U16, U24 and U32 Professional Audio Mixing Consoles Operator Manual MUSIC Group Research UK Limited, Klark Industrial Park, Walter Nash Road, Kidderminster. Worcestershire. DY11 7HJ. England. Tel: +44 1562 741515 Fax: +44 1562 745371 Email: mkt.info@music-group.com Website: www.midasconsoles.com VeniceU — Operator Manual DOC02-VENICEU Issue B — September 2012 © MUSIC Group IP Limited © 2012 MUSIC Group IP Ltd.
VeniceU Operator Manual iii Important safety instructions CAUTION RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK! DO NOT OPEN! ATTENTION RISQUE DE CHOC ELECTRIQUE! NE PAS OUVRIR! Terminals marked with this symbol carry electrical current of sufficient magnitude to constitute risk of electric shock. Use only high-quality commercially-available speaker cables with ¼" TS plugs pre-installed. All other installation or modification should be performed only by qualified personnel.
iv VeniceU carefully. Registering your purchase and equipment with us helps us process your repair claims quicker and more efficiently. Thank you for your cooperation! § 3 Return materials authorization 1. To obtain warranty service, please contact the retailer from whom the equipment was purchased. Should your MUSIC Group dealer not be located in your vicinity, you may contact the MUSIC Group distributor for your country listed at www.midasconsoles.com.
Operator Manual Other important information 1 Register online. Please register your new Midas equipment right after you purchase it by visiting www.midasconsoles.com. Registering your purchase using our simple online form helps us to process your repair claims more quickly and efficiently. Also, read the terms and conditions of our warranty, if applicable. 2 Malfunction.
vi VeniceU MUSIC Group IP Limited
vii Contents Important safety instructions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . iii Other important information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . v Chapter 1 Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 Overview of the VeniceU Key features . . . . . . . . Control surface . . . . . . Rear panel . . . . . . . . . . External connections . . . Signal flow . . . . . . . . . . Mix matrix . . . . . . . . . .
viii Contents EQ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Monitors . . . . . . . . . . . . Auxes . . . . . . . . . . . . . Pan, mute and solo . . . . Fader, routing and meter Meter . . . . . . . . . . . Routing . . . . . . . . . . Chapter 6 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
ix Contents The effect of EQ . . . . . . . . . . . Dynamic processing . . . . . . . . Unity Gain . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Signal Processing and Amplifiers Routing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . FOH mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . MON mode . . . . . . . . . . . . Dual FOH/MON Mode . . . . . Appendix D .... .... .... ... .... .... .... .... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
x Contents VeniceU Operator Manual
1 Chapter 1: Introduction Thank you for choosing a Midas VeniceU mixing console. The VeniceU range of consoles have been developed to meet the needs of demanding live sound engineers and provide the solution for any audio mixing application in live sound or studio environments. The VeniceU meets the quality of build and performance that you would expect from a Midas console.
2 Chapter 1: Introduction a flexible bus structure that lets the engineer configure the console for different applications. The VeniceU consoles (U16 left, U24 top and U32 bottom) All variants include four multifunction input channels for use on various sources. These share single control knobs and have slightly different functionality as compared to the mono channels.
3 Key features Item U16 U24 U32 Mono master output XLRM XLRM XLRM USB I/O 4 stereo channel, Type B 4 stereo channel, Type B 4 stereo channel, Type B The USB interface can be used with any personal computer (PC) fitted with a standard USB 2.0 port, and is effectively a digital multi-channel cable (up to 8 in and 8 out channels) for connecting the PC to the console.
4 Chapter 1: Introduction • Mains power supply — universal switch mode power supply unit (PSU) with mains input socket and on/off switch. • Lamps — socket(s) for fitting lamps. • Playback/record I/Os — input/output sockets for playback and recording. • Warranty — standard Midas 3-year warranty. Control surface The surface of the VeniceU can be divided into the following main vertical sections.
5 Control surface Item Description 1 See Chapter 5 "Mono Input Channel" on page 37 2 See Chapter 6 "Multifunction Input Channel" on page 47 3 See Chapter 7 "Output Section" on page 57 VeniceU Operator Manual
6 Chapter 1: Introduction Rear panel The VeniceU has a rear panel that houses the following. 1 2 11 3 10 4 9 5 4 6 U32 8 7 U24 U16 Rear panels of the VeniceU consoles showing the main areas Item Description 1 See “Master outputs (mono and stereo)” on page 69. 2 See “Stereo returns” on page 66, “Groups” on page 61, “Matrices” on page 64, “Monitors” on page 67 and “Auxes” on page 68. 3 See Chapter 6 "Multifunction Input Channel" on page 47. 4 Ventilation grills. Do not obstruct.
