The Soundcraft LX7ii 16 is a versatile 16-channel analog mixing console that seamlessly combines professional-grade features for both live sound reinforcement and recording applications. Its compact frame and rugged design make it an ideal solution for small venues such as community centers, houses of worship, and small bands who need a dual-purpose mixer for both live performances and studio recording. Weighing only 40 lbs, the LX7ii 16 is light enough to be carried by one person but still offers an array of features typically found in larger, more expensive consoles.
At the heart of the LX7ii 16 is Soundcraft's renowned GB30 mic preamp, designed by Graham Blyth for Soundcraft's 30th anniversary. This mic preamp provides up to 60dB of gain and 22dBu of headroom, ensuring pristine audio quality with a wide dynamic range and minimal distortion. The console features 16 mono input channels, each equipped with a 4-band EQ section, including two swept mid-frequency controls for precise tonal shaping. A built-in high-pass filter with an 18dB per octave slope is included on each mono channel to remove unwanted low-end rumble, making it easier to achieve a clean mix even in difficult acoustic environments.
The LX7ii 16 offers true 7-bus architecture, providing a total of 13 separate bus outputs. These include a dedicated mix output, four group busses, a mono bus for center fills or subwoofer outputs, and six auxiliary busses that can be configured for pre- or post-fader operation. This flexibility makes the console equally suited for foldback-heavy monitor mixes or effects-heavy performances, allowing you to configure your mix precisely for the needs of the gig or recording session. Additionally, each channel includes a direct output, making it easy to integrate with recording equipment for live multitrack recording or studio use.
In addition to the 16 mono input channels, the LX7ii 16 includes two stereo input channels with their own EQ sections, making it perfect for handling stereo sources such as keyboards or playback devices. The console also features two stereo returns, which can be used for external effects processors or other stereo sources, adding more flexibility to your setup. These stereo inputs and returns are routed through the group and mix busses, ensuring that they can be fully integrated into your mix with the same level of control as the mono channels.
The master section of the LX7ii 16 is equipped with a comprehensive set of features, including 12-segment LED metering for accurate monitoring of group and mix levels, and a talkback system that allows communication with any of the pre-fader auxiliaries or the main mix. Phantom power is provided in banks of four, allowing you to power condenser microphones on selected channels while keeping dynamic mics unpowered. The console also includes a two-track return for playing pre-show music or other audio sources, with a convenient "two-track to mix" switch that allows you to route this signal directly to the main mix with a single press of a button.
Designed for durability and ease of use, the LX7ii 16 is housed in a rugged, wedge-shaped steel chassis that makes it suitable for both portable use and fixed installations. All input and output connections are located on the rear panel, using professional-grade all-metal TRS jacks and Neutrik XLR connectors for reliable performance. The internal power supply is a universal voltage, switched-mode PSU that provides stable and efficient power with minimal weight, contributing to the console's portability.
Whether used for live sound reinforcement or in a recording studio, the Soundcraft LX7ii 16 offers a comprehensive feature set, intuitive controls, and reliable performance, making it an ideal choice for sound engineers who need a versatile, high-quality mixing solution.
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