In this video, Elliott takes a look at the Soundcraft Si Impact mixing console and gives a brief overview of the surface features, I/O count and workflow enhancements.
Could do with a desser on the presenter's microphone! Other than that, very good video, straight to the point without all the "what's up you guys" that every video on UA-cam seems to be plagued by.
So what does the Impact actually bring to the table over the rest of the Si range? Do we finally get a Video Out for a properly sized UI? Does the UI finally display something actually useful when navigating between channel and mix selects? Do we still have to bear with three separate buttons that have an OK-type function, like the on-screen OK button, the silicone APPLY button, and the rotary selector push, or has this been reworked? Can we finally join not just odd+even-numbered faders/channels into a stereo link, but also even+odd-numbered ones, or even arbitrary ones? Can we finally see what mixes a particular channel currently contributes to, in addition to what channels contribute to a particular mix? Is the touchscreen finally angled to a non-idiotically-awkward degree against the front plate by means of a simple $1 angled plastic insert that benefits from the internal space of the casing that's mostly hollow anyhow? Does the GEQ page finally stay on when flipping through tOTEMs? Is the headphone socket finally in such a position that doesn't require lifting the entire console from the flightcase base? Do we finally get one-button-accessible illumination presets instead of having to adjust four separate values deep in some config menu whenever the light changes at the venue? Did you finally fix the FX Tap button behaviour to not get stuck at longest delay time? Is the Offline Editor finally something actually useful and practical to work with instead of just an idiotically limited button-and-fader-click simulator? Does it still take bloody ages to load typical show files? Is the show file format still proprietary, or have you finally arrived in modern times with open and accessible XML? Is the board surface finally painted and coloured such that the lines and markings are distinguishable in the typical angles against the console light? Oh, what did you say? You just removed the Lexicon encoders entirely instead of making them generally available for customisation and made the casing a bit rounder. I see. So your Si range is still an unimaginative, clunky, boring budget turd to lure in buyers, pander to consumers, and piss off actual techs who happen to have this thing ordered for their gigs. Got it.
Anvilshock Yeh, some of your posts are a bit ... heavy handed. I can tell that you’re passionate about it. I can appreciate that. Though, some moderation would make what you’re saying easier to accept, effective. :)
@@richardmorris363 Sorry, but not sorry, as they say. These points haven't existed only for a few months before the Impact got introduced. These points have existed for a long time. I'm just one guy who happened to have been making acquaintance with this series for years, beginning with the Compact; and although it has never been my main business, even I noticed all this awkwardness. I can't possibly have been the only person to find and criticise these points, yet here we are. I remember when I got introduced to a QL1. Within half an hour, I had more fun exploring and operating it than I had the displeasure of collecting on Compacts and Expressions during all these years COMBINED. I am not making this up. Granted, a QL1 leans more towards a Vi1 than towards an Expression/Performer or (derisive snort) Impact - the Si range is probably best compared with the new TF range - but one, the QL is actually not that much bigger, and two, all of the points I listed I found even before I got to play with the QL and would also not be unreasonable to have realised even within the Si range's already available technology. It's not like I expect it to suddenly grow extra buttons, be made drop-resistant to ten metres, work underwater, or make coffee, mind. These are all small, realistic functions that could have been implemented and/or exposed in a nice hardware revision. In the time I got to develop my cynicism, Soundcraft could have taken the time to really collect live experience themselves, and they would have learnt of these points easily, but all they did was keep the design and just add a bit of processing power to the full 64 channels and perhaps make the EQ fully parametric. Yet, that isn't going to make up for the frustration over small niggles of the overall lacking design that nevertheless add up to dissatisfaction. At the end of the day, it is a tool. I have to get work done, not indulge some designer's brainfart. "No good reason, but the lights are pretty." - 'nuff said.
I have spoken with a number of people that have mixed on the Impact and all of them have said that they'd rather of had the X32 or even the x32 compact over the Impact. None of us think that the X32 is a great console, however considering the Impact is at least 500 dollars more than the x32, its surprising that people still go this way. After watching the video, I see that a lot relies on the touch screen that they have made pretty intuitive. The big problem is that the touch screen is relatively tiny for touch controls and it'd probably be easier to either enlarge the screen or make it more complex and not touch capable so that its quicker to get through menus. I'd strongly recommend going with the x32 instead of the Impact, if you have the money go with a Yamaha. It all depends on what you're using it for and your budget, however I still see so many more obstacles created than you can overcome with this console.
