Description
The Notepad-12FX 12-channel mixer makes it easy to get legendary sound craft sound for your music, podcasts or videos. The Notepad-12FX combines professional-grade analog components, renowned HARMAN digital signal processing and a built-in USB Audio Interface to use with your favorite Mac or PC editing software. Whether you’re a singer-songwriter or a podcaster, the Notepad-12FX mixer offers best-in-class features like Lexicon effects, so you can bring a level of polish to your creative productions that’s sure to impress.
From the manufacturer
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 analog consoles for tours, theaters, houses of worship, performance venues and recording applications.
Soundcraft Notepad-12FX
Small-format 12-channel Analog Mixing Console with USB I/O and Lexicon Effects
The latest Notepad series mixers make it easy to get legendary Soundcraft sound for your music, podcasts, or videos. Notepad mixers combine professional grade analog components and a built-in USB audio interface to use with your favorite Mac or PC editing software. Designed for singer-songwriters and podcasters, the Notepad series provides a layout that’s familiar to audio professionals yet easy to learn for beginners. Getting a great mix is easy with a familiar channel strip layout that includes EQ, aux send, master fader level and rotary headphone volume control. Whether you’re a singer-songwriter or a podcaster, Notepad mixers offer best-in-class features so you can bring a level of polish to your creative productions that’s sure to impress.
The Notepad-12FX features premium, studio-quality effects by Lexicon that help you achieve truly professional sound without additional plug-ins or equipment. Enhance your projects with reverb, chorus, or delay with tap tempo control, backed by industry-leading signal processing technology built into the Notepad’s DSP engine.
- Legendary Soundcraft quality from professional microphone preamps
- Features built-in premium, studio-quality digital effects by Lexicon
- USB audio interface for recording, editing, and playback on your Mac or PC
- Durable metal enclosure so it is built to last
- Five input channels, including one XLR-¼” combo, two RCA, and two ¼” connections
- Deceptively compact for a small footprint and easy transportation
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Pristine Audio Quality. A Soundcraft TraditionFor over 40 years, audio professionals have trusted Soundcraft mixing solutions for pristine sound quality and reliable performance. Notepad series mixers continue this tradition with professional-grade Soundcraft microphone preamps, reliable XLR and 1/4” connectors, and durable metal enclosures built to stand the test of time. Notepad mixers are engineered to provide iconic Soundcraft performance and allow you to connect your favorite gear like microphones, guitars, keyboards and more. |
Work Seamlessly with your Mac or PCRecord, edit, and play projects using your favorite audio software thanks to Notepad’s integrated USB audio interface. By combining Soundcraft legendary audio performance with HARMAN signal processing and a USB interface for your computer, Notepad mixers offer the best of both analog and digital audio in a no-compromise solution. With three models available, there’s a Notepad mixer that’s a perfect match—whether you’re a podcaster, singer-songwriter, or a small rock ensemble. |
Surprisingly Familiar. Incredibly PowerfulYou’ll find yourself right at home with Notepad’s traditional channel strip layout. Two EQ controls per channel give you a level of convenience often reserved for larger consoles. A rotary headphone volume control makes it easy to adjust your personal listening level, while a master fader with LED metering provides precise control over your master output signal. Designed for singer-songwriters and podcasters, the Notepad series provides a layout that’s familiar to audio professionals yet easy to learn for beginners. |
zlh5009 –
Notepad 8fx – a step above the 2×2 Audio InterfaceAs a multi-instrumentalist songwriter, I find myself switching back and forth between instruments a lot as I record, making small changes in how the different parts fit together. I had a 2×2 interface that I used for a long time, but it really cramped my workflow, since I had to unplug/plug/set levels every time I wanted to change. So, I went in search of a better way.At first I looked at upgrading my 2×2 to a 6×4 or 8×6 interface. But I couldn’t find anything I liked. Most of the step-up interfaces still only had 2-4 preamps, and the TRS inputs on the backs often lacked a way to set gain, making them nearly useless for recording stereo trs instruments direct. Also, many of the cheaper interfaces don’t have a second headphone jack, which is handy when you’re recording your bandmates. The interfaces i did find that were large enough and fully featured enough to cover all my needs were way out of my price range. Bummer.Then I discovered this gem. The soundcraft notepad 8fx. What a brilliant little piece of hardware. It has a 2×2 interface built into it – but instead of statically routing the two preamps to the computer, it comes with a control program that allows you to route any of the first six inputs on the board to USB. This means I can leave all my instruments plugged into the board and leveled properly, then just use the soundcraft panel in my computer to flip between inputs, without touching a single cable or dial. It’s the perfect solution to my problems. To top it off, the aux jack doubles as a second stereo headphone jack, so I can run two pairs of headphones when I’m recording my buddies, without the