DiGiCo X-S21-MQ, S21 Digital Mixing Console with MQ MADI Package

The DiGiCo X-S21-MQ, S21 Digital Mixing Console with MQ MADI Package is a professional digital mixing console that brings DiGiCo's renowned audio processing and workflow into a compact, accessible platform. Designed using technology and concepts derived from the company's flagship SD Series, the S21 combines powerful processing with an intuitive control surface. It provides 48 mono/stereo flexi-channels, the equivalent of 96 DSP channels, along with 46 busses and 10 control groups. Operating at up to 96kHz, the console delivers high-resolution audio performance with low processing latency. Its compact design makes it suitable for touring, live sound, corporate events, houses of worship, installations, and production applications.

Dual Multi-Touch Control Surface

The X-S21-MQ features two high-resolution multi-touch screens, with each screen providing access to 10 channel strips for clear visual feedback and hands-on control. The dual-screen architecture allows one display to be used for setup or master functions while the other is used for active mixing. Touch-sensitive controls work alongside rotary encoders with integrated switches and Hidden Till Lit functionality for intuitive parameter adjustment. Drag, swipe, and drop operation allows users to quickly customize channel banks and arrange inputs, auxiliaries, groups, control groups, and matrices. This flexible interface helps simplify operation while providing an efficient workflow for experienced engineers and new users alike.

Powerful Processing Architecture

Under its compact worksurface, the X-S21-MQ combines a QuadCore ARM RISC processor, high-bandwidth memory, FPGA processing, and a fourth-generation control SHARC DSP architecture. This processing platform provides the power required for complex live productions while maintaining efficient operation. The console offers up to 40-bit floating-point internal processing and supports both 48kHz and 96kHz sample rates. Typical processing delay is approximately 2ms at 48kHz and 1.1ms at 96kHz under the specified signal path. DiGiCo's proprietary processing architecture provides advanced dynamics, EQ, routing, effects, and control capabilities in a compact console.

Flexible I/O and DMI Expansion

The X-S21-MQ provides 24 local mic/line inputs and 12 analog outputs, along with two AES/EBU I/O connections, word clock I/O, GPI, GPO, and DVI output. Two DMI card slots provide additional expansion possibilities with supported formats including MADI, Dante, Waves SoundGrid, analog, AES, Aviom, and Hydra 2. Each DMI slot can support up to 64 I/O depending on the installed card and configuration. The console can also connect to compatible DiGiCo remote I/O systems including D-Rack, SD-Rack, SD-MiNi Rack, SD-Nano Rack, A168 STAGE, and D2-Rack. This makes the S21 adaptable to a wide range of stage and system configurations.

Advanced Channel Processing

Each S21 input channel provides extensive processing and routing capabilities for professional mixing applications. Channel processing includes analogue gain, digital trim, phase, delay, DiGiTuBe processing, high-pass and low-pass filters, four-band parametric or dynamic EQ, and multiple dynamics sections. The dynamics architecture provides compressor, multiband compressor, gate, ducker, side-chain, and key-source functionality. Channels also provide insert points, direct outputs, mute, solo, channel safe, group assignment, pan, and fader control. A 100mm motorized fader provides precise hands-on control for live mixing.

Integrated Effects and Processing Tools

The S21 includes eight assignable FX engines supporting reverbs, delays, modulation, and enhancer processing. It also provides 16 assignable 32-band graphic EQs, 21 assignable DiGiTuBes, 21 assignable multiband compressors, and 21 assignable dynamic EQs. User-definable macros allow frequently used operations to be grouped into customized control actions. Snapshots provide a practical way to manage scene changes and repeatable show configurations. Together, these tools give engineers a comprehensive processing environment without requiring extensive external hardware.

Flexible I/O Configuration

The MQ-Rack supports configurable input and output arrangements based on the installed I/O modules. The rack can provide up to 56 I/O channels depending on its configuration, allowing users to tailor the system to the requirements of a particular installation or production. This modular approach provides flexibility when expanding or changing a DiGiCo-based audio system. The configurable architecture also helps users avoid unnecessary I/O hardware. This makes the MQ-Rack suitable for a variety of professional live sound and installed audio applications.

Reliable Rack-Mount Design

The MQ-Rack features a compact rack-mountable form factor designed for integration into professional equipment racks. Dual redundant power supplies help maintain system operation in demanding environments by providing an additional level of power redundancy. Its durable construction is suited to regular use in touring, production, and installation applications. The rack can be installed as part of a larger professional audio system while maintaining an organized and serviceable equipment layout. Its combination of modular I/O, MADI connectivity, and redundant power makes it suitable for mission-critical audio applications.

