Introduction
The Soundcraft UI 16 is a testament to the progression of digital audio mixing technology, combining state-of-the-art features with easy-to-use design. Audio professionals all over the world have embraced this compact digital mixer, because of its utility in a small package, as well it being fully remote controllable software. And while managing sound for a live performance, studio recording or even broadcasting; the Soundcraft UI 16 sets you ready on every front.
This guide will provide you with all the necessary information about Soundcraft UI 16 such that after reading this review, nothing should keep you from picking up your own. We’re also going to tackle typical queries and offer advice on how you can get the most out of it in a number of audio scenarios.
An Introduction to the Soundcraft UI16
A digital mixer with 16 input channels and clean, high-quality effects that can be controlled remotely using your tablet or pc via Wi-Fi. The UI 16 diverges from the backpack mixer paradigm, as it has no physical faders or knobs at all; control of everything in the mix happens via any device with a web browser. This is hugely beneficial in a live sound setting where being able to move around and adjust the mix as you are doing so, can be vital.
Detail of the Soundcraft UI 16
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Full Input Support
The Soundcraft UI 16 has a total of 16 input channels, and here they are:
8 XLR combo mic/line inputs: These are accepting both xlr and 1/4″ TRS connections, making them a great choice for many signals from microphones to line-level instruments.
XLR micro inputs: Experience crystal-clear vocals with dedicated XLR input plugs for vibrant microphone lines.
2 Hi-Z/instrument inputs: These are made particularly for instruments such as guitars and basses as well, permitting a straight link without the requirement of an added DI box.
Stereo RCA Inputs: Excellent for media gamers or additional stereo sources.
USB playback: The USB input on the Yamaha EPH-VC200 allows you to play back audio files from a connected flash drive, and even use pre-recorded material in your mix.
This vast range of inputs means that it is suitable for all audio sources, from a solo performer to an entire band.
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Wi-Fi Control – No Extra Apps Necessary
The feature that separates the Soundcraft UI 16 most starkly from its competitors is built-in Wi-Fi. The mixer creates its own wireless network as only a direct connection is required, it does not connect to an existing router or need internet. That way you can control the mixer from anywhere on any device with a web browser, tablet/phone/notebook…it just works!
It is fully responsive and works beautifully on any device at multiple screen sizes. Sound engineers have the freedom to walk around with complete mix control and perfectly balance those stage levels, making quick adjustments from anywhere in the venue.
- In Sync and Ready-Made DSP
The Soundcraft UI 16 has an especially nice selection of digital signal processing (DSP), such as:
4-band Parametric EQ: Take your pick on how to shape the sound with precision tone adjustment of input channels by utilizing this feature. This lets you adjust the frequencies of individual sounds to their best place in a mix by boosting or cutting level at specific corners, rather than all over them.
Compressor — Each channel has an onboard compressor to assist in controlling dynamics, preventing peaks from getting too loud while maintaining consistency across all channels.
Gates — Every channel has a noise gate these are great if you have much background or bleed from other instruments.
This is a de-esser type of plugin that reduces sibilance in vocal tracks; it smooths out harsh “s” and “sh” sounds to sound more like the natural voice.
Effects: Reverb, Delay and Modulation Effects — A sophisticated suite of effects including reverb, delay and modulation can be applied to individual channels or the entire mix. So it includes multiple reverb, delays and some chorus/flanger effects you can tailor to what your mix needs.
The quality of these internal effects compares to the efficiency of any on-the-shelf processors which means that you are set up straight, with no requirement in outboard.
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Cross-Platform Standard and Personalize Interface
Powerful web UI — The control surface on the Soundcraft UI 16 is simply a browser, so it will work with any computer (Windows, Mac), iOS or Android. It has an intuitive interface with a layout design clear and easy to navigate when accessing all the functions of this step mixer.
Its customizable interface enables users to save unique scenes and setups that they can quickly recall in a click. This is a great feature for audio engineers that need to work between multiple bands/setups, allowing them to change configurations instantly without having to re-adjust settings each time.
