The only minor issue that I have is that my computer does not recognize any input above the first 8. I am using Linux/ALSA and this has probably something to do with my software setup, so not really a product shortfall. This classy all-in-one stagebox-cum-mixer combines some of Harman’s most highly regarded technology — to great success!

Read any review or description of a Soundcraft mixer and someone will eventually refer to the ‘British EQ’ that is one of the hallmarks of this brand, and although I’d be hard put to define exactly what that means to me other than that I feel very comfortable using it, I can say that the EQ in the Ui24R is smooth, forgiving and as comprehensive as you’re likely to ever need in this type of mixer. The little handles or ‘blobs’ (the manual calls them “frequency balls”...) allow accurate setting of the curves with precise drag and pinch/splay movements even on my modest iPhone SE screen. I particularly like the slider controls and parameter values that appear alongside the curves, and the fact that the selected channel and master faders are still displayed when in the EQ screen. The Ui24R is endowed with both subgroups and VCAs, which can be especially useful when mixing on a smaller screen where the number of channels in view is restricted. There’s a handy feature called View Groups that allows you to set up a number of instantly recallable custom views (like user-defined fader layers) and this can make mixing a live show much easier with fewer visible strips. It’s nice to have both groups and VCAs as they are useful in different ways, but both contribute to making the operator’s job easier and extending the amount of flexibility and control you have. You’d expect any decent digital mixer to include at least channel EQ and dynamics, with some processing available on the outputs, and this is often where product differentials are most noticeable. The Ui24R provides a four-band parametric EQ, high- and low-pass filters, compressor, de-esser and noise gate on every input channel, and a 31-band graphic EQ, gate and compressor on every output channel, with the main left/right outputs also benefitting from low- and high-pass filters. A matrix can be set up to combine the outputs from aux, subgroup and main L-R busses and route them to physical outputs, thus creating an entirely separate group mix that can have DSP applied just like an aux group. It’s easy to create and manage matrix groups, as they replace any aux and are controlled in much the same way — you press and hold any aux master label and select ‘Switch to matrix’ from the pop-up list that appears.As for the wifi signal, I never used it remotely. It is physically connected to the network. The UI16 had an external router and I would probably use an external router as well in any "noisy" electronic environment. The de-esser function is nicely integrated within the EQ screen, and the real-time RTA function can be called up on all inputs and outputs to show what’s going on in the signal path. There is also an ‘easy EQ’ option that offers a simple three-band, fixed-frequency, fixed-Q version, in case you don’t fancy getting in too deep. Once you’ve balanced your channels, created a monitor mix for your musicians and built-up a great sounding FOH mix, the next step would be to store your current settings. The Ui24R has an elaborate snapshot system that will enable you to store multiple different desk settings to recall instantly throughout the gig or per venue. The only con I have found is that it would be nice to have a sub out that is linked to the master outs. I use an aux out for the sub which is controlled independently which is not ideal for my application. Apart from that it does more than I expected, is light and small for a desk with this many features.

Within the Edit tab lives all of the major processing objects that feature on the Ui24R system. Simply highlight your desired channel and press the edit tab to be greeted by your most powerful tool as an engineer... the 4-Band, fully parametric EQ with HP & LP filters. To complement the EQ power, there is a full 128-point Real Time analyser that will overlay the current frequency spectrum onto your EQ curve so that you can accurately visualise the tonal range of your selected instrument. Built-in dual-band Wi-Fi eliminates the need for a router to provides a reliable connection to up to 10 mobile devices in mission critical situations Lexicon Reverb PreDelay: easily set the time before first surface reflections and simulate desired acoustic environments Traditional mixers offer lots of functionality, but can only be controlled from the mix console position. The Ui24R surfaceless mixer combines the power and versatility of a large-format console with a compact design and complete Wi-Fi control. With Ui24R, you can finally have the features you need, plus the freedom to control your mixer from anywhere in the venue. FeaturesSometimes I insert the effects into my DAW signal chain, specially for reverbs. They seem much more natural that the plugins I use, even being digital... The Ui24R sets unprecedented levels of recording functionality and flexibility by offering 3 simultaneous recording options to two separate locations. Firstly, there’s a 32-channel audio interface built into the console that allows you to stream 32 channels of audio to and from the mixer via a DAW such as Logic, Pro Tools or Reaper. You can choose to record the LR Bus, either/all of the 8 aux bus mixes, as well as all 24 input channels.

As is evident in all Soundcraft consoles, usability comes first… all mixers mix stuff… it’s just how they do it that sets them apart. Surface-less digital mixers have piled the last nail in the coffin of large format analogue consoles, none more so than the Soundcraft Ui24R. Taking the plunge into mixing solely on a wireless device is a big undertaking; each manufacturer offers their own methods of connecting to a mixer wirelessly. Considering the price of this unit, the hardware and functionality that Souncraft have squeezed into it, it's amazing. And it's small and light, only 4U tall.The Ui24R provides eight auxiliary mix busses, which is a good number for live shows especially considering the additional presence of dedicated main left and right outputs. In the studio these are very useful as personalised monitor feeds, and can be paired for stereo operation. There is a lot of flexibility offered by the internal patchbay, so much so that I haven't been able to make full use of it.