DiGiCo SD5B Digital Mixing Console

DiGiCo SD5B: The icon arrives in broadcast

Just as the iconic D5 Live once fuelled the growth of digital mixing in the live arena, now the DiGiCo SD5B brings the immense power of Stealth Digital Processing and floating-point Super FPGA technology to the broadcast studio.

With a redesigned workflow shaped around the requirements of fast-moving, mission critical broadcast applications, the SD5B offers a total of 37 faders laid out in three easy-to-operate banks of 12, with one master fader. Dual solo busses are onboard for PFL and on-air soloing in mono, stereo LCRS and 5.1 alongside an LR/LCR/LCRS/5.1 Master buss. Three 15-inch full colour TFT touchscreens offer immediate access to functions and support for multi-user applications. Two Interactive Dynamic Metering (IDM) displays offer the same at-a-glance operation as the SD7B, while the centrally located master screen is incorporated into the meter-bridge, so the engineer’s attention remains where it belongs – on the show.

With the SD5B, you define the workflow: recall or save presets on the channel strip; recall or save snapshots using the master screen or simply use the dedicated switches on the surface. Special functions can be assigned and accessed instantly via 40 Smart Key Macros, accessed via four layers of 10 RGB backlit keys.

Under The Hood

With up to 253 processing channels at 48kHz/96kHz, the SD5B is reassuringly powerful. Standard channel processing across inputs and outputs includes Channel Delay, Single and Multi-Channel Presets, Hi- and Lo-pass filters @ 24dB/octave, four-band parametric EQ (eight on the outputs) with band curve selection, Dual insert points, and DiGiCo’s renowned DYN 1 (Compressor, De-esser or Multiband Compressor) and DYN 2 (Gate, Compressor or Ducker).

In addition, 253 Dynamic EQ processors are available on any input or output channel, delivering dynamic processing over the four standard parametric bands, plus 253 Multiband Compressors and 253 DiGiTuBes. All channels deliver the same pure signal path and feature set, so no matter how you set up your console, you never lose any resources. Within the master section are 32 gangable 32-band graphic EQs, 48 stereo effects (selectable from a palette of 33), and 36 control groups (VCAs). Using snapshots, engineers can switch between complete configurations at a touch.

In addition, the SD5B’s 128 configurable busses are all assignable as mono/stereo groups or auxiliary busses, while even more configurability comes courtesy of a 24 x 24 output matrix, dual solo busses, and a LR/LCR/5.1 Master Buss. Unlike all other digital console manufacturers, you don’t lose Aux or Group Busses when using the Matrix as they are in addition, including the Master buss.

I/O

The SD5B comes with a 2GB fibre optic system, which is capable of running 448 channels of I/O at 96kHz, plus 56 console-to-console tie lines, plus connection for up to 14 DiGiCo SD variant racks. There are four redundant MADI ports while local I/O includes eight mic line inputs, eight line outputs and eight AES I/O (mono).

The SD5B’s standard configuration of 253 input channels includes up to 124 configurable busses, plus up to 5.1 master; a 24*24 fixed matrix; DiGiTuBes on every channel, buss and output; 253 assignable Dynamic EQ; 253 multiband compressors; 48 stereo effects; 32 Graphic EQ; 10 x 4 (40) RGB backlit macro buttons; plus the ability to add a Waves upgrade.

SD5B I/O Racks & Options

• SD-Rack
• SD-MiNi Rack
• SD-Nano Rack
• D2-Rack
• D-Rack
• Orange Box
• Waves SoundGrid
• Purple Box
• Little Red Box
• Little Blue Box
• UB MADI

Features:

• 253 Input Channels
• 128 Aux / Sub-Group Busses
• LR/LCR/5.1 Master Buss
• 24 x 24 Full Processing Matrix
• 253 Dynamic Equalizers
• 48/96kHz Sample Rate

