SOUNDCRAFT 328XD Details
Soundcraft has introduced the feature-packed 328XD digital mixing console, the next generation of the popular Digital 328 production mixer, now offering dynamics processing on every channel, group and mix path.
With the 328XD, Soundcraft has considerably built upon its already impressive performance characteristics by further broadening the desk's functionality from straight sound mixing to production and control of sequencers and desktop synths. This will enable it to be the production control center for computers, DAWs and dedicated hard disk recorders, including dynamic automation and moving faders.
Three years ago, the low-cost Digital 328 introduced a brand new audience used to the spontaneity of analog mixing to the advantages of instant total recall, snapshot and dynamic automation, and onboard Lexicon effects -- styled like a traditional and instantly recognizable eight-bus analog console.
Thanks to its compact footprint, the digital mixer is ideal for small-to-mid-sized professional studio setups and home studio recording use alike. The Soundcraft 328XD is certain to also be a hit with commercial production facilities, such as advertising agencies, voiceover studios and jingle houses.
Designed for use straight out of the box, the 328XD control surface needs little explanation, and virtually all functions are easily accessible through the mixer's unique 'E-Strip'. This can act as a horizontal channel strip, controlling EQ and aux sends, or a dynamics control panel, or as level controls for the tape returns.
The 328XD also boasts a new dynamics feature set, including: a Gate and Compressor/Limiter on every channel; configurable direct outputs that provide more opportunities for recording feeds; two high-resolution Lexicon effects processors; the ability to route effects to groups for recording; total status recall at power-up; and improved connectivity. For instance, the S/PDIF output can be available on Optical port as well as RCA/Phono. Wordclock termination is available for systems using multiple clock connections, and the console may be synchronized to embedded ADAT wordclock as well as numerous clock sources.
While the 328XD is an outstanding controller with legendary sonic performance for recording and mixing, its ability to control desktop sequencers and synths -- and, in turn, be controlled by them -- makes it possibly the most versatile console in its class.
In fact, the 328XD has built-in interface capabilities to virtually all digital formats: ADAT and TDIF, plus S/PDIF and AES/EBU stereo in/out.
The combination of all of these features will reassure discerning producers and engineers around the world, who have come to rely on the audio quality of Soundcraft's electronics design, that the 328XD embodies a truly no-compromise approach.
As easy as an analogue console, the Soundcraft 328XD combines sophisticated moving fader automation with legendary Soundcraft sonic performance and onboard interfacing to virtually all formats.
Designed for the way you work
Not just an amazing console in it's own right, the 328XD is designed to integrate completely with desktop packages. Using the 328XD as a hardware controller and combining its mixing engine with that of a desktop sequencer produces one huge, awesome production centre. Indeed, with its 56-bit internal processing, it makes sense to run desktop audio channels through the 328XD at mixdown.
Also see:
Supported Hardware
Expansion Options
Sign Up For The 328 Discussion Group
MIDI-OX - Download it at www.midiox.com
Interfaces to ADAT, TDIF, S/PDIF and AES/EBU as standard (no cards)
E-Strip technology - See parameters the way you want to
Legendary Soundcraft EQ and Dynamics processing
Up to 42 inputs at Mixdown, plus 8 groups, and 16 direct outputs.
16 Mic/Line and 5 stereo inputs
16 digital inputs ( or tape returns ) in ADAT™ Optical and TDIF™ formats
Integrated meterbank for all inputs and outputs
2 high resolution superb quality Lexicon effects units
100mm motorized faders, comprehensive dynamic automation
24-bit ADCs and DACs (128x oversampling) & 56-bit internal processing
MIDI Controller mode to remote control your sequencers & synths
The affordable digital console that gives you more
• Up to 42 inputs at Mixdown
• 8 busses
• 16 Mic/Line and 5 stereo inputs
• 16 digital tape returns in ADAT™ Optical and TDIF™ formats
• Integrated meterbank
• 2 high resolution Lexicon effects units
• Dynamics processing on every channel
• 3 band parametric EQ
• 6 auxes per channel
• 100mm moving faders
• Snapshot and comprehensive Dynamic automation
• Undo/Redo, Copy and Paste functions
• Solo-in-place, AFL and PFL monitoring
• MIDI timecode input and output
• Machine control for all sequencers and many DTRs/HDRs
• SMPTE input
• 2 console linking - automatically configured
• Total status recall on power up
• Flexibility to route tape sends pre or post fader
E-asy To Operate
The 328XD was designed to operate and be as familiar as an analogue 8-bus console, so you'll be working and mixing straight out of the box. No extensive manual reading is required. All the functions are clearly defined and right where you need them, without the need to scroll through endless, confusing LCD screens. Just one button press gives you instant access to any feature required on a channel, group or master, while the E-Strip provides clarity and individual control. This unique E-Strip can be switched between a horizontal input channel, a dynamics processor or the level controls for the tape returns.
Comprehensive Digital Interfacing
Many digital consoles require you to buy digital I/Os as expensive extras. Not the 328XD which includes as standard multitrack interfaces for ADAT™ and TDIF™, stereo digital S/PDIF and AES/EBU I/Os, plus the ability to sync to a wide variety of clock sources.
Dynamics And Effects
Precision onboard dynamics processing provides a Gate and Compressor/Limiter on all inputs, groups and the main mix. And, of course, the E-Strip makes set up easy. Two separate onboard Lexicon effects units deliver world-class reverbs, choruses, delays and flangers – all easily editable.
