RCF’s original M-series offering was a huge success in the expanding domain of small-format mixers incorporating a WiFi control platform. The M20X, like the M18 before it, was designed with creative control through iOS and Android devices in mind but greatly expands on the hardware and software capabilities. The feature-rich M20X is a complete live mixer and recorder, featuring 16 preamps, multiple recording options and intuitive GUI.
Boasting extraordinary processing power, the M20X provides a complete digital backline set-up, complete with amplifiers, stomp boxes and FX. The DSP-rich consoles are fully recallable, with 11 motorized faders and 16 remote-controlled preamps contained in a compact, ruggedly constructed chassis.
The M20X features a comprehensive set of input channels, 20 in total with 16 of those being high-quality Mic preamps. 8 x XLR inputs, an additional 8 x Combo inputs, as well as 2 x TRS inputs and a Stereo input on Mini Jack complete the M20X’s channel count. There are 10 output channels- 8 x XLR and 2 x TRS as well as the primary two ‘Main Output’ XLR’s, all of which are routable inside the M20X’s engine.
The rear of the unit includes a multi-channel 24×24 USB audio interface and an AES-EBU stereo output. A LAN port for connection of an external access point for wireless remote control is also included.
The system features 10 motorized faders with switchable layers and one motorized fader for controlling the master mix. There are four fader layers, ranging through the complete set of inputs, FX and a layer dedicated to the 10 outputs. A 5” high contrast capacitive touch screen with five encoders, eight programmable User Keys and four function buttons allow access to all of the mixer’s capabilities.
All channels on the M20X contain a 4-band parametric EQ, Hi-pass and Gate. Channels 1-16 include a compressor, and four studio-quality ‘Z.CORE FX’ engines provide internal FX. Included in the internal FX arsenal are two Reverbs, a Delay, and a slot which can serve as Modulation or can be swapped for a second delay. There is an 8-band parametric EQ available on every output, and a 30-band graphic EQ on the main mix. Every channel also includes an RTA (Real Time Analyser) function, allowing the user to view the audio spectrum of any channel.
Realtime multi-track recording can be achieved in 3 separate ways- via the unit’s built-in 24×24 channel USB audio interface; via 20 track recording/playback on SD card; or via stereo capture and playback on a USB drive. The unit features two additional USB ports, one which allows connection of one or more MIDI controllers, and one designed for a WiFi dongle to connect a third-party device such as a tablet. The first USB port is also able to provide power to any 5-volt USB device.
The M20X is available in multiple form factors, to suit the various needs of musicians, rental companies, and installations. The standard fader-equipped unit is known simply as the M20X, whilst the M20XD adds a Dante interface for Audio over IP networking. There are 3U-rack versions also available (M20R and M20RD for the Rack+Dante version) which do away with the faders but still offer the same functionality and remote-control capabilities.
The M20X marks the first time RCF has produced a complete digital mixing solution with motorized faders, but it seems they are only just getting started when it comes to the mixer’s capabilities. RCF has announced that further features are on the way, with an extended Android and iOS control App in the works, and the ability to pair the device to a larger touchscreen for an enhanced mixing experience.
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