Soundcraft SM20 Monitor Console Launched
July 10, 1998
Designed to accommodate the increasingly popular use of in-ear monitoring systems, the SM20 is the latest addition to Soundcraft's respected SM range of dedicated stage monitor consoles. Available in 40, 48 and 56 input frame sizes, the SM20 can provide any combination between 20 straight mono sends and seven stereo plus six mono sends.
Drawing on elements from previous SM consoles, the SM20 packs more features into a smaller size than any of its predecessors. Its input stage utilizes the same circuitry as found in Soundcraft's top-ranked Series FIVE desk. Individual channels are all equipped with passive mic splits (for routing channels to the FOH console), sweepable high-pass filters (20-400Hz) and balanced insert points with in/out switches. Four bands of equalization are also provided-the two mid-bands being fully parametric and boasting adjustable 'Q'. The HF and LF bands are fully sweepable and can be switched to work either as shelving or bell controls. Additional input channel amenities include 100mm faders, direct outs, access to eight mute groups, Mute Safe switches, 10-segment bargraph LED meters and Solo buttons for mono PFL or stereo AFL.
The SM20's output section follows the clear, intuitive layout established on Soundcraft's other SM monitor consoles. Each of the six dedicated mono output faders and 12 mono/stereo output faders (arranged as six pairs) feature 100mm master faders and buttons for AFL solo, Mute, Phase and Talkback/Oscillator. L and R buttons may route the signal to the last pair of output busses, allowing the SM20 to be used as a Front-of-House console, if necessary. The six pairs of mono/stereo output faders additionally have Global Mode switches at the tops of their output sections allowing any or all of these sends to be easily configured as stereo or mono. All 20 outputs have their own 16-segment LED bargraph meters, while an optional meterbridge featuring 22 backlit VUs is also available.
A unique feature on the SM20 affords it MIDI control of external BSS Varicurve(TM) equalizers. Via MIDI, the output solo buttons on the monitor desk can automatically select the correct EQ page on an FPC-900 Remote Unit. This saves the engineer vital seconds as it avoids the need to solo the output then press the appropriate page button on the remote unit.
The master section of the SM20 contains the output faders and controls for the last pair of main outputs (L and R), as well as the engineer's wedge and alternate wedge outputs, plus solo controls, talkback and test oscillator facilities, Mute masters, lamp dimmer control and Clear-Com(TM) loop-through connection. Furthermore, the monitor board is shipped as standard with the three-rack-space CPS800 power supply, but is directly cable-compatible with the ultra high-powered CPS2000 used by the Series FIVE console. Visit the Soundcraft website at http://www.soundcraft.com. |
