Introduction
The Soundcraft EPM6, a compact mixer designed for both novices and pros, offers quality audio processing and mixing capabilities.
Design and Build
- Sturdy, lightweight design
- Intuitive layout with easily accessible controls
The EPM6 is built tough, lasting a long time and good for different places like home studios or live events. It’s easy to use because the buttons and knobs are put in sensible spots.
Audio Performance
- Six high-quality mic preamps
- Low noise and distortion
- Excellent sound clarity
The mixer excels in audio performance, featuring six pristine mic preamps delivering low noise and distortion, ensuring crystal-clear sound quality in recordings and live setups.
Functionality and Features
- Versatile routing options
- Flexible EQ and auxiliary controls
- Compatible with various devices
The EPM6 offers versatile routing options, allowing for customization to suit different audio setups. Its EQ and auxiliary controls enhance flexibility in sound manipulation. Plus, its compatibility with diverse devices makes it a versatile choice for various audio applications.
Pros
- Robust and durable design
- Crystal-clear sound quality
- Easy-to-use interface
- Versatile routing options
Cons
- Limited number of channels
- Lack of built-in effects
Conclusion
The Soundcraft EPM6 is a good pick for people who want a reliable and easy-to-use mixer. Although it has limits on the number of channels and doesn’t have built-in effects, it’s well-built, has great sound, and is easy to use. This makes it a good choice for both new and experienced users.
Ian Shaw –
A nice small format mixer. Everything you need and nothing you don’t (Well, almost. More on that later). Though Soundcraft calls this a 6 channel mixer, it also has 2 dedicated stereo channels and a 2 track input. There are some OEMs out there that would insist on calling this a 12 channel board. The board is resolutely and completely analog. No microprocessor anything. A good result of this is that there is only one minor mystery to operating it (More on that later). The controls are well labeled and logically arranged exactly where you would expect them to be. All channels are clear, quiet, and neutral in terms of coloration. The eq controls (hi, low, and sweapable mid) are minimalist but no less than what is commonly needed to get a good mix. The I/O capabilities (2 main, 2 aux, 2 monitor outputs, inserts for all mic channels and both main output channels) are pretty minimal, but again, what is needed for a basic mix.In terms of usage case four come immediately to mind: (1) Small band just starting out. With this mixer, a few mics, and a couple of powered speakers you have a nice reasonably portable PA that does not require a masters degree in audio engineering to use, a professional roadie to move, nor a millionaire’s budget to buy. (2) In a larger setting a mixing board like this is nice for handling sub-mixing jobs (e.g. drum mic submixer). (3) Convention panelist mic mixer (What I got mine for). And (4) Training: Learn how this board handles sound and you will have a good understanding of basic common audio mixing concepts applicable to almost all mixers.The one mystery (and the only reason this is a 4 star rather than a 5 star review) is why there is no on-off switch. If you plug in the cord and the outlet is hot, the board is on. This does make power up sequencing something to be aware of (Powered speakers/amps last please!). Plan accordingly. My guess is that Soundcraft figured the board would almost always wind up plugged into a switched power strip and that that power strip would always be plugged in switched off before getting turned on. The board has no finicky microprocessors to glitch with a less than clean switch and it is one less frequently used on-board component to fail. So long as there are no line switched amps on that same power strip you are probably fine…By the by: The photo depicts the EPM6 neatly tucked into an inexpensive Apache 4800 travel/storage case. (Sometimes its nice to know that you don’t need to spend more on the road case than you did on the board.)
Jason Stanley –
(I’ll update this after I’ve taken it on a few road tours)I got this Soundcraft to replace my Behringer Xenyx 1002 mixer for live performances.Currently I have it set up in my home studio, and it is working quite well for me. I’m running a pair of drum machines, a pair of synthesizers, and a few misc. effects/samplers through at the same time. I’m able to accurately EQ everything to fit well together, and the EQs seem clean and transparent. The additional feature of a mid-eq selector is handy for carving out space in a cluttered soundscape for vocals and lead synthesizers.The mixer is quite compact, especially considering all of the inputs, outputs, and inserts you get – All cords and cables can be contained within the rectangle frame for an especially snug fit – the power cord, rather than jutting out the back of the mixer like most, instead comes out of the bottom of the mixer, in a small ‘underpass’ created by the incline of the mixer. The power cable, while rather short, doesn’t have a big wall-wart or power block on it, which is pretty nice.I plan on taking this mixer on a 6-date tour early this summer, and will definitely be pushing it to the max – I’ll update this review then – but so far, this mixer looks great, sounds great, and is priced just right.
Doctor Who? –
This was a great investment. Solid build, clean signal path, transparent tonality, and balanced connectors throughout. It is part of my studio monitoring system, and works perfectly.
Mike –
There’s nothing I can say negative about this board. It functions just like any high cost board I’ve used. Definitely recommend.
Chill –
My day gig is insurance sales. My night gig is DJ and KJ. My son has been a professional musician for several years and when I asked him what mixer I should upgrade to for my powered main speakers (also purchased from Amazon!) he didn’t hesitate to recommend Soundcraft. I love this mixer! The controls are super smooth and precise. Being able to have sweepable mids is a real plus. Using XLR cables to the speakers generates amazingly clear transparent music with loads of headroom. Vocals come across crystal clear, even using less expensive mikes. Another real “plus” is the built in power supply. Though it makes the unit a bit heavier than some other brands that offer similar control configurations, I don’t have to mess with a seperate transformer and those dinky little connectors on the mixer. In short, you won’t go wrong by purchasing one of these, whether you might be using it for DJ work or for a 5 piece band.
Gina Schmidt –
Hooked this up and started testing it. Mic pre’s are clean with plenty of headroom. Love that it has the classic’British’ eq with swept mods. All was great until after running it, some strange distortion began in the audio. A few minutes later it stopped. Unfortunately so did the PFL functions. Reluctantly returned it and replaced with a Yamaha. But I miss having a Soundcraft.
Burning Hot –
Solid construction, great sound and best of all 14 channels instead of the 10 or 8 or less on most 12 channel mixers
Bill Crane –
Solid build. Great price and value. Makes for an excellent in-ear mixer.
Jorge Martínez –
Sonido de alta gama en un tamaño compactoSonido de calidad impresionante. Pre’s cálidos y con cuerpo. Componentes finos y de gran duración. La recomiendo ampliamente.
Marty –
Nice little boardIt’s a soundcraft – not much more to say. If you are looking for a good quality small console, this should be the one on top of your list