This page about Soundcraft Ghost is a stub. You can help improve it:

Pricing and availability

* Product prices and availability are updated by Equipboard every 24hrs and are subject to change. Equipboard may receive compensation for purchases made at participating retailers linked on this site. This compensation does not affect what products or prices are displayed, or the order of prices listed. For more information, please refer to our affiliate disclosure.

Description

The Soundcraft Ghost is a game-changer in the world of studio recording, marrying classic analog warmth with modern functionality. This affordable analogue recording console is designed to provide the audio precision and control features of a high-end studio mixer, without the prohibitive price tag. The Ghost’s EQ is reminiscent of the legendary Soundcraft 3200 and Europa consoles, ensuring no compromises in sound quality. At its heart is the all-new ProMic preamp, specifically developed for this model, which elevates its performance well beyond its price bracket.

What truly sets the Ghost apart is its integral computer-based machine control and mute automation, making it more than just a mixer. This feature, inspired by the innovative Soundcraft DC2020 console, transforms it into a central hub for an automated recording setup, enhancing ease of use and production efficiency. Whether you're dealing with outboard effects, samplers, or synchronizing audio and video, the Ghost is equipped to handle any task with finesse.

Key Features:

  • Comprehensive 4-band EQ with fully parametric mids
  • New ultra-low noise mic amp with +60dBu input sensitivity
  • 6 mono and 2 stereo auxiliary sends, totaling 10 busses
  • 4 stereo returns and Mix B path on every channel
  • Multiple output connections for seamless integration with multitrack tape setups
  • Fully automated MIDI mute recall system with 128 snapshot memories and 4 mute groups
  • Integral transport buttons for external tape machine control
  • Time code reader/generator with 4 mix locate memories and cycle facility
  • 4 MIDI data faders for external effects control
  • Record enable function for multitrack tape tracks from the console
Richard Zeier

Richard Zeier

Servicing the Soundcraft Ghost part 1

Video thumbnail for Servicing the Soundcraft Ghost part 1 by Richard Zeier

Servicing the Soundcraft Ghost part 1

Richard Zeier

Richard Zeier

Video thumbnail for Exploring Tim O'Sullivan LA Studio: Gear, Guitars & Affordable Consoles by Produce Like A Pro

Exploring Tim O'Sullivan LA Studio: Gear, Guitars & Affordable Consoles

Produce Like A Pro

Produce Like A Pro

Video thumbnail for Servicing the Soundcraft Ghost 2.0 by Richard Zeier

Servicing the Soundcraft Ghost 2.0

Richard Zeier

Richard Zeier

Video thumbnail for Soundcraft Ghost - For Sale! by Bobby Rock

Soundcraft Ghost - For Sale!

Bobby Rock

Bobby Rock

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Soundcraft Ghost.

Features and functionality

  • The Ghost console includes a mix B section for superior monitor mixes and a dedicated FX return, effectively adding four extra channels.

    Source
  • The Ghost manual is highly detailed, offering comprehensive step-by-step instructions for setting up monitor mixes and transitioning between tracking, overdub, and mixing.

    Source
  • The meter bridge on the Ghost is valued for its utility, allowing precise monitoring compared to the Soundtracs Topaz which lacks one.

    Source
  • The Ghost's center section can struggle with high signal loads, potentially impacting performance.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • The console's design is not modular; replacing a channel strip requires unplugging everything and unscrewing 18 knobs.

    Source
  • Regular maintenance, such as using deoxit on inputs and outputs, is recommended to prevent dust and static issues.

    Source
  • Maintenance history is crucial; a well-maintained Ghost is preferred for reliability, especially in areas lacking repair services.

    Source

User experience

  • The Ghost preamps are described as clean with ample headroom, especially suitable for tracking drums and delivering a punchy sound.

    Source
  • Owners report that the Ghost may require less maintenance compared to older Soundtracs models, but condition varies by unit.

    Source

Comparisons

  • The Soundcraft Ghost EQ is considered superior to Mackie's, although the Mackie is noted for reliability and an 8-bus setup.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • The Ghost is recommended for users seeking a clean sound with minimal noise, suitable for modern productions without a warm or overdriven tone.

