The Soundcraft Vi1 is a standalone digital console that can expand its mixing capacity from a standard 46 channels to 64 simultaneous channels by adding a 64/32 stagebox. This setup is commonly used to provide remote I/O for larger live sound productions.
Console & Stagebox Overview
- Expansion: While the Vi1 has local I/O (typically 32 mic/line inputs), connecting the Vi Stagebox increases the input-to-mix capacity to 64 mono channels.
- Stagebox Specs: The 9U Vi Stagebox provides 64 mic/line inputs and 32 analogue line outputs as standard.
- Connectivity: Connection is typically made via a MADI card (Cat5 or Optical) installed in the console’s rear D21m expansion slot.
- Remote Control: Mic preamp gain, 48V phantom power, and a 100Hz low-cut filter on the stagebox can be controlled directly from the Vi1 surface.
Key Features of the Vi1
- User Interface: Features a 22″ widescreen Vistonics™ touchscreen and FaderGlow™ technology for clear visual status of fader functions.
- Busses: Supports 24 multifunction busses (configurable as Aux, Group, or Matrix) plus LR and C master busses.
- Processing: Uses 40-bit floating-point DSP and includes 4 stereo Lexicon effects engines and BSS graphic EQs on all output busses.
- Compatibility: Show files are compatible across the entire Vi series (Vi2, 4, and 6).
Optional I/O Cards
The stagebox and local rack can be reconfigured with various D21m cards, including:
- Digital: AES/EBU, Dante, MADI, and ADAT.
- Networking: CobraNet, EtherSound, Aviom A-Net 16, and Blu Link.