hassle of using a splitter.Since we’re talking about recording, let me just say that the preamps in this thing are excellent. It will easily compete with any 2×2 interface in this price range. They remind me a lot of the way focusrite preamps sound, but without as much sibilance, which I think is actually an improvement. Fun fact, one of the founders of focusrite later went on to found soundcraft. So perhaps the similar sound is no accident.The electronics in this board are dead quiet, beginning to end, and the converters work well. Overall, the sounds I get out of it are clean and clear, both from the USB, and from the analog outputs. I use the main outs to drive my studio monitors, and since I do all my work in the same room (home studio) I love that I can source my headphones mix from the aux bus – because it means I can have different mixes for the monitors and the phones so the mics don’t cause feedback when I decide to bring up the mains to listen to the mix on my monitors.A couple things you should know about this board if you’re looking at it – the aux bus sends are pre-fader, which is exactly what you want if (like me) you’re using the aux as a mix bus for your headphones or other monitor system, but since the aux bus doubles as the FX bus, when you’re using it for FX you have to be mindful of the fact that your FX do not scale up and down with the main level on the channel.The other thing you should know is that you need to install the soundcraft control panel to switch the usb to inputs other than main L/R sends. I saw a review of someone complaining that they couldn’t change their input and it didn’t sound like they installed the software to be able to do so. The different inputs do not show up as separate sound interfaces in your computer, because this is not a true 8×2, it’s a 2×2 that can select between four input configurations. You must install the software to make the selection.The only cons I can think of are that I kind of wish it had a power button and indicator LED, but I’m not going to ding it a star for something that petty. I use a power strip in my studio to turn it on with all my other equipment anyways, so do I really need a power button? No, not really.Also, it bears being mentioned that, even though I bought this as a portable recording and livestreaming interface, it also makes a great little mixer for small gigs or test purposes. I’ve found myself digging it out to try out speakers and other audio equipment when I didn’t want to drag out my regular, full-featured mixer.All in all, I’d say soundcraft knocked it out of the park on this one, and the price puts it right in line with other recording interfaces. If you’re in the market for a 2×2, consider one of these instead. Not only do you get great sounding preamps, you get a device that can accomplish more and perhaps even improve your workflow.
John T. –
Great Little Box!Pro: Sounds great. Use it for small jobs, cocktail hours, ceremonies. Con: Effects are pre-fader, but easy enough to get used to.
Celestial –
A good mixer effects are not that goodI Primarily bought it for karaoke’s.Mixer is awesome bang for buck.Do not expect too much from effects
Gordo –
Fantastic little mixerFirst impression: this is a fantastic little mixer. I researched all the small sub-$200 mixers. The Notepad 12FX emerged as my top choice in the features I most cared about: sound quality, small size, at least 8 line inputs, and USB recording. It’s a little more expensive than most of the competition, but it’s smaller than most, has more inputs than most, has 4 USB inputs instead of the usual 2, and comes in a sturdy metal enclosure.My only hesitation before buying the Notepad 12FX was due to seeing many reports of people with USB driver problems on Windows 10. I’m happy to report that I’ve experienced none of those issues. I installed “Notepad Firmware and Control Panel Setup v1.09 (Windows 7/10)” before plugging it into a USB port. I connected it when the installer prompted to do so, then completed the installation. At no time did I see any messages about unsigned drivers, nor have I ever disabled driver signatures on this computer. After installation was complete, I checked the installed driver version in the Windows Control Panel, and checked versions in the Soundcraft Control Panel. All look up to date (v1.09 firmware, v4.13.0 driver).Then came the real test: run Ableton Live and record 4 tracks simultaneously. It worked wonderfully. Ableton saw all 4 input channels. I easily recorded 1 mic and 3 synthesizer channels playing at the same time into 4 audio tracks. For one test I purposefully let each track go silent for 5-10 seconds at a time before playing some notes, to verify that my device does not suffer from the problem of delayed recording some people had with earlier firmware or driver versions.In short: everything worked as expected. No driver installation weirdness, no chopped off recording, 4 channels of USB audio recorded with excellent sound quality, all in a very small footprint.This is only a first impression review. I haven’t played around with the onboard effects (not important to me, but if they sound good I may use them) nor the equalizers. The things I don’t like about this mixer are things I already knew about before purchase: no mute buttons per channel, no power switch, weird routing of channels 9/10 and 11/12 when you’re using USB or external effects. But all the other little mixers I researched had similar compromises, apparently necessary to stuff a lot of functions into a small low-cost device.I think I made the right choice for my needs. I’ll report back if I run into issues after using it for a few months.
