Description
Sound craft have unveiled another addition to the rapidly growing new Sound craft family, the multi-format low-cost EPM mixers. The emphasis with the Sound craft EPM 8+2 is very firmly on quality build and audio performance, with an easy to understand control surface uncluttered by unnecessary facilities, and Sound craft have brought new technologies and ideas to this very cost-effective range. Surface mount technology is used throughout, using close-tolerance components for high accuracy and repeatable settings for EQ and gain controls. The highly-transparent GB30 Mic amp (designed by Graham Blyth for the company’s 30th anniversary, and also used on the larger LX7ii and GB Series consoles) features high-resolution adjustment over a wide gain range of 55dB, and provides a stunning +22dB headroom through the console. True professional 48-volt phantom power caters for condenser microphones of all types. A unique feature of the signal monitoring is the PEAK led. This uses multipoint signal take-offs to watch for overload in several parts of the channel strip, and the led lights more brightly as the signal approaches the peak point. For smooth and accurate channel control, the EPM has 60mm high quality faders as used on other Sound craft desks. The monitor output and headphone output work in parallel so that performers can still listen on phones while an engineer is listening on studio monitors. Further features of the EPM series include 2 configurable auxiliary buses; XLR-type and ¼” metal jack connector sockets; RCA phono stereo playback inputs and record outputs; 3-band EQ with a swept mid on mono inputs; 2-band EQ on stereo inputs; TRS insert sockets and inserts on all mono inputs and mix output; Ten-segment LED output metering; Intuitive and comprehensive solo system; Headphone output; Easily rack mountable. The Sound craft EPM will find itself in many applications including live music, recording, houses of worship and multi-speaker installations.
Founded in 1973, Soundcraft first made its mark with the launch of the industry-changing Series 1, the first mixing console built into a flight case satisfying the demands of the growing touring band market. Since then it has grown to become an industry leader in digital and analogue consoles for Tours, Theatres, Houses of Worship, Performance Venues and Recording applications.
Soundcraft EPM8
High-Performance 8-channel Audio Mixer
The emphasis with the Soundcraft EPM is very firmly on quality build and audio performance, with an easy-to- understand control surface uncluttered by unnecessary facilities. Soundcraft has brought new technologies and ideas to this very cost-effective range. Surface mount technology is used throughout, using close-tolerance components for high accuracy and repeatable settings for EQ and gain controls. The highly-transparent GB30 Mic amp (designed by Graham Blyth for the company’s 30th anniversary, and also used on the larger LX7ii and GB Series consoles) features high-resolution adjustment over a wide gain range of 55dB, and provides a stunning +22dB headroom through the console. True professional 48-volt phantom power caters for condenser microphones of all types.
- Two configurable auxiliary buses
- XLR-type and ¼” metal jack connector sockets
- RCA phono stereo playback inputs and record outputs
- 3-band EQ with a swept mid on mono inputs
- 2-band EQ on stereo inputs
- RS insert sockets and inserts on all mono inputs and mix output
- Ten-segment LED output metering
- Intuitive and comprehensive solo system
- Headphone output
- Easily rack mountable
Jorge Martínez –
Sonido de alta gama en un tamaño compacto
Sonido de calidad impresionante. Pre’s cálidos y con cuerpo. Componentes finos y de gran duración. La recomiendo ampliamente.
