Line 6 StageScape M20d Smart Visual Mixer For Live Sound Review

With the NAMM music trade show just around the corner a number of mixer manufacturers have been announcing their new hardware this week and adding to the lineup Line6 has now introduced a new StageScape visual mixer which is equipped with a touchscreen input feature and has 12 high-performance, digitally controlled, auto-sensing mic/line inputs. StageScape M20d visual mixer have inputs (12 line / mic, four line-only, and two for USB/SD streaming) and outputs (four XLR monitors, two master) all strummed along by internal 32-bit floating-point processing and other features include Kaossilator style X-Y multi-parameter control, and color coded pots presumably so you don't kill the guitar solo by mistake. A final flourish is remote control via an iPad, for mid-track sound tweaks and inputs for integrating MP3 players or other sound sources, 4 auto-sensing monitor outputs on balanced XLR connectors, 2 auto-sensing main outputs on balanced XLR connectors and L6 LINK multi-channel digital networking for integrating L6 LINK enabled speaker systems.

Line 6 introduces StageScape M20d the world's first smart mixer for live sound. Featuring a groundbreaking touchscreen visual mixing environment, StageScape M20d streamlines and accelerates the process of getting great live sound in an intuitive, complete solution that inspires great performances. Massive DSP power delivers comprehensive professional audio processing on every channel including multi-band feedback suppression. Multi-channel recording, remote control capabilities via one or more iPad devices and pristine audio quality make the StageScape M20d an ideal mixing solution for a wide variety of live sound applications. "For musicians who take care of their own live sound, getting great results consistently can be a time-consuming and frustrating experience – particularly when they want to be focused on performing," said Simon Jones, vice president of new market development at Line 6. "StageScape M20d answers those challenges by reinventing mixer workflow to better empower musicians to dial in a great mix with speed and ease. With a smart design to dramatically reduce setup time, intuitive touchscreen control that simplifies complex mixing tasks, and premium mic pre's and effects to ensure the best sound quality, StageScape M20d will deliver great sound in a range of situations." A groundbreaking visual mixing system replaces the traditional mixer channel strip with intuitive touchscreen control. In Perform Mode, a graphic display of the stage setup uses icons to represent each performer or input. Color-coded encoders provide immediate access to level control. A single touch on a performer's icon gives access to all parameters relating to that channel, from basic tweaks through deep effects editing. The audio signal chain can be controlled via an innovative X-Y tweak pad. Drag a finger toward common sound descriptors like bright or dark and multiple parameters adjust simultaneously to achieve that sound. Deep Edit mode gives more experienced operators access to every effect parameter via a familiar plug-in style interface.

StageScape M20d streamlines setup with auto-sensing mic and line inputs and outputs that can detect when a connection is made and automatically configure the channel gain, EQ, effects and routing. StageScape M20d streamlines setup with auto-sensing mic and line inputs and outputs that can detect when a connection is made and automatically configure the channel gain, EQ, effects and routing. Taking full advantage of Line 6 audio processing expertise, StageScape M20d features professional-grade effects on every channel, including fully parametric EQs, multi-band compressors, feedback suppression, and more. In addition, four master stereo effects engines are available, comprising studio quality reverbs, delays and a vocal doubler. A wide range of channel presets covering everything from individual drum settings to lead vocals allow musicians to configure appropriate channel effects quickly. Equipped with the L6 LINK digital networking protocol, StageScape M20d allows complete PA systems of any scale to be easily configured and controlled. Connect StageScape M20d to L6 LINK enabled StageSource speakers and the system automatically configures stereo signals and effects, sets individual component levels and adjusts individual speaker performance. When connected via L6 LINK, StageScape M20d and StageSource speakers are capable of unparalleled power and flexibility. Together they redefine the typical mixer-speaker paradigm to introduce a smarter live sound experience in which the live rig is a complete, intelligent eco-system rather than merely a linear combination of components. Intelligence is built into every aspect of StageScape M20d. From auto-sensing inputs that configure channel DSP processing strips, to professionally crafted audio processing presets, to innovative touchscreen-based multi-parameter effects control, StageScape M20d provides the fastest path to great live sound. StageScape is ideal for a wide range of live sound applications from performing musicians and bands, through to fixed installation in clubs, houses of worship or corporate event venues.

Inputs/Outputs:

• 12 high-performance, digitally controlled, auto-sensing mic/line inputs
• 4 additional auto-sensing line inputs
• 2 digital streaming inputs direct from computer, USB drive or SD card
• Stereo line inputs for integrating MP3 players or other sound sources
• 4 auto-sensing monitor outputs on balanced XLR connectors
• 2 auto-sensing main outputs on balanced XLR connectors
• L6 LINK multi-channel digital networking for integrating L6 LINK enabled speaker systems

Control:

• 7-inch full-color touchscreen visual mixing environment
• Remote control capability via one or more iPad® or iPad® 2 devices via an optional USB WiFi adapter

Recording:

• Multi-channel recording to computer, USB drive or SD card
• Quick-capture recording to internal memory for sound check

Processing:

• Internal 32-bit floating point audio processing
• Massive DSP power provides parametric EQs, dynamic EQs, compressors, multi-band compressors, gates, delays, limiters and more
• Multi-band feedback suppression on every mic input
• 4 stereo master effects engines including reverbs, delays and vocal doubler
• Virtually unlimited I/O setups, scenes, and channel processing presets.