Roland Systems Group's line of V-Mixers has a new member that features all the capabilities of the M-400 in a rackmount package. The Roland M-380 Digital Mixing Console has just been introduced to exhibit the qualities of its award-winning relative. Economy of size is all the rage nowadays so we expect big things to go smaller. Will features go small too? Find out more about it below.

The M-380, as mentioned above, is in essence the rackmount version of the M-400 which features 48 channels, rapid setup recall, 100-mm motorized and touch sensitive faders, 800 x 480 color screen, and dedicated knobs for EQ, Pan, and Gain. Its 48-channel mixing capability includes digital patch-bays, built-in effects processors, 16 Aux/Mon sends, 8 Matrices, 8 DCA's, 8 Mute Groups, built-in stereo recording/playback and support for LCR configurations.

The Roland M-380's Rear Panel

Being true to the issue of economy of space, the M-380 is a fully digital system built on REAC (or Roland Ethernet Audio Communication) which replaces your traditional analog snakes with cat5e (Ethernet/LAN) cable for reduced bulk and noise sensitivity. Less cables means fast setup where just one cat5e cable connects the M-380 to a variety of Digital Snake stage units, which is useful for applications such as orporate presentations, installations, and portable applications. Sound quality during analog to digital conversion is catered for by its 24-bit digital streams that run from high-end quality mic preamps, the result of which can then be routed to any output and on to limitless split positions. This 40-channel assignable output split can also be used in tandem with the M-48 Personal Mixing System, Cakewalk's multi-channel recording option, as well as monitor and broadcast positions.

MAIN FEATURES:

• Configurable digital snakes with high quality, remotely controlled mic preamps on stage;
• Cat5e distribution that is light weight, low cost and without the high frequency losses inherent in analog snakes;
• A 48-channel Mixing Console with 18 buses, 8 matrices, channel and bus DSP, 4 stereo FX processors, 4 graphic EQs, built-in stereo recording and playback, and built in multi-channel split port;
• Up to 40 channels of limitless digital splits over Cat5e for monitor/broadcast positions, personal mixing and/or PC recording without the need for any audio interfaces;
• full compatibility and interchange of projects with the M-400 V-Mixer;
• RS-232 control for integration with remote devices such as wall or podium touch panels; and rackmountable size.

The M-380's Remote Control Software provides instant integration with PCs where channel setups and configurations can be planned out and saved before arriving at the venue. Given that it has big features in a considerably small package with good connectivity, the Roland M-380 offers a space-saving solution for the audio engineer with a lot on his plate.