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MIDAS XL4 BROADCAST CONSOLE

Contents
Introduction Features Overview and Statistics Technical Specification Block Diagrams Rear Panel Midas XL402 Input Pod Midas XL401 Input Module Midas XL405 Stereo Input Pod Midas XL404 Stereo Input Module Midas XL403 Input VCA Fader Midas XL414 Group Module Midas XL412 Group Pod Midas XL413 Grand Master A VCA Fader Midas XL421 Master Module Midas XL422 Master Pod Midas XL431 Communications Module Midas XL441 Matrix Module Midas XL443 Automation Central Control

1 3 7 9 13 15 19 21 25 29 33 38 41

XL4 Introduction
The XL4 is the pinnacle in the current range of Midas consoles. Designed around the classic high quality associated with analogue circuitry which was proven with the XL3 Live Performance and Theatre console. The requirements associated with the broadcast environment was designed into the original XL4 specification. These include, moving faders on all 48 Inputs and 12 VCAs including remote machine starts, instant access to AFL/PFL, Snapshot automation to include audio follow video, direct outputs on each input, 16 Mic/Line level returns with VCA routing for total control over effects and ambient microphones as well as full communications module.

Acknowledgments Thank you to: Gottfried Duren-Fisgus Christian Gobbel from Sono Studiotechnik Phillipe Monteau Jean Pascal Lefort from Visual Technology

Input Pots Aux Send Masters

16 mic/line level returns

Masters & Comms Modules

20 x 8 Matrix

16 Audio Sub Groups 24 Input channels each with direct output, 4band parametric e/q, 16 mono aux (post panpot) 8 stereo groups and stereo masters 10 VCA sub groups on moving faders 2 Grand Masters

24 Input Channels Automation package capable of memorising:audio, VCA, mute group routing,status of all input channel switches, plus: midi, smpte, RS-232 ports

Midas XL4 Features


48 Mic Inputs. The XL4 features a new mic amplifier which further improves on the XL3 design giving increased gain range and lower distortion whilst retaining the XL3's constant HF bandwidth topology which assures excellent amplifiers stability, RF rejection and noise performance at all gains. Direct Outputs. Every input module is fitted with a direct output as standard with its own level control and front panel switching which selects the source from post fader, pre fader or pre insert and equaliser. 16 audio sub groups. The 16 main audio groups can be assigned to any of the 8 automute groups and to VCA control from any combination of the 2 motorised grand master faders. A safe switch is again included for each group. The input for the groups is normally derived from the 16 group busses but for monitor applications the fader change over routes the 16 mono aux busses to the group faders. Line inputs. A separate Hi Z line input with its own dedicated gain control is incorporated which is ideal for playback of recorded material. Global change over from mic (record) to line (playback) is easy because it is under automation control. Equaliser. The sonic performance of the legendary XL3 equaliser is maintained including the full parametric mid's and traditional Midas bass and treble shelving responses. In addition the treble and bass sections now have an extended frequency range and are switchable to full parametric operation. Inserts. Each channel has a half normalised fully balanced insert send and return point which can be switched in or out from the front panel and set as either pre or post equaliser. Input metering. These peak reading meters cover a 60dB range in 3dB steps and can be switched globally to monitor pre fader signals or pre insert and equaliser signals. Audio busses. Each channel can be routed to any combination of 42 audio busses comprising of 16 mono aux'es, 8 stereo aux'es, 16 stereo groups and 2 stereo masters. All this is switchable on the module front panel but also via the automation control. VCA and mute busses. Each channel can be controlled by any combination of the 10 motorised VCA master faders and 8 mute masters. Assignment of these busses is again switchable on the module front panel or by the automation control. A safe switch disconnects the channel from all mute groups and an isolate switch removes the channel from all VCA control.

Group aux inputs. An additional 16 inputs with treble and bass equalisation can be routed directly to the groups or via a pan to the masters mix and can be further controlled by assignment to any of the 10 VCA masters. Master. The stereo master module provides the main left and right console outputs plus 4 more record outputs and a mono output. A solo to master facility is incorporated on the left, right and mono outputs to aid the engineer at sound checks. Matrix. As standard the 8 matrix outputs derive their signals from the 16 audio groups, left and right masters creating a 18 X 8 matrix. The module also houses the stereo aux masters which have their own outputs at all times but which can be routed directly into the matrix giving an additional 48 X 8 matrix sourcing direct from the input channels. Output meters. 28 peak reading meters (each covering a 60dB range in 3dB steps) are used to monitor all the main outputs i.e. 16 groups, 8 matrix, 2 masters and 2 local outputs. They and can be switched globally to monitor pre fader or post fader signals and can also be used to monitor the 24 aux outputs. Automutes. The 8 automute masters can be assigned to any input or audio group and act on pre fader and post fader signals. Apart from assignment the operation of these mutes is entirely independent of the automation system. 10 input VCA faders. 10 motorised VCA master faders control the channel and aux inputs whilst a further 2 VCA grand master faders control the audio groups. Each VCA master has a solo switch which gives the engineer an opportunity to monitor the signals within the VCA subgroup. Also incorporated is a VCA mute which act on post fader signals only and effectively adds a further 12 automute scenes to the existing dedicated automutes. Automation. The automation system can store and recall up to 2000 scenes. All channel routing and major functions are automated as well as all major output mutes. The 12 motorised VCA master faders give dynamic control of signal levels within the console and all automation information can be exported or imported in a variety of different mediums for storage or console and system linking.

XL4 Specification Overview and Statistics.


1. The XL4 is a 45 buss console with an additional 18 X 8 output matrix. The busses are as follows:16 mono aux = 16 16 audio sub groups = 16 4 stereo aux = 8 1 stereo master = 2 1 stereo AFL = 2 1 mono PFL = 1 TOTAL = 45 2. The XL4 has 8 automute sub groups, 10 input channel VCA sub groups which include VCA sub group muting and 2 grand master VCA sub groups with VCA sub group muting. 3. The XL4 has 48 input channels with separate line and mic inputs plus an additional 16 aux line returns. 4. The XL4 has a total XLR input count of 171 as follows:48 48 24 16 16 8 3 2 1 1 1 1 1 channel line inputs channel mic inputs aux bus inject inputs audio group bus inject inputs aux line returns inputs matrix bus inject inputs solo bus inject inputs master bus inject inputs comms mic input ( headset ) comms input ( and output ) talk mic input talk bus inject input midi input

5. The XL4 has a total XLR output count of 111 as follows:48 24 16 8 4 3 3 2 2 1 input channel direct outputs aux outputs audio group outputs matrix outputs record outputs master outputs solo outputs local outputs midi outputs talk output

6. The XL4 has a total bantam jack field count of 158 as follows:56 56 16 16 8 8 8 3 3 input channel insert sends ( 8 spare for stereo module up grades ) input channel insert returns ( 8 spare for stereo module up grades ) audio group insert sends audio group insert returns matrix insert sends matrix returns parallel links ( 2 sets of 4 ) master insert sends master insert returns

7. The XL4 has 12 motorised moving faders for the VCA masters. 8. The XL4 has a total of 2539 automated switch functions as follows:960 480 384 384 48 48 48 48 48 48 16 16 8 3 input channel aux send on off switches input channel VCA sub group assign switches input channel audio sub group assign switches input channel mute sub group assign switches input channel EQ on off switches input channel stereo master on off switches input channel phase switches input channel insert on off switches input channel mic line switches input channel mute switches audio sub group mute switches aux line return mute switches matrix mute switches master mute switches

9. The XL4 has a total of 77 peak program meters with 20 LED segments each and monitoring 282 signal points within the console.

