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Author Topic: Soundcraft Si Expression Live + Recording Setup  (Read 43428 times)

Michael Grimaila

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Re: Soundcraft Si Expression Live + Recording Setup
« Reply #20 on: January 09, 2014, 09:54:37 PM »

I decided to grab the Soundcraft Multi Digital Card.  I was having trouble finding one in stock and just noticed that Full Compass just got some in stock as I just ordered one!

FWIW: I posted a review of the Soundcraft Multi-Digital card on Facebook here:
https://www.facebook.com/SiExpression

I am hopeful that Soundcraft will release a Dante version of Mini-Stagebox soon... If they do, I will likely purchase this!
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Behringer X32 / X32 Rack
Soundcraft Si Expression 3 / Soundcraft Mini Stage Box 32 / Soundcraft MADI USB & Dual CAT5 & Dual Optical MADI cards
6 x Sennheiser EW300 G3 / Sennheiser EW572 G3 / Sennheiser EW365 G3 / Sennheiser EW352 G3
2 x Yamaha DSR115 / 2 x QSC KW 118

Kieran Walsh

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Re: Soundcraft Si Expression Live + Recording Setup
« Reply #21 on: January 10, 2014, 06:14:23 AM »

Neither standard includes control data, AFAIK.

Samuel- the control question is interesting.

Our current standpoint is really quite simple... Audinate are networking specialists. We have strengths in delivering highly synchronous uncompressed media over existing IP networks, and concentrate our research in refining inventing and incorporating developments in this specific field.

Audinate do not sell any end-user audio hardware. We are not an audio equipment manufacturer per-se.

Far from suggesting that control is "not our gig" we very much see that the most compelling reason to use network technology is to be able to combine control and media transport (and in our opinion all other traffic) into one network.

We have a business because we are good at our niche

Our customers have businesses because they are good at what they do, and have recognised the value in 'buying in' a specialist technology (which is somewhat a departure from what made them great in the first place)

Our customers are the experts at control- we aren't!

We do however participate in this organisation- which is very interesting, and would seem to be answering this question head-on:

http://www.oca-alliance.com/

This is a case of the right folks having the right forum for discussion.

I hope that this helps
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Jason Lucas

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Re: Soundcraft Si Expression Live + Recordind Setup
« Reply #22 on: January 10, 2014, 01:35:55 PM »

Those are the type questions Soundcraft should answer in all actuality. My take on the subject is about the same as David's with the exception you should keep in mind that you are extending the channel count and full control of the additional channels will depend on the card and the stage box as a combination. They must work together.

Keep in mind that Soundcraft and Studer stage boxes will work with the SI series of boards, however, it's always best to check with Soundcraft before you spend the money. I'll see if I can get a company rep to chime in here and do some research during the week.

Feel free to correct me if I'm wrong, but isn't channel count on the Expression 66 regardless? And the stagebox simply increases the available number of inputs?

The Soundcraft stagebox appears to function the same way the Allen & Heath GLD stage boxes do, or the Roland REAC digital snakes. The key difference of course being that the Soundcraft has a LOT more local I/O than the GLD or Roland M-300/380/400/480 boards, and has a high enough channel count to actually use all of its inputs, whereas Roland, Midas and other brands can have more inputs than channels.

I would have jumped on the Si Expression if there was an affordable way to do FOH, monitors and recording, but there really isn't. Just adding one more option card slot would have sold me. DBX's personal monitor system is actually pretty cool, it's more flexible than Aviom, and really easy to setup on a Soundcraft board. Having two option slots you could have a blu link card and a MADI card and have a digital snake, multi-track recording, and personal mixing available to you. Lots of people don't need any of that, but I do, and the X32 is the only console that delivers all 3 of those at a price that my church can afford (well, I guess the StudioLive does too).
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Tommy Peel

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Re: Soundcraft Si Expression Live + Recordind Setup
« Reply #23 on: January 10, 2014, 02:17:54 PM »

Feel free to correct me if I'm wrong, but isn't channel count on the Expression 66 regardless? And the stagebox simply increases the available number of inputs?

The Soundcraft stagebox appears to function the same way the Allen & Heath GLD stage boxes do, or the Roland REAC digital snakes. The key difference of course being that the Soundcraft has a LOT more local I/O than the GLD or Roland M-300/380/400/480 boards, and has a high enough channel count to actually use all of its inputs, whereas Roland, Midas and other brands can have more inputs than channels.

I would have jumped on the Si Expression if there was an affordable way to do FOH, monitors and recording, but there really isn't. Just adding one more option card slot would have sold me. DBX's personal monitor system is actually pretty cool, it's more flexible than Aviom, and really easy to setup on a Soundcraft board. Having two option slots you could have a blu link card and a MADI card and have a digital snake, multi-track recording, and personal mixing available to you. Lots of people don't need any of that, but I do, and the X32 is the only console that delivers all 3 of those at a price that my church can afford (well, I guess the StudioLive does too).
I'm hoping someone will release a Dante connected personal mixer system. You'd probably have to set them up with a computer program or iPad app but I think that would be much more flexible than any of the other options. Maybe just a box with a small LCD, a knob, a few buttons, a Dante port, and a headphone output that can be controlled with a tablet/smartphone app; though something similar to an Aviom PM would probably be better.
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Jason Lucas

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Re: Soundcraft Si Expression Live + Recordind Setup
« Reply #24 on: January 10, 2014, 02:18:50 PM »

I'm hoping someone will release a Dante connected personal mixer system. You'd probably have to set them up with a computer program or iPad app but I think that would be much more flexible than any of the other options. Maybe just a box with a small LCD, a knob, a few buttons, a Dante port, and a headphone output that can be controlled with a tablet/smartphone app; though something similar to an Aviom PM would probably be better.

