NAMM 2012: Soundcraft Si Compact V2 receives major upgrade

Soundcraft’s small format Si Compact V2 digital console has received a major upgrade at NAMM 2012.

The free V2 software release provides the Si Compact with more than 23 major new features, updates, and enhancements. Notably, the updated digital console now offers eight additional DSP channels, expanding the Si Compact 16 and Si Compact 24 to 32 and 40 inputs to mix, respectively.

The new user-configurable fader layers allow input channels to be reassigned anywhere on either input layer and any bus master to be reassigned to either master layer. This is designed to allow an engineer to put the inputs and returns where he or she most needs them.

Another new function introduced to the V2 is D.O.G.S. (Direct Output Gain Stabilisation). This is designed to tackle the issues that can occur when two consoles (FOH and monitors) share the same source such as a mic on stage; the mix balance on the second (slave) console can be overridden if the engineer at the master console changes the mic gain.

In addition, selective Copy & Paste is now implemented, allowing all or part of a selected channel or bus to be copied and pasted elsewhere. This feature is enhanced with the ability to copy and paste individual bus or matrix mixes and copy / paste FX presets between Lexicon processors. Enhanced MIDI control allows snapshots to be recalled from any external devices capable of sending simple programme change messages.

The V2 also offers a new security mode, which prevents unauthorised access to key functions. Full lockdown security can be tailored for different "operator access" levels.

Other augmentations to the V2 include additional information displayed in the Function Focus window on the touchscreen,improved matrix mix facilities, show file and folder management, added EQ curve graphics, and much more.
Si Compact V2 software is available as a free upgrade at soundcraft.com.