Combining the essential features for live mixing with basic recording functionalities, the LX7-II from Soundcraft is a live sound analog mixer that’s easy to configure and use. Packing tons of tools into a compact console, the LX7-II is ideal for smaller, multi-purpose installations such as theatrical venues, houses of worship, performance PA, and community centers. This mixer is also a great choice for gigging bands that need both a live desk and a studio mixing solution.
Live mixing quality inherited from a legend. The LX7-II is the next generation of the reliable LX7 mixer, while also drawing classic design elements—such as its 4-band EQ on each input—from Soundcraft’s MH3 and MH4 touring consoles. The LX7-II also includes Soundcraft’s GB30 Series padless mic-preamp, which offers 60dB of gain and 22 dBu of headroom.
The EQ In/Out switch and steep 18dB/Octave High Pass Filter allow effective audio control, while the six auxiliary sends are pre-post switchable in pairs from each channel, providing a maximum of 4 pre-faders and 6 post-faders. This makes LX7-II ideal for foldback-heavy performance or in situations where more effects are required.
Standard features include frame sizes of up to 32 mono inputs and 4 stereo inputs/returns with 4 groups, a main stereo output, and a dedicated mono output for center clusters. Direct outputs on the first 16 inputs are ideal for multitrack recording, while 6 aux busses are good for effects and foldback. All inputs and outputs are balanced.
Housed in a choice of 16, 24, or 32 channel frames, LX7-II provides 24, 32, or 40 inputs - with no less than 13 separate bus outputs. Mix to 7 outputs—4 subgroups, plus the main Left, Right, and Center (Mono) mix outputs. All 4 groups are routable to mix and include 12-segment bar graph metering for accurate monitoring and inserts. There are also 8, 16, or 24 direct-outs, depending on the frame size of your console. Two further stereo inputs are in the mixer’s groups section with EQ, auxiliaries for keyboards, or stereo recording devices as well as 2 FX returns. The rotary controls feature 6 auxiliary masters with AFL soloing.
The LX7-II’s master section provides talkback to all pre-fade auxiliaries and the mix and organizes Phantom power in banks of 4. Additionally, you can play CDs over the main PA with the “two-track” switch. The mix is also routable to the separate mono bus if mono PAs are required.
This mixer sports a rugged wedge-shaped steel chassis that includes an internal power supply, while an all-metal jackfield and connectors are located on the console’s back panel. Despite its durable build, the compact frame of the LX7-II is also light enough for a single person to carry.
Soundcraft LX7II Features
- 16, 24 and 32 channel frame sizes
- GB30 mic preamp and precision equalization circuitry
- True 7-bus architecture
- 2 stereo inputs
- 2 stereo returns
- Channel direct outputs
- Talkback facility
- 100mm faders
- +48 phantom power
- 6 aux sends, 4 of which are pre/post switchable
- 18dB/octave high pass filter
- Group and mix inserts
- 12-segment LED metering
- Integral universal voltage, switched-mode PSU for light weight
- LX7II Mixing Console1
- Power supply cable1
- Frequency Response (XLR input to any output)+0/-1dB, 20Hz-20kHz
- THD & Noise (all measurements at +10dBu output, 30dB gain)
- XLR Input to Direct Output: <0.007% @1kHz
- XLR Input to Mix Output: <0.008% @1kHz
- Mic Input EIN (22Hz-22kHz bandwidth, unweighted)<-128dBu (150Ω source)
- Mic Gain
- Min.: 5dB
- Max.: 60dB
- Bus Noise
- Mix output, input faders @ -∞, Mix fader 0dB
- 16 channels routed: <-88dBu
- Group output, input faders @ -∞, Group fader 0dB
- 16 channels routed: <-88dBu
- Aux output, input sends @ -∞, Aux master 0dB
- 16 channels routed: <-91dBu
- Crosstalk (@ 1 kHz)
- Input Channel Muting: >98dB
- Input Fader Cutoff: >98dB
- Input Pan Pot Isolation: >82dB
- Mix Routing Isolation: >98dB
- Group Routing Isolation: >98dB
- Adjacent Channel Isolation: >100dB
- Group-Mix Crosstalk: <-84dB
- Aux Send Off: <-94dB
- CMRR (mono input, measured at max. gain)typically 80dB @1kHz
- Input & Output Levels
- Input Channel Mic Input: +15dBu max.
- Input Channel Line Input: +30dBu max.
- Stereo Inputs & Insert Returns: +20dBu max.
- All Outputs: +20dBu max.
- Nominal Operating Level: 0dBu
- Headphone Power: 2 x 250mW into 200Ω phones
- Input & Output Impedances
- Mic Input: 2kΩ
- Line Inputs: >10kΩ
- Input Channel Insert Return: 5kΩ (with EQ in; otherwise worst case 1.8kΩ)
- Mix, Group, Aux Outputs: 150Ω
- Insert Sends: 75Ω
- Recommended Headphone Impedance: 50-600Ω
- High Pass Filter (mono input)100Hz, 18dB per octave
- EQ (mono input)
- HF: 13kHz, +/-15dB, 2nd order shelving
- Hi-Mid: 550Hz-13kHz, +/-15dB, Q=1
- Lo-Mid: 80Hz-1.9kHz, +/-15dB, Q=1
- LF: 80Hz, +/-15dB, 2nd order shelving
- Metering6 tri-color 12-segment LED bargraphs
- Power
- AC mains supply (internal PSU) 85V-270V AC, 50/60Hz universal input
- Power Consumption: 60W
- Temperature Range14°F to 86°F (-10°C to 30°C)
- Relative Humidity0% to 80%
About Analog Mixers at Sound Productions
An analog mixer (alternately spelled analogue mixer) is generally what comes to mind when you visualize a classic audio mixer. Compatible with analog electronic devices, analog mixers typically have a standard appearance and straightforward functionality of one control per function, which allows users with basic mixing knowledge to operate any analog mixer with relative familiarity.
When compared to their digital mixer counterparts, analog mixers offer fewer onboard features and lack the automation and wireless connectivity options that may be needed for more complex applications. However, their simplicity means that analog mixers are generally less expensive, making them an affordable option for applications that require more minimalistic mixing functionality.
Analog mixers are ideal for both live sound (FOH) and recording studios—anywhere that uses analog devices as their sound sources.