7 External connections A G B C E D F Rear panel of the VeniceU16 showing the main connector sections A. Inserts and returns. B. Mono input channel (insert, direct out, line in and mic in). C. Multifunction input channel (insert, direct out, line in left (mono) and right, and mic in). D. Playback I/Os (left and right). E. Local monitor outputs. F. Aux, group, matrix and monitor outputs. G. Stereo and mono master inserts and outputs.
8 Chapter 1: Introduction Connection(s) Description Notes All primary outputs Balanced XLR connectors, 50R source Master channels Aux, group, matrix, monitor and local (monitor) buses All secondary outputs (direct outs) Balanced Jack connectors, 50R source Mono channels Headphone outputs Jack connectors, 10R source (nominal +10dB) local monitor section of outputs (control surface) Playback left and right inputs and outputs Unbalanced phono connectors: input is 47k load -10dB and output is 600
9 Signal flow The following table shows the signal flow in detail.
10 Chapter 1: Introduction Mix matrix Ultimately, the mix matrix defines the capability of each VeniceU. It follows the console layout, where inputs run vertically and buses run horizontally. A mix matrix is usually defined as the number of buses and the quantity of simultaneously-mixable inputs there are per bus.
Service and support 11 • There are diagrams throughout the manual that show you where on the console the local information is referring to. These areas are indicated by blue shading. For example, the mono input channels, as shown right. • Unless otherwise stated, an illuminated LED means that its related control/function is on and when extinguished it is off.
12 Chapter 1: Introduction VeniceU Operator Manual
13 Chapter 2: Getting Started This chapter shows you how to prepare the VeniceU for operation, which includes: • Installation • Connecting up • Setting up • Powering up Before installing, setting up or operating this equipment make sure you have read and fully understand all of the “IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS” at the front of this document and observe the following precautions. Installation The position of the console will vary from venue to venue.
14 Chapter 2: Getting Started Electric fields Should this product be used in an electromagnetic field that is amplitude modulated by an audio frequency signal (20Hz to 20kHz), the signal to noise ratio may be degraded. Degradation of up to 60dB at a frequency corresponding to the modulation signal may be experienced under extreme conditions (3V/m, 90% modulation).
15 Connecting up Connecting to balanced/unbalanced equipment Sleeve Ring Tip The inserts of the VeniceU are unbalanced. Ideally, you will be connecting the inserts to balanced equipment to help avoid noise problems due to grounding.
16 Chapter 2: Getting Started Other connections The section gives details of the other VeniceU interconnections. Description Example of plug or device Pinouts Example of socket 4-pin, male XLR chassis connector(s) on the rear panel for connecting 12V/5W lamp(s) 1 2 3 4 2 1 Female XLR chassis connector (talk mic) 1 = ground 2 = hot 3 = cold = = = = N/A N/A ground 12V 3 1 USB socket for type B connector. (The supplied USB lead is terminated in a type B connector and a type A connector.
17 Switching the VeniceU on/off Switching the VeniceU on/off Switch the VeniceU on/off via the mains switch on the rear panel. A B Mains power supply input on the rear panel. A. Mains on/off switch. B. Mains power supply socket (IEC connector).
18 Chapter 2: Getting Started VeniceU Operator Manual
19 Chapter 3: Using The VeniceU With USB This chapter shows you how to prepare your PC/Mac® for USB operation. The VeniceU console has been tested and verified for USB use with the following computer operating systems: a PC running Windows® 7 and a Mac running OS® X (version 10.7 or later). However, we cannot guarantee correct USB operation on any other computer operating system. All of the files that you should need for USB operation on the VeniceU, such as, drivers, recording templates, demos, etc.
20 Chapter 3: Using The VeniceU With USB 3 In the User Account Control dialog box, click Yes. 4 In the “Welcome ...” screen of the Setup dialog box, click Next. 5 In the “Choose Install Location” screen of the Setup dialog box, choose the destination of the USB driver and click Install. The installation will begin. 6 During the installation procedure the following dialog box will appear. Plug the USB cable into the VeniceU console (type B connector) and into your PC (type A connector).
Windows 7 operating system 7 The installation procedure should continue. After the installation has been completed successfully, click Next. 8 In the “Completing ...” screen of the Setup dialog box, click Finish. 9 The Archwave icon should appear in the task bar at the lower-right corner of the screen. 21 Using the Archwave USB Driver Control Panel In general, you should be able to use your recording software application on your PC quite successfully using the default USB settings.
