Input Channels | Soundcraft Signature Plus Series
Learn how to use the input channels on the Soundcraft Signature Plus Series of mixers. In this video, we’ll walk through the different input types and the key controls available on each channel strip, including gain, the one-knob compressor, EQ, aux sends, FX sends, and pan control.
You’ll also learn the basics of routing input channels to the main mix and groups, along with practical examples of gain staging to help you set healthy signal levels. The video also covers common troubleshooting steps for input channels, including what to check when you are not getting sound from a connected source.
Whether you’re connecting microphones, instruments, playback devices, or other audio sources, this video will help you better understand how signals enter the mixer and how to control them before they reach the rest of your mix.
Hello, my name is Tony Smith and welcome back to the Soundcraft Signature Plus Video Manual Series. In this video, we’re going to talk about the inputs section of the mixer and the available controls on the channel strips.
Starting from the top of the mixer, you’ll find the inputs above the channel numbers at the top of each channel. Combo jacks accept XLR, TRS, and TS inputs. Stereo inputs will have an additional ¼” input, and we also have a pair of RCA inputs for other media devices.
Each mono channel has an insert connection for sending the signal to an external processor using an insert cable. Each mixer will have a group of hi-z channels for connecting guitars or basses without a DI box. Simply press this button to enable hi-z. These mixers have global phantom power for condenser microphones. Pressing this button will turn on phantom power for all channels. Larger mixers have phantom power split into two banks.
This first red knob is for preamp gain control. The signal can be monitored by this light in the top right corner. Pressing this PAD button will apply attenuation to the channel and drop the volume to avoid distortion. Pressing this 100Hz button will apply a 100Hz hi-pass filter to the channel, lowering and removing frequencies below 100Hz. This is useful for vocals and other instruments you may not want clashing with your bass or kick drum.
Next, these mixers feature a new one-knob compressor, controlled by this pink comp knob. Simply turn it on with this button below it, then adjust this control to taste based on the instrument type. This is a fixed-ratio compressor and this knob controls both the threshold and output gain. Attack and release times will vary based on the input dynamics.
Each channel has a 3 band Soundcraft Sapphyre EQ controlled by these next 4 grey knobs. The HF, or high frequency band fixed at 12 kilohertz. The mid frequency band that can be moved between 150hz and 3k using this lighter knob. And the low frequency band at 60hz.
Knobs A1 through A4 are Aux send levels that control how much of this signal is sent to the 4 aux mixes. The FX knob controls how much of the signal is sent to the mixer’s Lexicon FX processor. We’ll cover both Auxes and the internal FX in a different video. This last knob is pan control for mono channels or balance control for stereo channels.
Each channel has routing buttons to control where the signal is being sent to. Either the main mix, group 1 and 2, or group 3 and 4. The channel fader adjusts the level sent to these busses. A signal light to monitor the channel visually is found here, along with a listen button, and a mute toggle. We’ll cover the listen feature in more detail in a different video.
In the next video, we’re going to talk about the outputs and cover our main mix and group busses. Thanks for watching. For more news, product information, and troubleshooting tips, visit our Anytime Help Center at Help.Harmanpro.com