Pocket Guide 2012
Forty Years of Innovation and Leadership MIDAS have a long history of Innovation and leadership in the world of audio mixing consoles, which continues to this day.
MIDAS Digital Sound Quality The MIDAS reputation for fantastic audio quality has evolved over 40 years of development and research. By designing the best mic pre’s, equalisation and using the superior components, MIDAS has carried this tradition into the digital realm. Adding the best converters and custom processing algorithm to the mix MIDAS, takes audio quality to another level.
MIDAS Digital Audio Systems VCAs, MCAs and POPulation Groups With the advent of digital technology consoles channel counts and processing features have grown to a point where it is just not practical to have all controls physically available at the same time. Additionally the logistical advantages of smaller control surfaces are attractive.
This work flow approach is applied to every area of the control surface ensuring ease of use and appropriately fast access to all controls. To help further improve the “Mind Map” live sound engineers have typically used colour when navigating mixing consoles by applying different coloured adhesive tape and swapping coloured fader knobs to help make console navigation faster and more intuitive.
DYNAMIC EQ can be configured either as a stereo device with four filters per channel, or two stereo devices with two filters per channel, or four stereo devices with one filter per channel. Dynamic EQ can be programmed to either boost or cut selected frequencies depending upon the programme amplitude. Filters are fully parametric or can be configured as shelving types. The dynamic EQ GUI provides detailed realtime visual feedback of the audio processing being applied.
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 file within the consoles memory can contain many hundreds of “scenes” which can be individually recalled the instant their settings are required.
Patching MIDAS digital systems are much more than a “mixer” – they are complete digital audio distribution networks. The XL8 has a network capacity of 432 inputs and 432 outputs, the PRO3, 6, and 9 all have capacities of 288 inputs and 294 outputs, PRO2 and PRO2C offer up to 156 inputs and 166 outputs and the PRO1 has up to 100 inputs and 102 outputs. All of these network connections can be patched and routed independently of the audio passing through the “mixer”.
Third Party System Integration The MIDAS XL8 range and PRO Series systems incorporate several special features to aid real world integration with other important sub-systems. The MIDAS digital snakes (HyperMAC), both CAT-5e and Fibre Optic versions, carry embedded control signals for general usage. Signals carried include standard Ethernet traffic, MIDI messages and GPIO (general purpose input and output signalling).
XL8 Live Performance Systems Introduction Digital goes MIDAS. The industry held its collective breath when the XL8 was unveiled in 2006 as this was not merely another digital mixing console. It brought audio control and distribution, in fact all aspects of the live performance to one single control centre. Being a MIDAS it coupled sound quality, flexibility and reliability with an ease and familiarity of use unrivalled by other digital control surfaces.
XL8 Live Performance System Touring The touring version of the XL8 Live Performance System has been especially configured for high profile concerts, festivals and major events. Main inputs are connected via DL431 remote control 5-way mic splitters which have three fully independent non-interacting mic pres per input. Two of these are remote controllable (2.5dB steps) and the third is fixed gain, feeding out as analogue via isolating transformers.
XL8 Live Performance System Install The Install Version of the XL8 Live Performance System has been especially configured to be cost effective for permanent installations. The I/O XLRs are replaced by high-density D-type connectors. Each of the four remote DL451 24 channel in and 24 channel out I/O boxes can be separately placed up to 100m from the stage router unit, which can itself be up to 500m from the control surface.
Audio System Signal Router MIDAS DL461 The DL461 is a 3U 19” rack unit, which performs the stage-to-console link using a single CAT-5e cable (under 100 metres) or fibre-optic link (up to 500 metres) for the XL8 with redundant backup links. In addition to audio and control connections to the ten DSP modules it features ten AES50 connections for local I/O, as well as BNC and AES3 word clock interfaces and Ethernet tunnel.
Audio System Engine MIDAS DL471 The DL471 is a 1U 19” rack unit, which forms part of the XL8 modular DSP engine. It features its own discrete power supply, AES50 and Ethernet interfaces, as well as a dual, ultra high-speed, contra-rotating and self healing data loop for direct processor to processor communications. Each XL8 system includes ten DL471 units of which one is a redundant hot spare (n+1 resilience model).
