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 PRO3, 6 and
9 consoles are 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.