Soundcraft Notepad-5 - Small-format analog mixing console with USB I/O

Soundcraft Notepad-5 – Small-format analog mixer with integrated USB I/O

The Notepad-5 combines the legendary quality of Soundcraft microphone preamps with a 2-in/2-out USB audio interface, offering direct recording and playback on Mac and PC without additional drivers. It features a mono channel with an XLR/¼″ combo input with a professional preamp and 100Hz low-cut filter, two stereo channels (jack and RCA), a 2-band EQ on the mono channel, a dedicated monitor send, and a rotary headphone volume control with automatic ducking that reduces background music when speaking, for crystal-clear audience communication. All this is housed in a rugged metal enclosure, ideal for touring, mobile studios, and conferences.

Main features

• Channels: 5 (1 mono mic/Hi-Z, 2 line and 1 stereo USB)
• Professional preamplifier: XLR/¼″ combo with +48 V phantom and 10–58 dB gain range
• Low-cut filter: 100 Hz on all mono channels to eliminate unwanted noise
• 2-band EQ: on the mono channel (HF shelving at 12 kHz and LF shelving at 80 Hz)
• 2-in/2-out USB interface: 44.1/48 kHz plug-and-play recording and playback
• Dedicated monitor send: independent ¼″ jack shared with the headphone output
• Automatic Ducking: Reduces background music while speaking for clear communication
• LED Meters: 2x4 segments for monitor and USB, plus clip LEDs per channel
• Rugged Construction: Durable metal chassis designed for touring
• Easy integration: power supply via included adapter and compact desktop design

User benefits

• Simplified recording: USB I/O eliminates additional interfaces and speeds up your DAW workflow.
• Soundcraft Quality: GB30 and low-cut preamps ensure clean, transparent audio.
• Smooth communication: Ducking function and independent headset control make presentations and conferences easy.
• Tonal Flexibility: EQ and Hi-Z on the mono channel allow you to connect amp-level instruments without losing definition.
• Portability and durability: Its metal chassis and compact size make it perfect for touring and small spaces.

Use cases

• Home studio recording and podcasting with direct connection to a computer.
• Sound reinforcement for conferences and presentations with clear communication to the audience.
• Sound reinforcement in bars, cafes and small venues.
• Mobile studios and OB vans for multi-channel recording and monitoring.
• Classes and webinars where ducking improves voice intelligibility.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Does it work without installing drivers? Yes; plug-and-play on macOS and Windows.
• What sampling rates does it support? 44.1 kHz and 48 kHz at 24 bits.
• Can I connect a guitar? Yes; the mono channel has a selectable Hi-Z input.
• How do I activate ducking? Turn the headphone volume potentiometer to the center position; ducking is applied automatically.
• Does it include a power adapter? Yes; a compact external power supply is included.

Description for projects

Soundcraft Notepad-5 5-channel mixing console with 1 XLR/¼″ mic/Hi-Z preamp, 2 stereo channels, 2-in/2-out USB I/O, 2-band EQ, 100 Hz low-cut filter, dedicated monitor send, auto-ducking, LED meters, and rugged metal chassis.