The Allen & Heath ME system supports Dante. Just need to get a Dante card for the ME-U.
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Tommy Peel

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Re: Soundcraft Si Expression Live + Recordind Setup
« Reply #25 on: January 10, 2014, 02:37:11 PM »

The Allen & Heath ME system supports Dante. Just need to get a Dante card for the ME-U.

That's pretty neat but I was thinking of having Dante to each PM so that there doesn't need to be some intermediate box in-between; that way you don't need separate "networks" for PMs and normal Dante audio. You could have a large switch in the closet feeding your "audio" network(though I guess if it was setup right a separate audio network isn't necessary) with everything plugged into it(I.E.: Digital snake box(es), mixer, amps, digital wireless mic receivers, recording computer(s), PMs, etc...).

Edit: But then again that would imply *gasp* some cross brand compatibility of digital components...  ::)
« Last Edit: January 10, 2014, 02:39:17 PM by Tommy Peel »
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Samuel Rees

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Re: Soundcraft Si Expression Live + Recording Setup
« Reply #26 on: January 10, 2014, 03:56:54 PM »

Aviom has a Dante to A-net box announced. The ME-U has other purposes, though, such that for a big A&H personal monitor setup you would want one anyway. 1 - It has PoE. 2 - It has a variety of input cards, so it's possible to connect it to just about anything. 3 - Running on modified A-net means you can use aviom boxes on the same network, which are widely available for rent.
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Michael Grimaila

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Re: Soundcraft Si Expression Live + Recording Setup
« Reply #27 on: January 11, 2014, 10:22:44 PM »

Samuel- the control question is interesting.
True dat!
Most popular audio protocols have the capability to carry additional overhead information for control.  Unfortunately, the control protocols are typically proprietary to the manfacturer.  In my case, I wish Soundcraft would develop a Dante version of their Mini-Stagebox 32.  This would enable me to use the stage box with my Si Expression 3 by using a switch to capture the audio on a PC.
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Behringer X32 / X32 Rack
Soundcraft Si Expression 3 / Soundcraft Mini Stage Box 32 / Soundcraft MADI USB & Dual CAT5 & Dual Optical MADI cards
6 x Sennheiser EW300 G3 / Sennheiser EW572 G3 / Sennheiser EW365 G3 / Sennheiser EW352 G3
2 x Yamaha DSR115 / 2 x QSC KW 118

art isaacs

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Re: Soundcraft Si Expression Live + Recording Setup
« Reply #28 on: March 12, 2014, 02:58:05 PM »

If you haven't made these purchases yet, may I suggest an upgrade to the Performer console, with two card slots. Use one card slot for the Ethernet MADI (to connect to the stage rack) and a second card for either the DANTE card when it appears or get the MADI Optical card. then spring for the new and pretty cool RME USB MADIface interface.  64 channels of MADI via USB,  any recording software you happen to record on will work. and you can play back those multi tracks and run a virtual sound check with a few patching changes. 
that's how I hooked up my rig and it works great...so far.  I've little or no experience with Dante.
Also, Soundcraft has a firewire card which can work as well, without the need for an additional interface. I'm not sure what the tracking limitations are with the firewire card.  the firewire card also has an additional 8 ADAT I/O.
happy recording.

I am considering purchasing the following:

Soundcraft Si Expression 3 - P/N: SI-EXPRESSION-3
Soundcraft Mini Stagebox 32 Optical MADI - P/N: 5033269
Solid State Logic MADI Xtreme 64 - P/N: 726907X1

To do live sound and recording for my band.

Does anyone have experience with this combination?

Any comments, criticisms, and alternatives are appreciated!

Michael
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Bob Leonard

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Re: Soundcraft Si Expression Live + Recordind Setup
« Reply #29 on: March 12, 2014, 11:05:08 PM »

Feel free to correct me if I'm wrong, but isn't channel count on the Expression 66 regardless? And the stagebox simply increases the available number of inputs?

The Soundcraft stagebox appears to function the same way the Allen & Heath GLD stage boxes do, or the Roland REAC digital snakes. The key difference of course being that the Soundcraft has a LOT more local I/O than the GLD or Roland M-300/380/400/480 boards, and has a high enough channel count to actually use all of its inputs, whereas Roland, Midas and other brands can have more inputs than channels.

I would have jumped on the Si Expression if there was an affordable way to do FOH, monitors and recording, but there really isn't. Just adding one more option card slot would have sold me. DBX's personal monitor system is actually pretty cool, it's more flexible than Aviom, and really easy to setup on a Soundcraft board. Having two option slots you could have a blu link card and a MADI card and have a digital snake, multi-track recording, and personal mixing available to you. Lots of people don't need any of that, but I do, and the X32 is the only console that delivers all 3 of those at a price that my church can afford (well, I guess the StudioLive does too).

You're correct, inputs would have been the proper terminology.  ;) 
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Re: Soundcraft Si Expression Live + Recordind Setup
« Reply #29 on: March 12, 2014, 11:05:08 PM »


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