XL4 Technical Specification.


Input Impedance Mic Line Input Gain ( all faders at 0dB ) Mic Mic + Pad Channel Line Input All other Line Inputs Maximum Input Level Mic Mic + Pad Channel Line inputs All other Line Inputs CMR at 1KHz Mic ( gain + 60dB ) Mic + Pad ( gain + 40dB ) Line Frequency Response ( 20 to 20KHz ) Mic to Mix ( gain + 60dB ) Line to Mix Noise ( 20 to 20KHz ) Mic EIN ref. 150 Ohms ( gain + 60dB ) Line EIN ref. 150 Ohms ( gain + 10dB ) System Noise ( 20 to 20KHz ) Summing Noise ( 12 channels routed with faders down ) Line to Mix Noise ( 12 channels routed at 0dB, pan centre ) Summing Noise ( 48 channels routed with faders down ) Line to Mix Noise ( 48 channels routed at 0dB, pan centre ) 2K Balanced 20K Balanced Continuously variable from + 15dB to + 70dB Continuously variable from - 5dB to + 50dB Continuously variable from - 20dB to + 20dB 0dB + 6dBu + 26dBu + 26dBu + 21dBu > 70dB > 50dB > 60dB

+ 0dB to - 1dB + 0dB to - 1dB - 129dBu - 100dBu

- 86dB

- 81dB - 80dB

- 75dB

Distortion at 1KHz

Mic to Mix ( + 60dB gain, 0dBu output ) Line to Mix ( 0dBu )

< 0.03% < 0.03% < - 100dB < - 90dB < - 90dB > 90dB 50 Ohms Balanced Source to drive > 600 Ohms To drive > 8 Ohms Unbalanced 600 Ohms Nominal Unbalanced + 21dBu + 21dBu ( 8W into 8 Ohms ) - 10dBu - 70dBu to + 5dBu - 20dBu to + 5dBu 0dBu + 10dBu - 20dBu - 50dBu to - 20dBu ( auto gain ) > 10dB > 20dB 20 led peak reading - 36dBu to + 21dBu Up to + 9dBu Normal signal + 12dBu to + 15dBu High signal Over + 18dBu Signal Too High 77 ( Monitoring all main Inputs and outputs )

Crosstalk at 1 KHz

Channel to Channel Mix to Mix Channel to Mix Maximum Fader attenuation

Output Impedance

All Line Outputs Headphones Comms ( Bi - directional )

Maximum Output Level

All Line Outputs Headphones Comms ( Bi directional )

Nominal Signal Level

Mic Channel Line Inputs All other Line Inputs and outputs Headphones Comms Comms and Talk Mic

Headroom at all stages

Comms, Talk and Headphone All other signals

Metering

Type Range Colour Green Colour Yellow Colour Red Quantity

Equaliser

Low pass slope Low pass frequency Hi pass slope Hi pass frequency Treble Gain

12dB / Oct. Continuously variable - 3dB point from 1K to 40K 12dB / Oct. Continuously variable 3dB point from 10Hz to 400Hz Continuously variable + 15 dB to - 15 dB Centre detent = 0dB Continuously variable - 3dB point from 1K to 20K Continuously variable centre from 1K to 20K Continuously variable 0.1 Oct. to 2 Oct. Centre detent = 0.5 Oct. Continuously variable + 15 dB to - 15 dB Centre detent = 0dB Continuously variable centre from 400Hz to 8K Continuously variable 0.1 Oct. to 2 Oct. Centre detent = 0.5 Oct. Continuously variable + 15 dB to - 15 dB Centre detent = 0dB Continuously variable centre from 100Hz to 2K Continuously variable 0.1 Oct. to 2 Oct. Centre detent = 0.5 Oct. Continuously variable + 15 dB to - 15 dB Centre detent = 0dB Continuously variable 3dB point from 20Hz to 400Hz Continuously variable centre from 20Hz to 400Hz Continuously variable 0.1 Oct. to 2 Oct. Centre detent = 0.5 Oct.

Treble Shelving Freq. Treble Bell Freq. Treble Bell Bandwidth

Hi Mid Gain

Hi Mid Freq. Hi Mid Bandwidth

Lo Mid Gain

Lo Mid Freq. Lo Mid Bandwidth

Bass Gain

Bass Shelving Freq. Bass Bell Freq. Bass Bell Bandwidth

XL4 INPUT BLOCK DIAGRAM

pre ins. & eq. DIRECT OUTPUT TO POD


0

pre fade

XL401 INPUT MODULE BLOCK DIAGRAM

pre ON AUXILIARY SEND 1 OF 16

direct o/p INPUT FROM POD

+10

insert

INS + INSERT POINT SEND + _ c pre EQ

aux 1

+6

pre eq

RETURN l

ON

pan r

TEST INPUT (SERVICE USE ONLY)

st aux 1&2

+6

STEREO AUXILIARY SEND 1 OF 4

ST

STEREO MASTERS SEND

0 6

FOUR BAND FULLY PARAMETRIC EQUALISER


6 0.3

width +/-

1 6 2 15

6 0.3

width +/-

16 2 15

6 0.3 0.1

width +/-

16

6 0.3

width +/-

mute
FADER START RELAY

0.1 15

0.1

2 15

0.1

bass

15

lo-mid

15

hi-mid

15

60

160

300

800

treble

15

STEREO GROUP SEND 1 OF 8

1k

3k

3k

8k

SOLO SWITCH SOLO LEFT SOLO RIGHT


PRE FADER LISTEN

PRE FADER SIGNAL TO POD

20

freq

400

bell

100

freq

2k

400

freq8k

1k freq 20k

bell

VCA FADER

PHANTOM

GAIN
+25 +35

30

HI-PASS FILTER

100 3k

LO-PASS FILTER

10k

MIC / LINE SELECT

PHASE REVERSE / O

1&2
2

1 2

48V
TRANSFORMER BALANCING OPTION

3&4
3

5 0 5

+15

mic

+70

10

hi-pass

400 1k

lo-pass

40k

line

5&6
4

7&8
5

-20

9&10
6

11&12
0 0
TRANSFORMER BALANCING OPTION

ASSIGN SWITCHES MAY FUNCTION IN ANY ONE OF THREE WAYS AS SHOWN. FUNCTION IS DEPENDANT ON ASSIGN MASTER SWITCHES. AUTOMATION iso MUTE safe

