FROM THE TOP

Soundcraft has been at the centre of the sound reinforcementindustry since its early days, satisfying the needs of the world’smost exacting headline acts. On stage, this type of experiencematters most - where every piece of equipment must help theengineer to achieve the best possible sound under difficultconditions. Reliability, ease of use and the right facilities are ofprime importance to any monitor engineer.

Access All AreasThe Soundcraft SM24 is a new generation of audio console, andrepresents the ideal solution to a wide range of problems. As apurpose-built twenty-six bus monitor console specified by some ofthe world’s top monitor engineers, it will rise to any challenge; yetas a front-of-house desk it offers much more flexibility thanconventional designs. A proven, compact frame reducestransportation costs and increases on-stage space, while theSM24’s state-of-the-art electronic design helps to ensure a reliableperformance every time.

Instant Stereo ConfigurationThe SM24 is available in 32, 40 and 48-input versions which may beintelligently linked together to provide as many channels asrequired. A total of twenty-six outputs are provided, includingeight dedicated mono sends and a stereo sidefill mix. Sixteen ofthe SM24’s outputs are individually configured at the touch of abutton to act as independent mono mixes or true stereo feeds,which means that the SM24 fits the bill whatever the application;conventional mono systems, stereo (and in-ear) monitoring, or acombination of both.

Going SoloSoundcraft has enhanced its advanced Logic Controlled Soloingsystem for the SM24; the engineer is now offered no less than fourways to use the console’s comprehensive solo facilities. All theoutput solo points may be switched to compare processed and‘dry’ signals, and the engineer may choose to monitor in mono orstereo.

The Bottom LineThe biggest benefit however, is a commercial one - for theengineer, rental company or venue owner. As a top-spec monitorconsole which is just as effective ‘out front’ as on-stage, the SM24will never be off the road!

THE INPUT MODULE

The standard input features Soundcraft’s low-noisewide-range input amplifier, which allows any low-impedance source to be connected to the rear-mounted XLR. Sensitivity is adjustable from -70dBu to+10dBu to suit microphone and line level inputs. 48Vphantom power is individually switched, and a phasereverse switch is fitted.

4-band Parametric EQThe SM24 benefits from a precise four-band parametricEQ section with three-way switched ‘Q’ values. Thisal lows the engineer to use both general tonaladjustments and ‘notch’ filtering on the same source.The four frequency bands over lap for maximumflexibility, with ranges of 32Hz to 660Hz, 70Hz to1.4kHz, 470 Hz to 10kHz and 700Hz to 14kHz. Eachband may be selected to operate with Q values of 0.5,1.2 or 2.5. In addition, a variable high-pass filter (30Hzto 400Hz) is provided.

An insert point is fitted to the mono input; this may beselected internally to be pre or post EQ, and may bebypassed if not required.

Mono and Stereo ConfigurationThe SM24 boasts a unique configuration system whichoffers the engineer eight mono outputs, plus eithersixteen further monos or up to eight stereo sends. Inmono mode, the upper and lower dual-concentriccontrols are configured as two separate mono sends. Instereo mode, the controls are configured as Level(upper) and Pan (lower). A separate stereo bus is alsoprovided for the creation of a side-fill mix. All sends areselectable as pre or post fade by the front panelswitches, minimising preparation time.

Muting and VCA AssignmentEach input may be muted using the illuminated CUTswitch, and may be assigned to any combination of 8mute groups, controlled from the VCA Master module.The eight VCA Masters are used to affect input levels;each channel may be assigned to one or more VCAgroups if required.

The engineer may monitor a channel by pressing theilluminated PFL switch. Channel level is controlled by a100m long-throw fader; pre fade input level is displayedby an LED bargraph in the console meter bridge. Apeak LED is used to warn of pre fade signals within 6dBof clipping.

THE OUTPUT MODULE

Each output module contains a mono output sectionand configurable stereo/dual mono output. Eight outputmodules are fitted to the SM24, controlling outputs 1-8(mono) and 9-16 (dual mono or stereo).

Each output allows an external input to be connectedfor linking consoles; these inputs are routed via the EXTIN level control and ON switch, and may be monitoredseparately.

