SoundCraft Si EXPRESSION User Manual
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SoundCraft Si EXPRESSION User Manual

Digital live sound console
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User Guide V1.0
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HARMAN
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  • Page 1 User Guide V1.0 ® HARMAN...
  • Page 2 Soundcraft is a trading division of Harman International Industries Ltd. Information in this manual is subject to ® change without notice and does not represent a commitment on the part of the vendor. Soundcraft shall not be HARMAN liable for any loss or damage whatsoever arising from the use of information or any error contained in this manual.

  • Page 3: Table Of Contents

    CONTENTS IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS SAFETY SYMBOL GUIDE INTRODUCTION Si EXPRESSION KEY FEATURES Si EXPRESSION CONTROL SURFACE AND CONNECTOR OVERVIEW WIRING UP ASSIGNABLE CHANNEL STRIP INPUT SECTION GATE SECTION COMPRESSOR SECTION: PARAMETRIC EQ SECTION OUT SECTION: AUDIO INTERROGATE POWER METERS AND MONITORS TOUCH SCREEN ENCODERS AND BUTTONS LEXICON™...
  • Page 4 MIXING TO MAIN L&R BUSES MIXING TO AUX MIX BUSES MIXING TO FX BUSES MIXING TO MATRIX BUSES QUICK HINTS AND TIPS WORD CLOCK WEIGHTS & DIMENSIONS BLOCK DIAGRAMS Si EXPRESSION TYPICAL SPECIFICATIONS GLOSSARY WARRANTY APPENDIX A Soundcraft Si Expression User Guide V1.0 0213...

  • Page 5: Important Safety Instructions

    NOTE: It is recommended that all maintenance and service on the product should be carried out by Soundcraft or its authorised agents. Soundcraft cannot accept any liability whatsoever for any loss or damage caused by service, maintenance or repair by unauthorised personnel.
  • Page 6 This Class A digital apparatus meets the requirements of the Canadian Interference-Causing Equipment Regulations. Cet appareil numérique de la Classe A respecte toutes les exigences du Règlement sur le matériel brouilleur du Canada. Soundcraft Si Expression User Guide V1.0 0213...

  • Page 7: Safety Symbol Guide

    (servicing) instructions in the literature accompanying the appliance. NOTES Contain important information and useful tips on the operation of your equipment. HEADPHONES SAFETY WARNING Contain important information and useful tips on headphone outputs and monitoring levels. Soundcraft Si Expression User Guide V1.0 0213...

  • Page 8: Introduction

    Along with many new technologies and features, the Si EXPRESSION borrows much from its predecessors the Soundcraft Si1, Si2 & Si3, Si Compact, Si Performer consoles and Soundcraft Vi series ensuring high reliability, fantastic audio quality and a mature and comprehensive feature set available at an incredibly competitive price.

  • Page 9: Si Expression Key Features

    Si EXPRESSION KEY FEATURES The Si EXPRESSION series includes many unique technological and operational qualities which include: MIC pre amps from the renowned Vi series. • Soundcraft 4-band EQ on all inputs and outputs. • ™ Fader Glow illumination on all faders.

  • Page 10: Si Expression Control Surface And Connector Overview

    Si EXPRESSION Rear Panel Si EXPRESSION 2 shown: Recallable Mic/Line Inputs x24 (16 on Si Expression 1 and 32 on Si Expression 3) Analogue Line Out x16 Word Clock and MIDI In & OUT Option card slot AES IN &...

  • Page 11: Wiring Up

    This is a balanced 2-channel digital input using a single XLR wires as per the balanced mic inputs. Although it is possible to use standard balanced audio cable with AES signals it is recommended to use AES cable which has the correct 110R impedance. Soundcraft Si Expression User Guide V1.0 0213...
  • Page 12 Experience has shown that sometimes it is better not to connect screen at external device end. Word Clock 75ohm BNC coaxial connector used to lock the Si EXPRESSION to other digital equipment. HiQNet Standard 100MB/s RJ45 connector used to connect the Si EXPRESSION to a LAN.
  • Page 13 If your system still hums, an earth/ground loop is the most likely cause. Two examples of how an earth loop can occur are shown below. Warning! Under NO circumstances must the AC power mains earth be disconnected from the mains lead. Soundcraft Si Expression User Guide V1.0 0213...