22 Chapter 3: Using The VeniceU With USB 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 9 8 Archwave USB Driver Control Panel window Item Element 1 File menu. Contains the Close and Quit commands. Selecting Close hides the application in your desktop’s taskbar. Selecting Quit closes the application. 2 Info menu. Contains the About Control Panel command, which opens the About Control Panel dialog box that gives you information on the application. 3 Panel associated with the selected option. 4 Minimise button.
23 Windows 7 operating system Devices option The Devices option lets you manage your audio system USB devices. 1 2 3 4 Item Element 1 List of connected devices, showing the device name and serial number of each. 2 Up and Down buttons. These buttons change the position of a device in the list of connected devices by moving it up/down one place at a time. 3 Edit Device Name button. Lets you change the name of a device. 4 Apply button. Applies any changes you have made in this window.
24 Chapter 3: Using The VeniceU With USB Input Channels option The Input Channels option lists all of the input channels (also known as active input channels) in your audio system. 1 4 3 2 Item Element 1 List of input channels. 2 Include device name in ASIO display name check box. When this check box is selected, device names are included in the ASIO display name column. 3 Edit Channel Name button. Lets you change the name of an input channel. 4 Hardware name of selected channel field.
25 Windows 7 operating system Output Channels option The Output Channels option lists all of the output channels (also known as active output channels) in your audio system. 1 4 3 2 Item Element 1 List of output channels. 2 Include device name in ASIO display name check box. When this check box is selected, device names are included in the ASIO display name column. 3 Edit Channel Name button. Lets you change the name of an output channel. 4 Hardware name of selected channel field.
26 Chapter 3: Using The VeniceU With USB Synchronisation option The Synchronisation option lets you choose the sample rate frequency and clock source. 1 2 3 Item Element 1 Sampling Rate Selection Mode frame, lets you set the sampling rate automatically or manually. Click the Automatic Mode option button to let the system set the sampling rate or click the Manual Mode option button if you want to set the sampling rate yourself. The Apply button stores any changes.
27 Windows 7 operating system Settings option The Settings option lets you select the buffer sizes that your PC will use for your recording software. Select buffer size according to your equipment, remembering that if it is too small you will suffer audio clicks and pops, and if it is too large there will be audible delays (latency). 1 2 3 Item Element 1 Isochronous Streaming frame, lets you set the stream buffer depth in the range 1.0 ms to 16.0 ms (default is 2.0 ms).
28 Chapter 3: Using The VeniceU With USB Streams option The Streams option shows the audio and sync I/O connections for each connected device.
Mac operating system 29 Mac operating system USB, when used with a Mac running OS® X (version 10.7 or later), is a ‘plug and play’ device. So, unlike on a PC running Windows® 7, there is no need to install a USB device driver. Also, this Mac version has its own interface for using the supplied third party recording software. Note: The settings available for configuration may be dependent on a number of variables, such as the hardware specification of the Mac, the recording software application, etc.
30 Chapter 3: Using The VeniceU With USB The Audio option lets you configure your audio system USB devices. For full information on this panel and all recording related information, refer to the Reason Operator Manual. Audio option window >> To open the Audio option window In the Reason menu, click the Preferences command.
Updating the VeniceU firmware 31 Updating the VeniceU firmware The latest version of the USB firmware for the VeniceU will be available on the Midas website (address is on the front cover of this manual). >> To update the VeniceU with the latest firmware The following procedure is based on a PC running Windows® 7. However, the procedure for updating the console’s firmware should be similar if you are using a Mac running OS® X (version 10.7 or later).
32 Chapter 3: Using The VeniceU With USB 5 In the deviceUpgrade_64 dialog box, click Yes. The installation will begin. 6 If the upgrade was successful, you should see the following Midas Firmware Upgrade dialog box. Click OK. Troubleshooting USB operation This section may help you overcome any problems that may arise when using USB with your audio system. Audio problems If you encounter any problems with the audio, for example, when recording, try changing the USB settings.
Troubleshooting USB operation 33 No devices found If no devices appear in the driver control panel, it means that the PC/Mac cannot detect a device. Do one of the following: • Connect the VeniceU to your PC/Mac. • If the VeniceU is already connected to your PC/Mac, check that the connections are good. Overcoming ground loop problems See Appendix E "Best Grounding Practice" on page 97.
34 Chapter 3: Using The VeniceU With USB VeniceU Operator Manual
35 Chapter 4: Working With The Console The following chapters give a description of the controls on the console surface and include useful operating information. • Chapter 5 "Mono Input Channel" on page 37 • Chapter 6 "Multifunction Input Channel" on page 47 • Chapter 7 "Output Section" on page 57 Before using USB, read Chapter 3 “Using The VeniceU With USB”. Ground loop problems In the event of ground loop problems, disconnect the signal screen at one end of the connecting cables.