Z –
Versatile, flexible, imperfectProsInputs – can connect all types of inputs! XLR, stereo, Phantom power, RCA etc, plenty of them too!Routing – lots of configuration options, versatile use cases (usb, audio out, monitors, aux, fx loop). Takes some work to figure out how to use it fully but the functionality is thereFX – onboard reverb is pretty useful, sounds pretty good to fill out mix!USB – 4 simultaneous channels or 2 channels + entire mix can be sent over USB, an unparalleled feature for the price range. Software drivers / app are capable enough (no bugs or hangs). The live multitrack recording capability from this feature is the big appeal for this mixer.ConsAesthetics – ugly as sinFit – kinda bulky, awkward to fit on a deskNoise – not sure if it’s a ground loop, poor preamps etc, but it’s noisier than it should be (whining / buzzing) and has sound bleedthru between USB and Mixer modes no matter how I connect it.USB Audio Out – Quieter than it should be, requires a lot of volume boosting in my DAW to be a usable level.OverallPretty good, not perfect but for the price you get a lot compared to the competition. Would recommend as a first mixer for starting a home studio or for band practice. Not pro gear but it’s not a pro price.Solid entry level gear, big wins for 4 channel USB recording!
Manifold Guy –
An Ideal Keyboard MixerAfter extensive research I chose the SoundCraft Notepad for use with my keyboard rig. This mixer is (nearly) unique among small, low cost mixers in that it has a true monitor bus like those found on larger more expensive mixers. The mix into the monitor bus is independent of the main mix and has separate level controls for each input. I also discovered that the monitor bus is a stereo bus ‘under the covers’ and can generate a stereo signal with the addition of a simple 1/4″ male stereo to 2X 1/4″ female mono line splitter.This functionality provides just the right level of control needed for a single or multiple keyboard rig in that it allows for full and independent control over the feed to a main PA independently of local monitors. As a piano/keyboard player, hearing yourself makes all the difference. So often, the main PA speakers are in front of you or the existing monitor mix has keys turned down. When three guitars and a cluster of horns get going, I can turn up my personal monitors without having to alter the main PA mix. In other scenarios, I can turn down or turn off the main PA mix while adjusting keyboard settings or doing a personal sound check (or determining in what key someone is playing).With this mixer, it is possible to use stereo or mono main mix in any combination with a stereo or mono monitors. The Notepad 5 has enough inputs for a one stereo and one mono keyboard, plus an audio source, yet is small enough to sit on top of the keyboard or a speaker. The Notepad 8 and 12 can handle more keyboards or inputs for larger rigs, has balance/pan controls and effects. I find the Notepad 5 just right for my needs.The USB functionality seems to work just fine with Audacity on Windows 10, but I have not tested the full USB functionality with a variety of software.Two minor nits for these units: 1) The included documentation does not contain an electrical block diagram. Every other mixer that I’ve used or referenced has a block diagram which is really the only way to truly insure how each signal path combination works. 2) No on/off switch.Great functionality at a reasonable prices. I have one in my studio and another in my gig bag.
