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Midas VeniceF
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. From the VeniceF’s horizontal fader panel, through the class-leading parametric EQ
filters, to the latest expression of that legendary Midas mic pre, this is a
console without compromise. Features are apparent everywhere, some of which are
unheard of on consoles of this modest footprint.
The bus structure remains true to the original Venice concept. Six
aux sends, four groups and stereo masters. The F model adds an additional mono
bus and a 7 x 2 matrix. All bus outputs feature XLR connectors and insert
capability. Routing options have been expanded from the outgoing model too.
VeniceF has individual routing to groups, all six aux sends are individually
switchable pre or post fade, and the two aux buses designated as monitor
(foldback) sends are also switchable pre/post EQ on an individual channel basis.
Mono Input Mono inputs pack a host of features, starting with the indispensible
Midas mic pre, still crafted from discrete components, rather than the cheaper
IC option. The 15mm gain pot is surrounded by a quartet of switches, +48V, -20dB
pad, polarity reverse and 80Hz hi-pass. A further pair of switches select
analogue or digital (FW) input and analogue or digital (FW) direct out pre or
post EQ. Switches with LED status indicators are provided for insert and EQ
in/out. The equaliser section is an updated XL3 design, featuring four bands of
swept Midas eq, with the addition of variable bandwith on the two midrange
filters. All input channels, groups and masters feature high precision 100mm
faders.
Stereo Input Stereo inputs have two mic and two line inputs each. Mic inputs
feature separate gain for left and right inputs, and the same mic amp functions
as the mono inputs. Both mic and line inputs can be used simultaneously, with
the line inputs routed direct to masters, while the mic inputs route via the
channel. Stereo channels have four-band fixed frequency eq, and a sum-to-mono
switch.
Hybrid VeniceF bridges the gap between analogue and digital audio consoles, and
offers the user the ease-of-use, warmth, feel, and zero-latency of analogue,
combined with the power, choice and flexibility of outboard digital
processing.
FireWire® The FireWire interface can be used with any computer fitted with a
1394 port, and is effectively a 64-channel (32x32) digital audio snake, which
connects directly to your computer, allowing the use of any 3rd party audio
processing software in conjunction with the console. Applications include
multitrack recording from the VeniceF’s digital direct outputs, software-generated FX processors driven
from aux sends or direct outputs, “plug-ins” inserted on input channel FireWire
send/returns. All with a heart of pure Midas.
Software Although the FireWire interface will work with nearly all
computer-based audio processing software, included in every
VeniceF package is a free 60-day trial version of RECORD, by Propellerhead.
This software suite includes multitrack recording (up to 64 tracks), virtual
racks full of FX and dynamics processing, and even a software mixer, which can
be patched in parallel with the analogue VeniceF permitting full external digital processing of each VeniceF input
channel.
Mechanical Many manufacturers cut quality when they design small mixers. At
Midas we understand that modest channel count doesn’t have to mean compromised
performance and a poor feature set. The VeniceF embodies quality, from its rugged construction and top-of-the-range
components through to the unmistakable Midas sound, it is obviously a truly
professional audio console. The frame is a typical Midas steel section,
providing sufficient strength and rigidity for a hard life on the road.
Potentiometers are metal-shafted, and individually nutted to the steel fascia
panel. The console is finished in the well-known Midas livery, with the addition
of striking metallic corner protector inserts.
Although specifically designed for live sound, the audio performance,
and the addition of a FireWire digital audio interface mean that the
VeniceF is equally at home in recording and remixing
applications.
Overview
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Frames: 16, 24, 32 and
13U 16 Channel Rackmount
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Overload tolerant Midas mic-pre
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Up to 32x32ch. FireWire interface
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XL3 EQ – four-band swept eq with two parametric mids
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Input polarity switch
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Insert in/out switch with LED
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Direct out with pre/post EQ switch
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Discrete mono bus
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Individual routing to stereo, mono and groups with pan-to-groups
enable switch
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7 x 2 Matrix
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4 audio subgroups
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100mm faders
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3 year warranty
VeniceF Quick stats:
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F-32 |
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Mic inputs: |
24 mono plus 4
stereo |
XLRF |
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Line inputs: |
24 mono plus 4
stereo |
TRS |
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Aux returns: |
2 stereo |
TRS |
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Playback input: |
1 stereo |
RCA |
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Talkback mic
input: |
1 |
XLRF |
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Aux mix busses: |
6 |
XLRM |
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Audio subgroups: |
4 |
XLRM |
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Matrix: |
7 x 2 |
XLRM |
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Stereo master
output |
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XLRM |
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Mono master output
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XLRM |
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FireWire (1394) |
1 (64ch) |
FW400 (6
pin) |
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Width |
1007mm / 39.64" |
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Depth |
669.30mm /
26.35" |
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Height |
286.28mm (Including feet) /
11.27" |
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Weight |
37.5kg /
82.67lbs |
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