AVI Event Services is a technical service provider for corporate events and professional venues based in Fort Wayne, Indiana.
AVI’s sound engineers had been seeking the right audio mixing console to complement their services with the search recently culminating in the purchase of a Harman Soundcraft Si Expression 2 console.
According to Todd Fiechter, Sound Engineer/Specialist at AVI, the company began considering purchasing a digital console in early 2012.
“We knew we would have to make the transition to a digital console soon,” he said. “However, digital was still pretty expensive at the time, and we were more experienced with the feel and layout of analog consoles.”
Equipment managers like Fiechter can rest assured knowing that the Soundcraft Si Expression series offers a unique combination of digital performance (recallable settings) and analog user experience.
The Si Expression 2 features 24 recallable mic pre amps, four line inputs, four internal stereo FX returns, AES in, and a 64×64 expansion slot offering more than enough scope to use every one of the 66 input processing channels. All controls are dedicated to a specific function, so not only are they never layered to avoid hassle; they can also be labeled like traditional analog mixing boards.
“During a recent medical industry conference, we were responsible for a live satellite feed, a broadcast of live surgery and podium microphones. For all the tasks, the Si Expression 2 performed perfectly,” according to Fiechter.
The Si Expression 2 not only provides superior digital performance at a decent price, it also combines effects and processing into its compact form factor. “The amount of external gear the Si Expression 2 saves us is amazing; we use a lot of compression and the EQs are great,” Fiechter said.
According to Fiechter, the features of the Si Expression 2 are perfectly suited for customer-oriented professionals like himself: “Since the events we do have similar setups (video playback, PowerPoint, etc.), we plan on using the Si Expression 2 for every show. It really fits the events we do and our options for expansion down the road.”
