Soundcraft Ui-12 First Look 🎛👀 WATCH THE UPDATE!

The Soundcraft Ui-12 looks like the ultimate portable lunchbox mixer on paper, but how does it work out in the field? We take it on some real world gigs in our review, but first... a first look at all of the features!
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[@joetothejoe]

Great review, 100% agree with your final thoughts - output delay & signal gen would be far more useful than stompboxes (that you can't stomp on)

[@jasonbull3987]

Thanks man. Love your reviews. Perfect.

[@DcSoundOp]

I appreciate that!

[@DavidFilskov]

Great review - very helpful. Thanks a lot!

[@DcSoundOp]

Thanks for the message David!

[@TMakNS]

As a person that used the console for over 50 nights working with 4 aux and all channels: -It loses connection over wifi,when it does that you need to restart the console because it might take over 20min to reconnect (Less disconnections with latest beta update) -In order to use the aux you need 2 balanced jack cables: 1 tip-sleeve and 1 ring-sleeve -The Effects sound bad -Noise in pre amps (There is less with the latest beta update) -Clunky fader sliding (Somewhat fixed latest beta update) For your information a friend has the ui-16 and its exacly the same,worked with that one several nights. Good console,bring a reverb with you and hope you are a relaxed person when the console loses connection (or buy a 5ghz external router).Also,i was using channels 13-14 (i live in europe) and still lost connection in a low wifi area.

[@DcSoundOp]

Thanks for sharing your experience! I personally never rely on wireless for control during events, it's a nice add-on feature, but I always run a hard line to any console I am expecting to control remotely during a show. I use wifi control a lot during setup and soundcheck, but often unplug the router at showtime to avoid potential console lock-ups that I've had in the past with various consoles.

[@TMakNS]

Just to know,this IS one of those consoles that if you get disconnected over wifi,your hardline fails too.You will get a "Connecting" message on all of your connected devices. Another trick i found out is that if one of the devices switches to another application and puts the browser application on the backround,after 10-15min you will get on all devices the "Connecting message",to solve this just make the device switch back to the browser to sync with the rest. My advice is (as you already do) keep only 1 active connection during the live. I've had many cold showers with this one.

[@peterbancroft7536]

Triac Mak I found the connection problem too. The most reliable way around this I have found it to go into the admin settings and disable to wi-fi completely and only have the ethernet enabled. for wireless use I use a separate access point connected the the ethernet. The other bonus to this is it works further than 10m, so you have more flexibility (depending on what access point you use) for both wired and wireless connections ideas switch to connect both.

[@TMakNS]

Smart idea,thanks,i am gonna work this way from now on!

[@travishanson166]

if ever i go back to mobile entertainment/karaoke, this will be replacing my old Folio fx8 lol

[@soundknight]

This is great, thanks

[@willdatsun]

can it record multitrack to a usb stick, would be a handy feature for recording the gig without extra gear, i mean its already digital so it isnt like it would cost much to implement this unless it would need some hefty processor

[@Endmass]

Can't wait until you get an XR/MR mixer to compare. Loved the XR16 I had, sold it to upgrade to the Midas! Lot of mixer for the $$$

[@DcSoundOp]

They are certainly on my list for the near future. The X32 Core combined with a few of the small stage boxes looks really interesting too.

[@allIhaveISMusic1]

Nice video ! Why would you use a 1khz test tone for? I understand the pink noise , or swaps, whatever, but 1khz? Thanks!

[@powerfunk6588]

Personally I think this is a great little mixer. The only problem I have is the digitech amp modeling, which is terrible. Even with a lot of tweeking I couldn't get any usable sounds. I would recommend it but not if you're particularly interested in the amp modeling. They're terrible.

[@DcSoundOp]

Thanks for sharing, it really was disappointing to see the DigiTech name being slapped on this just for marketing. Appreciate you sharing your experience. All the best.

[@tru3nz]

Would you still recommend this mixer currently? Because I'm still skeptical about the "Connection lost", but getting decent reviews of this mixer hence why I'm looking into it

[@DcSoundOp]

I would look at the Ui-16 personally as they were developed a bit further and seem to have great reviews across the board from users. That being said, it has been years since I’ve touched one or followed the community on Facebook for the latest gossip about updates.

[@highlifeswisher]

Can it be used as an audio interface for a DAW? I'm a beginner and someone has one of these for sale on Craigslist for $150. I'm looking for an audio interface with more then (2) inputs so I can mic my band at practices and start recording us.

[@DcSoundOp]

Hey Mike, no this one cannot be used as an interface for your DAW unfortunately.

[@BRAVE_dj]

I have a stupid question ? Where are the input 9-12?

[@DcSoundOp]

The last four channels on all models are the stereo RCA inputs, followed by the stereo USB player.

[@b-spot]

I've owned this mixer a year ago, and promptly returned it. The preamps are far, far too noisy.

[@mujiwaranojerry]

just a questio, so when I connect a Bass guitar or a electric guitar in the channel 1 or 2 I need to turn on the little button down in the gain screen ??

[@s.a.maudiovideo9683]

Hi, nice video, thanks. Does this mixer will need an app connected to play if everyday I switch the unit on/off for the same setting and same input and output connected. Suppose for a fixed installation for prayer. Will the mixer play from last setup without app? Thanks

[@ToddBednarczyk]

Did you look ever look at the Ui24? It seems to have some more of the features that you mentioned would be nice to have. The price is obviously more up there, but I'm curious if you have an opinion on it.

