Soundcraft GB4 40 Channel

SOUNDCRAFT GB440 Details

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Pictured above is GB4-32 Channel

GB SERIES JOINS NEW-LOOK PROFESSIONAL RANGE The latest in what seems a never-ending stream of new products from Soundcraft this year is the GB4 console, which carries the GB30 Mic preamps and EQ, designed by Graham Blyth for the company’s 30th anniversary last year.

The new desks carry the high quality hallmark with which Soundcraft is synonymous, with engineering and design as you’d expect from this high-end manufacturer. Careful attention has been given to the mechanical construction, to ensure reliability under strenuous conditions, with all input modules being constructed with individual vertically-mounted pcb’s, fitted to the steel chassis front panel with individually-nutted potentiometers.

The GB Series also shares the stylish looks of the MH4, MH3 and LX7ii consoles, continuing a strong family look and feel across the range.

Available in frame sizes from 12 to 40 channels, the GB4 is designed for installations such as churches and performance venues, or for small touring sound systems. The dual-mode topology implemented to such success on the MH3 and MH4 desks allows the GB4 to be used on FOH or monitor duties, with fader control of group or aux outputs.

Although largely conventional in layout, the GB4 does have some unique mechanical features. The rugged steel chassis has a sloping rear connector panel so that it is easier to configure from the front of the desk, while the integral power supply has a link option for an external back-up PSU.

Four mute groups allow several channels to be muted simultaneously, while another unique facility is the limiter on a set of dedicated record outputs that makes it easier to create a stereo recording of the mix.

The console also features an output matrix with seven feeds to four outputs, being fed from the group busses and main L, R and C (mono) outputs.

The GB4 offers a comprehensive set of functions and facilities in a small and cost-effective footprint, and delivers the high performance and reliability you would expect from a Soundcraft product.

MONO INPUT MODULE

Mic input: A balanced XLR connector accepts balanced or unbalanced mic signals.

Line input: A balanced 1/4" jack accepts balanced or unbalanced line level sources, such as keyboards. +48 Phantom power: individually switchable on every channel. Phase reverse: individually switchable on every channel.

Input stage: precision, low noise mic preamps deliver continuously variable gain between 5dB and 60dB High pass filter: Provides 18dB/Octave attenuation below 100Hz. Insert: The insert point on every channel is pre-EQ, pre-fader. Direct output: A pre-/post-fader switchable direct output is available on every mono channel.

EQ section: The 4-band equaliser section provides HF/LF shelving and swept Lo-Mid and Hi-Mid frequencies. The EQ section can be switched in as desired with the EQ button. Auxiliary sends: 8 Auxiliary sends have flexible pre/post switching. Auxes 1-4 are pre-fader and, in normal operation, are routed to the rotary Aux masters 1-4. In SWAP mode, they are routed to Group faders 1-4 and Group meters 1-4, ideal for monitor mixing applications. Routing: The signal on each fader can be routed to the L-R mix (via the Pan control), the C (mono) bus and Groups 1&2 and 3&4.

Pan: Enables odd/even Groups or L-R mix bus to be accessed individually. Solo/PFL: Each channel can be soloed pre-fader, post-EQ to check levels. 100mm fader: Provides accurate, consistent control of audio levels.

Metering: A 4-segment LED display on each fader strip provides an instant reference for the signal level on that channel.

STEREO INPUT MODULE Two stereo inputs allow connection of stereo sources, or use as sophisticated effects returns.

Connections: Each channel is equipped with both balanced jack and XLR pairs. The left or right input can be selected, if required, as a single, mono source to be routed to both paths. Alternatively both the left and right signals can be mono-summed.

EQ section: The 4-band equaliser section provides HF/LF shelving and fixed-frequency Lo-Mid and Hi-Mid boost/attenuation.

GROUP SECTION

Group outputs: A balanced XLR output is provided for each Group.

Insert points: Pre-fade insert points are provided on jack connectors.

Group metering: Four 12-segment peak reading bargraph meters display Group (or Aux 1-4 in SWAP mode) output levels.

Matrix assignment: Four rotary controls per Group allow individual assignment to Matrices 1-4.

Matrix masters: The level at each Matrix output (balanced jack) on the rear panel is controlled by a rotary control, with a button for AFL.

Auxiliary masters: The level at each Auxiliary output (balanced jack) on the rear panel is controlled by a rotary control with a button for AFL.

Group/Aux SWAP: Four push buttons swap the functions of Auxiliary 1-4 master rotary controls and Group master faders. NB: These 12-segment peak reading bargraph meters always display the signal selected to the Group faders, i.e. Groups 1-4 in normal operation, or Auxes 1-4 when used in SWAP mode.

Routing: The signal on each Group fader can be routed to either the L-R mix (via the Pan control) or to the C (mono) bus. 100mm Group faders: Provide 10dB of extra gain above the zero mark, whilst still ensuring smooth operation. Each Group is also equipped with AFL.