36 Chapter 4: Working With The Console VeniceU Operator Manual
37 Chapter 5: Mono Input Channel This chapter details the mono input channels (8/16/24) of the VeniceU. It describes the sections of each channel on the control surface and the related connectors on the rear panel. Mono input channels on the control surface (U32 shown) Although the actual number of mono input channels on your VeniceU will depend upon your choice of frame, their function remains the same.
38 Chapter 5: Mono Input Channel Overview of the mono input channel Each mono channel has an XLR input that can be used for mic or line level signals up to +32dBu. An additional 1/4” inch TRS Jack socket, provides an input for line level signals that require protection against accidental 48-volt connection. The line input gives 10dB of permanent attenuation to the input signal, which allows the connection of extremely high line level signals of up to +42dBu with the pad engaged.
39 Rear panel Rear panel The VeniceU channel inputs are located on the rear panel of the console and each channel comprises the following. 1 2 3 4 Mono input channel connectors Item Description 1 insert connector Insert point on a single 1/4” TRS Jack socket. This is unbalanced and requires a conventionally-wired insert lead. 2 direct out connector socket. 3 line in connector 4 mic connector connector.
40 Chapter 5: Mono Input Channel Gain This section lets you adjust the level of the mic input signal, switch on 48 volts phantom power for the mic, attenuate the input signal by 20dB, invert the mic polarity and enable the high pass filter on the mic input.
41 EQ EQ Each mono input channel of the VeniceU has a four-band, swept EQ, allowing tonal control over the input signal. 1 2 3 4 5 EQ section of the mono input channels Item Description 1 Treble gain/freq control knob This dual-concentric control knob adjusts the gain/frequency of the treble EQ: 2 3 VeniceU Operator Manual • gain The top control knob adjusts the gain of the treble band, which is continuously variable from -15dB to +15dB with a centre detent of 0dB.
42 Chapter 5: Mono Input Channel Item Description 4 Bass gain/freq control knob This dual-concentric control knob adjusts the gain/frequency of the bass EQ: 5 • gain The top control knob adjusts the gain of the bass band, which is continuously variable from -15dB to +15dB with a centre detent of 0dB. • freq The bottom control knob adjusts the centre frequency of the bass band, which is continuously variable from 20Hz to 200Hz. EQ switch and red LED The EQ switch enables the EQ.
43 Auxes Auxes The VeniceU has four aux sends per input channel, which can be used for effects sends, monitors or as extra assignable outputs from the console. Each aux has a control knob that gives continuous adjustment of the level sent from the input channel to the aux buses, in the range 4 (infinity/off) to +6dB.
44 Chapter 5: Mono Input Channel Pan, mute and solo The VeniceU has pan, mute and solo per mono input channel. 1 2 3 Pan, mute and solo sections of the mono input channels Item Description 1 pan control knob The pan control allows the channel signal to be positioned in a stereo field when routed to the stereo bus, or when group sends are configured to be stereo.
45 Fader, routing and meter Fader, routing and meter The VeniceU is a flexible mixing console with four group buses, plus stereo and mono, with a 100 mm fader and a four-LED signal meter per mono input channel. 1 2 3 4 5 Fader section of the mono input channels Item Description 1 LED meter These four LEDs comprise the input channel meter, which lets you monitor the input signal without having to use the PFL.
46 Chapter 5: Mono Input Channel Meter The meter is especially useful when setting the microphone gain of a channel. Also, as the meter is post-EQ, it is possible to see the effect that the channel equalisation has upon the level. It may be necessary to turn the input gain down when excessive EQ is used to prevent the channel from overloading. The LEDs represent the following: • 18 (red): +18dB, overload (peak). • 12 (yellow): +12dB, high level. • 0 (green): 0dB, normal level.
47 Chapter 6: Multifunction Input Channel This chapter details the multifunction input channels of the VeniceU. It describes the sections of each multifunction channel on the control surface and the related connectors on the rear panel. Multifunction input channels on the control surface All types of VeniceU have four multifunction input channels.
48 Chapter 6: Multifunction Input Channel Overview of the multifunction input channel The VeniceU multifunction channel (shown right) is equipped with an XLR input, which are used for mic/line level signals up to +32dBu. Two 1/4” TRS Jack sockets provide inputs for line level signals that require protection against accidental 48-volt connection. The line inputs accept signals up to +28dBu and have +20dB of gain available. Item Section 1 Mic input gain (see “Gain (mic inputs)” on page 50).