1&2
1 3

3&4
2 4

5&6
3 5

7&8
4 6

-20

+20

PEAK
TRANSFORMER BALANCING OPTION

+ -

+21 +18 +15 +12 +9 +6 +3 0 -3 -6 -9 -12 -15 -18 -21 -24 -27 -30 -33 -36

13&14 METER PRE


8

9&10
5 7

solo

SOLO CLEAR

15&16
9 10

11&12
6 8

13&14
7 8 9

DIR ECT

group assign switches

15&16 AUDIO GROUP

10

MUTE GROUP

VCA GROUP

AUTOMATION PARALLEL BUS

XL402 INPUT POD BLOCK DIAGRAM


SIGNAL PATH KEY = ANALOGUE SIGNALS = D.C. SIGNALS = AUTOMATION SIGNALS

AUTOMATION TO POD

XL403 INPUT FADER MODULE BLOCK DIAGRAM

XL4 MATRIX MODULE BLOCK DIAGRAM


STEREO AUX LEFT INJECT STEREO AUX BUS LEFT NOISE REF BUS TALK TO AUX STEREO AUX BUS RIGHT STEREO AUX RIGHT INJECT

STEREO AUXILIARY SECTION


stereo aux
o o 0

+ -

STEREO AUX LEFT OUTPUT


METER POST LEFT METER POST RIGHT

MUTE

master

+10

+ -

STEREO AUX RIGHT OUTPUT

METER PRE LEFT METER PRE RIGHT

STEREO AUX TO MATRIX MTX

SOLO

TALK TO MATRIX MATRIX LEFT INJECT TALK

SOLO LEFT INS SOLO RIGHT PFL SOLO LOGIC + MATRIX LEFT OUTPUT METER POST RIGHT METER PRE RIGHT INS + INSERT POINT SEND + _ +

MASTER LEFT
o o

+ INSERT POINT SEND + _

solo mute
5 0 5
VCA

masters left MASTER RIGHT


o o

+6 0

RETURN

masters right GROUP 1 (1 OF 16 PRE SHOWN) POST ON global pre


0

+6

mix 1

+6

TALK TO MATRIX MATRIX RIGHT INJECT

o o

TALK

solo
AUTOMATION

RETURN

MASTER LEFT
o o

5
masters left
+6 0

VCA

MASTER RIGHT
o o

0 5

mute

MATRIX RIGHT OUTPUT METER POST LEFT METER PRE LEFT

masters right GROUP 1 (1 OF 16 PRE SHOWN) POST ON global pre


0

+6

mix 1

+6

o o

XL441 MATRIX MODULE BLOCK DIAGRAM

+21+ +18+ +15+ +12+ +9+ +6+ +3+ 0 -3-6-9-12-15-18-21-24-27-30-33-36-

change over

METER PRE

matrix

IN METER BRIDGE

mute all
MUTE ALL SOLO I/P PFL AFL LEFT AFL RIGHT HEADPHONES LEFT HEADPHONES RIGHT

METER PRE

SOLO ON

solo in place
5 0
ON VCA

mono

SOLO LEFT

5
INS + SEND + SEND + SEND RETURN INSERT POINT + _ VCA RETURN INS INSERT POINT + _ VCA RETURN INS INSERT POINT + _ VCA

matrix send pre

SOLO RIGHT

+21 +18 +15 +12 +9 +6 +3 0 -3 -6 -9 -12 -15 -18 -21 -24 -27 -30 -33 -36

MATRIX LEFT MATRIX RIGHT + SOLO + -

MASTER LEFT INJECT

TALK TO MASTER L

TALK TO MASTER M MASTER BUS LEFT

MASTER LEFT OUTPUT

NOISE REF BUS (FOR FIELD REJECTION)

0 VOLTS

MASTER MONO OUTPUT

MASTER BUS RIGHT

balance

+ -

MASTER RIGHT OUTPUT AUTOMATION +


0

XL4 MASTERS MODULE BLOCK DIAGRAM

MASTER RIGHT INJECT

MASTER AUX BUS LEFT

RECORD 1 LEFT OUTPUT

MASTER AUX BUS RIGHT

0 record 1
+10

+
0

RECORD 1 RIGHT OUTPUT

aux i/p mutes


METER PRE

masters
IN METER BRIDGE

+18 +15 +12 +9 +6 +3 0 -3 -6 -9

+18 +15 +12 +9 +6 +3 0 -3 -6 -9

+
+10

RECORD 2 LEFTT OUTPUT

+21 +18 +15 +12 +9 +6 +3 0 -3 -6 -9 -12 -15 -18 -21 -24 -27 -30 -33 -36

+21 +18 +15 +12 +9 +6 +3 0 -3 -6 -9 -12 -15 -18 -21 -24 -27 -30 -33 -36

record 2

RECORD METERS READS HIGHEST LEVEL OF LEFT OR RIGHT

RECORD 2 RIGHT OUTPUT

XL4 COMMS MODULE BLOCK DIAGRAM


ON

COMMS ON

HEAD SET COMMS CANCELATION COMMS


LINK COMMS LINK TO TALK

COMMS LEVEL

HEADPHONE SOURCE

0 0

CALL

level

+10

C/O

HEADPHONE LEVEL level


+10

HEADPHONES

+ PFL BUS O/P

INTERCOM TALK EXTERNAL level


+10

PFL I/P PFL INPUT LEVEL PFL BUS EXTERNAL 1 LEVEL level
+10 0 0

EXTERNAL INPUT 1

+21 +18 +15 +12 +9 +6 +3 0 -3 -6 -9 -12 -15 -18 -21 -24 -27 -30 -33 -36

+21 +18 +15 +12 +9 +6 +3 0 -3 -6 -9 -12 -15 -18 -21 -24 -27 -30 -33 -36

+ METER O/P LEFT

+ PFL O/P LEVEL METER O/P RIGHT

EXTERNAL INPUT 2

EXTERNAL 2 LEVEL

level

+10 0

+ A/B SPEAKERS
C/O

level

+10

REVERSE PHASE
C/O

PFL SPEAKER O/P

MONO L TO BOTH SOLO O/P LEVEL

L OFF

level

+10

2 TRACK RETURN MASTER BUS LEFT

SOLO O/P 'A'

R OFF

SOLO O/P 'B'

MASTER BUS RIGHT 2 TRACK INPUT LEFT 2 TRACK INPUT RIGHT SOLO SENSE SOLO I/P LEFT SOLO BUS LEFT SOLO I/P RIGHT SOLO BUS RIGHT
ON ON

level

+10

+ -

SOLO TO MONITORS ENABLE

PFL TO MONITORS ENABLE

ADD MODE
SOLO

L/R REVERSE

R TO BOTH

SOLO RESET

SOLO RESET

+ + -

SOLO O/P LEFT

SOLO O/P RIGHT

+V

C/O

GLOBAL METERING PRE

EXTERNAL DIM EXTERNAL TALK ON TALK MIC +V AUTO MUTE 1 AUTO MUTE 2 AUTO MUTE 3 AUTO MUTE 4 AUTO MUTE 5 AUTO MUTE 6 AUTO MUTE 7 AUTO MUTE 8
60 160