Exceptional Sound Quality
All too often, the move to a digital console can mean compromising the sound. Not so with the the 328XD which builds on Soundcraft’s 28 years of experience and reputation for legendary performance.
• UltraMic+™ preamps on all mic inputs
• 24-bit ADCs and DACs (128 x oversampling)
• 56-bit internal processing
• 3-band parametric EQ on all channels.Warm, musical, British!
• Advanced premium quality onboard dynamics, available to every input channel, group and mix outputs
Designed For The Way You Work
Not just an amazing console in its own right, the 328XD is designed to integrate completely with desktop packages. Using the 328XD as a hardware controller and combining its mixing engine with that of a desktop sequencer produces one huge, awesome production centre. Indeed, with its 56-bit internal processing, it makes sense to run desktop audio channels through the 328XD at mixdown.
• Advanced control surface for audio software packages
• Use optional AES/EBU interfaces to seamlessly integrate audio from the 328XD within a DAW environment
• Upload entire MIDI configurations to the 328XD from your desktop sequencer via SysEx
• MIDI configurations for the most popular desktop software available for download from the Soundcraft website
• Vice versa, the 328XD can be controlled via MIDI from desktop software
Rear Panel
• Power switch • Mains fuse
• IEC mains input • SMPTE timecode input - 1/4" jack
• RS422 port - used for software upgrades to the console and Sony 9-pin control
• MIDI In/Out/Thru - allows bidirectional sync, total dynamic automation and MIDI dump information to be transmitted and received • Wordclock I/O - lock the 328XD to your preferred clock source, or use it as the master clock
• S/PDIF I/O - a flexible, assignable, stereo, digital interface
• AES/EBU I/O - professional format interface with identical routing options to the S/PDIF I/O
• Aux optical out - can be configured in one of three modes to provide:
8 group outputs;
Mix L, Mix R, Aux send 1,2,3,4, FX sends 1+2; Optical S/PDIF output
• 328XD link - allows cascading of two 328XDs.
Group/Aux, mix and solo bussing is summed
while internal effects remain separate
• ADAT™ Optical I/O - two interfaces supplying 16 digital sends and returns
• TDIF™ I/O - two connectors supply 16 digital send and return channels to any compatible device
The Power To Grow
A host of modular peripherals give the 328XD the power to operate in any conceivable audio environment.
Optional accessories include:
• Cascade cable - double your creative power with two 328XDs! Up to 84 inputs at mixdown and 32-track digital recording capability
• AES/EBU interface - keep your audio completely in the digital domain. A TDIF™ to 4 stereo AES/EBU I/O on XLR provides 8 discrete sends and returns
• Mic/Line interface - one unit provides 8 XLR mic inputs, 8 balanced line inputs and 8 balanced direct outputs which can be set up as group outputs. Use two to transform your console into a 32-mic input beast
Typical Specifications
FREQUENCY RESPONSE
@ +4dBu into 600Ω (20Hz to 20kHz - Rel 1kHz) +0/-0.5dB
DYNAMIC RANGE
Digital Input to Mix Output 115dB
Mic Input to Mix Output 108dB
Stereo Input to Mix Output 108dB
TOTAL HARMONIC DISTORTION
Mic In to Mix Out, 1kHz @ 30dB gain, +14dBu output <0.005%
HUM AND NOISE
Mic Equivalent Input Noise -127dBu (150Ω source)
RESIDUAL OUTPUT NOISE (measured RMS over 20Hz-22kHz bandwidth)
Mix Output with Mix Fader down -90dBu
Mix Output with Mix Fader @ Unity and all Input Channel Faders down -90dBu
Mix Output with Mix Fader @ Unity and 32 Input Channel routed
with faders @ Unity, Pans centred -78dBu
COMMON MODE REJECTION RATIO
Typical with max gain @ 1kHz >80dB
Typical with any gain @ 50Hz >70dB
CROSSTALK
Between Adjacent Input Channels >95dB
Fader Attenuation >95dB
Channel Mute Attenuation >95dB
Pan Isolation >88dB
SAMPLING FREQUENCY
Internal 44.1kHz/48kHz
External 40kHz-50kHz
ANALOGUE TO DIGITAL CONVERSION
Mic/Line Inputs 24-bit, 128 x oversampling
Stereo Inputs 24-bit, 128 x oversampling
2-track Inputs 24-bit, 128 x oversampling
DIGITAL TO ANALOGUE CONVERSION
Mix Outputs 24-bit, 128 x oversampling
Control Room Outputs 24-bit, 128 x oversampling
Aux Outputs 24-bit, 128 x oversampling
INTERNAL PROCESSING 24-bit, 56-bit bussing
SIGNAL LATENCY
Channel Input to Mix Output @ 44.1kHz <2.5ms
Channel Input to Mix Output @ 48kHz <2.5ms
FADERS
Type 100mm motorised and stabilised
Resolution 128 steps over 100mm range
DIGITAL OUTPUT DITHER wordlength 16, 20, 24-bit
POWER CONSUMPTION 150W
WEIGHT 14.4kg / 31.7lb unpacked
DIMENSIONS 160H x 715W x 537D mm
6.3H x 28.2W x 21.1D inches
SOUNDCRAFT 328XD DIGITAL MIXER