PRO Series Introduction The MIDAS PRO Series Live Audio Systems employs technology developed from the class-leading XL8, offering the same exemplary sample - synchronised audio performance. The PRO series can provide up to 104 simultaneous input processing channels and up to 35 discrete mixes in monitor mode, all of which feature EQ and a choice of dynamics processing options.
The PRO series effects and dynamics algorithms are more than superb quality, easy-to use SHARC-based effects processing. They are incorporated within the automatic delay management system, so that wherever they are patched, the audio will be absolutely phase-coherent when summed into your mix. It is possible to assign up to 36 1/3 octave KLARK TEKNIK DN370 graphic EQs, for demanding monitor applications, all of which can be controlled using the optional KLARK TEKNIK DN9331 Rapide moving fader remote.
PRO9 Live Audio System The MIDAS PRO9 sits at the top of the MIDAS large format PRO Series, featuring a massive 88 channel input count and 35 busses, with the dual stage boxes offering placement flexibility up to 200m apart and 500m from the FOH position.
PRO6 Live Audio System The MIDAS PRO6 is at the heart of the large format PRO Series Live Audio Systems. The PRO6 can provide up to 64 simultaneous input processing channels and up to 35 discrete mixes in monitor mode, all of which feature MIDAS EQ and a choice of many dynamics processing options. By adding additional I/O hardware the PRO6’s network can be expanded up to 288 inputs and 294 outputs.
PRO3 Live Audio System The MIDAS PRO3 Live Audio System provides entry to the PRO Series of consoles and will ensure that even more touring riders and professional installations can take advantage of MIDAS’ digital features. PRO3 naturally features the legendary and much-loved MIDAS sound characteristics, which have their roots in the classic MIDAS analogue consoles.
PRO2 / PRO2C Live Audio System Think of an audio mixing system which offers unprecedented levels of control integration in terms of speed and ease of workflow. Think of an audio mixing system which has the most intuitive, operator-driven user-interface yet imagined, yet costs no more than an ordinary console. Think of an audio mixing system which has all of this, and sounds like a MIDAS.
PRO1 Live Audio System The PRO1 breaks new ground for MIDAS digital consoles, featuring an all-new, lightweight aluminium frame, PRO1 is the first stand-alone MIDAS digital console, and sets new standards of portability and performance for a “compact” digital console. PRO1 is easy to configure and operate. Engineers who are new to MIDAS digital can relax, enjoy the PR01’s sample-synchronous audio quality, and mix from well within their comfort zone.
Audio System Engine MIDAS DL371 The PRO3, 6 and 9 processing engine is a 7U 19” rack mount unit, which houses up to 7 audio processing modules and routing hardware. Employing advanced FPGA architecture, it has three removable power supplies, only two of which are required for full operation. The power supplies are auto-voltage sensing, auto-switchover, hotswappable, are fitted with locking AC connectors and are identical to, and therefore interchangeable with the PSU’s in the PRO3, 6 and 9 Control Centre.
Audio System Modular I/O MIDAS DL351 The DL351 is a 7U 19” rack unit, can provide a maximum of 64 audio inputs and 64 audio outputs. It has the same user-configurable card format as the DL451 but has the capacity to house up to 8 cards, which can be any combination of 8 analogue mic/line in, 8 analogue out (XLR), 8 analogue TRS line level in and out, 8 digital in and out (4 AES/EBU pairs) or a 25 pin D sub card with 8 analogue mic/line inputs and 8 outputs.
Audio System Modular I/O MIDAS DL451 The DL451 is a 3U 19” rack unit, which provides a maximum of 24 audio inputs and 24 audio outputs. It has the same user-configurable card format as the DL351 but has the capacity to house up to 3 cards, which can be any combination of 8 analogue mic/line in, 8 analogue out (XLR), 8 analogue TRS line level in and out, 8 digital in and out (4 AES/EBU pairs) or a 25 pin D sub card with 8 analogue mic/line inputs and 8 outputs.