DIM

EXTERNAL LEVEL
0

TALK TO EXTERNAL
TALK

+ -

talk ext
level
+10 0

C/O OSC / TALK MIC C/O

TALK

INTERNAL TALK ON

talk int
INTERNAL LEVEL level
+10

TALK TO AUXES
TALK TALK TO GROUPS

PINK

OSC LEVEL

TALK TALK TO MATRIX


0

PINK NOISE level


1k
20 +10

TALK TALK TO MONO

TALK TALK TO MASTERS OSC

freq

400

EXTERNAL
ON

OSCILLATOR

+ OSC O/P -

MIDAS XL4 REAR PANEL


2176 mm.

microphone input microphone input microphone input microphone input microphone input microphone input microphone input microphone input microphone input microphone input microphone input microphone input microphone input microphone input microphone input microphone input

microphone input

microphone input

microphone input

microphone input

microphone input

microphone input

microphone input

microphone input

microphone input

microphone input

microphone input

microphone input

microphone input

microphone input

microphone input

microphone input

microphone input

microphone input

microphone input

microphone input

microphone input

microphone input

microphone input

microphone input

microphone input

microphone input

microphone input

microphone input

microphone input

microphone input

microphone input

microphone input

line input line input line input line input line input line input line input line input line input line input line input line input line input line input line input

line input

line input

line input

line input

line input

line input

line input

line input

line input

line input

line input

line input

line input

line input

line input

line input

line input

line input

line input

line input

line input

line input

line input

line input

line input

line input

line input

line input

line input

line input

line input

line input

line input

direct output direct output direct output direct output direct output direct output direct output direct output direct output direct output direct output direct output direct output direct output

direct output

direct output

direct output

direct output

direct output

direct output

direct output

direct output

direct output

direct output

direct output

direct output

direct output

direct output

direct output

direct output

direct output

direct output

direct output

direct output

direct output

direct output

direct output

direct output

direct output

direct output

direct output

direct output

direct output

direct output

direct output

direct output

direct output

direct output

MIDAS XL402 MIDAS XL402 MIDAS XL402 MIDAS XL402 MIDAS XL402 MIDAS XL402 MIDAS XL402 MIDAS XL402 MIDAS XL402 MIDAS XL402 MIDAS XL402

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8 IN DIM LAMPS RS232-1 THRU 8 DC LINK INPUT OUT SOLO LOGIC INPUT 7 6 STEREO AUXILIARY BUS INPUTS 4 5 3 2 1 7 6 5 4 3 2 1

MATRIX OUTPUTS 4 5 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 8 7 6 16 3 2 1

16

15

14

13

12

11

10

GROUP OUTPUTS 9 8

STEREO AUXILIARY OUTPUTS 4 5

15

14

13

12

11

10

AUXILIARY SEND OUTPUTS 8 9

MATRIX BUS INPUTS 4 5

16

15

14

13

12

11

10

GROUP BUS INPUTS 9 8

16

15

14

13

12

11

10

AUXILIARY SEND BUS INPUTS 8 9

RS232-2 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 MIDI THRU AUTOMATION MIDI IN MIDI OUT SPARE OUTPUT INPUT TALK

MIDI
COMMS MONITORING BUS INPUTS SOLO R SOLO L PFL MASTER BUS INPUTS MASTER L MASTER R RECORD 2R ANCILLARY MASTER OUTPUTS RECORD 1R RECORD 2L RECORD 1L 2 TRACK I/P L 2 TRACK I/P R EXTERNAL I/P 1 EXTERNAL I/P 2 DIM I/P PFL SPEAKER O/P METER O/P L METER O/P R

LOCAL R

MONITORING BUS OUTPUTS LOCAL L SOLO R

PFL

SOLO L

MASTER R

MASTER BUS OUTPUTS MASTER L MASTER M

16

15

14

13

12

11

10

AUXILIARY LINE INPUTS 9 8

DC LINK OUTPUT

SOLO LOGIC OUTPUT

TEST INPUT

POWER SUPPLY

Other Dimensions:

Depth Nett Weight

1120mm 229kg / 505lb

XL4 STANDARD PATCH PANEL


7 3 4 5 6 MATRIX INSERT SENDS 2 1 16 15 14 13 12 11 7 8 9 10 GROUP INSERT SENDS 6 5 4 3 2 1

RIGHT- MONO-LEFT MASTER INSERT SENDS

PARALELL 1

RIGHT- MONO-LEFT MASTER INSERT RETURNS 7 2 3 4 5 6 MATRIX INSERT RETURNS 1

PARALELL 2

16

15

14

13

12

11

6 7 8 9 10 GROUP INSERT RETURNS

48

47 46 45 44 43 42 41 RIGHT- MONO-LEFT MASTER INSERT SENDS STEREO INPUT INSERT SENDS RIGHT 8 7

PARALELL 1

3 4 5 6 MATRIX INSERT SENDS

24

23 22 21 20 19 18 17 STEREO INPUT INSERT SENDS RIGHT

16

15

14

13

12

11

7 8 9 10 GROUP INSERT SENDS

48

47 46 45 44 43 42 41 RIGHT- MONO-LEFT STEREO INPUT INSERT RETURNS RIGHT MASTER INSERT RETURNS 8

PARALELL 2

2 3 4 5 6 MATRIX INSERT RETURNS

24

23 22 21 20 19 18 17 STEREO INPUT INSERT RETURNS RIGHT

16

15

14

13

12

11

6 7 8 9 10 GROUP INSERT RETURNS

Please Note: XL4s are wired to take stereo channels in positions 17-24 and 41-48 as standard.

420 mm.

