Soundcraft Vi5000 – 128-Input Digital Live Sound Console

Product Overview

The Soundcraft Vi5000 is a professional large-format digital live sound console designed for touring, broadcast, and large-venue FOH and monitor applications. Sharing the Vi7000’s core architecture, the Vi5000 digital mixing console supports simultaneous mixing of up to 128 inputs and 32 mono/stereo busses, with optional 96kHz processing, 40-bit floating point DSP, and 8 independent Lexicon multi-FX units. The Vi5000 delivers the same Vistonics touchscreen interface and FaderGlow workflow in a configuration suited to production companies and install contractors seeking a scalable digital audio network console at a lower system cost than the Vi7000.

Product Description

The Vi5000 pairs a compact control surface with Soundcraft’s new Local Rack and Active Breakout Box hardware, supporting up to 384 I/O channels via MADI Stagebox expansion. The patented Vistonics interface places rotary encoders and switches directly on the touchscreen, providing immediate access to channel gain, delay, HP/LP filters, 4-band fully parametric EQ, compressor, limiter, gate, de-esser, and pan — without separate screen-to-control hand coordination. A dedicated Vistonics II output processing interface doubles as a complete meter overview for all 128 inputs and 32 busses.

At 48kHz, stagebox mic input to local line output latency measures under 2ms. An optional 96kHz mode is available with additional DSP cards at a reduced channel count. The console supports a 128-channel record interface via MADI or Dante, enabling large-scale direct-to-DAW multitrack recording without external I/O converters. Connectivity options include Dante, MADI, Rocknet, EtherSound, and CobraNet through the ViSi Connect expansion card system.

The Vi5000 includes 16 instances of BSS DPR901ii Dynamic EQ and a BSS third-octave Graphic EQ on every bus output. STUDER vMIX automated microphone mixing handles up to 4 groups of 16 inputs, providing consistent gain management for panel discussion and corporate production applications. The optional Soundcraft Realtime Rack adds UAD plug-in processing to channels, aux sends, and master busses with full snapshot recall integration.

Key Features

• 128 Inputs / 32 Mono-Stereo Busses — Full simultaneous mixing of 128 inputs with all busses convertible to stereo, providing up to 32-stereo monitor output capability.
• Vistonics Touchscreen Interface with FaderGlow — Integrated rotary encoders and switches on the touchscreen surface; color-coded FaderGlow faders indicate function and operational mode at a glance.
• Optional 96kHz / 40-Bit Floating Point DSP — Enhanced audio resolution mode available with additional DSP cards; standard operation runs at 48kHz with full 40-bit floating point processing.
• Local Rack Architecture — Up to 384 I/O — Local Rack and Active Breakout Box hardware support large-scale I/O distribution for festival and complex venue deployments.
• 128-Channel Record Interface — Simultaneous 128-channel output via MADI or Dante for direct multitrack recording to any compatible DAW or recording system.
• 16x BSS DPR901ii Dynamic EQ Instances — Accurately modelled digital version of the industry-standard analogue unit, with under/over threshold switching per band, available on any channel or bus insert.
• BSS Third-Octave Graphic EQ on Every Bus — Modelled on the BSS960 analogue unit with global Q adjustment for stage monitor or main system tuning.
• STUDER vMIX Automixing — Automated microphone mixing for up to 4 groups of 16 inputs, maintaining constant gain while reducing inactive microphone levels in real time.
• 8 Independent Lexicon Multi-FX Units — Each unit provides 14 reverbs, 7 delays, and 8 pitch-shifting effects patchable to input channels, aux outputs, and channel inserts.
• Multi-Protocol I/O Expansion — Supports Dante, MADI, Rocknet, EtherSound, and CobraNet via ViSi Connect expansion slots for integration into any digital audio network.
• VM2 Radio Mic Status Monitoring — Real-time monitoring of Shure ULX-D, QLX-D, and compatible AKG wireless mic battery, RF status, mute state, and internal clip on the console surface.
• Realtime Rack Compatible — Optional UAD plug-in integration with up to 74 Universal Audio plug-ins, fully integrated with the Vi5000’s snapshot recall system.

Typical Applications

• Touring FOH and monitor mixing
• Festival and outdoor production
• Broadcast studio and live-to-air applications
• Auditorium and performing arts center installations
• House of worship with large-format production requirements
• Corporate events and conference productions requiring automated microphone mixing

Technical Specifications

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between the Vi5000 and the Vi7000?

The Vi5000 and Vi7000 share the same processing architecture, channel counts, and I/O capabilities. The primary distinction is the control surface: the Vi7000 has a wider fader layout, while the Vi5000 offers a more compact surface at a lower price point. Both support 128 inputs, 32 busses, and the same processing feature set.

Does the Vi5000 support 96kHz operation?

Yes, with additional DSP cards installed and at a reduced channel count. Standard operation runs at 48kHz with full 128-input capacity and 40-bit floating point processing.

What stagebox and network audio protocols does the Vi5000 support?

The Vi5000 supports Dante, MADI, Rocknet, EtherSound, and CobraNet via ViSi Connect expansion slots. The Local Rack hardware provides up to 384 I/O channels for large-scale touring and installation systems.

Can the Vi5000 multitrack record directly from the console?

Yes. The Vi5000 provides a 128-channel record interface output via MADI or Dante for direct connection to a DAW or recording system, eliminating the need for additional A-D/D-A conversion hardware.

What warranty does the Soundcraft Vi5000 carry?

The Vi5000 is covered by the HARMAN Professional Solutions warranty. Contact Creation Networks for current warranty terms and service options applicable to your purchase.

Is the Vi5000 suitable for both FOH and monitor mixing?

Yes. The Vi5000 is designed for both applications. With 32 stereo-capable busses, 4 aux send pick-off points per channel, and Aux VCA mode, a single engineer can manage FOH and monitor requirements from one surface. STUDER vMIX automixing further reduces monitoring demands on the operator during complex multi-presenter events.

How does the Vi5000 integrate with Universal Audio plug-ins?

With the optional Soundcraft Realtime Rack, engineers can insert UAD Powered Plug-Ins on individual channels, aux sends, and master busses. All UAD plug-in settings are stored within the console’s snapshot system for complete show recall. Factory-designed flightcases for the Vi5000 include provisions for mounting up to three Realtime Racks.