    Source
  • Suitable for those exploring the 90's/00's 8-bus revolution, serving as a "mothership" for certain setups.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • Users recommend upgrading the power supply to enhance the console's performance and reliability.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • Considered a "used 2003 Toyota Camry" of consoles, the Ghost is valued for its utility rather than high-end sound.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Soundcraft Ghost

soundonsound.com

The Soundcraft Ghost offers a compelling package for project studios with its quality build and professional features at an affordable price. It shines with its 8-buss automated mixing, solid sound, and well-designed EQ section. However, the cluttered fader area and noisy power supply are notable drawbacks. Despite these minor issues, its pro-grade automation and machine control make it a standout choice for serious home studios. Overall, the Ghost is a remarkable blend of functionality and affordability, making it a must-see for those wanting a professional-looking console without breaking the bank.

positive

5.0 out of 5

Based on 0 Reviews and 2 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Aphex Twin uses Soundcraft Ghost

Aphex Twin

Music Producer

Mike & Rich

...
Verified via Photo

On the list present on the album packaging of Syro, you can spot "Soundcraft Ghost" written on the lower left. Since it's not written "Soundcraft LE", we assume it's the standard version. However, it is not specified wether he uses the 24-channel (standard) version or the 32-channel version. Not being specified, we assume it's the standard (or in some cases, most common or earliest) version.

See how Ian Pooley uses Soundcraft Ghost

Ian Pooley

Composer, Music Producer

...
Verified via Photo

Ian Pooley has been using the Soundcraft Ghost as his recording console for decades, as seen in a recent Instagram post where he mentions working on new projects.

See how The Bug uses Soundcraft Ghost

The Bug

Music Producer

...
Verified via XLR8R

Besides a horde of compressors and valve processors, the biggest contributor to Martin’s sound is his mixing desk: a Soundcraft Ghost. More often than not, Martin uses the desk itself for compression, driving channels into the red in order to reduce dynamics. This creates an undoubtedly messier sound, which ties in with the rest of his production philosophy.

See how Kelly Bailey uses Soundcraft Ghost

Kelly Bailey

Composer, Music Producer

...
Verified

"I do almost all of my music work out of my studio at home. Ok, here goes: I use a pair of Adats, a Soundcraft Ghost for mixing, a bunch of outboard Symetrix and Lexicon processors for dynamics and effects, and an Eventide Ultraharmonizer DSP4000 for pre/post processing and vocal effects. For keyboards I use a mix of older and newer stuff. I have an old Prophet 5, a Casio FZ-1, a Roland MKS-50 with a programmer and an Oberheim Matrix 6. For newer gear, the Roland JP-8000, MC303, and the Novation BassStation are nice for creating new sounds quickly. I also have a little Korg 01/wR with a software programmer that can be coaxed into making some fat sounds (no analog filter tho). I'm pretty religious about not using presets, so I really favor the more programmable synths.

A lot of the recording and arrangement happens inside a PC; I run Logic Audio 2.5 for digital recording, post-processing and midi arrangement. I use an Audiomedia III card for digital transfers to and from a Tascam DA-30 dat. For guitar I use my trusty Les Paul through a Marshall half-stack, with an Oberheim Echoplex on the fx loop. "

Album Usage

The Soundcraft Ghost has been featured on the following albums:

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Soundcraft Ghost, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

Focusrite ISA 110
Focusrite ISA 110 Preamps & Channel Strips
1
Roland MC-303 Groovebox
Roland MC-303 Groovebox Production & Groove
1
API 550B
API 550B Effects Processors
1
Eventide H949 Harmonizer
Eventide H949 Harmonizer Effects Processors
1
Roland D-550
Roland D-550 Synthesizers & Sound Modules
1
Roland MKS-70
Roland MKS-70 Sound Modules
1
Oberheim Matrix 6
Oberheim Matrix 6 Synthesizers
1
EMT 140 Plate
EMT 140 Plate Effects Processors
1

1 alternative for Soundcraft Ghost, curated by the Equipboard community.

Soundtracs Topaz Project 8 32-Channel

 

Vintage or Discontinued similar sound

More Soundcraft Mixers

Soundcraft EPM6

$279.00 - $382.00

# 18

Rank

Toro y Moi goreshit Daniel Hayhurst
4 artists using
Soundcraft Signature 22MTK

$600.00 - $1,271.95

# 26

Rank

Kassian Franz Alice Stern
2 artists using
Soundcraft EPM 8

$69.49 - $429.00

# 46

Rank

Legowelt
1 artist using
Soundcraft Signature 12MTK

$38.00 - $619.00

# 78

Rank

Marti Fischer Colleen
2 artists using
Soundcraft EPM 12

$349.00 - $565.00

# 96

Rank

rave industries
1 artist using
Soundcraft EFX8

$609.00 - $629.00

# 98

Rank

 
Soundcraft EFX 12

$485.00 - $835.00

 
Legowelt
1 artist using
Soundcraft FX16ii

$1,245.00 - $1,285.00

 
Stu Mackenzie
1 artist using

Accessories & Related Items

Community setups

Gear Guides

  • Added to Equipboard on by

    yo_s_elf
    yo_s_elf

    Gear IQ 64