MASTER SECTION Connections: L-R mix and C (mono) bus outputs appear on balanced XLR with jack insert points. The L-R mix is also provided on two pairs of balanced jack outputs and one pair of RCA/phono outputs. A balanced XLR input allows a talkback mic to be connected and an RCA/phono pair allows connection of a 2-track device. Metering: Three 12-segment Peak reading bargraph meters display L-R mix and C (mono) bus output levels. Matrix assignment: Any of the four Group masters, Left, Right and C (mono) buses can be routed to any of the four matrix outputs via individual rotary controls.

Talkback: Can be routed to all Groups and/or Aux 1-2, 3-4, 5-6 & 7-8. A rotary control governs level. Stereo returns: Two are provided. Ste Ret 1 and 2 can be routed to Groups 1/2 and 3/4 respectively, or the main L-R mix.

Rec/Alt output: Post-fade send from the L-R mix. The C (mono) bus may be added and/or the mix can be mono summed. A rotary control governs level and a switchable limiter is provided. Monitoring: The ‘2TK’ inputs, C (mono) bus or L-R mix can be selected for the control room outputs and headphones. Levels are governed by rotary controls. The ‘2TK’ inputs can also be added to the L-R mix via the ‘2TK to mix’ button.

SOUNDCRAFT GB440 Specs

TYPICAL SPECIFICATIONS
Frequency Response Mic/Line Input to any output, 20Hz - 20kHz . . . . . . . . . . <1dB
THD + N Mic sens. -30dBu, +20dBu at all outputs @1kHz . . . . <0.006%
Noise Measured RMS, 22Hz to 22kHz Bandwidth
Mic E.I.N. @ unity gain,150Ω source impedance . . . . -128dBu
Mix Output, 40 inputs routed to mix . . . . . . . . . . . . . . <-82dBu
Group Outputs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . <-83dBu
Aux Outputs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . <-80dBu
Matrix Outputs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . <-89dBu
Crosstalk (@1kHz, typical) Input Channel Mute . . . . . . . . <-97dB
Input Fader cut-off . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . <-95dB
Pan isolation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . <-77dB
Mix route isolation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . <-97dB
Group route isolation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . <-97dB
Adjacent channel crosstalk . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . <-99dB
Group to Mix . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . <-89dB
Aux Send pots offness (typical) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . <-84dB
Matrix Send pots offness (typical) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . <-89dB
CMRR Typical @ 1kHz . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 80dB
Input & Output Max Levels Mono & Stereo Mic Inputs . . . . . . . . . . +15dBu
Mono & Stereo Line Inputs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . +30dBu
Stereo Returns & Insert Returns . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . +20dBu
Any output . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . +20dBu
Nominal Operating Level . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0dBu
Headphone Power . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 x 250mW into 200Ω

Input & Output Impedances Mic Inputs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2kΩ
Line Inputs and Stereo Returns . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10kΩ
Input channels Insert Return . . 5kΩ with EQ in, otherwise 3kΩ
Mix, Group, Aux, Matrix & Direct outputs . . . . . . . . . . . . 150Ω
Insert sends . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75Ω
Recommended Headphone Impedance . . . . . . . . . . 50 - 600Ω
High pass filter (Mono input) 100Hz, 18dB per octave
EQ (Mono input) HF . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13kHz, +/-15dB, 2nd order shelving
Hi-Mid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 550Hz-13kHz, +/-15dB, Q=1.5
Lo-Mid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 80Hz-1.9kHz, +/-15dB, Q=1.5
LF . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 80Hz, +/-15dB, 2nd order shelving
Metering Input channels . . . . . Single tri-colour 4-segment LED bargraph
Outputs . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 tri-colour 12-segment LED bargraphs
Power consumption AC mains supply (internal PSU) 85V-270V AC,
50/60Hz universal input
Power consumption . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Less than 150W
Weight 12 channel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20kg (44.1lbs)
16 channel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22kg (48.5lbs)
24 channel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27kg (59.5lbs)
32 channel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32kg (70.5lbs)
40 channel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37kg (81.6lbs)
Operating conditions Temperature range . . . . . . . -10ºC to +30ºC
Relative humidity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0% to 80%

DIMENSIONS
Frame Size Width
12 Ch 730mm (28.73")
16 Ch 842mm (33.13")
24 Ch 1065mm (41.93")
32 Ch 1300mm (51.17")
40 Ch 1523mm (59.96")

Note: These figures are typical of performance in a normal electromagnetic environment. Performance may be degraded in severe conditions. All measurements refer to electronically balanced inputs and outputs with VCAs enabled. Input and output transformers may affect these specifications.

SOUNDCRAFT GB440 Documentation

Click here for brochure (pdf)

Click here for Technical Datasheet (pdf)

Click here for User guide (pdf)

Other views of SOUNDCRAFT GB440 (Click to enlarge):

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