Contrary to what you've been led to believe, the touch screen is used only for setting up input and output routing, not for actually mixing a performance or session. For that, you use the motorized faders and illuminated buttons and encoders, all of which provide far more tactile control and feedback than any display screen. But if you like the X32, you no doubt prefer to mix on a screen.
Question: Can the Impact and an Expression share a mon/foh stagebox config? Ie: using the Impact at foh on the main madi port to get gain control, and using an Expression at mons connected to the aux port on the stagebox?
Nice video! Thank you! This would’ve been the perfect mixer controller for me if soundcraft incorporated transport controls on this. I would’ve ordered it big time. But I’m trying to get away from the mouse. Maybe in the future they’ll incorporate one.
We are stuck with this mixer which is so hard to understand. How can we get a mix of chosen channels routed out the back XLR to a USB Audio Interface And/or computer?
Hi im using the same mixer but I can't control my front of house through the master volume and it shows red light on it instead green how can I fix this please
Good day sir, I have a question, When I use an analogue mixer, the master fader level meter reaches almost at around -3db , in the yellow range, But since I started using the Si impact, it only reaches the 3rd fader - 24 dB from buttom
If you would simply visit their page and download the specs, you would not need to look lazy and stupid in a UA-cam comment section. Alas. Yes, it does have phantom power switchable individually per input, be it on-board or through stage boxes.
Is there a way to do multi-track recording (old school) which would need tape returns? Many of my clients still like the analog recorder and I am trying to figure how I would set this up for multi-tracking and also a mix down. Thanks and great console. Hope thgere's a way to do this.....
Very impressive. Can the scribble strips be customized for recording, such as labeling them bass, or vocals? Also, if you're not using it for live applications, but as a studio mixer, can you route the USB straight from the unit to DAW?
+Elvin Lewis Yes, there is a scribble strip on each fader and you are able to re-name the channel as you wish!!! Awesome. No more white console tape and colored sharpies.
Hi guys, I have one of this si impact. And I wanted to find out if I can pair this soundcraft digital mixer with a Behringer x32 stage box ? Any quick response would be appreciated 🙏🏽
Can the fader LED color be changed to suit the user...for example if using with a DAW, I want all guitar faders to be Green, bass to be Blue, keys to be Yellow....or are the colors Factory Fixed for the Bus Layer?
Each stereo matrix counts as two busses, and each of the six stereo-able busses adds another one, otherwise unusable. Do yourself a favour and avoid the Si* range. I've had to work with it for years and it's just unwieldy garbage that does disappoint in anything much beyond basic use.
@@lloydhaskel2956 Depends on what your serious studio work entails. First, it's primarily a live console, and a small one-size-fits-no-one one at that. Second, there are plenty of options to replicate the function, and better, in software. Of course, that means there are no hardware controls, so if you absolutely must have that, and have the buying power to get it, you're at a point where you wouldn't go for a console this size and purpose anyway. I mean, if you get one cheap and used for, I don't know, a few hundred currencinos, tops, and there aren't any immediately more attractive sinks to pour said money in, meh, I'm not stopping you. Setting up a DAW can make your head spin with all the options (not really, actually. Reaper, Fireface, some plugins, done). But I WILL say, "told you".
@@lloydhaskel2956 And if you meant to be asking what MY application was: no, I wasn't using it for studio work but live on everything from theatre plays to rock band gigs. See my other rant in this comment section for why I dislike it so much. v=InItrdACIcA&lc=Ugzgam5aDzKomczTTah4AaABAg
Tengo dos mesas Soundcraft Impact el problema que tengo es que al conectarlas por Wifi se freezan los VU y donde se baja un poquito la señal queda tildado y no podes recuperar la session incluso apagando y prendiendo el modem Wifi. La unica solucion es apagando y prendiendo la mesa. Lei muchisima gente que tiene este problema aclaro que la version del Firmware es la 2.0. Otro problema grande que le veo a esta mesa es que solo es compatible con Ipad mediane el visi Remote. No entiendo porque no desarrollan apps para otra arquitectura como windows o Osx. Solamente IOS y anda mal.
