Description
The DiGiCo SD5 (2011) sits just below the SD7: a touring and broadcast console of impressive capacity — 253 channels, 128 buses, 24×24 matrix, dynamic EQ on every channel — driven from 37 faders and three 15-inch touchscreens. What I like about the SD range is never running out of resources: the Super FPGA engine takes everything at very low latency, and the snapshot logic and Optocore routing save precious time in production. Bulky and pricey, but built for big shows.
Technical
Specifications
Inputs / Outputs
| Total inputs | 253 |
|---|
Processing
| Mix buses | 128 |
|---|---|
| Matrices | 24 |
| DCA/VCA groups | 36 |
| DSP engine | DiGiCo Stealth Digital Processing (floating-point Super FPGA) |
| Max sample rate | 96 kHz |
| Bit depth | 24 bits |
| Processing resolution | 40 bits |
| Channels | 253 input channels, 128 aux/sub-group buses, LR/LCR/5.1 master, 24×24 full-processing matrix, 253 dynamic EQs |
| DSP engine — details | Stealth Digital Processing on floating-point Super FPGA; 2 ms latency at 48 kHz, 1.1 ms at 96 kHz |
| Channel processing | Per channel: delay, HPF/LPF 24 dB/oct, 4-band parametric EQ (8 on outputs), dual inserts, DYN1 (comp/de-esser/multiband) and DYN2 (gate/comp/ducker) |
| Buses | 32 gangable 32-band graphic EQs, 32 stereo effects (palette of 33), 36 control groups (VCAs) |
Surface
| Physical faders | 37 |
|---|---|
| Motorized faders | Yes |
| Fader layers | 1 |
| Screens | 3 |
| Touchscreen | Yes |
| Control surface | 37 motorised 100 mm faders (3 banks of 12 + master) and three 15-inch TFT touchscreens |
Recording
| Onboard recording | No |
|---|
Networking
| Networking & protocols | MADI / Optocore / Dante |
|---|---|
| Redundant PSU | Yes |
| Redundant networking | Yes |
| Audio networking | Optocore optical loop and MADI to the SD-Racks; Dante/Waves options |
Physical
| Width | 1,465 mm |
|---|---|
| Depth | 838 mm |
| Height | 458 mm |
| Weight | 116 kg |
Power
| Power draw | 340 W |
|---|
Strip & details
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Rotate your phone to landscape for a better view of the strip.
Rotate your phone to landscape for a better view of the strip.
Rotate your phone to landscape for a better view of the strip.
Rotate your phone to landscape for a better view of the strip.
Software
Other screenshots
Accessories
Stagebox / rack
- SD-Rack
Remote I/O rack on the Optocore optical loop, digital-controlled preamps.
Documents
Editorial & artists
Our take
History & design
The DiGiCo SD5 is a high-end live and broadcast digital mixing console launched in 2011. It offers 253 input channels, 128 aux/sub-group buses, an LR/LCR/5.1 master, a 24×24 full-processing matrix and 253 dynamic equalisers. The surface has 37 motorised 100 mm faders (three banks of 12, plus a master fader) and three 15-inch TFT touchscreens.
The core uses Stealth Digital Processing and floating-point Super FPGA technology, with 2 ms processing latency at 48 kHz (1.1 ms at 96 kHz). Every channel has delay, 24 dB/octave high/low-pass filters, a 4-band parametric EQ (8 bands on outputs), dual insert points and two dynamics modules (DYN1: compressor, de-esser or multiband; DYN2: gate, compressor or ducker). The master section adds 32 gangable 32-band graphic EQs, 32 stereo effects (palette of 33) and 36 control groups (VCAs). Connection to the SD-Racks is via the Optocore optical loop and MADI, with Dante/Waves network options.
Notable users
Links
Related consoles
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Documents are archived locally for preservation. Source credited. Takedown requests: [email protected]