The UI 16 also includes password-protected access so different band members can control unrelated parts of a mix – making it easy for multiple musicians to adjust their own monitor mixes simultaneously. This is especially handy for when multiple people on the production team need to take control of different aspects, like a monitor engineer or effects send / main mix.
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Comprehensive Output Options
Output options for the UI 16; perfect in every music cluster:
Main Left/Right Outputs: For connecting to a PA system, or for recording the main stereo mix.
Monitor Sends: 4 XLR monitor sends for creating custom monitor mixes on stage. You can tune each send individually and control the level, EQs, FX for both sends.
Dedicated headphone output with its own level control offers a convenient source for monitoring the mix or individual channels.
USB Recording: Record your live mix directly to a USB storage device for peace of mind and deliver powerful, unique mixes with ease.
These output options mean the UI 16 can integrate into many configurations, such as in live sound at gigs of most sizes, recording podcasts or working with your DAWs in a studio.
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Portability also improves with rugged construction
Build Quality Of The Soundcraft UI 16 An all-metal construction ensures a high level of durability throughout the frequent live performances and traveling these headphones will face. It is built tough designed with the same body of lightweight and 2U rack-mountable case, yet it still weighs less than my SKB Pop-Up racks at only seven pounds!
Meanwhile, intuitive features like recessed controls and a built-in carry handle mean the UI 16 looks good as new time after time.
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Control from Multiple Devices & Remote Control
Ten devices can connect to the UI 16 at once, with multiple users able to handle different parts of the mix concurrently. It is especially handy in live sound environments, which often have teams where one team member needs control over monitors and another over effects.
It goes further than the facility, though — all you need as a user is an internet connection and you can control UI 16 from anywhere. This is a boon for sound engineers who are tasked with managing the sounds of events from a location apart or supporting in-house teams.
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Integrated Security Features
Naturally, security is a main concern for any live sound setup — so the UI 16 enables password-protected access, as well customizable user permissions. You will have 10-level access with different user profiles, and thus only relevant personnel can make important changes to the mix.
Which would be most useful in educational or corporate environments, where a number of users may need to get on the mixer however all should not have control over every part of that mix.
FAQs
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The Soundcraft UI 16—How Do I Connect the Stuff?
The UI 16 creates its own Wi-Fi network that you can access with any device that has a web browser. From there you have access to the web-based interface which lets you control everything. No need for additional software or apps; everything is maintained straight from your browser.
- There is some 3rd party hardware integration with the Soundcraft UI 16, but my understanding is limited.
Yes, and the UI 16 comes with a set of auxiliary sends and returns so you can hook in outboard effects processors, compressors or other hardware. This allows you to use your favorite outboard gear with the mixer features.
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How would the UI 16 USB recording be detrimental to you?
You may also use the UI 16 for stereo recording over USB, to track all the main left/right mix. But it cannot record multi-track to USB directly. For multi-track usage, you can route the individual outputs to a different recording interface or DAW (Digital Audio Workstation).
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Is it possible to control one UI 16 from more than a single device concurrently?
And it is true, the UI 16 offers support for up to 10 simultaneous connections which means multiple users can control everything from different parts of your mix. This is especially important in live sound situations where various people may be controlling monitors, effects or a main mix independently of each other.
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What is the process of updating Soundcraft UI 16 Firmware?
Firmware upgrades on the UI 16 are simple enough. Downloading the most recent firmware version needs to be done from Soundcraft website, and once you copy it over a USB drive in order to update your mixer by going through on-screen steps. Firmware updates occur regularly to keep your mixer up-to-date with the newest devices it should support and any new feature rollouts or bug fixes.
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Is a computer needed for Soundcraft UI 16 operation?
The UI 16 works standalone without a computer, so you do not need to use an extra device in these contexts. The same controls are available from any device with a web browser. You can work by use of computer as one.
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