  • Page 14: Assignable Channel Strip

    6. HPF key: toggles the High Pass Filter as IN or OUT; illuminates when HPF is IN. Press the key to toggle the filter IN/OUT. Pressing and holding the key will activate INTERROGATE mode for this function. Soundcraft Si Expression User Guide V1.0 0213...

  • Page 15: Gate Section

    6. COMP key: toggles the compressor IN/OUT; illuminates when compressor is IN, press the key to toggle the compressor IN/ OUT. Pressing and holding the key will activate interrogate mode for this function. Soundcraft Si Expression User Guide V1.0 0213...

  • Page 16: Parametric Eq Section

    3. LR & MONO keys: toggle the routing of the channel or bus to the main LR and MONO buses. Pressing and holding these keys will activate INTERROGATE mode for these functions. Soundcraft Si Expression User Guide V1.0 0213...

  • Page 17: Audio Interrogate

    AUDIO INTERROGATE The Si EXPRESSION offers a quick and convenient method for checking and in many cases changing the status of many parameters, this is known as ‘interrogate’. Example #1 – To check the status of the LR routing switch from inputs to the main LR bus: a.

  • Page 18: Power Meters And Monitors

    NOTE: An ‘Auto Start’ boot mode is available allowing the console to start booting immediately after the AC is applied provided the rear AC isolate on the Si EXPRESSION is ON. See Appendix for details.

  • Page 19: Lexicon Interface

    3 are greyed out as appropriate if there are no parameters on those tabs. NOTE: Pressing the FX key while COPY/PASTE is active will enter the FX copy/paste mode; see COPY/PASTE for more details. Soundcraft Si Expression User Guide V1.0 0213...

  • Page 20: Totem™ (The One Touch Easy Mix) Keys

    NOTE: A second press of the active MTX key allows individual contributions to be sent from left, right and mono buses to Matrix 'n' from faders 12, 13 & 14 (Si EXPRESSION 1) 20, 21 & 22 (Si EXPRESSION 2), or 28, 29 & 30 (Si EXPRESSION 3).

  • Page 21: Global Mode Encoders And Functions

    NOTE: When mixing to a stereo bus using the tOTEM follow keys the global encoders will switch to PAN mode and shall act as the PAN or BALANCE control from the channels to the bus. Soundcraft Si Expression User Guide V1.0 0213...

  • Page 22: Cue Control - See Also Cue List

    NOTE: If the CUE LIST is open you may scroll to any cue and press the SCROLL/ADJUST encoder to instantly recall it. NOTE: For more information on the Cue List and Snapshot Control see also CUE LIST. Soundcraft Si Expression User Guide V1.0 0213...

  • Page 23: Alt Key

    CAUTION: ALT+ CLR+ function key within the ACS (such as EQ, GATE or COMP) will reset all associated parameters on all channels to the factory defaults. 2. SOLO CLR: Pressing this key when lit will clear all active PFL or AFL selections. Soundcraft Si Expression User Guide V1.0 0213...

  • Page 24: Mute & Mute Master Keys

    NOTE: While in mute setup mode it is possible to clear all slaves to any mute master with [CLR] + [MUTE MASTER 1-4]. NOTE: For any channels or buses muted by a mute master the channel or bus ON key changes from green to red. Soundcraft Si Expression User Guide V1.0 0213...

  • Page 25: Master Lr Fader And Associated Keys

    3. MONO SELect key: Assigns (SELects) the ACS Channel to the MONO bus unless: FADER FOLLOW 1-14 or MTX1-4 active – SELects mix or matrix master ‘n’ to • the ACS. FX FOLLOW 1-4 active – SELects FX Return channel ‘n’ to the ACS. • Soundcraft Si Expression User Guide V1.0 0213...

  • Page 26: Fader Layer Keys

    Stereo input patched as an FX return or contribution from an input to an FX mix. Magenta: Stereo input patched to a line source other than an FX processor. White: Linked mono channel. Soundcraft Si Expression User Guide V1.0 0213...

  • Page 27: Channel Faders And Associated Keys & Displays

    8. Fader: function set according to mode/setting of fader layers: Audio channel or bus – channel or mix/matrix master level • Follow Mode - send from channel/bus ‘n’ to mix/matrix ‘x’ level • GEQ Mode - GEQ band gain • Soundcraft Si Expression User Guide V1.0 0213...

  • Page 28: Geq

    The Si EXPRESSION features a 28 band Graphic EQ on every mix, matrix and main master; having a GEQ on every bus means there is no need to ‘patch’ the GEQ, just enable it when required with no risk of running out of DSP .

