New Soundcraft 328XD Provides Full Digital Production Capabilities
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(Click for a close-up) |
January 26, 2002
Soundcraft has just introduced the feature-packed 328XD digital mixing console, the next generation of the popular Digital 328 production mixer, now offering dynamics processing on every channel, group and mix path.
With the 328XD, Soundcraft has considerably built upon its already impressive performance characteristics by further broadening the desk's functionality from straight sound mixing to production and control of sequencers and desktop synths. This will enable it to be the production control center for computers, DAWs and dedicated hard disk recorders, including dynamic automation and moving faders.
Three years ago, the low-cost Digital 328 introduced a brand new audience used to the spontaneity of analog mixing to the advantages of instant total recall, snapshot and dynamic automation, and onboard Lexicon effects -- styled like a traditional and instantly recognizable eight-bus analog console.
Thanks to its compact footprint, the digital mixer is ideal for small-to-mid-sized professional studio setups and home studio recording use alike. The Soundcraft 328XD is certain to also be a hit with commercial production facilities, such as advertising agencies, voiceover studios and jingle houses.
Designed for use straight out of the box, the 328XD control surface needs little explanation, and virtually all functions are easily accessible through the mixer's unique 'E-Strip'. This can act as a horizontal channel strip, controlling EQ and aux sends, or a dynamics control panel, or as level controls for the tape returns.
The 328XD also boasts a new dynamics feature set, including: a Gate and Compressor/Limiter on every channel; configurable direct outputs that provide more opportunities for recording feeds; two high-resolution Lexicon effects processors; the ability to route effects to groups for recording; total status recall at power-up; and improved connectivity. For instance, the S/PDIF output can be available on Optical port as well as RCA/Phono. Wordclock termination is available for systems using multiple clock connections, and the console may be synchronized to embedded ADAT wordclock as well as numerous clock sources.
While the 328XD is an outstanding controller with legendary sonic performance for recording and mixing, its ability to control desktop sequencers and synths -- and, in turn, be controlled by them -- makes it possibly the most versatile console in its class.
In fact, the 328XD has built-in interface capabilities to virtually all digital formats: ADAT and TDIF, plus S/PDIF and AES/EBU stereo in/out.
The combination of all of these features will reassure discerning producers and engineers around the world, who have come to rely on the audio quality of Soundcraft's electronics design, that the 328XD embodies a truly no-compromise approach.
Introductory US retail pricing for the 328XD is $4995.
For more information, visit their web site at www.soundcraft.com. | 
