Soundcraft GB8-24 - 24-Channel Analog Mixing Console with 11x4 Output Matrix and 8 Auxiliary Sends/8 Group Sends in Dark Blue Finish

The Soundcraft GB8-24 is a 24-channel analog mixing console designed for professional live sound applications, such as installations in churches, performance venues, and small touring systems. It combines a rugged, feature-rich design with high-quality audio performance, making it a versatile solution for front-of-house (FOH) or monitor mixing duties. With its dual-mode topology, the GB8-24 allows engineers to use the faders for group or auxiliary output control, enhancing its flexibility for different live sound setups.

This 24-channel console is built with 8 group busses, 4 stereo channels, and 4 stereo returns, offering comprehensive routing and mixing capabilities. The GB8-24 also features an 11x4 output matrix, allowing signals from the group buses and main L, R, and C (mono) outputs to be routed to up to four independent outputs. This provides excellent flexibility for sending different mixes to different locations or recording systems.

The GB8-24 is equipped with Soundcraft's renowned GB30 mic preamps and 4-band GB30 equalizers, which were designed by Graham Blyth for the company's 30th anniversary. These mic preamps offer high headroom, low noise, and excellent clarity, while the 4-band EQ provides precise tonal control with sweepable high-mid and low-mid bands. The console's audio performance is further enhanced by individual 48V phantom power switches on every mono input channel, ensuring compatibility with condenser microphones and other phantom-powered devices.

A notable feature of the GB8-24 is its comprehensive metering and monitoring options, which include a meter bridge with accurate VU meters for the left, right, and center outputs. These meters provide real-time visual feedback on signal levels, ensuring accurate monitoring and control. The console also includes a 1kHz oscillator for system testing and calibration, making it easy to verify signal flow and detect potential issues before a performance.

The console features 8 auxiliary sends, all of which can be switched between pre- and post-fader operation, providing flexibility for monitor mixes, effects sends, or other external processing. Additionally, the 8 group sends can be swapped with the 8 aux sends, allowing the engineer to configure the console to suit the specific needs of the event. The GB8-24 also includes 4 mute groups, allowing multiple channels to be muted simultaneously, which is especially useful in live sound scenarios where quick control over multiple inputs is needed.

Another unique feature of the GB8-24 is the built-in limiter on the record output and alternative stereo output. This limiter ensures distortion-free recordings and outputs, protecting against sudden level spikes that could cause clipping or damage to downstream equipment. The console also includes direct outputs on all mono input channels, making it ideal for live recording or integration with outboard gear.

The GB8-24 is housed in a rugged steel chassis with a sloping rear connector panel, making it easy to access and configure connections from the front of the console. The integral power supply has a link option for an external backup PSU, providing added reliability in critical live sound applications. The console is built with durability in mind, featuring individual vertically-mounted PCBs for each input module and individually-nutted potentiometers for increased mechanical strength.

Features

• 24 mono input channels with GB30 mic preamps and 4-band EQ with sweepable high-mid and low-mid frequencies
• 8 group busses with stereo subgroup pairing and adjustable stereo width
• 11x4 output matrix for flexible signal routing to multiple zones or outputs
• 8 auxiliary sends, all switchable between pre- and post-fader operation
• 4 full-feature stereo channels and 4 stereo returns for additional input flexibility
• 4 mute groups for quick muting of multiple channels simultaneously
• Limiter on the record output and alternative stereo output for distortion-free recordings
• Direct outputs on all mono input channels for live recording or external processing
• Meter bridge with accurate VU meters for monitoring left, right, and center output levels
• 1kHz oscillator for system testing and calibration
• Rugged steel chassis with a sloping rear connector panel for easy access to connections
• Integral power supply with an external power supply link option for added reliability
• All-metal TRS jacks and Neutrik XLR connectors for durable signal connections
• Weight: 70 lbs
• Dimensions: 39.88 x 25.81 x 6.26 inches

Specifications

• Noise (Measured RMS, 22Hz to 22kHz Bandwidth)
  • Mic E.I.N. @ unity gain,150W source impedance: -128dBu
  • Mix Output, 40 inputs routed to mix: <-82dBu
  • Group Outputs: <-83dBu
  • Aux Outputs: <-80dBu
  • Matrix Outputs: <-89dBu
• Crosstalk (@1kHz, typical)
  • Input Channel Mute: <-97dB
  • Input Fader cut-off: <-95dB
  • Pan isolation: <-77dB
  • Mix route isolation: <-97dB
  • Group route isolation: <-97dB
  • Adjacent channel crosstalk: <-99dB
  • Group to Mix: <-89dB
  • Aux Send pots offness (typical): <-84dB
  • Matrix Send pots offness (typical): <-84dB
• Frequency Response
  • Mic/Line Input to any output, 20Hz - 20kHz: <1dB
• THD + N
  • Mic sens. -30dBu, +20dBu at all outputs @1kHz: <0.006%
• CMRR
  • Typical @ 1kHz: 80dB
• Input and Output Max Levels
  • Mono & Stereo Mic Inputs: +15dBu
  • Mono & Stereo Line Inputs: +30dBu
  • Stereo Returns & Insert Returns: +20dBu
  • Any output: +20dBu
  • Nominal Operating Level: 0dBu
  • Headphone Power: 2x250mW into 200Ω
• Input and Output Impedances
  • Mic Inputs: 2kΩ
  • Line Inputs and Stereo Returns: 10kΩ
  • Mix, Group, Aux, Matrix & Direct outputs: 150Ω
  • Insert Sends: 75Ω
  • Insert Returns: 5kΩ
  • Recommended Headphone Impedance: 600Ω