Input confusion

I

Ian Cort

Freshman
Oct 31, 2015
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Hi.

We are upgrading our AV system at my local church and I have shortlisted the Soundcraft Si Expression 1 for the new mixer. (To replace a Beringer eurodesk 2442).

One thing that I am trying to clarify is the stereo inputs/line in

We have a selection of mics (yep am happy with the xlr) a couple of DI boxes for guitars (yep xlr inputs. Sorted)

We have a digital piano that outputs on jack. (Mono or L&R jacks)

We also have a CD player, 2 computers and a 3.5mm jack for the occasional iPod input

On the Beringer these all happy plug into the line in jacks on on the mono channels, (keyboard) and the line in jacks on stereo. (17/18, 19/20 etc)

Please forgive me ignorance now but how would I go about getting these plugged into the expression and how many channels would I end up using?!

Thanks!!
 
Re: Input confusion

I don't know what your criteria was for arriving at the Expression 1, but it appears to lack 1/4" inputs. You can use DI boxes as they are intended to accommodate 1/4" sources into mic channels. However, if 1/4" inputs are most important to you, you may want to consider other mixers with more flexible input options.

In case you didn't know...
An equally good rival to Soundcraft is Allen & Heath. They offer a superb line of digital mixers called QU. All models in the QU line offer XLR and 1/4" inputs on every channel. Any of the regular mic channels can be linked to function as a stereo pair. They also have 1/8" stereo input (on top) for phones and ipods as well as a few sets of pre-paired 1/4" ins. I own the QU-24 and I absolutely love it.

Good luck with your shopping adventure. It sometimes causes confusion for all of us. Also, many of us here have learned that if you call your favorite pro equipment retailer and talk to them about price, you'll be pleasantly surprised at the great discounts you can achieve.
 
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Re: Input confusion

Ian Cort said:
I have shortlisted the Soundcraft Si Expression 1 for the new mixer.
Click to expand...

If you don't need the rack mount format, take a look at the Soundcraft Si Impact. Its price has been lowered and it has combo input jacks (TRS or XLR). Looks like you'd have to burn up two channels for each stereo device but, with 32 inputs, you'd have some to spare.

Dave
 
Re: Input confusion

If it is line level 1/4 inch not instrument level 1/4 inch just use a conversion cable and plug into the xlr. If it is not instrument level add a di.

The type of jacks on the inputs is not a exactly in the top 100 features on a board I would use in selecting it. Just because you have previously used 1/4 there is no real reason forcing you to remain with that format plug.

Sent from my XT1254
 
Re: Input confusion

Jay is correct. Maybe it's time to wean away from the 1/4" to the more professional XLR. The Di is your friend.
 
Re: Input confusion

Anything coming from the stage that has a 1/4 or even an 1/8 inch output you want to use a DI box on the stage to plug the source into and then plug DI box into an XLR mic line going to the mixer. In the sound booth a direct 1/4 input can be handy to plug in a CD player, I Pod, computer, DVD player ect. However if you get any hum from those inputs creating a ground loop a DI is what you may have to go with there as well to take care of the ground loop.

For what it's worth the SI Expression has four 1/4 inch line inputs.
 
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