[@DcSoundOp]

I did look at the Ui-24, but $1k is a lot to ask for a first look at browser based mixing. At that price, I expect rock solid proven technology, and I'm not sure they are there yet.

[@dannyolesh7076]

Why are you mentioning browser based mixing so much, it has no relevance at all to connection ability.

[@BojanBojovic]

I am playing with a demo, but can not figure out is it possible to have separate mix and eq for matter out and headphones?

[@peanutismint]

Looks good, once they get the software kinks ironed out. This would be killer for small corporate jobs like the majority of my work nowadays, where I'm only mixing, say, 2 x lectern mics, 2 x handhelds and 4 x lavs; I'd even be prepared to put this mixer downstage by my amps seeing as I can mix wirelessly from a control position; the only thing stopping me from doing this is that I'd usually want to send audio from a PC DI (or three!) from my control position, either for BGM from an iPod etc. or, more likely, for PC audio for video playback/PowerPoint etc. I doubt this would be possible through the HTML5 pages but if they had a standalone app that allowed you to send a couple tracks of audio wirelessly to the mixer (rather than running a multicore) that would be an instant purchase.

[@DcSoundOp]

+Peanut Turner I've been doing some testing, running a pair of cat-5 cables to mix position... one for wired control & the other for analog audio over cat-5 for local inputs and music playback. More to come in a later video 😉

[@peanutismint]

Haha excellent! Hey I know it's still a long way off (and twice as long before we actually trust it) but the sooner we swap running cables for a reliable wireless solution the better. 9 jobs out of 10 these days I'm running a dSNAKE in lieu of a multi but IMHO that's still one cable too many...! Or maybe I'm just getting lazy?!

[@glynnetolar4423]

I've been in IT for a while and do some media work too. I'm sorry but thus far reliable and wireless can't be done in the same breath. I try to go for wired when possible in IT or audio/video work. I know it's not always possible. And when you get close to reliable wireless you spending a good bit of money. And as MP3s have proven, people will take convenience over anything, including quality and, in our case, work/effort. Just some thoughts.

[@Wassockstan]

You could add a Bluetooth receiver and playback remotely through that

[@ronaldgantioqui8858]

Is the ui12 can use for recording?

[@DcSoundOp]

No, the UI12 does not work as a recording interface, I believe you'd need to go to the Ui24 for that functionality. Thanks for watching!

[@diegomuozsaavedra]

Yes, you can

[@clumhain]

Echo a lot of what you said but as a new user, i gig down, i will say first thing if you plan on using the hotspot is add one of these...www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B002VYP5QW/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o02_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1 I'm in ireland so sorry if link no use to you, the standard one is useless. constant drop outs. with the new one all stable. Very capable mixer, would replace mixwiz and a huge amount of outboard rack gear! Preamps were fine for me at reasonable gain, i liked the effects they do the job for the gig you are using this level of mixer on just fine. Havent used AFS yet but after this gig i might explore it ( two acoustics and loud monitors). Good review thanks!

[@CaptRadar101]

Do you still have the mixer

[@DcSoundOp]

No, that one got traded for a pair of ATH-M50x headphones if memory serves.

[@CaptRadar101]

@@DcSoundOp would you recommend it for a small church

[@shannonbrown2231]

question can these be rack mount?

[@DcSoundOp]

The Ui-12 is not rack mountable as far as I know... unless someone has come out with some way to do it very recently.

[@shannonbrown2231]

@@DcSoundOp ok thanks

[@SanFranciscoFatboy]

i bought one and i agree it is kinda a POS.... i would not do it again.... having said that, it is cool way to use effects, save scenes and show off ur new fone... or tablet.... one thing FOR SURE, it is not analogue and the converters r not to good.... i also own a mackie 1402 ver 4 ( excellnt small pro mixer!!!!!!!!!) and i did side by side.... the soundcraft sounds lie an mp3 thru a boombox.... it is noticable degrade of basic sound quality....... this video says it all :) good job..... but do urself a favor and skip this one if u r thinkin about buying

[@sounddecoration3705]

Can I use this or UI 24 proffetionally? ?

[@DcSoundOp]

The UI24 has been really well reviewed by the folks who own them. The Ui-16 and 24 are completely different animals to the 12 and from what I've heard are very usable mixers. I made a follow up video to this one here - kzbin.info/www/bejne/iGG7ZWOCrr6bpbc that should give you my thoughts on the Ui-12 specifically though. Thanks!

[@SakiandCo]

Great review, shame the mixer unit itself looks terrible.

[@maizesoft]

noisy preamp it has

[@dennisondenatalie]

How far does the WiFi reach? And can I connect an external router to make it go further?

[@DcSoundOp]

I had no luck with the WiFi on my unit, so I will copy and paste the response I got from Soundcraft directly: "There were early firmware and hardware issues that hampered connectivity with Ui12 and 16. The built in router should work fine depending on environment. i.e. Line of sight and not a ton of other activity in the range- speaking from experience in a heavy WiFi environment like an audio/video tradeshow the built in router will run into trouble. In professional use it is wise to carry a backup 2.4/5G dual band router."

[@dennisondenatalie]

DcSoundOp thank you!

[@DJTEDDY507]

Great review, it failed while using it. Not buying it.

[@DcSoundOp]

Be sure to check out the Ui-16 or 24 if you were really looking for one of these, they are a completely different design and folks have had MUCH more success with them over the years. Thanks for checking out the video.

[@donallfinn]

Are you a masochist? Why would you ever try and use this professionally?