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General Specifications

• Faders 37 x 100mm touch-sensitive, motorised
• Screens 3 x 15 LCD high - resolution touch screens
• Meterbridge 2 x Custom Mounted LCD high-resolution TFT-LCD screens
• Input Channels 253
• Busses Up to 128 plus masters Aux / Group busses with full processing - LR/LCR/5.1 Master Buss
• Matrix Up to 24 Input / 24 Outputs with full processing
• Control Groups Up to 24, selectable for VCA-style, Moving fader, Mute Group
• Graphic Eq 32 x 32-band, Gain +/- 12dB
• Internal FX Up to 24 stereo effects comprising up to 16 floating point reverbs and up to 24 delay/chorus/pitch/enhancer
• Local I/O 8 x mic/line I/O, 8 x AES I/O
• MADI interface 4 redundant interfaces, BNC connectivity
• Standard Optics (Dual Loop - Optional)
• Sampling rates 48kHz / 96kHz
• GPIO: 2 x DSub37
• Ext Sync Wordclock, AES, Video, MADI, Optics
• SD5B Dimensions: 1465 mm (w) x 838mm (d) x 458 mm (h)
• SD5B Weight: 116Kg /256lbs. (235Kg / 518lbs. with flightcase)
• SD5B Flightcase: 1600 mm (w) x 600mm (d) x 1200 mm (h)
• Power Requirements 90V-260V, 50-60Hz, 532VA (340W)

Audio Specification

• Sample Rate: 48kHz or 96kHz
• Processing Delay: 2ms Typical @ 48k(60 Stereo Channels, Stage Input Through L-R Buss to Stage Output) 1.1ms @96k
• Internal Processing: Up to 40-bit, Floating Point
• A>D & D>A: 24-bit Converter Bit Depth
• Frequency Response: +/- 0.6dB (20Hz - 20kHz)
• THD: <0.05% @ Unity Gain,: 10dB Input @ 1kHz
• Channel Separation: Better Than 90dB: (40Hz - 15kHz)
• Residual Output: <90dBu Typical
• Noise: (20Hz - 20kHz)
• Microphone Input: Better Than -126dB: Equivalent Noise
• Maximum Output Level: +22dBu
• Maximum Input Level: +22dBu

Processing Channel Specification

• Name: User-Defined / Presets
• Channel Selection: Mono / Stereo / Multi
• Input Routing: Main & Alternate Input
• Analogue Gain: -20 to +60dB
• Phase: Normal / Reverse
• Digital Trim: -40 to +40dB
• Delay: >1 Sec (Coarse & Fine Control)
• DiGiTuBe: Drive 0.01 - 50.0
• Bias 0 - 6
• LPF: 20 - 20kHz, 24dB/Oct
• HPF: 20 - 20kHz, 24dB/Oct
• Insert A: (Pre EQ/Dyn) On/Off
• Equalisation: 4 Band EQ: Parametric or Dynamic (Low/Lowshelf, Lower-Mid/Lowshelf, Upper-Mid/ Hi Shelf, Hi/Hishelf)
• On/Off
• Freq; 20 - 20kHz
• Gain; +/- 18dB
• Q: 0.1 -20 (Parametric) / 0.10-0.85 (Shelf)
• Dynamic EQ On/Off
• Over/Under
• Band On/Off
• Threshold; -60 - 0dB
• Attack; 500us - 100ms
• Release; 10ms - 10s
• Ratio; 1:1 - 50:1
• Dynamics 1: Single or Multiband (3-Band)Compressor: On/Off
• Threshold; -60 - 0dB
• Attack; 500us - 100ms
• Release; 10ms - 10s
• Ratio; 1:1 - 50:1
• Gain; 0 to +40dB with Autogain Option
• Link; Any Channel/Buss
• Hi Crossover; 20Hz - 20kHz
• Lo Crossover; 20Hz - 20kHz
• Knee : Hard, Med, Soft De-Esser: Threshold : 20us - 20ms
• Release : 1ms - 100ms
• Ratio : 1:1 - 50:1
• Ess-Band : Listen On/Off
• Ess-Band Filter Freq / Width: 20Hz - 20kHz
• Dynamics 2: On/Off Gate / Ducker: Threshold; -60 - 0dB
• Attack; 50us - 100ms
• Hold; 2ms - 2s
• Release; 5ms - 5s
• Range; 0 - 90dB
• Key; Any Source
• Key Listen
• Freq/Width; 20 - 20kHz Compressor: On/Off
• Threshold; -60 - 0dB
• Attack; 500us - 100ms
• Release; 10ms - 10s
• Ratio; 1:1 - 50:1
• Gain; 0 to +40dB with Autogain Option
• Link; Any Channel / Buss
• Hi Crossover; 20Hz - 20kHz
• Lo Crossover; 20Hz - 20kHz
• S/C Source : Any Source
• S/C Listen : On/Off
• S/C Filter Freq/Width: 20Hz - 20kHz
• Insert B: (Post EQ/Dyn) On/Off
• EQ/Dyn order: EQ/Dyn or Dyn/EQ
• Mute: Channel Mute / Hard Mute
• Solo: Solo Buss 1 / Solo Buss 2 / Both, Auto Solo
• Channel Safe: Input, EQ, Dyn, Aux, Pan, Fade/Mute, Inserts, Buss, Directs, Full Safe
• Output Routing: Buss, Insert A, Insert B, FX
• Direct: On/Off, Pre-Mute / Pre-Fade / Post-Fade, Level +/- 18dB
• Fader: 100mm Motorised Fader ∞ to +10dB

