Soundcraft Vi1 – Digital Live Sound Console (48 Channel)

Product Overview

The Soundcraft Vi1 (48-channel configuration) is a professional digital live sound console that delivers Vi Series FOH and monitor mixing capability in a compact chassis suited to mid-size touring, rental operations, and permanent installs in houses of worship, theatres, and multi-purpose venues. This version of the Vi1 provides 48 channels of analogue mic/line input to 27 analogue outputs, plus 6 digital inputs, 4 stereo FX returns, and 6 digital outputs — all within the same single-chassis frame as the 32-channel model. With a base mix capacity of 46 channels expandable to 64 with a compatible stagebox, 24 multifunction busses, and the 22-inch widescreen Vistonics touchscreen, the Vi1 48-channel digital mixing console is a complete standalone solution that punches above its price point in both capability and workflow.

Product Description

The Vi1 48-channel console provides more local analogue input capacity than the 32-channel version, making it suitable for productions that require a higher analogue input count at the console rather than relying on stagebox inputs for the majority of sources. Both versions share the same control surface, DSP architecture, software, and processing complement — the distinction lies solely in the number of local mic/line input connectors on the rear panel. For touring acts, rental companies, and fixed installations where 48 analogue inputs are needed at the console, this configuration eliminates the need for additional hardware to reach full channel count.

The Vi1's 22-inch widescreen Vistonics touchscreen displays all parameters for 16 channels simultaneously, with the upper portion of the screen dedicated to output section control, cue list management, and system menus. Two rows of 16 rotary encoders below the screen provide direct tactile control. This layout — immediately recognisable to engineers familiar with the Vi4 and Vi6 — allows operators to access the full channel strip functionality: parametric EQ, dynamics, bus assignments, and effects sends, without navigating multiple menu layers.

Processing includes 4 stereo Lexicon effects engines, BSS Audio graphic EQ on all output busses, and integral dynamics across all input channels. Faderglow illumination colour-codes fader slots by layer assignment. The 24 multifunction busses can be freely assigned as auxiliary sends, groups, or matrix outputs — with up to 8 configured as matrix mixes with up to 16 sources each. Stagebox compatibility with existing Vi series racks allows the total channel count to reach 64 when additional inputs are needed. Show file compatibility with the Vi2, Vi4, and Vi6 simplifies deployment across mixed Vi format rental inventories.

Key Features

• 48 Analogue Mic/Line Inputs — 48-channel local analogue input capacity with 27 analogue outputs, 6 digital inputs, 4 stereo FX returns, and 6 digital outputs in a single chassis — more local inputs than the 32-channel variant without any additional hardware.
• 46-Channel Base Mix (Expandable to 64) — Standard mix capacity of 46 channels, increasing to 64 channels when a compatible Vi stagebox is connected.
• 22-Inch Widescreen Vistonics Interface — Single touchscreen displays all parameters for 16 channels simultaneously with two rows of 16 rotary encoders for direct tactile control.
• 24 Multifunction Busses — 24 busses configurable as auxiliary sends, groups, or matrix outputs, plus LR and mono master busses.
• Matrix Mixing — Up to 8 busses configurable as matrix mixes, each with up to 16 sources, for multi-zone distribution and complex monitor configurations.
• 4 Stereo Lexicon FX Engines — Built-in Lexicon reverb, delay, and pitch effects across 4 stereo engines, replacing the need for outboard effects on most live productions.
• BSS Audio Graphic EQ on All Output Busses — BSS Audio GEQ provides system and monitor tuning directly from the console without external processors.
• Faderglow Fader Illumination — Colour-coded fader illumination identifies function by layer, reducing mix errors across input, output, VCA, and graphic EQ layers.
• Motorised Faders with Layering — 16 motorised input faders with fixed and user-definable layers, 8 output/VCA faders, and 2 master faders.
• Vi Series Show File Compatibility — Compatible with Vi2, Vi4, and Vi6 show files for cross-console deployment in rental environments.
• Stagebox Compatible — Works with Vi series stagebox racks to expand total channel count to 64 when additional remote inputs are required.
• Integral Per-Channel Dynamics — Full dynamics processing built into every input channel, with no need for external dynamic processing hardware.

Typical Applications

• House of worship — permanent install or portable FOH console for medium-sized congregations with high analogue input counts from band, choir, and speaking positions
• Auditorium — primary mixing console for school auditoriums, community theatres, and small performing arts venues
• Multi-purpose room — touring and club-level live sound reinforcement where 48 local analogue inputs are required without stagebox dependency
• Training room — audio engineering education and AV training facilities where Vi Series workflow experience is a training objective

Technical Specifications

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between the Vi1 48-channel and 32-channel versions?

Both versions use identical control surfaces, DSP engines, and software. The 48-channel version (SKU 5044496) has 48 analogue mic/line inputs on the rear panel, while the 32-channel version (SKU E947.300000) provides 32. All other specifications — busses, effects engines, fader layout, and connectivity — are the same. Choose the 48-channel version when you need 48 local analogue inputs without relying on a stagebox for channel count.

Can the Vi1 48-channel be expanded further with a stagebox?

The Vi1 supports connection to Vi series stagebox racks for channel expansion up to a maximum of 64 simultaneous channels. For productions requiring more than 64 channels, a larger console in the Vi series — such as the Vi1000 or Vi2000 — would be the appropriate choice.

Does the Vi1 48-channel include Dante networking?

The Vi1 does not include built-in Dante networking as standard. If Dante integration is a requirement, the Soundcraft Vi1000 or Vi2000 both include 64-channel Dante interfaces as standard. Contact Creation Networks to discuss the most appropriate console for your specific Dante network requirements.

Is the Vi1 compatible with show files from larger Vi consoles?

Yes. The Vi1 supports show file exchange with the Vi2, Vi4, and Vi6 consoles. This is particularly useful for rental companies that need to prepare shows on one console and deploy on another, or for touring productions that carry the Vi1 as a backup to a larger console.

What processing is available for output bus management on the Vi1?

All output busses on the Vi1 include BSS Audio graphic EQ. Input channels have integral dynamics processing. The 4 stereo Lexicon effects engines can be routed to any bus. Up to 8 of the 24 busses can be configured as matrix mixes with up to 16 sources each, providing flexible output zone management for multi-speaker system configurations.

What warranty applies to the Soundcraft Vi1?

The Soundcraft Vi1 is covered by Harman Professional Solutions warranty terms. Contact Creation Networks for purchase-specific warranty information and to discuss available extended service options through the authorised Harman service network.