The Soundcraft Compact Stagebox 32/8/8 C5 is a versatile and cost-effective solution for expanding the I/O capabilities of Soundcraft Vi Series, Si Series, Vi1, and Si Compact digital consoles. With its compact 4U rackmount design, the Compact Stagebox offers a high density of inputs and outputs, making it an ideal choice for live sound engineers, event venues, and studio applications that require remote I/O connectivity. This model is configured with 32 mic/line inputs, 8 line outputs, 8 AES/EBU digital outputs, and supports CAT5E connections, providing an efficient and reliable stage-to-console link via MADI over Cat5 or optical fiber.
The Compact Stagebox features two expansion slots compatible with standard Studer D21m I/O cards, which enable users to integrate a wide range of digital formats including CobraNet, AVIOM A-Net16, Ethersound, ADAT, RockNet, and more. This modular design allows for seamless integration into existing systems and offers the flexibility to adapt to different I/O needs. A MADI recording interface can also be installed in one of the expansion slots for easy multitrack recording applications.
In its standard configuration, the Compact Stagebox provides 32 mic/line inputs and 16 outputs (8 line outputs and 8 AES/EBU digital outputs). However, the unit can be reconfigured by replacing the output module with an additional 16 mic/line input module, increasing the input capacity to 48 channels. Even in this configuration, users can still access analog or AES outputs via D-Type connectors by fitting D21m cards into the expansion slots. This level of configurability ensures that the Compact Stagebox can handle a wide range of live and studio production scenarios.
One of the standout features of the Compact Stagebox is its compatibility with the I/O modules used in Soundcraft Vi1 consoles. This allows users to swap or share I/O modules between the console and the stagebox, providing even greater flexibility. For example, if more outputs are needed on the stagebox, mic input modules can be swapped for output modules or vice versa. The maximum I/O capacity of the Compact Stagebox is limited to 64 inputs and 64 outputs due to the MADI link to the console, but it still offers plenty of expansion opportunities for demanding environments.
Connectivity between the Compact Stagebox and the host console is facilitated through either Cat5 or optical-fiber MADI, similar to the larger Vi6 Stagebox. It also supports redundant MADI cable capability, ensuring reliable operation even in critical live sound situations. The unit is equipped with dual redundant power supplies, a thermostatically-controlled fan for efficient cooling, and LED status indicators for easy monitoring. An 8-channel GPIO interface is also included for additional control capabilities.
The Compact Stagebox is an excellent choice for users who want to expand the input capacity of their Vi Series consoles, offering up to 96 mic/line analog inputs when used with additional remote stageboxes. It also serves as a perfect companion for the Vi1 and Si Series consoles, providing cost-effective and flexible remote I/O expansion. Whether you're looking to enhance your I/O capabilities for live sound or studio applications, the Compact Stagebox 32/8/8 C5 delivers high-quality performance, flexibility, and reliability in a compact and affordable package.
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