Soundcraft EFX12 12-Channel Analog Mixer with Effects
SoundCraft EFX12 12-Channel Studio Analog Live Mixer w/ Lexicon Effects If you're somewhat familiar with the inexpensive audio mixers that are available today, the Soundcraft EFX 12 is a model that's worth a closer look; especially if you're wondering what a little extra money gets you in terms of overall quality. Aside from the fact that this mixer contains some of the very same circuitry found in Soundcraft's higher-end consoles, one of its greatest strengths is that it's really easy to use, while still remaining a very capable and flexible mixer. Simplifying ease of use has always been important to the designers at Soundcraft, and they've had over 30 years to fine tune their ideas. Additionally, this mixer contains a genuine Lexicon effects processor (the same engine used in the popular MX400). Lexicon has spent over 35 years building their reputation as providers of world-class audio effects, and this tradition of excellence is carried on with the EFX 12. The EFX series is very similar to Soundcraft's EPM series of mixers, with the useful addition of the built-in 24-bit Lexicon effects processor. While the intuitive layout and user friendliness of the EFX 12 are important factors to consider, keep in mind that Soundcraft mixers have been designed to sound great. The dedication to sound quality starts at the input stage. Designed by Graham Blyth for Soundcraft's 30th anniversary, every channel on the EFX12 features the highly-transparent GB30 preamps. They're identical to the preamps used on the LX7ii and GB series of professional consoles, and they deliver exceptional headroom, smooth detail, and have a very low noise floor. In addition to the excellent preamps, each of the 12 mono channels feature both XLR and 1/4" inputs, as well as 1/4" TRS inserts (which are very useful for processing individual signals with outboard hardware). Each channel features a peak LED that will alert you if a signal is overloading. The LED lights up in proportion to how hot the signal is so you can maximize your headroom. From this solid input stage the signal is sent to a 3-band EQ section with a sweepable mid on each of the 12 mono channels. The sweepable mid can be a very useful tool for bringing out the vocals (as well as other sounds) in a live mix. The two stereo channels feature a 3-band EQ with no sweep. After the EQ section you have the option of sending the signal to an auxiliary output for a stage monitor mix, a recording mix, a separate speaker zone, etc. The aux is globally switchable between Pre and Post fader in the master section. The FX send is next in the chain. If the effects are turned off the FX send can be used as a second aux. The effects section consists of 32 presets of reverb, delay, chorus, flanger, phaser, tremelo, rotary, and vibrato. The parameters of the presets can be controlled with 3 dedicated knobs, and changes made to the effect's settings can be stored by the user. The choice of effects was selected to provide the user with useful set of tools for sweetening the sound for both live and recording applications. Each channel features dedicated mute and PFL buttons. The PFL button is used as a solo button, muting everything except for the selected channel in the monitoring outputs of the mixer. The master stereo outputs ignore the PFL and maintain the output of the full mix. The 10 segment meter will display the level of the channel that has the PFL button activated. This way you can check to see if you've over-driven the channel after the preamp stage, either by EQing or by inserting the signal to an outboard piece of equipment. It's an important tool for maintaining proper gain structure throughout the console. Whether used for live sound, recording, multi-media, band rehearsals, or in houses of worship, the Soundcraft EFX12 will provide you with years of excellent performance. It's the perfect mixer for anyone who appreciates a product that strives to provide the highest quality of sound, construction, and user friendliness, while still maintaining a competitively reasonable price. Has the same GB30 preamps found in Soundcraft's higher-end LX7ii and GB series professional mixing consoles24-Bit Lexicon AudioDNA Effects Processor with reverbs, delays, choruses, flangers, phasers, tremelo, rotary, and vibrato3-Band EQ with a sweepable mid on each of the 12 mono channelsPeak LED lights on each channel with a PFL button to check the level in the master 10-segment meter Product Specifications Total # Of Inputs 14Mic/Line Inputs 12Stereo Line Inputs 2AUX Sends 2 (1 configurable aux send, and if the effects are turned off the dedicated effects aux can be used as second aux send)AUX Returns 2Inserts Every channel and master2 Trk Master I/O YesMonitor Outputs 2 x 1/4" TRS1 x 1/4" headphoneIndependent volume control for headphone and monitor outputs150 Ohm or higher headphones recommendedEQ Section 3-Band EQ with a swept mid on all 12 mono inputs3-Band EQ on the 2 stereo inputsEffects 32 programs of reverb, delay, chorus, flanger, phaser, tremelo, rotary, and vibrato.Solo/Mute Solo/PFL buttons on every channelMute buttons on every channelChannel Level Control60mm FadersTrim/Gain Control 12 GB30 mic preampsMic input +15dBu maxLine input +30dBu maxStereo input +30dBu maxPhantom Power Yes, +48VMetering 10 segment LED output metering (with PFL buttons on every channel to monitor the independent signal and check its level on the meter)Frequency Response 20Hz - 20kHz, +/- 1.5dBSignal-to-Noise Ratio Mic Input E.I.N. (maximum gain) -127dBu (150 Ohm source)Aux, Mix, and Masters (@ 0dB, faders down) -85dBuTotal Harmonic Distortion (THD)Mic Sensitivity -30dBu, +14dBu @ Mix output < 0.02% @ 1kHzDimensions 17 x 3.6 x 14.3" (432 x 91 x 362 mm)Weight 12.8 lbs (5.8 kg)