49 Rear panel Rear panel The VeniceU channel inputs are located on the rear panel of the console. 1 2 3 4 5 Multifunction input channel connectors Item Description 1 insert Insert point on a single 1/4” TRS Jack socket. This is unbalanced and requires a conventionally-wired insert lead. 2 direct out 3 line in l (mono) socket. 4 line in r 5 mic Direct output on a single, balanced 1/4” TRS Jack socket.
50 Chapter 6: Multifunction Input Channel Gain (mic inputs) This section has the same functionality as the gain section of the mono input channels except for the following. For full details, see “Gain” on page 40. • 20dB pad switch On multifunction input channels the pad switch has no effect upon the left and right line levels. Overloads are indicated on the meter by the red LED at the top (see “Fader, routing and meter” on page 54).
51 Stereo line inputs Stereo line inputs The stereo line gain control knob adjusts level of the stereo line input signal, which is continuously variable from 4 (infinity/off) to +20dB with a centre detent at 0dB, thus allowing low level line signals to be trimmed to obtain the optimal signal level.
52 Chapter 6: Multifunction Input Channel Item Description 4 Bass control knob The bass shelving EQ gain is continuously variable from -15dB to +15dB, with the shelf frequency set to 75Hz. 5 EQ switch and red LED The EQ switch enables the EQ. With EQ disabled, adjustment of the EQ controls has no effect. This can be used to compare the sound with and without EQ. The eq LED illuminates to show that EQ is enabled.
53 Balance, mute and solo Balance, mute and solo The VeniceU has balance, mute and solo on every multifunction input channel. 1 2 3 Balance, mute and solo sections of the multifunction input channels Item Description 1 bal control knob This stereo line input balance control allows continuous reciprocal adjustment of the channel’s stereo image. It allows the user to determine the relative output power to each left and right output. At all points this control retains constant power.
54 Chapter 6: Multifunction Input Channel Fader, routing and meter The VeniceU fader section has the following functions. 1 2 3 4 5 Fader section of the multifunction input channels Item Description 1 LED meter These LEDs comprise the multifunction input channel meter, which lets you monitor the input signal without having to use the PFL. The meter will display the higher of the two signals (left or right). The red +18 LED will also show any overload activity on the USB.
Fader, routing and meter 55 Meter The meter is especially useful when setting the microphone gain of a channel. Also, as the meter is post-EQ, it is possible to see the effect that the channel equalisation has upon the level. It may be necessary to turn the input gain down when excessive EQ is used to prevent the channel from overloading.
56 Chapter 6: Multifunction Input Channel VeniceU Operator Manual
57 Chapter 7: Output Section This chapter deals with the output section of the VeniceU. It describes the control surface and the related connectors on the rear panel.
58 Chapter 7: Output Section Rear panel The main outputs of the VeniceU are located on the rear of the console.
59 Overview of the outputs section Overview of the outputs section The outputs section comprises the following main areas. Item Description 1 See “Matrices” on page 64. 2 See “Master outputs (mono and stereo)” on page 69. 3 See “Talkback” on page 71. 4 See “Playback and recording” on page 72. 5 See “Local monitor and phones” on page 73. 6 See “Master outputs (mono and stereo)” on page 69. 7 Master faders. 8 Four blue faders, which adjust to their current assignment (for example, groups).
60 Chapter 7: Output Section Output module notes Before looking at the function of the output section of the console, it is essential that you are comfortable with a few of the console’s features that affect groups, matrices and auxes. Rather than discuss these features in each section (although they will be repeated there), an understanding of their function in a more general context is desirable. Group-aux changeover The VeniceU can be used as a front of house (FOH) console or monitor console.
61 Groups Groups Each of the four group buses has an output and an insert. 1 2 Group connectors on rear panel Item Description 1 Group insert sockets TRS Jack socket. 2 Group output sockets connector. Each group has an insert point via a single 1/4” Each group has an output via a male XLR chassis USB output is available for the groups by the overriding multifunction input channels. For more information, see “USB” on page 62. Each group output has fader level adjustment and metering.
62 Chapter 7: Output Section Item Description 1 Meter LEDs These LEDs comprise the group meter, which lets you monitor the input signal without having to use the PFL. 2 Fader The group fader allows for continuous adjustment of the channel level from 4 (infinity/off) to +10dB. 3 mono switch This switch routes the channel signal to the mono bus (post-EQ, post-mute and post-fader). 4 stereo switch Routes the channel signal to the stereo master bus (post-EQ, post-pan, post-mute and post-fader).
