Soundcraft Performer 2 Digital Mixer and StageBox

Hire 32 channel Soundcraft Si Performer 2 Digital Mixer with STB32 MADI Stagebox

56 Input Professional Mixing System

The MX32D is Edwards NZ's mid-size workhorse digital system — a Soundcraft Si Performer 2 digital console and STB32 Mini Stagebox providing 24 local mic inputs on the console plus 32 stagebox inputs at the stage, for a total of 56 sources available across 80 channels of processing capacity. Connected via a single Cat5 cable with the 50m Cat6a reel included, the system replaces an entire stage microphone snake with one tidy cable run. Hire code MX32D.

The Performer 2 shares the Expression 1's defining 1 Control = 1 Function design philosophy — every parameter has its own dedicated physical control on the surface, no deep menu navigation required, and FaderGlow illuminates every fader in a colour that tells you what it is currently controlling at a glance. It then adds two significant features the Expression 1 does not have: eight VCA groups for mix organisation, and a built-in DMX 512 controller with a 5-pin XLR output.

That DMX output is the feature that makes the MX32D genuinely unique in the Edwards hire fleet. Up to 22 DMX addresses can be controlled directly from the console faders — basic lighting control from the same desk as the sound. For school productions, theatre, and smaller corporate events where a single operator is running both sound and lighting, this removes the need for a separate lighting desk entirely. The sound operator can call a lighting state and adjust levels without leaving the mix position.

Per-channel processing covers the full professional toolkit: high-pass filter, input delay, noise gate, compressor, and four-band fully parametric EQ. Output processing — compressor, four-band EQ, BSS graphic EQ, and delay — is available on every output bus. Four hardware Lexicon FX processors handle reverb, delay, and modulation. Eight VCA groups allow multiple channels to be controlled by a single fader — a band's drum kit, a choir, a string section — making mix management significantly cleaner for complex productions.

What is included:

• Soundcraft Si Performer 2 digital mixing console
• Soundcraft STB32 Mini Stagebox 32/16 MADI HD
• 50m Cat6a MADI cable on reel
• IEC mains cables

Specifications at a glance:

• 24 local recallable mic/line XLR inputs + 32 via STB32 = 56 total inputs
• 80 channels of processing capacity
• 22 channel faders plus 2 master faders
• 14 aux/group mix buses plus 4 matrix, LRC, and 4 FX buses
• Full per-channel processing: HPF, input delay, gate, compressor, 4-band parametric EQ
• Full per-bus output processing: compressor, 4-band EQ, BSS GEQ, delay
• 4 hardware Lexicon stereo FX processors
• 8 VCA groups, 8 mute groups
• Built-in DMX 512 output — up to 22 DMX addresses on faders
• FaderGlow colour-coded faders
• TOTEM one-touch aux mixing
• iPad remote control via ViSi Remote app over Wi-Fi
• STB32: 32 XLR inputs across two rows, 8 analogue + 8 AES outputs, Cat5/Cat6 connected, self-powered
• 50m Cat6a MADI cable on reel included
• Weight: 17kg console

Ideal for: School and amateur theatre productions where one operator runs sound and lighting from a single desk, corporate events with live bands or full AV requirements, medium-scale live music, multi-mic conference events and panel discussions, any production needing up to 56 stage inputs with DMX lighting integration.

Available for self-collection or delivery and setup by an Edwards technician.

Frequently Asked Questions — Soundcraft Si Performer 2 + STB32 Hire

What is the key difference between the MX32D and the MX16D?

Both consoles share the same 1 Control = 1 Function design and FaderGlow system. The Performer 2 steps up from the Expression 1 in three ways. First, input count — 56 total inputs versus 32. Second, 8 VCA groups for mix organisation, which the Expression 1 does not have. Third, and most distinctively, a built-in DMX 512 controller. The Performer 2 can control up to 22 DMX lighting addresses directly from its faders, allowing a single operator to run sound and basic lighting from the same desk. For school productions and theatre events where that capability matters, the MX32D is the right choice.

What does the DMX controller actually do?

The Performer 2 has a 5-pin XLR DMX 512 output on its rear panel. Up to 22 DMX addresses can be mapped to the console's faders and controlled directly — moving a fader adjusts the DMX value for that address. This allows basic control of DMX lighting fixtures, dimmers, LED wash lights, and similar equipment directly from the mix position without a separate lighting desk or operator. It is not a full lighting console — it does not support complex chase sequences, timed cues, or scene programming — but for productions where one person is running both sound and simple lighting states it removes the need for a second desk entirely.

How many inputs does the system provide?

The Performer 2 has 24 recallable mic and line XLR inputs on its own rear panel plus 8 additional line inputs and an AES input. The STB32 stagebox adds 32 XLR mic and line inputs at the stage position across two rows — Row A for inputs 1 to 16 and Row C for inputs 17 to 32. Total mic and line inputs are 56, with 80 channels of processing capacity available with full expansion. An important note for stage crew: if someone refers to Row C on the stagebox, that is inputs 17 to 32 on the console — worth briefing before the show to avoid confusion.

How far can the stagebox be from the console?

The STB32 connects via a single Cat5 or Cat6 cable — standard Cat5e handles 100 metres reliably and the MADI HD protocol supports longer runs with good quality cable. The 50m Cat6a cable on reel included with this hire covers the vast majority of school hall, theatre, and corporate venue configurations.

Does the STB32 need its own mains power?

Yes. The STB32 has its own internal power supply and requires its own IEC mains connection at the stage position. It does not draw power from the Cat5 cable.

What are VCA groups and why do they matter?

VCA groups allow multiple channels to be linked to a single master fader without changing the individual channel routing. Assign the drum kit to VCA 1, and one fader controls the overall drum level while individual fader positions are preserved. This is particularly useful for complex live productions with large input counts — a choir, an orchestra section, a full band backline — where managing overall group levels cleanly matters. The Performer 2 has 8 VCA groups, the Expression 1 has none.

Does it have reverb and effects?

Yes — four hardware Lexicon stereo FX processors are built in, identical to the Expression 1. These run as dedicated hardware processors with no CPU loading, covering reverb, delay, chorus, and modulation. Lexicon hardware reverb is a significant quality step above the software-based effects in most consoles at this price point.

Can it be controlled from an iPad?

Yes. The ViSi Remote app connects via Wi-Fi — a wireless router connected to the console's Ethernet port is required, which is not included in this hire package. ViSi Remote provides full remote control of channel levels, processing, and scene recall from an iPad, useful for walking the room during soundcheck or managing monitors from the stage.

How does this compare to the Allen & Heath SQ consoles?

The Performer 2 is more approachable and has the unique DMX lighting integration. The Allen & Heath SQ5 and SQ7 offer a more sophisticated routing architecture, higher bus counts, more FX engines, 96kHz processing on the SQ7, and significantly more flexibility for complex productions. For school productions, theatre, and mid-size corporate events where the DMX output and intuitive surface are the priorities, the MX32D is the right choice. For larger productions with more complex audio requirements, the SQ5 or SQ7 is the step up.

Is delivery and setup available?

Yes. The MX32D is available for self-collection or delivery and professional setup by an Edwards technician. Contact our hire team at (09) 571 0551 or hire@edwardsnz.co.nz to discuss your event requirements.