DIGICO SD8 IS A MAJOR AUDIO PLUS FOR ESSEX SOUND COMPANY
DiGiCo’s groundbreaking SD8 made a big impression on many people when it was launched at PLASA 2008 - perhaps none more so than on Essex-based sound company Audio Plus who, by the end of the launch day, had already shaken hands with DiGiCo on an order for two of the new consoles.
Up until then, Audio Plus had been renting in digital mixing consoles as and when needed. But with the ever-increasing use of digital boards on all sizes of live event, the company was keen to invest in them for its own hire stock. The SD8 proved to be exactly what was required.
“To be honest, until the SD8 came along we felt there was no digital console, at this price point, that really set itself apart from the rest. It was always better for us to hire in whatever console seemed to be most favoured by engineers at the time,” says Audio Plus proprietor, Stefan Imhof. “But when we heard DiGiCo was launching a new console at PLASA, we were very interested to see what it was. Once we had run through it with them, we decided on the same day that an SD8 would be good for our inventory. We also realised two would be even better!”
A deal was done there and then for two 96 input, 48 output SD8 systems incorporating DiGi-Racks.
“DiGiCo consoles have a tremendous pedigree and the SD8 immediately demonstrated three qualities which were fundamental to our requirements,” says Stefan. “The first was its audio quality - we are audio purists and above all else was how the console sounds. Quite simply the SD8 sounds fantastic.
“Second is its range of facilities and its sheer flexibility. The features are comprehensive, but at the same time it is a very straightforward console to learn. This combination makes it very ‘rentable’, not to mention the easy integration of options like a live recording system when used alongside the RME MADIFace.
“Thirdly,” Stefan continues, “it makes very good financial sense. DiGiCo design their consoles to have a long shelf life and that’s really important for us. With such advanced hardware and software updates keeping it at the forefront of audio technology, I’m sure we will get many years of good use from our SD8s.”
With the desk proving exceptionally popular since its launch, a fourth major benefit has also become apparent - it is becoming increasingly possible for touring artists to pick one up locally throughout the world.
“I believe the SD8 could become the most dominant console of its type and very likely become the new standard. I definitely think it will be one of the leading consoles for years to come,” says Stefan. “It’s already seeing widespread use throughout the UK and Europe and its combination of features, usability and sound quality really set it apart.”
Once delivered to Audio Plus’s Colchester premises, the two SD8s were swiftly put to work on a UK tour by The Zutons, one on monitors and the other as a support console at front of house.
“We are also already having many dry hire enquiries, simply because of having the SD8s so early on,” says Stefan. “The SD8 is proving the very best starting point for us as we fully embrace digital console technology. And, as you’d expect, DiGiCo’s backup and product support has been fantastic.”
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