Features

Overview: The Soundcraft Notepad-8FX is a compact analog mixer designed for singer/songwriters and podcasters. It features 8 input channels (2 mono and 3 stereo), built-in Lexicon effects, 3-band EQ on the mono channels, and USB connectivity for recording, editing, and playing back audio through your Mac or PC.

Channels 1/2: Input channels 1 and 2 are mono and use a balanced XLR/TRS combo jack, both with a 100 Hz high-pass filter switch. Channel 1 also includes a High-Z switch for running higher impedance instrument level signals. Both channels include a Gain adjustment, with a range of +10 to +60 dB, and 3-bands of equalization. The EQ offers -12 dB to +12 dB at 12 kHz for the High setting, 2.5 kHz for Mid, and 80 Hz for Low. An Aux/FX dial is provided for both channels. This dual function knob controls the level sent the Aux output as well as to the built-in Effects processor. Each channel has a Pan dial and a Channel Level which includes a Peak LED to show when the input signal starts to clip.

Channels 3/4 and 5/6: These are both stereo input channels with dual 1/4" balanced TRS inputs for each, which can also accept a mono unbalanced signal. Both of these channel strips include a Trim dial with a range of -20 dB to +20 dB, a Balance knob, Aux/FX knob (function is the same as on Channels 1 and 2), and Channel Level with Peak LED.

Channels 7/8: This input features a pair of unbalanced stereo RCA jacks for line level and consumer playback equipment.

Outputs: The Master output consists of left and right balanced XLR jacks which provide line-level signals to your amplifier, PA system, or recorder. This is controlled by a single Master fader that also includes a 4-segment LED Level meter. Other outputs include a 1/4" stereo Aux output, which outputs a summed signal from all of the input channels but with the levels controlled by each channel's Aux dial and not the Level dial. An Output Type switch determines if the Aux signal will be mono or stereo for a second Headphone output. There's also a Headphone output with its own level control. This includes a selector switch that determines what signal will be heard through the headphones, either the Master or Aux signal.

Effects: The Notepad-8FX includes Lexicon's award-winning Reverb, Chorus, and Delay effects built-in. Each effect has its own selector button and if all three are pushed in, creates a fourth Karaoke effect. A Parameter dial acts as a master level control for the overall effects output, while each channels Aux/FX dial controls the amount of effect for that channel. A Tap Tempo button is provided to beat-match delays to the incoming tempo.

USB: A USB type-B 2.0 port is provided for sending and receiving 2-track digital audio streams from a computer or tablet. Using the Soundcraft USB Audio Control Panel (downloaded from Soundcraft.com) users can select the Audio Routing tab to select the point in the console that will feed the USB bus signals to the computer. The Notepad-8FX's input signals are sent post-gain, pre-EQ to their respective USB recording channel. The Master output selection is routed to the USB channels before the master mix control. Input selections for the two USB tracks are:

• Mic Inputs 1+2
• Stereo Input 3+4
• Stereo Input 5+6
• Mix L+R

All return USB signals run through Input Channel 7+8 and are summed with any signals coming in on the RCA 7+8 jacks before proceeding down the input channel strip.

Phantom Power: Mic inputs 1 and 2 both provide +48 volts of phantom power for powering condenser mics and some DI boxes.

• Note: Phantom power is constantly supplied, as long as the mixer is powered on, and cannot be switched off. Care should be taken as some microphones such as ribbon mics can be damaged by phantom power.

Specifications:

• Frequency Response: 20 Hz - 20 kHz
• Noise:
  • Mic Input, max gain, 150Ω source impedance: <-127 dBu
  • Aux, Mix and Master set to 0 dB, faders down: -98 dBu
• Crosstalk: 88 dB
• Mic Gain: 10 dB - 58 dB
• Line Input Attenuation: 20 dB
• 3-Band EQ, -12 dB to +12 dB range:
  • HF: 12 kHz shelf
  • MF: 2 kHz bell
  • LF: 80 Hz shelf
• Maximum Input Level:
  • Mic Input: +11 dBu
  • Line Input: +30 dBu
  • Hi-Z Input: +17 dBu
  • Stereo Input: +22 dBu
• Output Level:
  • Mix Output: +22 dBu max
  • Headphones, 150Ω: 165 mW
• THD+N: <0.01%
• Signal-to-Noise Ratio: >80 dB
• USB:
  • Sample Rate: 44.1 kHz, 48 kHz
  • Frequency Response: 20 Hz - 20 kHz