Hi Elliot, thanks for the impressive demos and videos of this awesome kit. However, I need some help on 2 things... By the way, anyone can respond with positive help if they feel to do so, 1. How to connect a laptop to record and what software do you recommend for the Impact,.... What cables I need etc and how to set the board to send the output to the laptop. 2. Not very clear on setting the subgroups. Can you provide a step by step guide please? Thanks in advance and keep up the good work!
+Abraham Betancourt Great question Mr. Betancourt. We're used to needing gooseneck lights with our old analog consoles. Not so with the digital Si Impact. Everything is so well backlit you won't need the gooseneck.
+jupiter jove The SI IMPACT is capable connecting USB to a compute and recording up to 32 tracks at one time into; say, ProTools/Logic. You then can return all 32 tracks back into the console for remix. Though, I don't yet see any way of using the console as a REMOTE control surface to control fader and pan movements in your DAW. Someone please correct me if I'm wrong.
I had to use one of these for a festival, over the last few days. Bloody awful mixer. Noisy head amps, unresponsive tacky controls and clunky interface. I ended up having to use compressor make up gain to get anything out of channels without adding so much noise. The general build quality is awful, right down to the fader knobs that fall of when you touch them. Patching to the MADI stage box was also a mystery. Tried all patching options, with no success. Reloaded an old show, bought it to life (despite it being an option I'd tried previously that hadn't worked). Built like a Kmart toaster. Back in analogue days, you were kicking A&H's arse a bit (I was working at A&H at the time). In the digital era, it looks like they've got you cornered. The overall sound (once I'd worked a way around the noisy gain section) was not too bad, but I do hope to never be stuck on one again.
Horrible built quality. The faders just fall off at the slightest push. The Touchscreen is beyond outdated. Go with the Allen & Heath SQ series for the same price range. The A&H Peamps + the '5th generation' stealth touchscreen quality is beyond comparison.
does exist dante card expansion for soundcraft impact? is it possible to use madi and dante at the same time? what are the main diferences between impact and expresion 3 mixing console?
+esteban lagos Impact has 32 channels max and the Expression has up to 64 channels to mix; you can use a Dante card in the other slot and send your direct outs there.
This sold this desk to me.
worked with the compact series for years now , but this is just on a new level of tech.
love it.
Well, that's not difficult. The Compact was short-changed beyond reason.
pro tip: watch movies on Flixzone. Me and my gf have been using it for watching all kinds of movies recently.
@Justin Royce yup, I have been watching on Flixzone for since november myself :)
@Justin Royce yea, have been watching on Flixzone for months myself =)
I'm drooling so much over this thing. I want one so bad.
It's the same shit they have been making, just with some shifted stats, and put into a slightly more rounded casing.
Very good! still could do with De-esser in the Fx. options though
Simple. Just swap this board for a serious one, like one from the Yamaha QL range.
Could do with a desser on the presenter's microphone! Other than that, very good video, straight to the point without all the "what's up you guys" that every video on UA-cam seems to be plagued by.
So what does the Impact actually bring to the table over the rest of the Si range? Do we finally get a Video Out for a properly sized UI? Does the UI finally display something actually useful when navigating between channel and mix selects? Do we still have to bear with three separate buttons that have an OK-type function, like the on-screen OK button, the silicone APPLY button, and the rotary selector push, or has this been reworked? Can we finally join not just odd+even-numbered faders/channels into a stereo link, but also even+odd-numbered ones, or even arbitrary ones? Can we finally see what mixes a particular channel currently contributes to, in addition to what channels contribute to a particular mix? Is the touchscreen finally angled to a non-idiotically-awkward degree against the front plate by means of a simple $1 angled plastic insert that benefits from the internal space of the casing that's mostly hollow anyhow? Does the GEQ page finally stay on when flipping through tOTEMs? Is the headphone socket finally in such a position that doesn't require lifting the entire console from the flightcase base? Do we finally get one-button-accessible illumination presets instead of having to adjust four separate values deep in some config menu whenever the light changes at the venue? Did you finally fix the FX Tap button behaviour to not get stuck at longest delay time? Is the Offline Editor finally something actually useful and practical to work with instead of just an idiotically limited button-and-fader-click simulator? Does it still take bloody ages to load typical show files? Is the show file format still proprietary, or have you finally arrived in modern times with open and accessible XML? Is the board surface finally painted and coloured such that the lines and markings are distinguishable in the typical angles against the console light? Oh, what did you say? You just removed the Lexicon encoders entirely instead of making them generally available for customisation and made the casing a bit rounder. I see. So your Si range is still an unimaginative, clunky, boring budget turd to lure in buyers, pander to consumers, and piss off actual techs who happen to have this thing ordered for their gigs. Got it.
