Spirit Monitor2 Console Makes Worldwide Debut At NSCA
January 1, 1997Spirit By Soundcraft has selected the NSCA Expo in Charlotte,
North Carolina as the site for its worldwide introduction of its new Monitor2
mixing console.
Available in 24-, 32- and 40-channel frame sizes, the Monitor2 offers an impressive total of 12 monitor sends (8 mono and 2 stereo), each with 100mm faders and 12-segment tricolor LED meters for precise level adjustments. The stereo sends are particularly well-suited for in-ear monitoring. Additional amenities include a built-in splitter, ten subgroups, individual PCBs throughout and facilities for stereo engineer wedges.
The Monitor2 can also serve as a Front-of-House console if necessary by routing all monitors to master strip 11/12 and using its two faders as Mix Left and Right. For this purpose, busses 1 through 8 feature controls for pan, with 9/10 already being stereo.
All mono channels utilize Spirit's UltraMic+ preamp, which offers a generous 66dBu gain range and maximum 28dBu headroom on both the desk's XLR and line-level balanced inputs. Each strip also features four bands of British EQ with two sweepable mids, individual-channel phantom power, a phase reverse switch, hi-pass filter, EQ bypass, 12 monitor/aux sends, PFL, Mute, 60mm faders and LEDs for signal and peak.
DIM switches on each monitor output can attenuate a given monitor if feedback occurs, while individual-channel talkback switches enable the monitor engineer to talk to specific performers on stage. Permanent in-line variable hi-pass filters (20Hz to 180Hz) are provided on monitor output strips 1-8, with 60Hz hi-pass filter switches on monitors 9/10 and 11/12. Every monitor output strip also features its own mute and solo switches, each with dedicated LEDs.
The 12-segment monitor meters may be sourced from pre/post inserts, typically used for graphic EQs, permitting simple A/B testing between EQed and EQ bypass conditions. The desk offers separate insert send and return jack sockets, which are normalized when not in use. The insert send is impedance balanced and the insert return is balanced.
Two stereo effects returns are offered via balanced jack socket inputs. A 'House to FX' switch return switch allows the house mics to feed any monitor output, while separate 'FX to Monitor' level controls enable effects to be patched to the monitor outputs.
Additional features of the master section include a balanced male XLR talkback mic input. talkback preamp level control, variable solo trim level, headphone jack and balanced female XLR house mic inputs, complete with their own preamp and level control for mixing house mics to the monitors-a particularly necessary feature when using in-ear monitors. Separate +48V phantom powering is also provided for the house mics.
Shipping in late April, the Monitor2 will be available at the following retail pricing:
- 24-channel - $4699.95
- 32-channel - $5999.95
- 40-channel - $7999.95
Spirit is a British console and monitor line manufactured in the U.K. by Soundcraft and distributed in the U.S. by Spirit By Soundcraft, Inc., a subsidiary of Harman International.
For more information, visit their web site at www.spirit-by-soundcraft.co.uk. | 
