-coding, the quick access of menus and pages, the Vistonics, it really offers it all,” Hatt said. “Soundcraft is definitely the system for us.”

CS Audio has also been using the Vi consoles on a variety of projects, including tours with rock bands Hard-Fi and The Soldiers, as well as upcoming tours with ten-piece acapella group Straight No Chaser and orchestral dates with classical crossover artist Hayley Westenra.