Typical Remote Patch Bay Option Panels

INPUTS 41 - 48

INPUTS 33 - 40

INPUTS 25 - 32

INPUTS 17 - 24

INPUTS 9 - 16

INPUTS 1-8

MASTERS LINKS

MATRIX 1-8

XL4

GROUPS 9 - 16

GROUPS 1-8

Edac Mono Inputs Panel

INPUTS 41 - 48

INPUTS 33 - 40

INPUTS 25 - 32

INPUTS 17 - 24

INPUTS 9 - 16

INPUTS 1-8

MASTERS LINKS

MATRIX 1-8

STEREO I NPUTS RIGHT 41- 48

STEREO INPUTS RIGHT 17- 24

GROUPS 9 - 16

GROUPS 1-8

Edac Mono & Stereo Inputs Panel

CON 1

CON 2

CON 4

CON 5

CON 6

GROUPS 1 - 16

INPUTS 1 - 16

INPUTS 17 - 32

INPUTS 33 - 48

MATRIX & MASTERS

XL4

Harting Mono Inputs Panel

Typical All Connections Multi-Pin


CON 1 CON 2 CON 3 CON 4 CON 5 CON 6 CON 7 CON 8 CON 9 CON 10 CON 11 CON 12

XL4

Using Siemens remote all connections

REAR PANEL DETAIL


3 16 15 14 13 12 11 10 2 1 GROUP OUTPUTS 8 9 7 6 5 4 3 2 1

MATRIX OUTPUTS 4 5

8 16

7 15

6 14

MATRIX BUS INPUTS 4 5 3 13 12 11 2 10 1 7 6 5 4 3 2

GROUP BUS INPUTS 8 9

LOCAL A 16 15

MONITORING BUS OUTPUTS LOCAL B SOLO R MASTER L 14 13 12 11 10 7 6 5 4

PFL

SOLO L

MASTER R

MASTER BUS OUTPUTS MASTER M

AUXILIARY LINE INPUTS 8 9

Left Rear View


3 16 15 14 13 12 11 10 2 1 AUXILIARY SEND OUTPUTS 8 9 7 6 5 4 3 2 1

STEREO AUXILIARY OUTPUTS 4 5

8 16 15

7 14

6 13

STEREO AUXILIARY BUS INPUTS 4 5 3 12 11 10 2 1

AUXILIARY SEND BUS INPUTS 8 9

MIDI THRU

AUTOMATION MIDI IN MIDI OUT INPUT COMMS RECORD 2R SOLO R MONITORING BUS INPUTS SOLO L PFL MASTER BUS INPUTS MASTER L MASTER R

SPARE

OUTPUT

TALK

ANCILLARY MASTER OUTPUTS RECORD 1R RECORD 2L

RECORD 1L

2 TRACK I/P L

2 TRACK I/P R

EXTERNAL I/P 1

EXTERNAL I/P 2

DIM I/P

PFL SPEAKER O/P

METER O/P L

METER O/P R

Right Rear View


MICROPHONE INPUT LEFT INPUT LINE INPUT RIGHT INPUT

IN DIM LAMPS DIRECT OUTPUT

RS232-1

THRU

LEFT DIRECT OUTPUT

DC LINK INPUT

SOLO LOGIC INPUT

OUT

RS232-2

MIDI

OSC OUTPUT

Mono Input Pod Rear View


POWER SUPPLY

RIGHT DIRECT OUTPUT

Stereo Input Pod Rear View

DC LINK OUTPUT

SOLO LOGIC OUTPUT

TEST INPUT

Center Rear View

MIDAS XL402

MIDAS XL405

MIDAS +25

+35

-20 48V
+15 +70

+21 +18 0 +15 +12 +9 +6 +20 +3 -20 0 -3 -6 -9 -12 line -15 10k 3k -18 -21 -24 -27 1k 40k -30 lo-pass -33 30 100 -36

mic

MIDAS XL402 Input Pod

/ O
XL402

10

hi-pass

400

FUNCTION: To control microphone and line input levels with phantom and phase reverse facility plus incorporating high and low pass filters.

The PAD switch gives 20dB of attenuation to the mic signal and will allow the connection of high output microphones or line level signals. If the mic amp is transformer coupled ( option ) the pad greatly reduces the risk of saturation at very low frequencies.

MIDAS +25

+35
The MIC control gives continuous adjustment of the mic amp gain from + 15dB to + 70dB.

-20 48V
+15 +70

The 48V switch connects 48 volt phantom power to the mic input suitable for a condenser microphone or DI box.

The METER monitors the peak signal level of the input channel pre fader. When the GLOBAL METER CHANGE OVER switch on the COMMS module is activated the meter monitors the mic amp or line amp output (which ever is in use ).

mic +21 +18 0 +15 +12 +9 +6 +20 +3 -20 0 -3 -6 -9 -12 line -15 10k 3k -18 -21 -24 -27 1k 40k -30 lo-pass -33 30 100 -36 / O
XL402 10 400

The LINE control gives continuous adjustment of the line amp gain from - 20dB to + 20dB. The LINE switch connects the line input to the signal path and disconnects the mic amplifier. This switch is under automation control. The LO PASS filter control acts on the mic input only and is continuously adjustable from 1K to 40K. When the filter is set to 40K there is no loss at 20K. The HI PASS filter control acts on the mic input only and is continuously adjustable from 10Hz to 400Hz. When the filter is set to 10Hz there is no loss at 20Hz.

The PHASE switch activates a 180 degrees phase change on both the mic and line inputs. This switch is under automation control.

hi-pass

MIDAS

XL401

input
pre ins. & eq.
0

pre fade
0 6

direct o/p
6 0.3

+10

width +/8k

0.1 15

treble3k
0

15

bell
6

1k freq 20k 6 0.3 0.1

width +/3k

15

hi-mid
EQ
0

15

1k

400

6 0.3

freq8k width
0.1

1 2

15

insert 300

lo-mid

15

+/-

800

pre eq
0 6

100

6 0.3

freq 2k width
0.1

1 2

15

bass

15 60

+/-

160

bell ON pre

20

freq

400

aux 1 ON pre aux 2 ON pre aux 3 ON pre aux 4 ON pre aux 5 ON pre aux 6 ON pre aux 7 ON pre aux 8 ON pre aux 9 ON pre

+6
0

+6
0

+6
0

+6
0

+6
0

+6
0

+6
0

MIDAS XL401 Input Module

+6
0

+6
0

aux10 ON pre

+6
0

aux11 ON pre aux12 ON pre aux13 ON pre aux14 ON pre aux15 ON pre aux16 ON pre

+6
0

+6
0

+6
0

+6
0

+6
0

+6
0

st aux 1&2 ON pre


0

+6

st aux 3&4 ON pre


0

+6

st aux 5&6 ON pre


0

+6

st aux 7&8 c

+6

l INS ST

pan r

mute
MIDAS XL401

The PRE INS & EQ switch re configures the direct output to derive signal from the input channel pre insert and The PRE FADE switch re configures the direct output to derive signal from the input channel pre fader. The treble WIDTH ( dual concentric bottom ) control gives continuous adjustment of bandwidth from 0.1 to 2 octaves with a 0.5 octave centre detent. This only operates when the BELL switch is activated. The treble BELL switch converts the treble equaliser from traditional MIDAS shelving response to full parametric operation. The HI MID ( dual concentric top ) control gives continuous adjustment of boost and cut from + 15dB to - 15dB with a 0dB centre detent. The EQ switch connects the equaliser in the input channel signal path and is under automation control. The LO MID ( dual concentric top ) control gives continuous cut from + 15dB to - 15dB with a 0dB centre detent. The INSERT PRE EQ arranges the input channel signal to pass through the insert point before the equaliser when activated and after the equaliser when not activated. The BASS ( dual concentric top ) control gives continuous adjustment of boost and cut from + 15dB to - 15dB with a 0dB centre detent. The bass BELL switch converts the bass equaliser from traditional MIDAS shelving response to full parametric operation. 4