63 USB 1 2 3 USB sections on the control surface Item Description 1 usb in switch This latching switch inserts the USB return to the channel, muting the mic and line inputs. 2 usb c/o 3 override masters to usb with matrix switch This latching switch overrides the stereo master USB output with the matrix 1-2 output. VeniceU Operator Manual This latching switch flips the aux USB output to group output.
64 Chapter 7: Output Section Matrices There is an output connector and insert connector on the rear panel for both matrix outputs. Two matrix inserts and two matrix outputs on the rear panel USB output is available for the matrix outputs by overriding the relevant multifunction input channel 29-30. For more information, see “USB” on page 62. The VeniceU provides another two outputs from the console, which can be contributions from a combination of the console’s other outputs.
65 Matrices Item Description 1 group 1 to group 4 control knobs Each of the groups (1-4) has its own individual matrix send level, which is continuously variable from 4 (infinity/off) to +6dB. Unity (0dB) is also marked on the scale, allowing the signal to be routed to the matrix without any attenuation or gain. Alternatively, the auxiliaries can be routed to the matrix by pressing the aux c/o switch (see “Group-aux changeover” on page 60).
66 Chapter 7: Output Section Stereo returns There are two stereo returns that route to masters, certain groups and the two monitor buses. Stereo returns 1 and 2 on the rear panel. Each return has left and right TRS 1/4” TRS Jack sockets. 1 2 2 4 5 6 stereo returns section on the control surface Item Description 1 return 1 and return 2 control knobs line gain from 4 (infinity/off) to +20dB. 2 MUTE switch and red LED These switches mute the stereo returns.
67 Monitors Monitors There is an output connector and insert connector on the rear panel for both monitor bus outputs. Two monitor inserts and two monitor outputs on rear panel 1 2 3 4 Monitor channels (1 and 2) Item Description 1 pre switch 2 monitor control knob This output level control gives continuous adjustment of the monitor output signal from +10dB to 4 (infinity/off). 3 MUTE switch and red LED The MUTE switch mutes the monitor send output signal.
68 Chapter 7: Output Section Auxes There are four independent aux outputs on the rear panel. Four aux XLR outputs on the rear panel Each aux output is controlled by a discrete section on the control surface. 1 2 3 4 5 Auxes on the control surface Item Description 1 Control knob Adjusts the aux master level. The output level of the aux is continuously variable from 4 (infinity/off) to +10dB.
69 Master outputs (mono and stereo) Table 2: Typical uses of auxiliaries Application Pre-/Post-fade Reason Stage monitors Pre-fade (post-EQ) The level in the monitor stays constant, so that the engineer can change the FOH level without affecting the performer. Effects sends Post-fade The level sent to the effects is proportional to the fader level, so the balance between wet (processed) and dry (unprocessed) sound stays the same, even when the channel level is changed.
70 Chapter 7: Output Section 2 1 3 5 4 7 6 Master outputs sections on the control surface Item Description 1 stereo to mono switch When this switch is on, a sum of the stereo left and right signals are routed to the mono signal bus (post-mute and post-fader, and post-insert points). 2 bal control knob Provides fine adjustment of the left and right power levels, and can be used during set up to check the left and right channels separately (by panning fully left or right).
71 Talkback Talkback The VeniceU provides a talkback mic that can be routed to a number of the console’s outputs. 5 1 2 3 4 Talk mic section on the control surface Item Description 1 on switch and green LED When on (button fully in), the talk mic input is enabled and routed to the talk bus, in which case both local monitor outputs are attenuated by 20dB to help prevent feedback. The green LED illuminates to show that the talk mic input is enabled. 2 aux 1-4 switch all aux buses.
72 Chapter 7: Output Section Playback and recording The following four connectors on the rear panel provide discrete analogue inputs and outputs for audio playback and recording, respectively. Playback/record sockets on the rear panel Playback The two in (right and left) connectors let you connect an analogue device, such as an MP3 device or tape recorder, to play back recorded audio material via the console.
73 Local monitor and phones Local monitor and phones There are two local monitor outputs on the rear panel for providing a signal for monitor speakers. Local monitor outputs on the rear panel A local monitor section on the control surface lets you connect headphones for local monitoring and adjust their signal level, and also the signal level of the local monitor outputs.
74 Chapter 7: Output Section Lamps There are sockets towards the top of the console’s rear panel for connecting 12V desk lamps. They accept 4-pin female XLR connectors. The power rating of 5W is the maximum rating per output and must not be exceeded.
