It's Magic! Remote Control of Consoles and Networking Applications

How would you like to roam around your event space and stand or sit anywhere you’d like and still be able to control the audio output? Does that sound like magic? Well, it’s not really; it’s just the application of wireless networking applications with digital audio consoles.

Today, we take remote control of consoles and speaker management devices for granted.

Twenty years ago, this wasn't available, and it certainly would have seemed like magic to any sound engineer. With our recent expansion of digital consoles from Soundcraft (both the Si and Vi series) it’s now possible to control the console via a wireless router and Apple device.

Available from Apple’s App Store, a virtual Soundcraft application will let you control input and output fader levels, turn input and outputs on and off, control groups and VCA’s and control EQ’s.

Although it’s possible that more features will be added in future releases, there are still plenty of control surface features that aren't reachable with the Soundcraft app. However, having the ability to move from behind the console and hear how the sound is projecting is a vast improvement.

Since this works with both Si compact and Vi series consoles even smaller shows can take advantage of this technology during system set up and live shows. Fold back which allows a single engineer to control levels from the stage lets you hear exactly what your performer is hearing.

The application also allows distribution of voice and audio to remote rooms. Imagine being able to go outside of the main room to the foyer or lobby and adjust the music and announcements with your own ears instead of relying on someone else’s judgment. Like many modern tools, these applications would have seemed magical to sound engineers 15 or even 20 years ago. Today, it’s just one more tool to help you make your event the best event your guests have ever attended in today’s modern age.
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Craig Vlasic | Technical Director/Audio

Joining WAV in 1982, Craig was the first full-time employee. In 30+ years, Craig has engineered over 700 meetings with audiences ranging from 20 to 35,000 people. While current in the latest audio techniques and theories, he brings knowledge in fundamental audio logic to every production from corporate talking heads to rock-n-roll bands.