Audio System Modular I/O MIDAS DL I/O Card Options Audio connections on analogue consoles are comparatively inexpensive, a mixing console will have as many insert points and direct outputs as there are input channels. Not so with digital mixing consoles. Insert points and direct outputs require A-D and D-A converters, as well as physical connections, so most manufacturers limit the number of these to a mere handful of options.
Audio System Fixed Format I/O MIDAS DL251 The DL251 is a 5U fixed configuration I/O unit with 48 mic/line inputs and 16 mic/ line outputs. The DL251 is limited to analogue connections and provides a more costeffective solution for those not requiring the flexibility of MIDAS modular I/O hardware. MIDI in, out and thru and one Ethernet control port are fitted as standard. Three AES50 ports handle the (n+1) redundant digital audio interface.
Audio System Input Splitter MIDAS DL431 The DL431 is a 6U 19” rack fixed configuration unit which features 24 mic / line inputs. Each input feeds three separate preamps, two with separate gain controls, the third being fixed gain. The two variable-gain preamps feed separate ADCs which then pass 96 kHz digital audio to the AES50 ports. Four discrete AES50 outputs supply dual redundant digital audio to AES50 networks, and allow for easy connection to any AES50 device (e.g.
iPad App MIDAS Mixtender MIDAS’ Mixtender iPad App provides wireless remote control for key functions of the MIDAS PRO Series and XL8 consoles. The App automatically selects the right console type so there is no difficult set-up procedure. With the Mixtender you can monitor ALL input and output metering simultaneously in real time, and can remotely EQ any speaker mix with one of the console’s on-board KT DN370 GEQs.
VeniceF VeniceF is much more than a compact live audio console. VeniceF is the platform for a completely integrated audio mixing, recording and processing package. At MIDAS, we know what it takes to design and build live sound consoles for the world’s most demanding tours and installations. One look at the VeniceF confirms that this console is continuing the legacy established by the groundbreaking XL3 and XL4 consoles, then consolidated in the industry-leading Heritage series.
Overview: AA Frames: 16, 24, 32 and 13U 16 channel rack mount AA Overload tolerant MIDAS mic pre with polarity switch, high pass filter and 20 dB pad AA Industry acclaimed 4 band swept MIDAS EQ with fully parametric hi-mid and lo-mid filters AA Up to 32 input / 32 output 24-Bit FireWire digital audio interface – flexible routing options include direct outputs and busses AA Analogue or FireWire input select switch for all mic channels allowing “virtual sound check” and record mix down AA 6 auxes with individ
VeniceU At first glance, VeniceU looks like a straightforward, easy-to-use analogue audio console. However, VeniceU continues MIDAS’ engineering concept of a hybrid mixer offering a fusion of both analogue and digital technology. One look at the VeniceU confirms that this console continues the legacy established by the ground-breaking MIDAS consoles which have been at the heart of so many historic live performances.
Overview: AA Frames: 16, 24, 32 (16 channel frame can be rack mounted in 11U) AA Overload tolerant MIDAS mic pre with polarity switch, high pass filter and 20 dB pad AA Individual phantom power for each mic input (including stereo channels) AA The equaliser section features four bands of MIDAS EQ, with swept filters on all four bands and an EQ in/out switch AA 8 input / 8 output USB digital audio interface – flexible routing options including six aux busses, four subgroups, both matrix busses and the stereo
XL48 Mic Pre The XL48 packs eight classic MIDAS XL4 mic pres into the convenience of a 1U box, bringing the much-loved classic MIDAS mic preamp sound within the reach of live sound engineers everywhere. The MIDAS XL48 comes complete with swept high and low pass filters, eight MIDAS XL8 A-D converters and a super-low-jitter 1ppm clock. Additional features include 8-segment LED input meters, individual phantom power, polarity invert, and -20 dB pad. All inputs are Neutrik XLR and 25-way D-sub connectivity.