What’s in the Box:

• X-S21-WS, DMI-MADI-B, DMI-BLANK
• MQ MADI Rack x 1 (part# X-MQ-RACK) 48 x 24 I/O (part# LEADS0049R & LEADS0049B) BNC 100M (328 ft.) x 4 and Dust Cover
• Connections: 24 Mic/Line In, 12 Line Out, 2 Ch AES In/Out,
• DMI Slot x 2, USB-B 48 Track Recording Interface
• Connectors: Dependent on cards loaded in DMI Slots, USB-Type B

Console Specifications:

Input Flex-Channels: 48 Mono/Stereo

Equivalent DSP Channels: 96

Busses: 46

Flexi-Busses: 16 Mono/Stereo, equivalent to 32 DSP busses

Control Groups: 10

Stereo Master: 2

Solo Busses: 2 Stereo / 4 Total

Matrix: 10 x 8

Input Processing: 1 Compressor and 1 Gate per Channel and Buss

Graphic EQ: 16 Assignable 32-Band Graphic EQs

FX Engines: 8

DiGiTuBes: 21 Assignable

Multiband Compressors: 21 Assignable

Dynamic EQs: 21 Assignable

Local Mic/Line Inputs: 24

Analog Outputs: 12

AES/EBU I/O: 2 Mono

DVI Output: 1

DMI Card Slots: 2

DMI Capacity: Up to 64 I/O per Slot

Ethernet Connections: 2

Master/Solo Meters: 2 x 24-Segment

Touchscreens: 2 Multi-Touch Screens

Moving Faders: 21 Touch-Sensitive Motorized Faders

Fader Layers: 4 Banks of 10 Faders

Fader Type: 100mm Motorized

Control Encoders: Touch-Sensitive Rotaries with Integrated Switch and HTL

Channel Layout: Customizable

Snapshots: Supported

USB Audio I/O: Up to 48 Channels Recording and Playback

Sample Rate: 48kHz / 96kHz

Processing Delay: 2ms Typical at 48kHz / 1.1ms at 96kHz

Internal Processing: Up to 40-bit Floating Point

A/D & D/A Converter: 24-bit

Frequency Response: ±0.6dB, 20Hz – 20kHz

THD: <0.05% at Unity Gain, 10dB Input at 1kHz

Channel Separation: Better Than 90dB, 40Hz – 15kHz

Residual Output: <90dBu Typical

Microphone Input Noise: Better Than -126dB Equivalent Noise

Maximum Input Level: +22dBu

Maximum Output Level: +22dBu

Analog Gain: -20 to +60dB

Digital Trim: -40 to +40dB

Channel Delay: 0 – 682ms

DiGiTuBe Drive: 0.01 – 50.0

DiGiTuBe Bias: 0 – 6

LPF: 20Hz – 20kHz, 24dB/Oct

HPF: 20Hz – 20kHz, 24dB/Oct

EQ: 4-Band Parametric or Dynamic EQ

EQ Gain: ±18dB

EQ Frequency: 20Hz – 20kHz

Compressor Threshold: -60 – 0dB

Compressor Attack: 500µs – 100ms

Compressor Release: 5ms – 5s

Compressor Ratio: 1:1 – 50:1

Compressor Gain: 0 to +40dB

Gate/Ducker Threshold: -60 – 0dB

Gate/Ducker Attack: 50µs – 100ms

Gate/Ducker Hold: 2ms – 2s

Gate/Ducker Release: 5ms – 5s

Gate/Ducker Range: 0 – 90dB

FX Types: Reverbs, Delays, Modulation, Enhancer

Networking: Ethernet

Optional DMI Formats: Analog, AES, Aviom, Dante, MADI, Waves SoundGrid, Hydra 2, KLANG

Compatible I/O Systems: D-Rack, SD-Rack, SD-MiNi Rack, SD-Nano Rack, A168 STAGE, D2-Rack

MQ-Rack:

I/O Capacity: Up to 56 I/O Channels, Depending on Configuration

Digital Interface: MADI

MADI Ports: Dual MADI Ports

MADI Channel Capacity: Up to 64 Channels at 48kHz / Up to 32 Channels at 96kHz per MADI Connection

Sample Rates: 48kHz / 96kHz

Local I/O: Configurable Based on Installed I/O Modules

Power Supply: Dual Redundant Power Supplies

Console Compatibility: DiGiCo Digital Mixing Consoles

Rack Format: Standard 19-inch Rack Mountable

S21 Console:

Product Weight: 41.9 lbs.

Product Dimensions (L x W x H): 30.03" x 23.07" x 11.61"

MQ-Rack:

Product Weight: 24.25 lbs.

Product Dimensions (L x W x H): 19.00" x 9.96" x 10.47"

Shipping Weight: 66.15 lbs. (41.9 + 24.25 lbs.)

Shipping Dimensions (L x W x H): 49.03" x 33.03" x 22.08"