75 Appendix A: Functional Block Diagrams This chapter contains the VeniceU signal path diagrams.
76 Appendix A: Functional Block Diagrams Mono input module VeniceU Operator Manual
Mono input module VeniceU Operator Manual 77
78 Appendix A: Functional Block Diagrams Stereo input module VeniceU Operator Manual
Stereo input module VeniceU Operator Manual 79
80 Appendix A: Functional Block Diagrams Master and monitor modules VeniceU Operator Manual
Master and monitor modules VeniceU Operator Manual 81
82 Appendix A: Functional Block Diagrams VeniceU Operator Manual
83 Appendix B: Technical Specification This appendix provides the full technical specification for the VeniceU series of mixing consoles. Due to a policy of continual improvement, Midas reserves the right to alter the function or specification at any time without notice.
84 Appendix B: Technical Specification Table 4: VeniceU performance specifications Input impedance Mic Line 2k balanced 10k balanced Input gain Mic Line level inputs Continuously variable from 10dB to 60dB Continuously variable from 0dB to 50dB Continuously variable from minus infinity to +20dB 0dB Maximum input level Mic Mic + pad Line mono channel Line mono channel + pad Line stereo channel +11dBu +31dBu +21dBu +41dBu +26dBu CMR at 100Hz Mic (gain +40dB) Typically -80dB CMR at 1kHz Mic (ga
85 Dimensions Nominal signal level Mic Line -60dBu to +10dBu 0dBu Equaliser mono channel Treble shelf Treble frequency Hi mid Hi mid frequency Hi mid bandwidth Lo mid bandwidth Lo mid Lo mid frequency Bass shelf Bass frequency 15dB boost/cut 2kHz to 20kHz 15dB boost/cut 400Hz to 8kHz Fixed at 1 Octave Fixed at 1 Octave 15dB boost/cut 100Hz to 2kHz 15dB boost/cut 20Hz to 200Hz Equaliser stereo channel Treble shelf 15dB boost/cut control 12kHz 15dB boost/cut control 3kHz (1.
86 Appendix B: Technical Specification 528 (20.8”) 263 (10.4”) 20° VeniceU16 = 552 (21.7”) VeniceU24 = 760 (29.9”) VeniceU32 = 960 (37.8”) 89 (3.5”) 246 (9.7”) 578 (22.7”) External dimensions of the U16, U24 and U32 consoles. Dimensions are in millimetres (inches).
87 Appendix C: Application Notes This appendix provides application notes as a guide to help you with VeniceU console operation. With its flexible routing and functionality, the VeniceU was designed with real-world sound engineers in mind, working in the real world. So, for engineers that haven’t got a great deal of experience in live sound engineering, the following subsections may provide a few helpful guidelines.
88 Appendix C: Application Notes channels will receive the same signal at the same time so, typically, when 16 channels are summed together a gain of around 5dB to 8dB will be seen. It is important to leave some headroom in the summing amplifiers so that they do not overload, should the sum exceed the maximum level. The effect of EQ Channel equalisation should be used with care. Boosting or cutting equaliser bands can make monitoring your actual input level very difficult.
89 Unity Gain Unity Gain Unity gain is a gain of 1, that is, no gain or attenuation is applied to a signal. If a signal entered a mono line level input of the VeniceU at 0dBu and the gain was set to +10dB (an internal 10dB attenuation sets the net gain to 0dB), then the signal was routed to each output at 0dB, the channel fader was set to 0dB and each output fader was set to 0dB, the output should be 0dBu (or unity). Some console manufacturers mark the 0dB level of their faders and pots ‘U’. Simple.
90 Appendix C: Application Notes There are a number of solutions to this problem: • Reduce the amplifier’s input attenuators to a level where the amplifier and console clip at the same point. For example, the input sensitivity is 0dBu, setting the input attenuator on the amplifier to -21dB would mean that the console would clip at the same time as the amplifier. So, operating the console sensibly the amplifier should never be clipped.
91 Routing The submix is now set up. The group level can be used to control the overall level of the channels (retaining their relative levels), mute the submix output or solo the submix signal. Note: Muting the submix is not the same as muting the channels. Aux sends and other group sends will remain active.
92 Appendix C: Application Notes VeniceU Operator Manual
93 Appendix D: Crib Sheets This appendix provides you with a template each for the mono and multifunction input channels. These will help you keep a record of your most important settings and make notes. If necessary, you can make copies of these pages if you need more records.