Processing Channel Specification Aux / Group / Matrix Output

• Name: User-Defined / Presets
• Phase: Normal / Reverse
• Digital Trim: -20 to +60dB
• Delay: >1 Sec (Coarse & Fine control)
• DiGiTuBe: Drive 0.01 - 50.0
• Bias 0 - 6
• LPF: 20 - 20kHz, 24dB / Oct
• HPF: 20 - 20kHz, 24dB / Oct
• Insert A: (Pre EQ/Dyn) On/Off
• Equalisation: 8 Band EQ: 4 band Parametric and 4 band parametric or Dynamic (Low/Lowshelf, Lower-Mid/Lowshelf, Upper-Mid/Hi Shelf, Hi/Hishelf)
• On/Off
• Freq; 20 - 20kHz
• Gain; +/- 18dB
• Q: 0.1 -20 (Parametric) / 0.10-0.85 (Shelf)
• Dynamic EQ On/Off
• Over/Under
• Band On/Off
• Threshold; -60 - 0dB
• Attack; 500us - 100ms
• Release; 10ms - 10s
• Ratio; 1:1 - 50:1
• Dynamics 1: Single or Multiband (3-band) Compressor: On/Off
• Threshold; -60 - 0dB
• Attack; 500us - 100ms
• Release; 10ms - 10s
• Ratio; 1:1 - 50:1
• Gain; 0 to +40dB with Autogain Option
• Link; Any Channel / Buss
• Hi Crossover; 20Hz - 20kHz
• Lo Crossover; 20Hz - 20kHz
• Knee : Hard, Med, Soft De-Esser: Threshold: 20us - 20ms
• Release: 1ms - 100ms
• Ratio: 1:1 - 50:1
• Ess-Band: Listen On/Off
• Ess-Band Filter Freq/Width: 20Hz - 20kHz
• Dynamics 2: On/Off Gate / Ducker: Threshold; -60 - 0dB
• Attack; 50us - 100ms
• Hold; 2ms - 2sHold; 2ms - 2s
• Release; 5ms - 5s
• Range; 0 - 90dB
• Key; Any Source
• Key Listen
• Freq/Width; 20 - 20kHz Compressor: On/Off
• Threshold; -60 - 0dB
• Attack; 500us - 100ms
• Release; 10ms - 10s
• Ratio; 1:1 - 50:1
• Gain; 0 to +40dB with Autogain Option
• Link; Any Channel/Buss
• Hi Crossover; 20Hz - 20kHz
• Lo Crossover; 20Hz - 20kHz
• S/C Source : Any source
• S/C Listen : On/Off
• S/C Filter Freq/Width: 20Hz - 20kHz
• Insert B: (Post EQ/Dyn) On/Off
• EQ/Dyn Order: EQ/Dyn or Dyn/EQ
• Mute: Channel Mute / Hard Mute
• Solo: Solo Buss 1 / Solo Buss 2 / Both, Auto Solo
• Channel Safe: Trim, EQ, Dyn, Fade/Mute, Inserts, Outputs, Full Safe
• Output Routing: Outputs, Insert A, Insert B, FX
• Fader: 100mm Motorised Fader ∞ to + 10dB