  • Page 29: Lexicon Fx

    LEXICON The Si EXPRESSION features four amazing Lexicon FX processors, each processor has it’s own dedicated bus and up to four stereo input channels may be assigned as the FX Returns; The selected The active patch FX processor The current page...

  • Page 30: Function Focus

    FUNCTION FOCUS Function Focus is a feature introduced on the Soundcraft Si Compact brought into the Si EXPRESSION by popular demand allowing pinpoint adjustment of any controls and settings. Whenever any active control on the surface is adjusted the appropriate function focus window...

  • Page 31: Main Lcd Screens

    MAIN LCD SCREENS The Soundcraft Si EXPRESSION has such a versatile control surface that the colour touch screen is never required for mixing and is employed only for editing parameters like naming, channel setup and patching. Typical main MENU screen & associated controls: 1.
  • Page 32 NOTE: If a file in the same folder has the same name a warning regarding file overwrite is displayed with the optionfor the action to be aborted. NOTE: When using the Off-Line Editor importing or saving shows opens a typical Windows file open/save dialogue. Soundcraft Si Expression User Guide V1.0 0213...

  • Page 33: System Menu

    CLOCKING: Select from INTernal or EXTernal word clock – See ‘Word Clock’. When set to EXTernal an icon is displayed on the LCD screen: If incoming word clock is OK. If incoming clock is lost, or out of range. Soundcraft Si Expression User Guide V1.0 0213...
  • Page 34 RESET PATCHING: Resets all system patching to factory default. RESET ALL: Resets all parameters including names and patches to factory default. NOTE: With all RESET menus a confirm dialogue is provided allowing the action to be cancelled. Soundcraft Si Expression User Guide V1.0 0213...

  • Page 35: Copy & Paste

    7. SENDS – Copies channel to bus or bus to matrix sends and on/off status (where applicable). 8. GEQ – Copies GEQ (where applicable). Elements of the channel or bus such as COMPressor may be toggled on/off of the clipboard by touching the icon on the screen. Soundcraft Si Expression User Guide V1.0 0213...
  • Page 36 Lexicon processors; select the source processor by touching it’s icon. To paste the processor press and hold the PASTE button while pressing FX’n’ keys of the destination processors. Soundcraft Si Expression User Guide V1.0 0213...

  • Page 37: Security

    NOTE: A profile cannot be deleted if a user is assigned that profile. NOTE: Attempting to change any locked function causes the function focus to display the locked icon. NOTE: Passwords cannot be easily recovered if lost or forgotten. Soundcraft Si Expression User Guide V1.0 0213...

  • Page 38: Prefs (User Preferences)

    CAUTION: When disabling DOGS any offsets are reset which may result in an increase/ decrease in level on any systems fed from the Si EXPRESSION direct outputs. NOTE: DOGS is intended for use live, DOGS offsets are NOT stored with any cue or cue update.

  • Page 39: Fader Setup

    NOTE: Once a drop-down list is open a selection must be made. NOTE: All lists offer an ‘Unassigned’ option. NOTE: With the fader assign page open you may use change fader layers and SELect to rapidly reassign other faders. Soundcraft Si Expression User Guide V1.0 0213...
  • Page 40 – this is correct and normal behavior. NOTE: The same control fader may be placed a maximum of twice on any layer. Soundcraft Si Expression User Guide V1.0 0213...

  • Page 41: Insert

    NOTE: The insert patch system will always present the 64 option slot inputs (digital in 1-64 and digital and digital out 1-64). Soundcraft Si Expression User Guide V1.0 0213...

  • Page 42: Solo Menu & Solo Systems

    SOLO MENU & SOLO SYSTEMS Home screen displays all SOLO options available on the system. Si EXPRESSION uses intelligent automatic SOLOing to provide the best source for any given task or SOLO key operation; indicators above the monitor volume encoder indicate the current state of the SOLO system;...

  • Page 43: Osc Menu

    Use the scroll/adjust encoder to highlight the item and select a patch. NOTE: Oscillator is always active when patched regardless of any other oscillator settings. NOTE: Only Oscillator patches are stored per cue. Soundcraft Si Expression User Guide V1.0 0213...

  • Page 44: Monitor Menu

    Monitor L&R Out Patch: Allows the stereo monitor signal to be patched to any pair of system outputs in addition to the monitor signal being routed to the headphones; see PATCHING for details of the system patching functionality Soundcraft Si Expression User Guide V1.0 0213...

