Soundcraft GB2 16-Channel – Stereo Analog Live Sound Console

Product Overview

The Soundcraft GB2 RW5747SM is a 16-channel stereo analog mixing console built for installed AV and live sound applications where GB30-grade audio quality is required in a compact, straightforward analog format. As the entry-level frame in the GB2 series, the RW5747SM provides the full GB2 feature set — GB30 microphone preamplifiers and equalizers, 4 group buses as stereo subgroups, 6 auxiliary sends, direct outputs on all mono channels, and an integral 6x2 output matrix — in a console sized for smaller venues and moderate input requirements. Available at Creation Networks.

Product Description

The Soundcraft GB2 RW5747SM provides 16 XLR/line-level mono input channels and 2 stereo input channels (STE1–STE2), each with independent L/R stereo line and 3-pin XLR microphone inputs. The 16-channel frame is the smallest in the GB2 series, suited to small venues, conference rooms, houses of worship, and portable live sound setups where a professional analog console is needed without a large input count.

Every mono channel includes the GB30 microphone preamplifier — the same ultra-low-noise design found throughout the GB2, GB4, and GB8 series — along with the GB30 4-band equalizer for high, high-mid, low-mid, and low frequency shaping. The 4 group buses are configured as 2 stereo pairs, with Soundcraft's stereo-width control allowing adjustment of stereo separation from the subgroup outputs to the main mix bus, from full stereo through to mono. Six auxiliary sends per channel handle monitor mixes, effects processors, and broadcast distribution.

The integral 6x2 output matrix routes aux sends and main outputs to 2 matrix outputs for secondary zone feeds or recording buses. Direct outputs on all 16 mono channels support simultaneous multitrack recording from every input. The STE input channels operate in dual mode — mic inputs route to the local channel by default, with the LINE input selectable to override the mic routing and process the line input through the full channel strip.

Designed specifically for installed sound and AV applications, the GB2 RW5747SM is the practical choice for smaller commercial venues, conference rooms, and houses of worship that require consistent analog performance from a compact console. The GB30 preamp and EQ quality is identical to that of the GB4 and GB8, ensuring the audio standard of the larger GB Series consoles is maintained at the entry-level frame size.

Key Features

• 16 Mono + 2 Stereo Input Channels — Entry-level GB2 frame with XLR mic and line connections on all mono channels and GB30 quality throughout.
• 4 Group Buses (2 Stereo Pairs) — Subgroups configured as stereo pairs for structured routing to monitors and recording interfaces.
• 6 Auxiliary Sends — Six aux sends per channel for monitor mixes, effects loops, and broadcast distribution.
• GB30 Microphone Preamplifiers — Ultra-low-noise GB30 preamps on all mono inputs, consistent with GB4 and GB8 quality.
• GB30 4-Band EQ — Four-band equalization on every mono channel input.
• Direct Outputs (All Mono Channels) — Pre-fader direct outputs for simultaneous 16-track recording.
• Integral 6x2 Output Matrix — Routes to 2 matrix outputs for secondary zone feeds or recording buses.
• Stereo-Width Control — Adjustable stereo separation on subgroup outputs from full stereo to mono.
• Dual-Mode Stereo Inputs — STE channels operate as local mic channels or stereo returns to the mix bus.
• Integrated Meter Bridge — LED and VU meters for real-time level monitoring.

Typical Applications

• House of worship
• Conference room
• Multi-purpose room
• Training room
• Commercial meeting space
• Boardroom

Technical Specifications

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the GB2 RW5747SM best suited for?
The 16-channel GB2 is designed for smaller installed venues — small houses of worship, conference rooms, training rooms, and multipurpose spaces — where a professional analog mixing console with GB30-quality preamps is needed without a high channel count.

How does the GB2 RW5747SM compare to the GB4 RW5690SM?
Both are 16-channel consoles. The GB4 RW5690SM provides 8 aux sends (vs. 6), a 7x4 matrix (vs. 6x2), 4 individual group buses (vs. 2 stereo pairs), and dual-mode FOH/monitor topology. The GB2 is the simpler option for venues with straightforward signal routing needs.

Does the GB2 RW5747SM support phantom power?
Yes. All XLR microphone inputs supply phantom power for condenser microphones and active DI boxes.

Can I run multitrack recordings from the GB2?
Yes. Direct outputs on all 16 mono input channels provide pre-fader signals for simultaneous multitrack recording to a DAW or audio interface.

What is the stereo-width control on the GB2?
The stereo-width control adjusts the degree of stereo separation from the subgroup outputs to the main mix bus, from full stereo to mono. This is useful for mono-compatibility checking and broadcast distribution applications.

What does the 6x2 output matrix provide?
The integral 6x2 matrix routes aux sends and main outputs to 2 independent matrix outputs, typically used for a secondary zone speaker system, a broadcast feed, or an overflow area.

Is the GB2 16-channel suitable for a boardroom or conference room?
Yes. The GB2 RW5747SM's compact channel count, professional GB30 preamp quality, and straightforward analog operation make it a practical choice for boardrooms and conference rooms requiring a capable analog mixing console for speech reinforcement or multi-source audio mixing.