This is where the pithy opening paragraph would normally go, but we've got a lot to talk about, now that the new DigiDesign VENUE SC48 compact digital live mixing console has been announced. Let's get right to it, shall we?

The SC48 is the most compact of the VENUE series of digital mixing consoles from DigiDesign. If you're familiar with the other VENUE consoles, you'll love this little guy. If you're not familiar with digital mixing consoles at all. . . no worries, the VENUE SC48 is a great introduction into the live digital mixing world. In fact, as far as "first-times" go, the VENUE SC48 may just be love at first sight for digital n00bs.

This self-contained unit sports integrated I/O for a truly portable digital mixing desk. The included complement of I/O gives you three AI16 Analog Input Cards (16 XLR3-F inputs each) one AO16 Analog Output Card (16 XLR3-M outs) both with 24-bit, 128kHz sampling depth. Additionally you get 2-Track Analog Inputs and Outputs, 2-Track Digital AES Inputs and Outputs, a dedicated talk-back mic in and a 1/4" TRS headphone output. There's also room to expand your output with a fifth card. Choose from one of three options: AO16 Analog Output Card (16 analog XLR3-M outs), AT16 A-Net Output Card (16 channels A-Net integration), or XO16 Output Card (8 channels analog XLR3-M plus 8 channels AES/EBU via XLR).

Making the SC48 a truly portable system, the board ships with Pro Tools LE, and features firewire connections for instant integration for audio playback or live recording. It also enables engineers to take advantage of the unique "Virtual Soundcheck" function, which lets you take levels from a previously recorded performance, saving time in setup (provided, of course, that the touring band has previously played a VENUE-venue, and had the presence of mind to bring their Virtual Soundcheck audio project with them. . . this really works better when the SC48 tours with the band.)

Perhaps DigiDesign's greatest achievement with the VENUE SC48, however, is its streamlined workflow. Accessing most channel functions is a one-button process, and each channel has a full complement of EQ, compression, filter, phase and other utility effects. The dedicated Channel Control section provides instant access to these functions, as well as plenty of sweet flashing lights which, paradoxically, actually help you quickly focus on what parameter is being edited.

To help speed things up even more, the VENUE SC48 sports a Flex Channel that can be assigned as a mirror to any input channel. With the Flex Channel assigned to, for example, the lead vocalist, you'll always have ready control over that key input even as you page through subgroups and other input banks. Another clever feature is VCA and Group Spill. Simply double clicking the select button on a VCA or subgroup instantly "spills" that group's channel content into the input faders: no matter what order a subgroup's inputs are in in the input section, Spill rearranges them for you for quick and orderly editing.

Because the VENUE SC48 is D-Show compliant, you can create your own workflow-enhancing macros, save mix presets, import presets from other VENUE consoles, and generally shape the board's functions to your own mixing style. D-Show offers support for any DigiDesign or third-party plugin effect, and a dedicated plugin control section grants you tactile control over the plugs of your choosing.

These are just a few of the highlights of the DigiDesign VENUE SC48 compact digital mixing console. For the full story, head over to DigiDesign's website, but here's a list of fast features for your list-jonesing satiation:

• Fully integrated console offers built-in I/O for stage and ancillary sources, DSP, and tactile control for ultimate portability
  
• Compact footprint fits small- to mid-size clubs, houses of worship, theaters, corporate events, and more
  
• First-rate VENUE sound quality provides amazing audio clarity in any room
  
• Supports professional audio plug-ins for creating studio-quality mixes live
  
• Pro Tools LE FireWire interface and software included for audio recording and playback system connection
  
• VENUE D-Show® software, the industry’s easiest, most comprehensive control software
  
• 48 analog mic/line XLR inputs, 16 analog line outputs (expandable to 32)
  
• Single expansion slot for maximizing output count or adding A-Net® connectivity
  
• 16 Aux Sends, 8 Groups, plus 8 mono matrixes (linkable as up to 4 stereo matrixes)
  
• Choice of Left-Right plus Mono or Left-Center-Right Mains bus configuration
  
• 26 touch-sensitive, motorized faders: 16 input, 8 output master, 1 Flex Channel, and 1 Mains
  
• 16 assignable, push-switch rotary encoders with multi-segment LED rings enable immediate access to key parameters
  
• Additional I/O, including talkback, analog and digital 2-track, GPI, MIDI, and Word Clock

The DigiDesign VENUE SC48 is available now.