  • Page 45: Inputs Menu

    Direct Out Pre/Post: Allows the pick-up point of the direct out to be set as either pre or post high pass filter. NOTE: Direct Out Pre/Post has no function and is not available unless a Direct Out patch is made. Soundcraft Si Expression User Guide V1.0 0213...
  • Page 46 NOTE: Channel pre/post settings are stored per cue, a cue will need to be stored or updated to make any change permanent. Soundcraft Si Expression User Guide V1.0 0213...

  • Page 47: Outputs Menu

    Nominally sets all sends from channels to MIX’n’ as either Pre fader (FaderGlow bus master is yellow) or post fader (FaderGlow bus master is green). NOTE: Fader Pre/Post can be changed per channel per mix see Inputs menu. Soundcraft Si Expression User Guide V1.0 0213...
  • Page 48 Displays the destinations(s) patched to the mix outputs; see PATCHING for details of the system patching functionality. NOTE: ‘Right’ options greyed out and unavailable on mono mix and matrix buses. * Not Matrix bus types. Soundcraft Si Expression User Guide V1.0 0213...

  • Page 49: Clear

    Buses have no HPF function, in these events the action has no function. NOTE: Not all functions are present in all modes e.g. Buses have no GATE function; in these events the action has no function. Soundcraft Si Expression User Guide V1.0 0213...

  • Page 50: Patching And Fader Layers

    PATCHING AND FADER LAYERS The fader layers on Si EXPRESSION are arranged in a simple and logical form, by default the fader layers are as follows: A: Nominally first bank of mono channels (1-14 Si EXPRESSION 1, 1-22 Si EXPRESSION 2, •...
  • Page 51 Si EXPRESSION OUTPUT PATCHING & LAYERS: As all Si EXPRESSION models offer the same level of output processing and number of physical output all models have almost identical Output Layers & Patching systems: MIXES 1-14 > Fader Layer C faders 1-14 > Analogue Line Out 1-14. .

  • Page 52: Patching

    PATCHING The patching system on the Si EXPRESSION allows almost any source to feed any channel and any bus to feed any output; the following functionality is available: Input Patch — Source for an input channel, selected from the INPUTS menu •...
  • Page 53 NOTE: The L & R buses will always patch as an odd/even pair. NOTE: There are two patch destinations for all bus outputs, the patch being made will depend upon which ‘Patch’ you selected to enter the patching pages, either Patch 01 or Patch 02. Soundcraft Si Expression User Guide V1.0 0213...
  • Page 54 14 to line out 14. However if you started with mix bus 1 to line out 9 then’ AUTO COMPLETE’, the process will stop at mix bus 8 to line out 16. Soundcraft Si Expression User Guide V1.0 0213...

  • Page 55: Cue List

    EDIT CUE The EDIT CUE button in the CUE LIST menu allows the cue to be renamed and other parameters regarding the cue concerning audio, MIDI and HiQnet events to be edited. Soundcraft Si Expression User Guide V1.0 0213...

  • Page 56: Midi

    MIDI As part of the cue replay function Si EXPRESSION can send MIDI messages when a cue is replayed to trigger events in other systems or replay a cue in response to an incoming MIDI message. Set-up for the MIDI function is from within the CUE LIST, scroll to the cue in which you wish the...

  • Page 57: Hiqnet

    HiQNet™ As part of the cue replay function Si EXPRESSION can send HiQnet messages when a cue is replayed to trigger events in a HiQnet system. Set-up for the HiQnet function is from within the CUE LIST, scroll to the cue in which you wish the HiQnet event to happen and press the EDIT CUE button: Venue Recall –...

  • Page 58: Headphone Out & Monitoring

    HEADPHONE OUT & MONITORING The Si EXPRESSION features a comprehensive monitoring system. The active monitor signal is always available on the headphone output (located below the armrest near fader 1) with level controlled by the MON LEVEL encoder however the monitor signal may also be patched in parallel to other outputs on the console, see PATCHING.

  • Page 59: Power Off

    POWER OFF The Si EXPRESSION incorporates a safety feature to prevent the power ‘accidently’ being turned off. To shut down the console: a. Press and hold the POWER key for ~2 seconds, the power light will flash orange. b. To confirm the shut down press the POWER key again whilst the light is flashing.

