Soundcraft Continues Multi-Mode Console Rollout with MH3
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January 23, 2003
British console manufacturer Soundcraft has now launched the second in its new range of multipurpose live performance mixers, the MH3. The desk's design follows that of Soundcraft's highly successful MH4 console, introduced last year, and brings the benefits of dual-mode operation down to an even lower price point. This is achieved through an appropriate feature set and both mechanical and electronic designs that permit reduced manufacturing costs.
"The success of the MH4 has shown that people really want this multi-mode flexibility, and by bringing out the MH3 we are offering that flexibility to a wider section of the market," states Soundcraft Product Manager Andy Brown.
Available in 24, 32, 40, 48 and 56 mono channel frame sizes, all with an additional four stereo channels as standard, the MH3 features eight groups, twelve auxiliary busses, the same new mic amp and EQ designs as the MH4, eight VCA and eight Mute groups with snapshot automation, true LCR panning and outputs, and an integral 12x4 matrix.
The MH3 offers an impressive lineup of features for a console in its price range and is certain to find favor with national and regional touring companies as well as both theatres and corporate production companies. The multipurpose topology allows companies to maximize inventory investment by using one type of console in several roles. In some cases, one MH3 console may need to fulfill both FOH and monitor duties, and does so with ease.
Using Modular Block Architecture, inputs are assembled in blocks of eight, which helps to reduce both manufacturing cost and weight, but have been designed so that access to modules for servicing is still from the top of the console. Four stereo inputs comprise a single block, while the output and master modules also form two blocks.
Additional module blocks permit input/output flexibility, with a block of four mono and four stereo inputs available to replace eight mono inputs, or an eight-way stereo input block to bring the console's stereo capacity to twelve inputs. Again, such I/O flexibility at this price level is unrivaled.
The mode in use is determined by the output controls -- there are a dozen fader-controlled outputs and eight rotary controlled outputs. In FOH mode (groups under fader control), there are twelve mono auxes, four of which can be paired as two stereo sends, and eight individually assignable group busses, which have the ability to be panned over pairs of groups. Groups 1-8 are under fader control (as are Auxes 9-12), with Auxes 1-8 under rotary control. In Monitor mode (assignable for each output from 1-8), all twelve auxes become monitor sends under fader control with the group busses available on rotary controls.
Each output section also features a stereo FX return with three-band EQ, with routing to the main MIX outputs or to whichever signal is under fader control. For example, this means that a stereo reverb FX can be applied to a stereo in-ear monitor feed. Alternatively, the EQ can be switched into the output fader path where it can be used to provide additional 'sweetening' on in-ear feeds or subgroups.
The integral matrix has four outputs with input feeds coming from the eight group busses, L, R and C mix outputs, and an external line input. The matrix can be expanded to 12x8 by using an optional module, which also has four mono inputs and would replace an eight-way mono input section.
Each mono input module features four-band EQ with two parametric mid sections and swept high and low sections. Steeper slopes on the HF stage focus the control where most desired, and some carefully tailored overshoot on the LF band automatically controls the muddy lower-mid frequencies when boosting lows.
Previously unavailable on a Soundcraft desk at this price level is the provision of sophisticated VCA and Mute grouping capabilities. There are eight VCA groups and eight Mute groups available, the settings of which may be memorized and recalled through the console's own snapshot automation system or via external MIDI program changes through a show-controller.
Preliminary US retail pricing on the line is:
- 24+4 - $15,495
- 32+4 - $18,495
- 40+4 - $21,495
- 48+4 - $24,495
- 56+4 - $28,995
For more information, visit their web site at www.soundcraft.com. | 