MIDAS

XL401

input
pre ins. & eq.
0

The DIRECT output control gives continuous adjustment of the direct output level from + 10dB to off. The output is derived from the input channel post fader signal. The TREBLE ( dual concentric top ) control gives continuous adjustment of boost and cut from + 15dB to - 15dB with a 0dB centre detent. The treble FREQ control gives continuous adjustment of the frequency range that the treble equaliser acts on from 1K to 20K. The hi mid WIDTH ( dual concentric bottom ) control gives continuous adjustment of bandwidth from 0.1 to 2 octaves

pre fade
0 6

direct o/p
6 0.3

+10

width +/8k

0.1 15

treble3k
0

15

bell
6

1k freq 20k 6 0.3 0.1

width +/3k

15

hi-mid
EQ
0

15

1k

The hi mid FREQ control gives continuous adjustment of the frequency range that the hi mid equaliser acts on from 400Hz to 8K. The lo mid WIDTH ( dual concentric bottom ) control gives continuous adjustment of bandwidth from 0.1 to 2 octaves with a 0.5 octave centre detent. The lo mid FREQ control gives continuous adjustment of the frequency range that the lo mid equaliser acts on from 100Hz to 2K. The bass WIDTH ( dual concentric bottom ) control gives continuous adjustment of bandwidth from 0.1 to 2 octaves with a 0.5 octave centre detent. This only operates when the BELL switch is activated. The bass FREQ control gives continuous adjustment of the frequency range that the bass equaliser acts on from 20Hz to 400Hz.

400

6 0.3

freq8k width
0.1

1 2

15

insert 300

lo-mid

15

+/-

800

pre eq
0 6

100

6 0.3

freq 2k width
0.1

1 2

15

bass

15 60

+/-

160

bell

20

freq

400

The mono aux ON switches (1 to 16) connect signals from the input channel to the mono aux busses and are under automation control. The mono aux PRE switches change the signal sent to the mono aux busses from post fader to pre fader.

ON pre aux 1 ON pre aux 2 ON pre aux 3 ON pre aux 4 ON pre aux 5 ON pre aux 6 ON pre aux 7 ON pre aux 8 ON pre aux 9 ON pre aux10 ON pre aux11 ON pre aux12

+6
0

The mono AUX controls ( 1 to 16 ) give continuous adjustment of the level sent from the input channel to the aux busses. The level adjustment is from + 6dB to off.

+6
0

+6
0

+6
0

+6
0

+6
0

1 - 16

+6
0

+6
0

+6
0

+6
0

+6
0

+6

The stereo aux ON switches (1-4) connect signals from the input channel to the stereo aux busses and are under automation control.

ON pre

st aux 1&2 ON pre


0

+6

The ST AUX controls (1 to 8) give continuous adjustment of the level sent from the input channel (post pan) to the stereo aux busses. The level adjustment is from + 6dB to off. ST AUX OPTION:- Consoles can be ordered with dual concentric controls to give independent adjustment of the levels sent from the input channel (pre pan) to the stereo busses. The top control gives adjustment of left signals from +6dB to off while the bottom control adjusts the right signal levels.

The stereo aux PRE switches (1-4) change the signal sent to the stereo aux busses from post fader to pre fader whilst retaining the post pan stereo image.

st aux 3&4 ON pre


0

+6

st aux 5&6 ON pre


0

+6

st aux 7&8 c

+6

The INS switch connects the input insert return signal to the input channel before or after the equaliser (see insert pre eq switch on page 4) and is under automation control. The ST switch connects the input channel post fader signal to the stereo master buss via the pan control and is under automation control.

The PAN control places the input channel within a stereo mix and has a constant power law i.e. - 3dB at the centre position. The MUTE switch mutes the input channel at all points except the insert send and pre insert / eq direct output. This switch is under automation and auto mute group control.

l INS ST

pan r

mute
MIDAS XL401

MIDAS +25

+35

-25 48V
+15 +70

mic

+18+ +15+ +12+ +9+ +6+ +3+ 0 -3-6-9-25-

/ O left / O right balance


l r

MIDAS XL405 Stereo Input Pod

30

100

XL405

10

hi-pass

400

The PAD switch gives 25dB of attenuation to the mic signals and will allow the connection of high output microphones or line signals. If the mic amps are transformer coupled (option) the pad greatly reduces the risk of saturation at very low frequencies. The 48V switch connects 48 volt phantom power to both mic inputs as required for condenser microphones etc. The METERS monitors the peak signal level of the left and right input channels pre fader. When the GLOBAL METER CHANGE OVER switch on the COMMS module is activated the meters monitor the left and right mic/line amp outputs. The left PHASE switch activates a 180 degrees phase change on the left mic/line input. The right PHASE switch activates a 180 degrees phase change on the right mic/line input. The HI PASS switch connects the high pass filter into the left and right signal path.

MIDAS +25

+35
The MIC control gives continuous adjustment of left and right mic amp gains from +15dB to +70dB.

-25 48V
+15 +70

mic

+18+ +15+ +12+ +9+ +6+ +3+ 0 -3-6-9-25-

/ O left / O right balance


l r

30

100

The BALANCE control gives continuous and reciprocal adjustment of the stereo left and right signal levels by +10dB to -10dB. This allows fine adjustment of the left and right signal levels and imaging. The HI PASS filter control is continuously adjustable from 10Hz to 400Hz.

XL405

10

hi-pass

400

The stereo input pod provides a left and right DIRECT OUTPUT which can be internally linked as pre or post insert/eq.

MIDAS

XL404

stereo input
0 6
15

6
15 5k

treble
10k

freq 0 6
2k 20k

6
15 1k

hi mid
3k

15

freq
400 0.6 8k 1.3

width 0 0.3 6
15 300 2

6
15

lo mid
800

freq EQ width 0 0.3 6 6


2 100 0.6 2k 1.3

bass
100

15

15 50

20

freq

200

ON pre aux 1 ON pre aux 2 ON pre aux 3 ON pre aux 4 ON pre aux 5 ON pre aux 6 ON pre aux 7 ON pre aux 8 ON pre aux 9 ON pre aux10 ON pre aux11 ON pre aux12 ON pre aux13 ON pre aux14 ON pre aux15 ON pre aux16 ON pre

+6
0

+6
0

+6
0

+6
0

+6
0

+6
0

+6
0

+6
0

+6
0

+6
0

MIDAS XL404 Stereo Input Module

+6
0

+6
0

+6
0

+6
0

+6
0

+6
0

st aux 1&2 ON pre


0

+6

st aux 3&4 ON pre


0

+6

st aux 5&6 ON pre


0

+6

st aux 7&8 c c

+6

pan
INS ST

r l

pan

mute
MIDAS XL404

MIDAS

XL404

stereo input
The TREBLE control gives continuous adjustment of left and right shelving filters boost and cut from +15dB to -15dB with a 0dB centre detent.

0 6
15

6
15 5k

treble
10k

freq
The HI MID control gives continuous adjustment of left and right boost and cut from +15dB to -15dB with a 0dB centre detent.

