Soundcraft Si Expression 1 – Rack-Mount 16-Input Digital Console

Product Overview

The Soundcraft Si Expression 1 is the compact entry point in the Si Expression series, offering a 19-inch rack-mount form factor with 16 recallable mic preamps and 66 inputs to mix via the four assignable fader layers. It delivers the complete Si Expression processing architecture — including BSS Audio GEQ on every bus, four stereo Lexicon FX engines, and full Harman HiQnet support — in a format suited for smaller venues, installed AV systems, and productions where physical size is a constraint. The Si Expression 1 is currently on sale at Creation Networks, offering a cost-effective path into professional Soundcraft Si series mixing.

Product Description

The Soundcraft Si Expression 1 packs the full Si Expression feature set into a 19-inch rack-mountable chassis with 14+2 motorized faders. Despite the compact form factor, it shares the identical channel and bus processing architecture of the Expression 2 and Expression 3 — every input channel has simultaneous high-pass filter, input delay, noise gate, compressor, and four-band parametric EQ with no need to assign from a shared pool.

The console provides 14 configurable aux/group mixes (mono or stereo), 4 matrix buses, 4 FX buses, and LR/Center main buses. Each bus includes a BSS graphic EQ, compressor, four-band EQ, and delay — always on, always available. Four stereo hardware Lexicon FX processors (MX400-based) provide reverb, delay, and modulation without using any of the channel DSP resources.

FaderGlow illuminates each fader slot with color-coded function indicators, and the TOTEM system provides single-button switching between aux, FX, and matrix bus mixes. Four assignable fader layers allow operators to arrange all 66 inputs across the 14+2 physical faders in configurations tailored to the production. Global mode encoders above each fader can be set to GAIN, PAN, or HPF for all inputs simultaneously.

The ViSi Connect expansion slot accepts 64x64 digital I/O cards including Dante, MADI (CAT5 or optical), BSS BLU Link, AVIOM A-Net, and CobraNet. Connecting a Soundcraft stagebox via MADI increases the total channels to mix, not simply the number of inputs available. The EMMA DSP engine delivers the same processing platform as higher-tier Si series consoles. For installed AV environments, Harman HiQnet integration enables the Si Expression 1 to participate in broader system-level control and monitoring networks.

Key Features

• 19-Inch Rack-Mount Form Factor — Compact chassis suitable for installed AV equipment racks and space-constrained productions.
• 16 Recallable Mic Preamps — Local XLR inputs with recallable gain staging and motorized fader automation.
• 66 Inputs to Mix — Full 66-input capacity accessible via four assignable fader layers on 14+2 physical faders.
• BSS Graphic EQ on Every Bus — Full BSS GEQ permanently on all aux, group, matrix, and main buses — no resource pool to manage.
• 4 Stereo Lexicon FX Engines — Hardware MX400-based processors for reverb, delay, and modulation, independent of channel DSP.
• Soundcraft FaderGlow — Color-coded fader illumination for function identification across all layers and bus types.
• TOTEM One-Touch Bus Selection — Instant bus mix switching directly on the fader surface with a single button press.
• ViSi Connect Expansion Slot — Single 64x64 card slot for Dante, MADI, BLU Link, AVIOM, CobraNet, and AES options.
• Harman HiQnet Integration — Network-based system control for installed AV and multi-device Harman ecosystems.
• D.O.G.S. (Direct Out Gain Stabiliser) — Preserves direct output levels when mic gain is adjusted, supporting recording and dual-console configurations.
• Full Channel Processing Always On — HPF, gate, compressor, 4-band EQ, delay, and insert available on every input without assignment.
• Security Lockout — Full or partial console locking with user profile management for shared-use environments.

Typical Applications

• House of worship — compact installed console for smaller sanctuaries or side-stage monitor mixing
• Multi-purpose room — installed AV system where rack mounting is required
• Auditorium — small to mid-size theatrical productions and speech reinforcement
• Conference room / boardroom — rack-mounted mixing for high-input-count presentation environments
• Touring — compact touring rig where console size and weight must be minimized

Technical Specifications

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Si Expression 1 truly rack-mountable?

Yes. The Si Expression 1 is designed as a 19-inch rack-mount unit, making it suitable for AV equipment racks in installed environments or portable rack cases for touring.

Does the Si Expression 1 have the same processing as the larger Expression models?

Yes. All three Si Expression models — Expression 1, 2, and 3 — share the same channel and bus processing architecture. The only differences are the number of local mic inputs and physical faders.

Can the Si Expression 1 reach 66 inputs if it only has 14+2 faders?

Yes. The four assignable fader layers allow all 66 inputs to be accessed across the 14+2 physical faders. Operators configure which inputs appear on each layer.

What expansion options are available?

The single ViSi Connect slot accepts Dante, MADI (optical or CAT5), BSS BLU Link, AVIOM A-Net, CobraNet, and AES/EBU cards, among others. Only one card can be installed at a time.

Is this console appropriate for a house of worship with limited stage space?

Yes. The rack-mount form factor and stagebox connectivity via MADI make the Si Expression 1 a practical choice for smaller sanctuaries where a full desktop console would not fit or where the console needs to be located in a rack room with remote I/O at the stage.

Does the Si Expression 1 support personal monitor mixing systems?

Yes. With the BLU Link ViSi Connect card installed, the console integrates with the dbx PMC16 Personal Monitoring System over Cat5 cabling, providing individual in-ear monitor mixes to performers.

Where can I buy the Soundcraft Si Expression 1?

Available from Creation Networks, currently on sale with savings from the regular retail price. Contact Creation Networks for volume or installation pricing.