Graphic Controller KLARK TEKNIK DN9331 RapidE The DN9331 is a 6U 19" rack unit and is the motorised fader remote control for the MIDAS digital onboard Graphic EQs. It connects using a single Ethernet cable and provides instant real-time control of all onboard assignable graphic equalisers, via the Solo Tracking System (STS). A flexible user interface allows custom remote channel assignments across four banks of thirty two channel selection buttons.
High Resolution Audio Recorder KLARK TEKNIK DN9696 KLARK TEKNIK has engineered an extremely easy to use, simple to setup, standalone hard disk recorder - the DN9696. This High Resolution Audio Recorder offers 96 tracks of 96 kHz audio at 24-bit, with a massive 9 hours of internal storage. There is now no need for external computers linked to multiple non-roadworthy systems with complicated interconnections, just a simple plug and play unit with dedicated Play, Stop and Record front panel transport controls.
Digital Audio Format Converters KLARK TEKNIK DN9650 and DN9652 The DN9650 network bridge allows the AES50 interfaces on MIDAS XL8 and PRO Series digital audio systems, KLARK TEKNIK’s DN9696 high resolution audio recorder and all MIDAS I/O units to connect to third party multichannel digital audio networks.
AES50 Repeater KLARK TEKNIK DN9610 The KLARK TEKNIK DN9610 is a cost-effective solution for extending AES50 multichannel digital audio network connections (Cat 5e/Cat 6 cabling) to greater distances than previously achievable. Housed in a rugged, compact, alloy case, and enclosed in a shock-absorbing silicone sleeve, the DN9610 will fit almost anywhere, being no larger than many D.I boxes! Each DN9610 is capable of extending two AES50 streams by up to 100m (330ft).
Digital Snakes and Audio Distribution Traditionally microphones have been connected to mixing consoles by long multicore cables. Over time, as sound systems have grown, the number of cores required and the number of cables needed to connect all parts of the sound system together (FOH, Monitors, Remote Truck etc.) have increased. This results in ever higher costs and lower performance. MIDAS digital snakes provide a solution to these problems.
MIDAS has invested heavily into the research and development of multi-channel high performance digital audio networking systems. The MIDAS network and input/ output devices are already in regular use with the XL8 and PRO Series consoles in hundreds of locations worldwide every day. MIDAS has now made this technology available to everyone as part of a portfolio of products including digital snakes and digital audio distribution systems.
Entry level fixed format using one DL251 and one DL252 I/O unit: DL251 Stage Inputs/ Outputs (48x16) DL252 FOH Inputs/ Outputs (16x48) AA 48 remote controlled MIDAS mic pres AA 16 line level returns AA 100m AES50 CAT-5e cable on reel AA 2nd redundant cable option AA Dual redundant power supplies on both units as standard AA 48 kHz sample rate DL351/DL451 flexible configurations: Stage Inputs/ Outputs (24x24 max) FoH Inputs/ Outputs (24x24 max) Stage Inputs / Outputs (64x64 max) FoH Inputs / Outputs
Splitter snakes and audio distribution products: AA All systems built from standard MIDAS I/O units AA AES50 network connections on rugged CAT-5e cable with Neutrik Ethercon connectors AA Redundancy options available AA All systems are supplied with MIDAS PC-based remote control software AA Two independent MIDAS mic pres separately controlled from each end point AA Analogue fixed gain transformer isolated output AA PC connects to any unit by Ethernet (auto IP addressing) AA Hardware remote gain control opti
Mic amp A outputs DL451 Mic amp B outputs DL451 Remote position 1 DL351 Remote position 2 DL351 MADI up to 3km DN9650 MADI up to 3km Third party unit e.
WALTER NASH ROAD, KIDDERMINSTER. WORCESTERSHIRE. DY11 7HJ. ENGLAND. TEL:+44 1562 741515 FAX:+44 1562 745371 midasconsoles.com DOC05-MIDAS 15-11-2012 © 2012 MUSIC Group IP Ltd. Technical specifications and appearances are subject to change without notice and accuracy is not guaranteed. All trademarks are the property of their respective owners. MIDAS and KLARK TEKNIK are part of the MUSIC Group (music-group.com).
