Dubbed Project Vulcan, DiGiCo has released the SD12 digital mixing console, combining features drawn from its SD and S Series desks, and using the latest generation of Super FPGA.
The SD12 features 72 input channels with full processing, 36 aux/group buses with full processing, a 12 x 8 matrix with full processing, LR/LCR bus with full processing, 12 stereo FX units, 16 graphic EQs, 119 dynamic EQs, 119 multiband compressors and 119 DiGi-TuBes, 12 control groups (VCA) and SD Series Stealth Core 2 software, making it compatible with all other SD Series sessions.
The SD12 features dual 15-inch digital touchscreens – previously only seen on the SD7 and SD5 – which provide 24 channels in one view, dual operator mode and the ability for the right-hand screen to be the Master. It also offers advanced connectivity via optional DMI cards.
EQ and dynamics controls are placed next to both the left- and right-hand screens, so that they sit adjacent to the graphic representation seen when assigning an EQ. Unusually for a console this compact, DiGiCo has included its Hidden Til Lit (HTL) technology, with two banks of 24 encoders featuring an RGB HTL ring, as well as an SD7-style channel strip with HTL EQ encoders. There is also new Dynamics metering on the channel strip and new high-intensity meters associated with the faders. The rotaries that sit below the screen indicate, by colour, what parameters they are controlling to allow for fast operation; these are also HTL.
There is also an assignable master section on the bottom right-hand side of the worksurface, as previously seen on the SD7 and SD5, and two assignable faders with their own displays and metering, which can be assigned to be any of the channels whether input or output, or Solo Master controls. Dedicated RGB scribble strips, of which there are five, can be assigned to Macros with five banks giving a total of 25 macros, and there is a Snapshot panel for quickly accessing and controlling the Snapshots list, as well as for firing the next and previous Snapshot.
On the rear of the console is a standard local I/O format. There are eight local mic/line inputs, eight local line outputs and eight AES/EBU in/out for local digital sources, as well as two Madi ports, plus a UB Madi connection for recording at 48kHz; 48 tracks of recording are possible with the console clocking at 48kHz and 24 tracks clocking at 96kHz.
There are two slots for DMI cards. Options include a Dante module, which can be plugged straight into the back of the console, alleviating the need to purchase an Orange Box. A Waves module can also be fitted to take full advantage of the SoundGrid platform. In fact, there is a huge family of DMI cards that can be plugged in the SD12 that can be changed between different projects or tours, depending on requirements.
The SD12 has a suite of remote control options, including the iPad SD remote app, which offers remote control, expansion and show control. Offline software, meanwhile, allows for session preparation and online remote. There are OSC and Ross network protocols; 16-pin GPIO that allows for audio follows video and show control; Serial/Midi in/out for MMC/MTC, Midi remote and QLab; second console mirroring and redundancy.
There is also the option to upgrade straight into the Optocore network with two loop options, allowing the SD12 to sit happily anywhere on a loop with any other Optocore enabled SD product.
‘The SD12 has already created an international impact, with over 30 of our distributors taking part in a surprise global launch, details to follow shortly,’ says DiGiCo MD, James Gordon. ‘The SD12 takes all the true DiGiCo values and installs them into a compact, cost effective surface with unrivalled feedback and control. It is ideal for operators that demand the best audio quality, combined with an intuitive and fast multi-screen worksurface.’
More: www.digico.org