0 6

2k

20k

6
15 1k

The treble FREQ control gives continuous adjustment of the frequency range that the treble equalisers act on from 2K to 20K.

hi mid
3k

15

freq
400 0.6 8k 1.3

The hi mid FREQ control gives continuous adjustment of the frequency range that the hi mid equalisers act on from 400Hz to 8K. The hi mid WIDTH control gives continuous adjustment of the filter bandwidths from 0.3 to 2 octaves with 1 octave being the centre position. The lo mid FREQ control gives continuous adjustment of the frequency range that the lo mid equalisers act on from 100Hz to 2K. The lo mid WIDTH control gives continuous adjustment of the filter bandwidths from 0.3 to 2 octaves with 1 octave being the centre position.

width
The LO MID control gives continuous adjustment of left and right boost and cut from +15dB to -15dB with a 0dB centre detent.

0 0.3 6
15 300

6
15

lo mid
800

The EQ switch connects the left and right equalisers in the input channel signal paths and is under automation control. The BASS control gives continuous adjustment of the left and right shelving filters boost and cut from +15dB to 15dB with a 0dB centre detent.

freq EQ width 0 0.3 6 6


2 100 0.6 2k 1.3

bass
100

15

15 50

20

freq

200

The bass FREQ control gives continuous adjustment of the frequency range that the bass equalisers act on from 20Hz to 200Hz.

10

The mono aux ON switches connect signals from the input channel to the mono aux busses and are under automation control.

ON pre aux 1 ON pre aux 2

+6
0

+6
0

The mono aux PRE switches change the signal sent to the mono aux busses from post fader to pre fader.

ON pre aux 3 ON pre aux 4 ON pre aux 5 ON pre aux 6 ON pre aux 7 ON pre aux 8 ON pre aux 9 ON pre aux10 ON pre aux11 ON pre aux12

The mono AUX controls (1 to 16) give continuous adjustment of the level sent from the input channel to the aux busses. The signal is a mono sum of the left and right signals and the level adjustment is from + 6dB to off.

+6
0

+6
0

+6
0

+6
0

+6
0

+6
0

+6
0

+6
0

+6
0

+6

11

The stereo aux ON switches connect signals from the input channel to the stereo aux busses and are under automation control.

ON pre

st aux 1&2 ON pre


0

+6

st aux 3&4
The stereo aux PRE switches change the signal sent to the stereo aux busses from post fader to pre fader whilst retaining the post pan stereo image.

+6
0

The ST AUX controls (1 to 8) give continuous adjustment of the level sent from the input channel (post pan) to the stereo aux busses. The level adjustment is from + 6dB to off.

ON pre

st aux 5&6 ON pre


0

+6

st aux 7&8 c c

+6

The INS switch connects the left and right input insert return signals to the input channel and is under automation control. The ST switch connects the input channel post fader signals to the stereo master buss via the pan controls and is under automation control.

pan
INS ST

r l

pan

The left and right PAN controls are used to place the input channel signals within a stereo mix. As well as image placement, the controls can also adjust the image width from stereo through mono to reverse stereo (left and right crossed over). The controls have a constant power law i.e. -3dB at the centre position. The MUTE switch mutes the input channel at all points except the insert send and pre insert/eq direct output. This switch is under automation and auto mute group control.

mute
MIDAS XL404

12

MIDAS XL403 Input VCA Fader


isolate safe isolate isolate isolate isolate isolate isolate isolate

solo
10 5 0 5 10 20 30 40 50 60 dB

safe

solo
10 5 0 5 10 20 30 40 50 60 dB

safe

solo
10 5 0 5 10 20 30 40 50 60 dB

safe

solo
10 5 0 5 10 20 30 40 50 60 dB

safe

solo
10 5 0 5 10 20 30 40 50 60 dB

safe

solo
10 5 0 5 10 20 30 40 50 60 dB

safe

solo
10 5 0 5 10 20 30 40 50 60 dB

safe

solo
10 5 0 5 10 20 30 40 50 60 dB

1&2
2

1&2
2

1&2
2

1&2
2

1&2
2

1&2
2

1&2
2

1&2
2

3&4
3

3&4
3

3&4
3

3&4
3

3&4
3

3&4
3

3&4
3

3&4
3

5&6
4

5&6
4

5&6
4

5&6
4

5&6
4

5&6
4

5&6
4

5&6
4

7&8
5

7&8
5

7&8
5

7&8
5

7&8
5

7&8
5

7&8
5

7&8
5

9&10
6

9&10
6

9&10
6

9&10
6

9&10
6

9&10
6

9&10
6

9&10
6

11&12
7

11&12
7

11&12
7

11&12
7

11&12
7

11&12
7

11&12
7

11&12
7

13&14
8

13&14
8

13&14
8

13&14
8

13&14
8

13&14
8

13&14
8

13&14
8

15&16
9 10

15&16
9 10

15&16
9 10

15&16
9 10

15&16
9 10

15&16
9 10

15&16
9 10

15&16
9 10

group assign switches

group assign switches

group assign switches

group assign switches

group assign switches

group assign switches

group assign switches

group assign switches

MIDAS

XL403

FUNCTION: Fader control of 48 input levels to stereo bus, audio sub groups and VCA sub groups with solo and mute group assign.

13

The ISOLATE switch disconnects the input channel from automation scene recall. Scene storage is still active. The SAFE switch disconnects the input channel mute from the 8 auto mute busses.

isolate safe

solo
10 5 0 5 10 20 30 40 50 60 dB

The SOLO switch sends the input channel signal to the PFL mono and AFL stereo busses. If the switch is pressed for a short time it will latch on or off, but, if it is held on for more than 1 second the latching is disabled and when the switch is released the channel solo will turn off.

The GROUP ASSIGN SWITCHES 1 to 10 are under automation control and perform 3 major functions:i. They are used to assign the input channel post fader signal to the 16 AUDIO groups via the pan control. ii. They are used to assign the input channel to the 10 VCA sub groups. iii. They are used to assign the input channel to the 8 auto MUTE groups. The function of these switches is globally selected by pressing the large AUDIO, VCA or MUTE switches on the AUTOMATION CENTRAL CONTROL panel. A fourth large switch LOCK is used to disable all the input channel group assign switches throughout the console so as to avoid accidental operation. It is still possible to view the switch status of all three group types when in this mode.

1&2
2

3&4
3

5&6
4

The VCA INPUT fader gives continuous adjustment of the input channel level from + 10dB to off.