94 Appendix D: Crib Sheets Mono input channels Notes: VeniceU Operator Manual
Multifunction input channels Multifunction input channels Notes: VeniceU Operator Manual 95
96 Appendix D: Crib Sheets VeniceU Operator Manual
97 Appendix E: Best Grounding Practice This appendix gives details of the best grounding practices for the VeniceU console in order to get the optimum performance out of it. Safety first The VeniceU is classified as a class 1 device and as such there is a safety requirement for the power cable to provide an earth connection to the console.
98 Appendix E: Best Grounding Practice Audio connection Loop currents GEQ (for example, Square ONE Graphic) Midas VeniceU console Power connection Power distribution unit (PDU) Power connection Ground loop Noise sources Audio manufacturers have known about these issues for many years and most equipment is designed to reduce ground loop generation to the bare minimum or to minimise the effects.
99 Noise sources Laptop PC/Mac USB connection Broken ground loop Isolation barrier Midas VeniceU console Power supply unit (PSU) with internal isolation barrier Power connection Power distribution unit (PDU) Power connection Isolated USB computer system. Note how the isolation barrier breaks the ground loop.
100 Appendix E: Best Grounding Practice Noise solutions The grounding on the VeniceU is very robust and often such ground loop induced noises are negligible, but to get the very best out of your console, and especially out of any less robust equipment within the overall system, some consideration should be given to good grounding practice as follows: • Power Connect all equipment within the audio system to a power distribution system with a source that has been set aside for that use alone.
101 Balanced connections Audio connection GEQ (for example, Square ONE Graphic) Midas VeniceU console Small loop area Power connection Power connection Power distribution unit (PDU) Loop area diagram showing a small loop area Balanced connections Balanced connections are generally immune to ground loops because the grounded screen conductor is not used as a reference for the signal conductors.
102 Appendix E: Best Grounding Practice Balanced transformers Active electronic circuits achieve good results, but for ultimate noise rejection, transformers are needed. Transformers colour the sound especially at low and high frequencies due to core saturation and impedance rises. They are also expensive, so they are typically only used as external problem solvers when all else fails. Screen termination Sometimes ground loop currents are so strong that even balanced systems can pick up some noise.
103 Ground referenced connections Source Destination Screen + + - Chassis Chassis Screen termination diagram showing screen broken at source Ground referenced connections Many unbalanced signals are passed between pieces of equipment where one of the devices is balanced and the other is not.
104 Appendix E: Best Grounding Practice connecting balanced external processing equipment to the insert points, the connection method described in this section should be adopted so as to benefit from the CMR of the external unit. For an example of how to wire a ground referenced insert, see Figure 2 on page 15. Unbalanced connections Ground loops with unbalanced signals are more difficult to deal with, but there are several good techniques available.
XLR shells 105 XLR shells XLR pin 1s should only be used to provide a ground connection for cable screens. The shell (body) of cable XLRs also need to be connected to ground so they provide a screen for the terminals, but they should not be wired internally to the pin 1 terminal. Their ground should be prevented from contact with the panel XLR connector body.
106 Appendix E: Best Grounding Practice Laptop PC/Mac USB connection Audio connection Bond 19” rack Midas VeniceU console Power supply unit (PSU) without internal isolation barrier Power connection Power connection Power connection Power distribution unit (PDU) Diagram showing the bond connection between console and 19” rack VeniceU Operator Manual
107 Appendix F: Service Information This appendix give details of how to look after your VeniceU. Routine maintenance To help keep your VeniceU unit in good working order and to make sure it gives you optimum performance, we recommend that you carry out the following about once every month. • Clean the console, as detailed in “Cleaning the console” below. • Check controls for freedom of operation. As the controls are ‘self-cleaning’, this operation will help to prevent them from sticking.
108 Appendix F: Service Information Equipment disposal When this equipment has come to the end of it useful life, its disposal may come under the DIRECTIVE 2002/96/EC OF THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT AND OF THE COUNCIL of 27 January 2003 on waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE). Hazardous substances in WEEE contaminate water, soil and air and ultimately put at risk our environment and health.
Operator Manual 109 FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION COMPLIANCE INFORMATION MUSIC Group Research UK Limited VeniceU16/VeniceU24/ VeniceU32 Responsible party name: MUSIC Group Research UK Limited Address: Klark Industrial Park, Walter Nash Road, Kidderminster. Worcestershire. DY11 7HJ. England.
110 VeniceU MUSIC Group IP Limited
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© 2012 MUSIC Group IP Limited Klark Industrial Park, Walter Nash Road, Kidderminster. Worcestershire. DY11 7HJ. England. Tel: +44 1562 741515, Fax: +44 1562 745371 Email: mkt.info@music-group.com Website: www.midasconsoles.
