Soundcraft Upgrades LX7 Live Console

(Click for a close-up)

Soundcraft has announced its LX7ii live mixing console, an upgrade to the LX7 desk featuring recent enhancements in sonic performance and appearance.

Of particular note, the LX7ii gains improved mic preamp and EQ sections, both designed by Soundcraft founder and electronics guru Graham Blyth. Designated the GB30 Series, these new designs coincide with Soundcraft's 30th anniversary.

The LX7ii's four-band EQ with sweepable mid sections is based on the circuitry of the MH3 and MH4 touring consoles. Said Blyth, "The GB30 EQ, owing its heritage to the work we did on the new MH range, gives a steeper than usual slope on the fixed LF and HF sections removing unwanted mid-frequency 'mush' and delivering a clearer sound. We've essentially created a unique, cost-effective design that brings high-end EQ into an affordable mixing console for the first time."

On the cosmetics side, the LX7ii also borrows its stylish new looks from the MH3 and MH4, and includes a new frame, end-cheeks, module ID graphics and colored pot caps that make the desk easier to use and much more visually striking.

Other standard features of the new model include frame sizes of up to 32 mono inputs and four stereo inputs/returns with four groups, main stereo output and a dedicated mono output for center clusters. There are direct outputs on the first 16 inputs suitable for multitrack recording and six auxes for flexibility for effects and foldback. The LX7ii mixes to seven outputs -- four subgroups, plus the main Left, Right and Center (Mono) mix outputs.

The LX7ii continues in the tradition of the LX7 by being well suited for both touring and installed systems for churches, theatres, nightclubs and other venues where a compact sized console needs to provide a large number of inputs and maximum output capability. Studio recording applications are also easily satisfied by the LX7ii.

US MSRPs and availability on the new LX7ii are as follows:

• 16-channel: $1,899.99 / available in late-April
• 24-channel: $2,349.99 / available in late-March
• 32-channel: $2,799.99 / available in late-April