Soundcraft ViSi Remote
by Richard Lightstone CAS AMPS
THE SOUNDCRAFT ViSi REMOTE IS AN iPAD APP, which provides wireless control of Soundcraft Si Expression, Si Compact, Si Performer and Vi Series consoles. ViSi Remote allows you to mix and contour your sound from anywhere in a venue without being constrained by cables. A single iPad can control one console’s levels and graphic EQ. Multiple iPads can control a single console’s settings. This means that you can control the performers’ monitor mix directly from the performance position on stage. A single iPad could control a number of consoles in a network, which may include any of the consoles noted in the above range, so Si and Vi consoles may be mixed on a network.
With version 3.4 comes the addition of channel and bus processing control and metering within the app for Vi console types Vi 1, 2, 4 & 6. Control input gain, pan, routing, delay, filters, EQ and dynamics and see channel and bus level meters and dynamics gain reduction metering within the processing control section, and use the Meters tab to see all console meters at a glance and jump quickly to any block of eight channels or busses.
All Vi console types now include metering and full channel & bus processing control.
Here are some of the features of the app. You can optimize the front of house mix from anywhere in the room. Set mic gains and 48V. Adjust monitor levels (IEM) while standing next to the performer. Adjust channel strip settings remotely from the console. Extend the fader count of an existing control surface. Use in standalone mode for familiarization with console functions. Control a network of consoles (e.g., FOH and Monitor). Have a global metering overview or “meter bridge” as an extension of the console.
You can also control the following from ViSi Remote, Channel naming, Input faders and mutes, Bus, master LR and VCA master faders and mutes, Mic Gain and 48V, HPF, Channel EQ with
grab able parametric EQ curve, Gate and Compression settings, Pan, Output Delay, LR and Mono routing, Phase Invert, Graphic EQs on all bus outs, Graphic EQs on all bus outs, Channel contributions to each FX bus, Mix contributions to each matrix bus, DMX Masters (Si Performer Only).
I have used ViSi Remote for my Expression 1 console on a period musical where we had stage wedges for each performer’s monitors. I was able to stand with that performer and remotely adjust their wedge monitor levels and EQ. The app is very impressive as you have the functionality to control so many parameters of the Soundcraft console.