Specifications

Automation
All Midas digital consoles are purpose-designed for easy, instant-access to all key functions
when mixing, however, should the operator require the console to manage mundane
repetitive tasks, or control complex and wide-reaching changes during a performance, the
onboard automation system can handle all requirements with ease.
Each show le within the consoles memory can contain many hundreds of “scenes”
which can be individually recalled the instant their settings are required. Scenes can
be recalled instantly, or with a congurable crossfade time, for more subtle changes, or
by programming user-congurable crossfade “groups” complex timed events can be
prepared with instant user-intervention if required including manual control of crossfades.
Each scene contains every parameter on the system, including all audio parameters,
network routing, console conguration, FX type, routing and settings, even VCA and POP
group deployment and screen brightness can be pre-programmed into a scene recall!
MIDI or GPIO (contact closure) ports, provide control of external devices or allow the
console to respond to external prompts, permitting many external 3rd. party devices to be
incorporated into the Midas automation system.
MIDI, GPIO, and internal (crossfade and text note)“events” all have a comprehensive palette
of options which include all the usual MIDI parameters, plus the ability to assign time
delays or osets to the implementation of the programmed event.
The dedicated automation GUI displays all scenes programmed into the show, and
provides visual feedback for all automation events, an area for text notes, and the facility to
quickly re-order the scenes, should the set-list or running order change at the last second!
For those times when a well-rehearsed and programmed show does change at the last
second, the console has dedicated hardware controls for every channel enabling the
operator to “safe” any parameter from automation control should the need arise. Software
control of scene-specic automation “scope” is also provided, as well as the ability to “cut
and paste” any real-time parameter changes to subsequent scenes via the onboard SHOW
EDITOR.
Redundancy in Midas Digital Systems
Midas products are renowned for their reliability, nevertheless component failures can
occur in anyone’s product at any time. Midas mixing systems are regularly used on events
where a loss of audio would be catastrophic. At Midas we have gone to great lengths to
build redundancy into our digital systems to minimise or avoid completely the impact of
such problems.
The agship XL8 uses a combination of dual redundancy and (n+1) redundancy schemes
in such a way that no single failure in the system can stop the product operating. One
example of dual redundancy is the complete duplication of all the audio network and
router devices. An example of (n+1) redundancy is the DSP engine where nine units are
active and the tenth one is an auto-deployed redundant unit.
A particular case in point is the main control software and associated processor which is
often a part of a digital mixer which will stop the audio if it fails or the software crashes.
The Master Controller on the Midas XL8 and all PRO Series consoles is fully dual redundant.
The backup unit is always running in the background and is kept constantly up to date
with all audio and control parameters, enabling a completely seamless swap should a
failure occur.
This is not a new concept at Midas. Dual master controllers have been part of the
automation on the Heritage range of analogue consoles for ten years! At Midas we know
that our customers are absolutely reliant on our products and we pride ourselves on
meeting and exceeding their expectations.