Ian Shaw –
A good quality, inexpensive, and reasonably capable small format mixer
A nice small format mixer. Everything you need and nothing you don’t (Well, almost. More on that later). Though Soundcraft calls this a 6 channel mixer, it also has 2 dedicated stereo channels and a 2 track input. There are some OEMs out there that would insist on calling this a 12 channel board. The board is resolutely and completely analog. No microprocessor anything. A good result of this is that there is only one minor mystery to operating it (More on that later). The controls are well labeled and logically arranged exactly where you would expect them to be. All channels are clear, quiet, and neutral in terms of coloration. The eq controls (hi, low, and sweapable mid) are minimalist but no less than what is commonly needed to get a good mix. The I/O capabilities (2 main, 2 aux, 2 monitor outputs, inserts for all mic channels and both main output channels) are pretty minimal, but again, what is needed for a basic mix.In terms of usage case four come immediately to mind: (1) Small band just starting out. With this mixer, a few mics, and a couple of powered speakers you have a nice reasonably portable PA that does not require a masters degree in audio engineering to use, a professional roadie to move, nor a millionaire’s budget to buy. (2) In a larger setting a mixing board like this is nice for handling sub-mixing jobs (e.g. drum mic submixer). (3) Convention panelist mic mixer (What I got mine for). And (4) Training: Learn how this board handles sound and you will have a good understanding of basic common audio mixing concepts applicable to almost all mixers.The one mystery (and the only reason this is a 4 star rather than a 5 star review) is why there is no on-off switch. If you plug in the cord and the outlet is hot, the board is on. This does make power up sequencing something to be aware of (Powered speakers/amps last please!). Plan accordingly. My guess is that Soundcraft figured the board would almost always wind up plugged into a switched power strip and that that power strip would always be plugged in switched off before getting turned on. The board has no finicky microprocessors to glitch with a less than clean switch and it is one less frequently used on-board component to fail. So long as there are no line switched amps on that same power strip you are probably fine…By the by: The photo depicts the EPM6 neatly tucked into an inexpensive Apache 4800 travel/storage case. (Sometimes its nice to know that you don’t need to spend more on the road case than you did on the board.)
Marty –
Nice little board
It’s a soundcraft – not much more to say. If you are looking for a good quality small console, this should be the one on top of your list
Doctor Who? –
Simple, clean, and perfect for my needs.
This was a great investment. Solid build, clean signal path, transparent tonality, and balanced connectors throughout. It is part of my studio monitoring system, and works perfectly.
Mike –
Couldn’t be happier
There’s nothing I can say negative about this board. It functions just like any high cost board I’ve used. Definitely recommend.
Jason Stanley –
So far, so good
(I’ll update this after I’ve taken it on a few road tours)I got this Soundcraft to replace my Behringer Xenyx 1002 mixer for live performances.Currently I have it set up in my home studio, and it is working quite well for me. I’m running a pair of drum machines, a pair of synthesizers, and a few misc. effects/samplers through at the same time. I’m able to accurately EQ everything to fit well together, and the EQs seem clean and transparent. The additional feature of a mid-eq selector is handy for carving out space in a cluttered soundscape for vocals and lead synthesizers.The mixer is quite compact, especially considering all of the inputs, outputs, and inserts you get – All cords and cables can be contained within the rectangle frame for an especially snug fit – the power cord, rather than jutting out the back of the mixer like most, instead comes out of the bottom of the mixer, in a small ‘underpass’ created by the incline of the mixer. The power cable, while rather short, doesn’t have a big wall-wart or power block on it, which is pretty nice.I plan on taking this mixer on a 6-date tour early this summer, and will definitely be pushing it to the max – I’ll update this review then – but so far, this mixer looks great, sounds great, and is priced just right.
EDGAR –
Excelente producto
Víctor Fernando Aguilar Cruz –
Excelente Calidad..
Me dedico a la producción de Eventos, y tengo 4 de estás consolas.. son Precisas y un Audio muy fino..
Bill Crane –
Probably the best small mixer with 2 aux sends.
Solid build. Great price and value. Makes for an excellent in-ear mixer.
Chill –
Amazing: Just like Soundcraft is supposed to be!
My day gig is insurance sales. My night gig is DJ and KJ. My son has been a professional musician for several years and when I asked him what mixer I should upgrade to for my powered main speakers (also purchased from Amazon!) he didn’t hesitate to recommend Soundcraft. I love this mixer! The controls are super smooth and precise. Being able to have sweepable mids is a real plus. Using XLR cables to the speakers generates amazingly clear transparent music with loads of headroom. Vocals come across crystal clear, even using less expensive mikes. Another real “plus” is the built in power supply. Though it makes the unit a bit heavier than some other brands that offer similar control configurations, I don’t have to mess with a seperate transformer and those dinky little connectors on the mixer. In short, you won’t go wrong by purchasing one of these, whether you might be using it for DJ work or for a 5 piece band.