Al –
A great sounding mixer, with USB issuesSoundcraft Notepad 8-FXFirst the good:The sound quality is excellent. When playing back audio from input channels it sounds pristine, clear and balanced. Audio components are top-notch for a device priced in this range. I played back audio from iPod, Internet streaming services, and the PC and was satisfied. The on-board Lexicon effects sound better than I imagined. The tap-tempo setting for the delay was easy to use. Chorus effect was ok, with limited imaging control. The reverb is standard, but sounds better than what you can get from most entry-level software. There is no fine tuning for on-board effects, yet at this price what more can you ask for? It gives you a good idea of what Lexicon effects sound like. If you aren’t privy to studio quality effects units, it’s a more than welcome introduction.Then the bad:The ASIO (Windows) drivers for the unit are not included in the box. You have to download them from the Soundcraft website. I downloaded version 3.34.0 that was available at the time of this writing. After installation I was able to get it to recieve general audio output from my computer. Audio input was a different story… Opened Ableton Live Lite 9.7, selected the ‘Soundcraft Audio USB Audio ASIO’ device as the Audio Device, enabled an Audio track as input, selected said input device, and got nothing as I played a connected rackmount sound module. I had it connected to stereo inputs 3 & 4 and the sound did come out of the mixer into my powered speakers, yet there was no visible input into the software… Strange.So I played with the Ableton software and the Soundcraft USB control panel in various settings, still nothing. I decided to connect my rackmount to Mono Inputs 1 & 2. Suddenly I saw input signal into the DAW. But as I referenced the manual (mind you I read the entire manual, several times – version 1.0) it stated that users “can select the ‘Audio routing’ tab, to select the point in the console feeding the USB to computer.” Then it shows Mic Inputs 1 & 2, Stereo 3 & 4, Stereo 5 & 6, and Mix L & R as input sources. THIS IS NOT THE CASE. Only inputs 1 & 2 can be seen by the DAW. Just to be sure I also tried this out with Presonus Studio One Pro (version 2). Still same results. The manual and the actual user experinece don’t match up! I felt frustrated. Thus gave up and returned.Conclusion:If you are a semi-pro (or novice) musician who is looking for a mixer with excellent sound quality and good basic effects, you are looking at a great unit in the Soundcraft Notepad 8-FX. Recording engineers or those who do location recording look elsewhere for now… Until the software engineers at Soundcraft deliver what’s promised in the manual, I’d steer clear. Maybe my Windows 8.1 is not the latest version, but I expect any software using an ASIO protocol for Audio I/O via PC to be backwards compatiable with all versions of it. My other Interfaces that use this driver protocol work flawlessly. So I digress.Still a great sounding mixer overall. 3 out of 5 stars.Misc info:Unit Dimensions: 7.75 width, 8.47 length
Matthew Naughton –
It’s Laughable how amazing this mixer isIf you’re on your 4th day of mixer research just stop and buy this. The reverb is amazing. Gives you an button to choose between hi impedance and mic on 2 channels which is important when you’re using ultra high impedance like acoustic piezo pickup. It has everything you need for a small show or a tool in a pinch. We keep it at home and route a condenser mic, guitar, dynamic mic, and usb cable and we can use it as a mic for video conference calls! Literally amazing. The mid frequency EQ knob gives you choice in your frequency before gain and if you know anything about audio 400hZ-900hZ there is always some mud you need to pull out. Windows computers can’t see the inputs but they can send sound from computer to mixer. My thoughts on that… well if you’re using windows for anything other than pro tools than you should have a Mac. Also just remember this is SO CHEAP. The lexicon unit built in alone is worth $200.
John D. Linn –
Handy little mixer & interfaceThe little Soundcraft is a nice addition to my home recording attempts. I have used much larger mixers when I was in video production but this little gem is all (or more) than I need for home. It is quiet and sounds good. It has a wide variety of inputs and outputs. It can be used to phantom power my condenser mic and provide an easy means to record on my iPad or iMac. Signal routing is pretty simple but adequate. I still am trying to make the most of digital in and out but it is something I just don’t fully understand the limitations. I wanted to record some virtual instruments but apparently there is no way to do that and avoid feedback. There is only so much that can be done with an iPad. The reverb, chorus and delay sound adequate for my needs. What is a bit confusing is the reverb “parameter” knob actually selects a program, but because there are no clicks or markings you just need to play around with the knob to get what you want (generally the farther you turn, the bigger the reverb effect). Bottom line it is a nice unit.
Yuritoshimaru –
It’s an amazing mixer for the price!We wanted a mixer that could handle multiple inputs. It also has the function to have a USB Input and Output (I/O). Paired with the SM7B Shure Microphone, we’re able to get really nice vocals! We wanted to be able to output live mixing for Twitch, including some amount of sound effects (SFX).Things to consider:- The output to the computer through the USB doesn’t seem to send the SFX. Please let me know if there’s a way to do it through the USB. It is great for recording though, because there won’t be any distortion coming from the effects bus.- Since we wanted to have effects for streaming, we bought a XLR-to-3.5mm cable to output to a microphone input on the PC. It’s been working great, because we’re able to monitor the sound and use the fader before it goes into the computer.- The AUX used as a monitor doesn’t output the SFX, but that’s good if you want to monitor your vocals pre-FX.- This unit cannot run solely through the USB (it also does not come with the USB in the box). USB does not provide the power for the Notepad-12FX.- Every time you change the type of SFX, it has a slight pause before it applies or removes the effects.