Line 6 Is Shipping StageScape M20d, Smart Mixing System for Live Sound
Back in January, SonicScoop got psyched about the first showing of the Line 6 StageScape M20d, which debuted at NAMM but wasn’t quite yet ready for prime time.
StageScape brings a host of intuitive advances to live sound mixing.
Now in Q3, prime time has officially arrived: Line 6 recently announced it has begun shipping the StageScape M20d, selling at a street price of $2499.00. For anyone whose work takes them into the live sound arena, this unit – which Line 6 calls “the world’s first smart mixing system for live sound” – is worth a look.
Here’s more about what the M20d brings to the table, in the words of Line 6:
“Featuring a groundbreaking touchscreen visual mixing environment, StageScape M20d streamlines and accelerates the process of getting great live sound. 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.
An innovative 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 to 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.
A host of recording options are also available. StageScape M20d provides multi-channel recording in high-resolution, 24-bit WAV files to SD card, USB drive or direct to computer, enabling musicians to easily capture every rehearsal and performance.
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. Musicians can configure channel effects quickly with a wide range of channel presets that cover everything from individual drum settings to lead vocals.
Musicians can control the mixer from any location by using one or more iPad devices with StageScape M20d. This makes it possible to set individual monitor mixes from the stage, or adjust the front-of-house mix from any location inside the venue.
Equipped with the L6 LINK digital networking protocol, StageScape M20d allows musicians to easily configure and control complete PA systems of any scale. 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 ecosystem rather than 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, 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 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”