  • Page 60: Using Your Si Expression Console

    If feedback persists, it may be necessary to use a Graphic Equaliser to reduce the system response at particular resonant frequencies. Soundcraft Si Expression User Guide V1.0 0213...
  • Page 61 If the gain is set too low, you will not find enough gain on the faders to bring the signal up to an adequate level, and backgound hiss will be more noticeable. This is illustrated below: Soundcraft Si Expression User Guide V1.0 0213...

  • Page 62: Mixing To Main L&R Buses

    MONO/SEL fader is lit and the FaderGlow has changed colour to Yellow, this is now Mix 1 Master fader. 4. Raise the channel faders and balance your mix, note that the Si EXPRESSION has already SOLOd the bus for you enabling you to hear it without the need to press any other keys.

  • Page 63: Mixing To Fx Buses

    MTX1 Master fader. 3. Raise fader#1 (Mix 1) to send Mix 1 to the Matrix; Note that the Si EXPRESSION has already SOLOd Matrix 1 for you enabling you to hear it without the need to press any other keys.

  • Page 64: Quick Hints And Tips

    Security — The default administrator password is: password (lower case). Only lock • the console if you have the password to unlock it again! Soundcraft Si Expression User Guide V1.0 0213...

  • Page 65: Word Clock

    WORD CLOCK Si EXPRESSION consoles can be set as Word Clock Slave or Master. The status is set from the Clocking option in the SYSTEM menu. When set to EXTernal the console will attempt to clock from incoming word clock, if clock is detected the console will lock to with a CLOCK icon displayed on the title bar.

  • Page 66: Weights & Dimensions

    635mm (25.0") 25.1kg (55.2lbs) 169mm (6.7") 928mm (36.5") 520mm (20.5") 21.0kg (46.2lbs) Si EXPRESSION 1 NOTE: Detailed DXF files are available for download from the Si EXPRESSION pages of the Soundcraft web site www.soundcraft.com Soundcraft Si Expression User Guide V1.0 0213...
  • Page 67 Si EXPRESSION 2 Si EXPRESSION 3 Soundcraft Si Expression User Guide V1.0 0213...

  • Page 68: Block Diagrams

    BLOCK DIAGRAMS To GEQ From GEQ High Pass Filter ROUTING MIX & MATRIX OUTPUT To GEQ From GEQ To GEQ From GEQ Soundcraft Si Expression User Guide V1.0 0213...
  • Page 69 LMGai n MUTE FADER HMFreq HMGai n HFFreq HFGai n PRE Source Stereo Mode Level Note: the Pre Source is controlled by the Output Bus setting PRE Source -3dB Mono Mode Level MUTE -3dB Soundcraft Si Expression User Guide V1.0 0213...

  • Page 70: Si Expression Typical Specifications

    22Hz – 20KHz, +/-15dB Q 6-0.3 Shelf (HF) 800Hz – 20KHz, +/-15dB Shelf (LF) 20Hz – 500Hz, +/-15dB 40Hz – 1KHz Delay User adjustable delay 1sample – 500ms 31Hz – 16KHz 1/3 octave Soundcraft Si Expression User Guide V1.0 0213...
  • Page 71 Operating Temperature Range 5°C to 45°C Humidity 0%-90%, non condensing Ta=40°C (104°F) Storage Temperature Range -20°C to 60°C (-4°F to 140°F) E & OE. Soundcraft reserves the right to change specifications without notice. Soundcraft Si Expression User Guide V1.0 0213...

  • Page 72: Glossary

    (like on a graphic equaliser), “peaking” at the centre of that band. Peak LED A visual indication of the signal peaking just before the onset of clipping, which will distort the signal. Soundcraft Si Expression User Guide V1.0 0213...
  • Page 73 This method does not provide the noise immunity of a balanced input (see above). +48V The phantom power supply, available at the channel mic inputs, for condenser microphones and active DI boxes. Soundcraft Si Expression User Guide V1.0 0213...

  • Page 74: Warranty

    Equipment or the defective component should be returned to the Dealer or to Soundcraft and subject to the following conditions the Dealer or Soundcraft will repair or replace the defective components. Any components replaced will become the property of Soundcraft.

  • Page 75: Appendix A

    The jumper is fitted in the RH position as shown below. NOTE: As this procedure requires opening the console the work must only be carried out by an authorized service centre to avoid invalidating the warranty. Soundcraft Si Expression User Guide V1.0 0213...
  • Page 76 ® HARMAN Soundcraft Harman International Industries Ltd Cranborne House Cranborne Road Potters Bar Herts. EN6 3JN United Kingdom +44 (0)1707 665000 www.soundcraft.com...

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