Anvilshock
Well, that was entertaining and instructive. :)
@@richardmorris363 Does it show that I'm not a fan of the Si* range? I sometimes get a little carried away.
Anvilshock Yeh, some of your posts are a bit ... heavy handed. I can tell that you’re passionate about it. I can appreciate that. Though, some moderation would make what you’re saying easier to accept, effective. :)
@@richardmorris363 Sorry, but not sorry, as they say. These points haven't existed only for a few months before the Impact got introduced. These points have existed for a long time. I'm just one guy who happened to have been making acquaintance with this series for years, beginning with the Compact; and although it has never been my main business, even I noticed all this awkwardness. I can't possibly have been the only person to find and criticise these points, yet here we are.
I remember when I got introduced to a QL1. Within half an hour, I had more fun exploring and operating it than I had the displeasure of collecting on Compacts and Expressions during all these years COMBINED. I am not making this up. Granted, a QL1 leans more towards a Vi1 than towards an Expression/Performer or (derisive snort) Impact - the Si range is probably best compared with the new TF range - but one, the QL is actually not that much bigger, and two, all of the points I listed I found even before I got to play with the QL and would also not be unreasonable to have realised even within the Si range's already available technology. It's not like I expect it to suddenly grow extra buttons, be made drop-resistant to ten metres, work underwater, or make coffee, mind. These are all small, realistic functions that could have been implemented and/or exposed in a nice hardware revision.
In the time I got to develop my cynicism, Soundcraft could have taken the time to really collect live experience themselves, and they would have learnt of these points easily, but all they did was keep the design and just add a bit of processing power to the full 64 channels and perhaps make the EQ fully parametric. Yet, that isn't going to make up for the frustration over small niggles of the overall lacking design that nevertheless add up to dissatisfaction. At the end of the day, it is a tool. I have to get work done, not indulge some designer's brainfart.
"No good reason, but the lights are pretty." - 'nuff said.
@@richardmorris363 Watch v=1X6_3aoMYIo&t=505 until 9:24 for the source on that quote.
Wonderful, lovely mixing console...
I have spoken with a number of people that have mixed on the Impact and all of them have said that they'd rather of had the X32 or even the x32 compact over the Impact. None of us think that the X32 is a great console, however considering the Impact is at least 500 dollars more than the x32, its surprising that people still go this way.
After watching the video, I see that a lot relies on the touch screen that they have made pretty intuitive. The big problem is that the touch screen is relatively tiny for touch controls and it'd probably be easier to either enlarge the screen or make it more complex and not touch capable so that its quicker to get through menus.
I'd strongly recommend going with the x32 instead of the Impact, if you have the money go with a Yamaha. It all depends on what you're using it for and your budget, however I still see so many more obstacles created than you can overcome with this console.
"they'd rather of had" - Pretty sure they'd rather HAVE had, though.
Contrary to what you've been led to believe, the touch screen is used only for setting up input and output routing, not for actually mixing a performance or session. For that, you use the motorized faders and illuminated buttons and encoders, all of which provide far more tactile control and feedback than any display screen. But if you like the X32, you no doubt prefer to mix on a screen.
This board is BRILLIANT ..... they need to RE release it NOW.
RE-Release?.. It's never been discontinued. ;)
What happens if all of a sudden, you can't control the volume of the band?
Question: Can the Impact and an Expression share a mon/foh stagebox config? Ie: using the Impact at foh on the main madi port to get gain control, and using an Expression at mons connected to the aux port on the stagebox?
Very informative Elliott, thank you. Who is playing in the background?