True Stereo OutputsThe combined external/internal mix is routed via a(switched) insert point for processing. Outputs 1-8 arecontrolled by a 100mm long-throw fader and adjacentbargraph meter. In Mono mode, outputs 9A to 16A arecontrolled by a similar fader, whereas outputs 9B to16B utilise a rotary control. When switched to stereo(using the STE mode switch), the ‘A’ group controls areused to affect the stereo output, while the ‘B’ groupcontrols remain unused. An LED adjacent to the ‘A’group fader indicates whether the output pair isworking in stereo or dual mono mode.

Flexible Sub-groupingAs well as acting as normal monitor sends, the SM24’soutputs may be used as sub-groups and fed to thestereo L and R outputs. This allows the SM24 to beused as a twenty-six bus front-of-house console, witheither mono or stereo groups and auxiliary sends.Outputs may be phase reversed if required.

Monitoring and MeteringPost-fade outputs are monitored by the engineer byusing the AFL switch; this may be selected as pre orpost the insert point to give an instant check on theeffect of outboard processing on the mix. Each outputmay be muted by the illuminated CUT switch. Outputs1-8 have an LED bargraph meter adjacent to the fader ;the meters for outputs 9-16 are located in the consolemeterbridge.

THE MASTER MODULE

The SM24 is provided with a multi-function oscillatorwhich may be selected to give either pink noise or asingle frequency between 63Hz and 10kHz. Theoscillator is routed via the TB/OSC switches on eachoutput.

Comprehensive Talkback RoutingThe SM24’s talkback system allows the engineer tocommunicate with any on-stage personnel or with thefront-of-house engineer, either individually or as a pre-selected group. This unique system also permits thefront-of-house engineer to talk to the stage via theSM24’s routing switches.

Dedicated Stereo MixThe SM24 Master module contains the controls for thededicated stereo output. This may be used as a side-fillsend, and extra stereo mix or as a stereo masteroutput in front-of-house applications. The Stereooutput is fitted with the same controls as the otheroutputs.

Advanced SoloingThe SM24 uses Soundcraft’s Logic Controlled Solosystem for the engineer’s monitor feed. This advancedsystem gives the engineer a choice of four ways ofworking.

Normally, all PFL and AFL selections are additive toallow monitoring of multiple sources, using a mono orstereo monitor feed. If the SM24 is switched into‘Autocancel’ mode, each new selection cancels theprevious solo, speeding up an engineer’s search for aparticular signal. With ‘Input Priority’ selected, any PFLselection wil l overr ide an AFL signal , for quickinput/output comparisons. Finally, the ‘Input Autocancel’mode allows PFL selections to autocancel withoutaffecting AFLs (and vice-versa), while giving PFLselections priority over AFL signals. This gives theengineer a very rapid method of monitoring numerousinput and output signals in quick succession.

In each mode, the clear ly illuminated ‘Solo Clear’button wil l remove any AFL or PFL selectionimmediately.

The engineer’s output is fed in stereo via a 100mmlong-throw fader and L/R selection switches. Aheadphone feed is also provided.

Mode

‘Normal’

‘Autocancel’

‘Input Priority’

‘Input/OutputIntercancel withinput Priority’

Autocancel button

0 (=off)

x (=on)

0

x

Input Priority button

0

0

x

x

Description

All output and input solos are additive.

All solos autocancel, no distinction betweenoutput and input.

If an output is left on solo, soloing an inputwill temporarily override the output but willreturn to it when input is unsoloed.

Combination of last two- as input priority, butalso with autocancelling between groups ofoutputs and groups of inputs.

THE VCA MASTER MODULE

The SM24’s eight VCA groups are controlled from thecentre of the console by 100mm faders and illuminatedMute buttons. In this way, independent groups of inputsmay be controlled by single faders, and the VCA Mutesadd to the control provided by the dedicated Mutegroups.

Multiple VCA AssignmentInputs may be assigned to one or more VCA groups,using the illuminated switches on each input module.Each VCA fader affects each assigned input fader bybetween -90dB and +10dB. However, overall gain islimited to +10dB even if an input is assigned to morethat one VCA group, to prevent excessive signal leveland loss of headroom.

