Soundcraft Ui16

The idea behind this system is pure genius (although I'm not sure if it originated with Soundcraft; Mackie may have been first off the mark with a similar system). Build a fully featured digital mixer into a stage box, combine it with WiFi and a range of professional FX, routing, EQ and dynamics, then control it remotely from a tablet computer, laptop, IPad or mobile 'phone.

The first thing that attracted me was the xtremely small size and weight (4 rack units high, a few centimetres deep and weighing less than 4 kilos). This relatively tiny box makes the mixer, the effects rack, the multicore and an array of cables and power supplies I usually needed to transport unecessary. In my case I recon this cuts down the PA by about 30 - 40%.

I have had only one weekend to test the system out, so have not yet had time to explore the more remote areas of the software, but the answer to the question does it do the job as suggested by the Soundcraft publicity, the answer is a resounding yes! Sound quality is magnificent, this little box really is a fully featured mobile digital studio with all the routing, eq, fx and dynamics you would expect. One feature is the built in media player; tracks copied to a flash drive can be plugged into a front panel USB connector (there is another for recording; but only stereo from the main output). I tried an A/B switched comparison between a .wav file on the flash drive and the same track burned to a CD. The wave file quality and detail was very noticably superior to the CD.

One thing worried me; what happens if the battery on the controlling computer ran out during a live performance? Would the whole PA crash? The answer is no; once set up the mixer will carry on as normal even if you switch off the computer running the software, so the show will go on regardless, but you have no control over levels and such untill you re-initiate the software.

The only con so far is that the only instructions in the box are written on two postage stamp sized pieces of paper and serve only to confuse you by ignoring the many questions that arise about the means of getting the thing operational. Come on Soundcraft if you can design this brilliant piece of gear surely you find someone able to write a clear and unoquivocal getting started sheet? And no; hiding it away on a CD or download site is not the same thing as an old fashioned printed guide.

Despite the positivity of this review I do not work for, or have any connection with Soundcraft. I am merely passing on my enthusiasm for a remarkably well designed piece of equipment, which at first I thought would be well above my price range. Full marks to Soundcraft on a superb acheivment! When I consider the price as supplied by Thomann, I find the value for money remarkable.

This small factor digital mixer is excellent for smal to medium venues, because it irradicates the need for bulky multicore cables and positioning of the desk.
I would love it even more if it had a version with 16 xlr inputs, but 12 is plenty enough.
The app (webpage) is fairly intuative and I needed very little time to get used to it.
The only bad pont is the integrated wifi router wich kept loosing connection repetedly and kicking me off the network rendering the ui usless till the next reboot. The problem was solved with an external dual- band Linksys router and after that the Ui is a joy to use.
I have personally adaed a small bluetooth audio reciever for audio playback as running a long jack cable to my computer or phone isn't practical as wll as storing every possible track on a USB stick to be used for playback on the internal usb player

I use it for a small band and it's brilliant. Setup is very quick (i've used others that fit more into a smaller package and having the a little extra space between inputs and outputs is actually really nice) and the controls (running on an old iPad) are mostly intuitive and the connection to the iPad has been robust - only failed once when left for about 3 hours after setup but turning off an on fixed it.
The size and weight are a huge deal for me and if you're moving over from a traditional desk you'll never look back!
Check the usb options carefully to be sure they meet your needs as i'd say that's the one area they could have done more - It's a shame you can't use it to record multitrack.

Have been thoroughly delighted with this - main use is for a busy corporate and wedding band. It's very intuitive and the fact it's so accessible (versus other similar products which require an app to be installed) was the deciding factor for me. Love the ability to save scenes - often we have very short setup time so the ability to store our gains and a rough mix makes a huge difference in setup time. I also like the fact you can record the gig on USB - we listen back in the van on the way home which has allowed us to fix mistakes which crept in with our vocal harmonies. I bought a material rack case for this but have just upgraded to a solid one. Massive features from a tiny box!

I've bought this item instead of the B product XR model. :)
The most important thing is that you can use it with any device which has an internet browser, on any available platform (Win, Mac, Android).
This is a well-made item. Rought chassis made of metal.
The mixer which appears on your tablet/computer is super easy to use. Just like a normal analog mixer, and the input gains are a slider, not, a "pot" which makes it even easier to operate.
You can read the specs on the producer's web. I will write my personal opinion about the sound. If You looking for super mobile equipment, if you are making a small gig with a small band or one man show, this mixer is perfect for such applications. The sound is very good.
I am using this mixer with a pair of the box pro DSP112. I use this set with a small choir. 3 condenser mics, one dynamic mic + 2 monitors. Sometimes 5 cond. mics + 2 monitors. Of course, with an external router. The setup is very easy and the AFS2 system is very helpful. You can make monitors super fast without the annoying feedback.
Recommend this mixer very. You won't be disappointed.