Soundcraft Si Expression 2 – 24-Input Professional Digital Console

Product Overview

The Soundcraft Si Expression 2 is a mid-size professional digital mixing console offering 24 recallable mic preamps, 66 inputs to mix, and the full Si Expression feature set in a 22+2 motorized fader format. It is well-suited for houses of worship, theatrical venues, and mid-scale touring applications where channel count and processing depth matter but a full 32-input surface is not required. Like all Si Expression consoles, it includes BSS Audio graphic EQ on every bus, four stereo Lexicon FX processors, HiQnet integration, and a 64x64 ViSi Connect expansion slot. It is currently on sale at Creation Networks.

Product Description

The Soundcraft Si Expression 2 occupies the middle position in the Si Expression series, providing 24 local mic inputs and 4 line inputs with the same full channel and bus processing found on the Expression 1 and Expression 3. Every input channel has simultaneous access to a high-pass filter, input delay, noise gate, compressor, and four-band parametric EQ. No parameters need to be assigned from shared resource pools — all processing is permanently available on every channel and bus.

The bus architecture includes 14 configurable aux/group mixes, 4 matrix buses, 4 dedicated FX buses, and LR/Center main buses. Each bus carries a BSS GEQ, compressor, four-band EQ, and delay — always available, never shared. The four stereo Lexicon FX engines are hardware-based and derived from the MX400 platform, meaning effects processing runs independently of channel DSP regardless of program complexity.

FaderGlow color-illuminates fader slots based on their active function, reducing navigation errors during live events. The TOTEM system enables one-button switching to any aux, FX, or matrix bus directly on the fader bank. Global mode encoders above each fader provide instant access to gain, pan, or HPF across all inputs simultaneously. Four assignable fader layers allow operators to customize channel layout to match specific show requirements.

The single ViSi Connect option slot accepts 64x64 digital I/O cards including Dante, optical MADI, CAT5 MADI, BSS BLU Link, AVIOM A-Net, and CobraNet. Connecting a Soundcraft or Studer stagebox via MADI expands the total channel count rather than simply routing existing inputs, allowing the Si Expression 2 to operate at its full 66-channel capacity. The EMMA DSP engine powers all processing, providing the same audio performance platform used across the broader Si series lineup. Harman HiQnet support enables networked system control in larger AV installations.

Key Features

• 24 Recallable Mic Preamps — Local XLR inputs with recallable gain staging across four fader layers.
• 66 Inputs to Mix — Accommodates mic inputs, line inputs, and FX returns across assignable fader layers.
• BSS Graphic EQ on Every Bus — Dedicated BSS GEQ on all aux, group, matrix, and main buses — no shared pool.
• 4 Stereo Lexicon FX Engines — Hardware-based MX400-derived processors for reverb, delay, and modulation; independent of channel processing.
• Soundcraft FaderGlow — Color-illuminated fader slots indicate function: FX, stereo, GEQ, pre-fade or post-fade aux.
• TOTEM One-Touch Bus Selection — Single-button switching to any aux, FX, or matrix bus mix on the fader surface.
• ViSi Connect Expansion Slot — 64x64 option card slot supporting Dante, MADI, BLU Link, AVIOM, CobraNet, and AES.
• 22+2 Motorized Faders — Motorized fader recall with four assignable layers for flexible show configuration.
• Harman HiQnet Integration — Network control compatible with the Harman Professional ecosystem.
• D.O.G.S. (Direct Out Gain Stabiliser) — Isolates direct output levels from mic gain adjustments for dual-console and recording use.
• Full Processing Always Available — HPF, gate, compressor, 4-band EQ, delay, and insert on every input channel with no assignment required.
• Copy and Paste — Copy individual processing blocks or entire channels and buses to accelerate show setup.

Typical Applications

• House of worship — PA and monitor mixing with optional stagebox for stage-side I/O
• Auditorium — theatrical and speech reinforcement requiring per-bus GEQ and monitor mixes
• Multi-purpose room — events and performances in shared-use facilities
• Touring — mid-scale productions requiring expandable I/O via ViSi Connect cards
• Training room — installed audio for presentations and lectures requiring reliable recall

Technical Specifications

Frequently Asked Questions

How does the Si Expression 2 compare to the Si Expression 1 and 3?

The Si Expression 2 has 24 local mic preamps and 22+2 faders, sitting between the Expression 1 (16 preamps, 14+2 faders) and Expression 3 (32 preamps, 30+2 faders). All three models share the same bus structure, processing depth, and expansion options.

Can I add more inputs to the Si Expression 2?

Yes. Adding a Soundcraft stagebox via a MADI ViSi Connect card increases both the available inputs and the total channels you can mix simultaneously, up to the console’s 66-input limit.

Does the Si Expression 2 support Dante networking?

Yes, with a Dante ViSi Connect option card installed in the expansion slot. This enables 64x64 Dante audio over standard network infrastructure.

What monitoring options are available for performers?

With the BLU Link ViSi Connect card, the Si Expression 2 integrates with the dbx PMC16 Personal Monitoring System over Cat5 cabling, providing individual monitor mixes to performers.

Is the BSS GEQ always available or does it need to be assigned?

The BSS GEQ is permanently assigned to every bus on the console. There is no shared pool of GEQ resources — all buses have full BSS graphic EQ available at all times.

Can I recall full show setups including mic gains?

Yes. The Si Expression 2 includes a comprehensive automation system with show and cue recall. Recallable mic preamps store gain settings as part of the scene data.

Where can I purchase the Soundcraft Si Expression 2?

The Si Expression 2 is available from Creation Networks, currently on sale with savings off the regular retail price.