Dedicated Mute GroupsIn addition, eight independent Mute groups areprovided which are controlled by large illuminatedswitches in the VCA Master module. Any channelsassigned to a Mute group will be muted and their CUTswitches will illuminate when the relevant master switchis active to indicate their status.

CONSOLE LINKING AND POWERSUPPLIES

Power SupplyThe SM24 is supplied with a CPS950 power supply unitas standard. As an option, a second CPS950 and Auto-changeover unit may be specified for full redundancy.

Linking FacilityFor larger events or installations, multiple SM24consoles may be linked to provide integrated control ofaudio and logic functions. Consoles are connected in a‘cascade’ system, enabling one console to act as overallmaster for output level, mute groups, VCA groups andsoloing.

CommunicationsWhen connected to any other Soundcraft console, theSM24 provides an integrated FOH-to-Stage talkbacksystem via a four-wire link.The SM24 is also fitted with an innovative interface forring-type communication system, allowing remotepersonnel to signal to the console by flashing the desk’sworking lights to indicate an incoming call.

ProtectionAs with all Soundcraft touringconsoles, the SM24 isavailable with an optionalflightcase, either with orwithout cable box, forlong-lasting protectionon the road. Powersupplies may alsobe cased to pro-vide a ‘ready-to-roll ’ package forrental companies.

SM24 NOMINAL LEVEL DIAGRAM

INPUT MODULE BLOCK DIAGRAM

SM24 SPECIFICATIONS

Frequency Response Any input to any output 20Hz - 20kHz, +0/-1.0dB

Total Harmonic Distortion (All measurements at 20dBu, VCAs bypassed)) Less than 0.007% @ 1kHzLine In to Group or Mix out Less than 0.025% @ 10kHz

Noise (22Hz-22kHz bandwidth, unweighted)Mic Input Equivalent Input Noise Less than -127.5dBu(200ohm source)Group Output Noise Less than -79dBu (40 ch routed)Mix Output Noise Less than -79dBu (40 ch routed)

Crosstalk (All measurements at 1kHz)Input Channel Muting Greater than 90dBInput Channel Send Pot isolation Greater than 90dBInput Channel Send ON isolation Greater than 90dBGroup Fader isolation Greater than 90dBGroup CUT isolation Greater than 100dBGroup to Group crosstalk Less than -80dBGroup to Mix crosstalk Less than -90dBMix to Group crosstalk Less than -90dB

Input and Output Mic Input 2kΩ balancedImpedances Hi-Z and Line Input Greater than 10kΩ balanced

Input Insert Send 75Ω gnd compInput Insert Return Greater than 10kΩ balancedOutput Insert Send Less than 75Ω balancedOutput Insert Return Greater than 10kΩ balancedOutputs Less than 75Ω balanced

Input/Output Capability Mic Maximum Input Level +18dBuLine Maximum Input Level +30dBuInput Insert Sends +20dBu into 2kΩInput Insert Returns +20dBuOutput Insert Sends +26dBu into 1kΩOutput Insert Returns +26dBuAll Balanced Outputs +26dBu into 1kΩHeadphone Output +20dBu into 1kΩ

150mW into 8Ω

Input and Output Levels Mic Input Sensitivity (XLR) -2dBu to -70dBu, +10dBu to -20dBuLine Input Sensitivity (0.25” jack) +10dBu to -20dBuInput Insert Send/Return -2dBu nominalOutput Insert Send/Return +4dBu nominalOutputs +4dBu for 0VU

Harman International Industries LimitedCranborne House, Cranborne Industrial Estate, Potters Bar, Hertfordshire EN6 3JN, England.

Tel: +44 (0) 707 665000 Fax +44 (0) 707 660482

Soundcraft JBL Professional, 8500 Balboa Blvd, Northridge, CA 91329 USATel: 1-818-893-4351 Fax: 1-818-893-0358 Flashfax:1-818-895-8190 (258)

Part no: A4; ZL0139US; ZL0140

Soundcraft Electronics Limitedreserve the right to improve orotherwise alter any informationsupplied in this document or any otherdocumentation supplied hereafter.

110kg / 243lbs

140kg / 309lbs

170kg / 375lbs