Midas' latest additions to its PRO Series of digital consoles, the Midas PRO2 and PRO2C live audio systems, take many of the features of the top-end Midas XL8 and make them available at a price point well below the general-purpose mixing console average. Essentially the same console, the PRO2C has eight fewer input faders and the smaller frame (28.74 by 34.65 inches vs. 28.74 by 46.46 inches).
Despite being the smallest and least expensive Midas digital consoles, the PRO2 and PRO2C feature Alex Cooper-designed mic preamps, A-D converters and daylight-viewable screens.
The PRO2 features three modes of channel navigation: FOH Normal, MON Normal and Advanced. Putting a PRO2/PRO2C into Advanced navigation mode gives users access to Midas' MCA (Master Control Association) groups. These operate in a similar way to the established VCA (Variable Control Association) groups, but are specific to the selected bus.
When the PRO2/PRO2C is in Advanced navigation mode with MCA navigation engaged, the MCA faders control the contributions of their members only to the currently selected bus. MCA navigation can also be used in combination with the "hide unassigned channels" feature.
Because the PRO2s/PRO2Cs can be operated in a number of different ways, they come loaded with console templates to allow progressive exploration of the new navigation concepts.
In Normal mode, operation of the PRO2/PRO2C is similar to many other digital consoles, allowing operators to work as they are accustomed to. The Advanced navigation features can be implemented as the operator becomes familiar with the console.
All Midas digital console showfiles are compatible with all Midas digital consoles, allowing a show written on a PRO2/PRO2C to run on a PRO3, PRO6, PRO9, XL8 and vice versa.
Here's a detailed look at PRO2/PRO2C features.
- New iPad application
- 56 mic/line inputs with Midas mic preamps
- 64 input channels
- 32 analog outputs (including 2 stereo local monitor outputs)
- 2 AES3 outputs
- 2 AES3 inputs
- 27 sample-synchronous, phase-coherent buses
- 6 stereo FX engines
- Up to 28 Klark Teknik DN370 31-band Graphic EQs
- 8 VCA (Variable Control Association) groups
- 6 POPulation groups
- 192 MCA (Master Control Association) groups
- 48 x 16 x 100m digital snake included
The Midas PRO2/PRO2C standard system consists of a control surface and one 5U DL251 19" rack I/O unit, connected by a networked audio and data system. The network carries both proprietary control data and open architecture AES50 digital audio, and uses standard Cat-5E or Cat-6 cabling and connectors. PRO2/PRO2C is network-compatible with all other Midas digital systems and I/O devices. The PRO2 control surface weighs in at 46kg; the PRO2C, 37kg.
The Midas PRO2/PRO2C is the first Midas product to provide compatibility with the new iPad application, which will be rolled out to all other consoles by the end of 2011. Midas said its iPad app will permit a user to control remotely, via wireless, all console fader positions including inputs, outputs and VCA faders. Midas added that it will allow remote control of all onboard GEQ, and also provide the operator with a console overview, including all input and output meters in real-time.
For more information, please visit www.midasconsoles.com.