Nice video! Thank you! This would’ve been the perfect mixer controller for me if soundcraft incorporated transport controls on this. I would’ve ordered it big time. But I’m trying to get away from the mouse. Maybe in the future they’ll incorporate one.
We are stuck with this mixer which is so hard to understand. How can we get a mix of chosen channels routed out the back XLR to a USB Audio Interface And/or computer?
Kindly make a video on a full liveband sound check...
Hi im using the same mixer but I can't control my front of house through the master volume and it shows red light on it instead green how can I fix this please
How to connect si impact to a 32r stage box
Thank you so much❤👍
Good day sir,
I have a question,
When I use an analogue mixer, the master fader level meter reaches almost at around -3db , in the yellow range,
But since I started using the Si impact, it only reaches the 3rd fader - 24 dB from buttom
beautiful console, looking like it might just be time for me to move on from my presonus ai
Question: Where are the channel inputs for keyboards, guitars? Is there a patch bay?
I thought I recognised that accent =P
He sounds exactly like Simon Phillips when he speaks. Charming - or should I say "Brilliant" =)
Is the sound signature of this mixer different from si expression or si perfomer
Somebody help!
On the fence about buying one of these, the only thing holding me back is wondering; Does this system have phantom power? Preferably by channel
If you would simply visit their page and download the specs, you would not need to look lazy and stupid in a UA-cam comment section. Alas. Yes, it does have phantom power switchable individually per input, be it on-board or through stage boxes.
Does anyone know where the preset is? Or know how to livestream with the mixer? I bought my si impact mixer about a month ago.
why you are not doing a live test so we can understand how it works..
Yes right question
Is there a way to do multi-track recording (old school) which would need tape returns? Many of my clients still like the analog recorder and I am trying to figure how I would set this up for multi-tracking and also a mix down. Thanks and great console. Hope thgere's a way to do this.....
How I use subgroups and matrix please
Hello there, how to connect Active Sub to this mixer ?
Sir. What is ALT key. And how to use ALT key in SI IMPACT
Opa amigo tenho uma expression 3 e no momento ela fica do nada clipando e fica sem sair áudio você tem alguma ideia q seja?
te hago una pregunta si no te molesta si la bloqueo cual seria la clave predeterminada? gracias
Very impressive. Can the scribble strips be customized for recording, such as labeling them bass, or vocals? Also, if you're not using it for live applications, but as a studio mixer, can you route the USB straight from the unit to DAW?
+Elvin Lewis Yes, there is a scribble strip on each fader and you are able to re-name the channel as you wish!!! Awesome. No more white console tape and colored sharpies.
......... and yes the unit can be usb connected TO and FROM a DAW. It is not a DAW controller though.
Over Free hundred? Wow!
Hi guys, I have one of this si impact. And I wanted to find out if I can pair this soundcraft digital mixer with a Behringer x32 stage box ? Any quick response would be appreciated 🙏🏽
the behringer stuff runs on AES50. the soundcraft consoles use MADI. so they're not compatible. but you can alsways try?
Olá bom dia alguém sabe me dizer se a mesa soudcraft SI impact saiu de linha não vão fabricar mais ?
Can the fader LED color be changed to suit the user...for example if using with a DAW, I want all guitar faders to be Green, bass to be Blue, keys to be Yellow....or are the colors Factory Fixed for the Bus Layer?
@Tony Bosco: No, the colors are factory fixed. Each channel has scribble screens though.
Where are the other 10 buses out of the 35 buses he’s talking about because I’m counting the ones on screen and they basically add up to 25
Each stereo matrix counts as two busses, and each of the six stereo-able busses adds another one, otherwise unusable. Do yourself a favour and avoid the Si* range. I've had to work with it for years and it's just unwieldy garbage that does disappoint in anything much beyond basic use.
@@Anvilshock Your criticism is interesting. Why do you think this? Is the SI series too limited for serious studio work?
@@lloydhaskel2956 Depends on what your serious studio work entails. First, it's primarily a live console, and a small one-size-fits-no-one one at that. Second, there are plenty of options to replicate the function, and better, in software. Of course, that means there are no hardware controls, so if you absolutely must have that, and have the buying power to get it, you're at a point where you wouldn't go for a console this size and purpose anyway. I mean, if you get one cheap and used for, I don't know, a few hundred currencinos, tops, and there aren't any immediately more attractive sinks to pour said money in, meh, I'm not stopping you. Setting up a DAW can make your head spin with all the options (not really, actually. Reaper, Fireface, some plugins, done). But I WILL say, "told you".
