Specifications
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 trac, MIDI messages and GPIO (general purpose input and output
signalling). This is a great advantage since it avoids extra cables, extends the range
of, for example MIDI, a long way beyond normal limits and provides a free Ethernet
range extension.
The Ethernet tunnel provides a 10Mbit/sec standard Ethernet connection from an
Ethercon RJ45 connector on the control surface to a similar connector on the stage
router unit (DL461, DL361) for use by third parties. Applications include carrying
control signals from a PC or Mac at FOH to a radio mic receiver rack on stage and
similarly, control signals from a PC or Mac to a system controller on stage. External
standard Ethernet network hubs can be used to connect many dierent systems
together via the MIDAS snake, which also provides redundancy in case of cable
damage.
MIDI messages and GPIO (contact closure) signals can be sent and received by the
MIDAS Console Automation System to local connectors at the console position and
remotely to MIDAS I/O devices which can be 500m away.
The XL8 and PRO3, 6 and 9 control surfaces incorporate a KVM switch (Keyboard
– Video – Mouse). This switch allows one screen on the control surface plus the
keyboard and trackball to be switched to one of three external computer connectors.
This is a great way of reducing “clutter” at the control surface position. A control
surface screen, keyboard and trackball can be used to control up to three other
systems where the computers are placed out of harms way. These external systems,
such as ProTools*, Waves* Multi-Rack, Shure* UHF-R radio mics and Dolby Lake*
System Controllers, then appear on a MIDAS control surface screen and are controlled
by the surface keyboard and trackball.
As described above the Ethernet tunnel can then be used to pass the Ethernet
messages from these computers to the devices they are controlling on stage via
the MIDAS snake. As an extra renement the automation system can be used to
communicate with external systems via MIDI thereby integrating these systems into
the MIDAS scene automation.
* All trademarks acknowledged.