THE EDGE, one of New Zealand’s leading performing arts, commercial entertainment and convention facilities, recently purchased a Soundcraft Si3 console to accommodate its three separate venues. Located in Auckland, THE EDGE is home to the Aotea Centre’s ASB Theatre and Conventions Wing, The Civic and Auckland Town Hall performance venues.

With the variety of events in each venue and different requirements for each sound system (not to mention the large number of visiting audio engineers), THE EDGE needed a console that was easy to use with a short learning curve. “Our three main venues have different systems, so it was important to have a console that we could configure and save settings for each venue without having to reinvent the wheel each time the desk is moved,� says Production Purchasing Officer Joey Rabel.

THE EDGE found the ideal solution in the Soundcraft Si3. “The Si3 has everything accessible on the surface or at least one button push away, which enables even a rookie digital tech to quickly become familiar with operating the desk,� Rabel says.

With lots of shows with multiple acts, short sound checks and quick changeovers, the ability to save all settings and recall them instantly is highly appreciated by Senior Sound Engineer Rob Henry.

In addition, the onboard processing, dynamics and compact size of the Si3 translates into a reduction in space requirements at the mix position, meaning more audience seats are available. “That’s got to keep the bean counters happy� Rabel quips.

“The Si3’s Soundcraft pedigree meant that sound quality and reliability are non-issues and the excellent support from [Soundcraft distributor] Jands Ltd. made the decision to purchase the Si3 an easy one,� Rabel said.