Introduction - SoundCraft LIVE 8 User Manual

Introduction

Congratulations on your purchase of a LIVE 8 mixer. Owning a Soundcraft console brings you the expertise and support of one of the
industry's leading manufacturers and the results of over 22 years experience supporting some of the biggest names in the business.
Designed by engineers who understand the individual needs of musicians, LIVE 8 has been built to the highest standards using quality
components and employing automated assembly techniques beyond the reach of most manufacturers of compact mixers.
A rugged steel chassis is combined with moulded side trims to give protection and distinctive appearance. Custom moulded controls,
designed for the best `feel' and visual clarity complement the styling, resulting in a truly professional product which is ideal for both
touring and fixed PA installations.
LIVE 8 is available in 24, 32 & 40 channel frame sizes. All frame sizes incorporate removeable side cheeks to enable the console to be
fitted compactly in a flight case.
LIVE 8 incorporates circuit technology identical to that used on some of the most sophisticated Soundcraft consoles, including new
surface mount component techniques. The input channels are able to accept a wide range of Microphone and Line level signals from
separate input sockets. Every channel features the UltraMic+™ input with wide range gain control, Phase switch, 4-band Equalisation
with swept Hi and Lo Mid ranges, plus a Hi-Pass Filter, 6 Auxiliary Sends (2 pre-fade, 2 pre or post and 2 post-fade), PFL(Pre Fade
Listen), Peak LED, Panning to a Stereo Bus and routing in pairs to eight Output Groups. Each channel has a separate Direct Output
and is controlled by a high-quality long throw fader. All input channels may be assigned to a choice of four Mute Groups.
All frame sizes are provided as standard with 2 dedicated stereo inputs. Each stereo input comprises two separate input sections, one
provided with comparable facilities to the mono inputs, and one more basic input for a cassette or CD player which routes to the stereo
mix and two of the Aux outputs only.
The eight Output Groups provide submixing to the Mix L/R, either as stereo pairs or as mono sends to L & R. The Group outputs are
available on separate connectors to feed external equipment directly. Each Group section incorporates matrix sends, PFL monitoring
& bargraph metering. Eight external Stereo Return inputs are provided for effects or submixing from external sources and these route
to Mix or to a pair of Groups.
Two Matrix outputs receive sends from each Group or Mix L & R as required.
The Master section provides master level control for the Left, Right, Matrix and Auxiliary Send buses, with separate AFL monitoring on
each Matrix and Auxiliary output.
The Mix L/R and Group outputs all have insert points for the connection of external signal processing or graphic equalisation.
Comprehensive Talkback facilities are provided, which allow a talkback microphone to be routed to Mix L/R, Groups and Auxes 1-2 or
3-4. Ten 12-segment, 3-colour peak reading LED bargraph meters provide clear display of Mix L/R, Group and PFL signals. Pressing
any PFL or AFL switch puts the selected signal onto both sides of the headphones output and the L & R bargraph meters in place of
the Mix signal. Two LEDs monitor the status of the console power supply.
LIVE 8 is designed to be as user-friendly as possible, but a few minutes spent reading through this manual will help you become familiar
with the product away from the pressure of a live session, and allow you to gain full benefit from the superb performance offered by your
new mixer.
Above all, remember that your Soundcraft mixer is designed to extend your creativity. The more you explore the controls and the effect
they have on the sound output, the more you will appreciate how you can influence and enhance the final sound.
7