@@lloydhaskel2956 And if you meant to be asking what MY application was: no, I wasn't using it for studio work but live on everything from theatre plays to rock band gigs. See my other rant in this comment section for why I dislike it so much. v=InItrdACIcA&lc=Ugzgam5aDzKomczTTah4AaABAg
Tengo dos mesas Soundcraft Impact el problema que tengo es que al conectarlas por Wifi se freezan los VU y donde se baja un poquito la señal queda tildado y no podes recuperar la session incluso apagando y prendiendo el modem Wifi. La unica solucion es apagando y prendiendo la mesa. Lei muchisima gente que tiene este problema aclaro que la version del Firmware es la 2.0. Otro problema grande que le veo a esta mesa es que solo es compatible con Ipad mediane el visi Remote. No entiendo porque no desarrollan apps para otra arquitectura como windows o Osx. Solamente IOS y anda mal.
I want my mix 1 become stereo out how can I do it?
Hi Elliot, thanks for the impressive demos and videos of this awesome kit. However, I need some help on 2 things... By the way, anyone can respond with positive help if they feel to do so, 1. How to connect a laptop to record and what software do you recommend for the Impact,.... What cables I need etc and how to set the board to send the output to the laptop. 2. Not very clear on setting the subgroups. Can you provide a step by step guide please? Thanks in advance and keep up the good work!
May I know how to set up pedal as a fx on this mixer ?
It does not take a pedal input.
How can I set ST Line 1??? I came from an Si Expression 1.
SEL the L&R fader, then MENU, OUTPUTS, untick 15,16, then scroll until you find Line Out, and tick Line Out 1, 2.
Does the Impact come with a BNC connectors for mixer lamps?
+Abraham Betancourt Great question Mr. Betancourt. We're used to needing gooseneck lights with our old analog consoles. Not so with the digital Si Impact. Everything is so well backlit you won't need the gooseneck.
But you can get a USB led light & use that if you still want one anyway.
Nice good
Can i connect behringer digital snake to si impact
😆😆😆
Nice joke
can this be used as a control surface as well?
+jupiter jove The SI IMPACT is capable connecting USB to a compute and recording up to 32 tracks at one time into; say, ProTools/Logic. You then can return all 32 tracks back into the console for remix.
Though, I don't yet see any way of using the console as a REMOTE control surface to control fader and pan movements in your DAW. Someone please correct me if I'm wrong.
@jupiter jove: No, it is not capable of being a control surface.
Please tell me How send effect to AUXbus?
kohei yamakawa i used an expression before and i believe you select a bus then go to layer B and its the last 4 channels are the fx sends to that mix.
You put the effect return on a stereo channel and mix the stereo channel into the AUX (MIX, in Soundcraft parlance).
No dodgy or inspired by..lol
I had to use one of these for a festival, over the last few days. Bloody awful mixer. Noisy head amps, unresponsive tacky controls and clunky interface. I ended up having to use compressor make up gain to get anything out of channels without adding so much noise. The general build quality is awful, right down to the fader knobs that fall of when you touch them. Patching to the MADI stage box was also a mystery. Tried all patching options, with no success. Reloaded an old show, bought it to life (despite it being an option I'd tried previously that hadn't worked). Built like a Kmart toaster. Back in analogue days, you were kicking A&H's arse a bit (I was working at A&H at the time). In the digital era, it looks like they've got you cornered. The overall sound (once I'd worked a way around the noisy gain section) was not too bad, but I do hope to never be stuck on one again.
Horrible built quality. The faders just fall off at the slightest push. The Touchscreen is beyond outdated.
Go with the Allen & Heath SQ series for the same price range.
The A&H Peamps + the '5th generation' stealth touchscreen quality is beyond comparison.
it is the worst device
does exist dante card expansion for soundcraft impact? is it possible to use madi and dante at the same time? what are the main diferences between impact and expresion 3 mixing console?
+esteban lagos Impact has 32 channels max and the Expression has up to 64 channels to mix; you can use a Dante card in the other slot and send your direct outs there.