7&8
5

9&10
6

11&12
7

13&14
8

15&16
9 10

group assign switches

MIDAS
14

MIDAS 0

XL414
0

aux sends
MUTE SOLO

+10

+10

MUTE SOLO

fader
C/O
1 2 3

fader
C/O
1 2 3 4 5 6

v c 5 a
6

v c a

g r o u p 8 s

g r o u p 8 s
7

9 10

9 10

-15 0

+15 -15

treble

+15 0

-15

+15 -15

bass

+15

+48
0 +20 0

+48
+20

-30

gain
c

+50 -30

gain
c

+50

pan
MUTE SOLO SUB

pan
MUTE SOLO SUB

grand master vca's


A B 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 A B 1

a u t o m u t e g r o u p s

a u t o m 4 u t e 5 g r 6 o u
3 7 8

MIDAS XL414 Group Module

p s

SAFE TALK INS ST


c

SAFE TALK INS ST


c

pan

pan

mute mute

solo
10 5 0 5 10 20 30 40 50 60 dB

solo

group
MIDAS

XL414

15

AUX SENDS
The aux send SOLO switches send mono aux bus signals to the PFL and AFL busses. If a switch is pressed for a short time it will latch on or off, but if it is held on for more than 1 second the latching is disabled and when the switch is released the solo will turn off. The FADER CHANGE OVER switches swap the mono aux busses with the audio group busses so that the console can be used for monitor applications.
MIDAS 0 XL414 0

aux sends
MUTE SOLO

+10

+10

The AUX SEND controls give continuous adjustment of the mono aux bus output levels from + 10dB to off. The aux send MUTE switches mute the aux bus outputs.

MUTE SOLO

fader
C/O
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

fader
C/O
1 2 3

The VCA GROUP switches assign the mic/line returns to

v c a g r o u p s

4 5 6 7 8 9 10

v c a g r o u p s

MIC/LINE RETURNS
16

MIC/LINE RETURNS
The BASS Controls give continuous adjustment of boost and cut from +15dB to 15dB with a 0dB centre detent. The frequency is fixed at 100Hz. The 48V switches connect 48 volt phantom power to the mic/line inputs as required for condenser microphones etc. The mic/line return PAN controls place the return signals within the stereo master mix and have a constant power law i.e. -3dB at the centre position. The SUB switches disconnect the mic/line returns from the stereo master buss and route the signals to the audio sub groups directly below, without passing through the pan control.
0 0

The TREBLE controls give continuous adjustment of boost and cut from +15dB to -15dB with a 0dB centre detent. The frequency is fixed at 10KHz.
+15

-15 0

+15 -15

treble

-15

+15 -15

bass

+15

+48
0 +20 0

+48
+20

The GAIN controls give continuous adjustment of the mic/line return gains from +50dB to -30dB. The special input circuits maintain full headroom from mic level to line level without the use of a pad. The mic/line return MUTE switches mute the return signals and are under automation control. The mic/line return SOLO switches send the return signals to the mono PFL and stereo AFL busses. If a switch is pressed for a short time it will latch on or off, but if it is held on for more than 1 second the latching is disabled and when the switch is released the solo will turn off.

-30

gain
c

+50 -30

gain
c

+50

pan
MUTE SOLO SUB

pan
MUTE SOLO SUB

grand master vca's


A B 1 2 A B 1

The AUTO MUTE GROUP switches assign the audio sub groups to the 8 auto mute groups.

3 4 5 6 7 8

a u t o m u t e g r o u p s

2 3 4 5 6 7 8

a u t o m u t e g r o u p s

The GRAND MASTER VCA switches assign the audio sub groups to the 2 grand master vca sub groups.

The SAFE switches disconnect the audio sub group mutes from the auto mute busses.

SAFE

SAFE

GROUPS

17

The INS switches connect the group insert return signals to the audio sub groups. The ST switches connect the post fader audio sub group signals to the stereo master bus via the pan controls.
l

TALK INS ST
c

TALK INS ST
c

The TALK switches connect the audio sub groups to the COMMS module. When the TALK TO GROUPS switch on the COMMS module is activated it is then able to route its oscillator, pink noise, external input, talk mic or comms mic to the audio sub groups.
r

pan

pan

The group MUTE switches mute the audio groups at all points except the insert send and are under automation and automute group control.

The group PAN controls place the audio groups within the stereo master mix and have a constant power law i.e. -3dB at the centre position.

mute mute
The group SOLO switches send the group input signals to the mono PFL and stereo AFL busses. If a switch is pressed for a short time it will latch on or off, but if it is held on for more than 1 second the latching is disabled and when the switch is released the solo will turn off.

solo
10 5
The GROUP FADERS give continuous adjustment of the audio sub group levels from +

solo

0 5 10 20 30 40 50 60 dB

group
MIDAS XL414

18

MIDAS XL412 Group Pod


group aux
+21+ +18+ +15+ +12+ +9+ +6+ +3+ 0 -3-6-9-12-15-18-21-24-27-30-33-36-

sends returns

group aux
+21+ +18+ +15+ +12+ +9+ +6+ +3+ 0 -3-6-9-12-15-18-21-24-27-30-33-36-

sends returns

group aux
+21+ +18+ +15+ +12+ +9+ +6+ +3+ 0 -3-6-9-12-15-18-21-24-27-30-33-36-

sends returns

group aux
+21+ +18+ +15+ +12+ +9+ +6+ +3+ 0 -3-6-9-12-15-18-21-24-27-30-33-36-

sends returns

group aux
+21+ +18+ +15+ +12+ +9+ +6+ +3+ 0 -3-6-9-12-15-18-21-24-27-30-33-36-

sends returns

group aux
+21+ +18+ +15+ +12+ +9+ +6+ +3+ 0 -3-6-9-12-15-18-21-24-27-30-33-36-

sends returns

group aux
+21+ +18+ +15+ +12+ +9+ +6+ +3+ 0 -3-6-9-12-15-18-21-24-27-30-33-36-

sends returns

group aux
+21+ +18+ +15+ +12+ +9+ +6+ +3+ 0 -3-6-9-12-15-18-21-24-27-30-33-36-

sends returns

mix groups
MIDAS

mix groups

mix groups

mix groups

mix groups

mix groups

mix groups

mix groups
XL412

FUNCTION: To meter 16 group outputs, 16 aux master sends and 16 line level returns.

19

The AUX switch changes the function of the left and right meters so that they monitor the aux send outputs in place of the audio group outputs.

group aux
+21+ +18+ +15+ +12+ +9+ +6+ +3+ 0 -3-6-9-12-15-18-21-24-27-30-33-36-

sends returns

The METERS monitor the peak signal level of the group, aux or returns as described above but when the GLOBAL METER CHANGE OVER switch on the COMMS module is activated the meters monitor the group bus, aux bus or line return input amplifiers ( which ever is selected ).

The RETURN switch changes the function of the left and right meters so that they monitor the post fader line return signals. If the AUX switch is not activated the meters return to monitoring the audio group outputs regardless of the RETURN switch position.

mix groups
MIDAS

20

MIDAS XL413 Grand Master A VCA Fader


1
i so
mute

2
i so i so
mute

3
i so
mute

4
i so
mute

5
i so
mute

6
i so
mute

7
i so
mute

8
i so
mute

9
i so
mute

10
i so
mute

A
i so
mute

B
mute

solo

solo

solo

solo

solo

solo

solo

solo

solo

solo

solo

solo

10 5 0 5 10 20 30 40 50 60 dB

10 5 0 5 10 20 30 40 50 60 dB

10 5 0 5 10 20 30 40 50 60 dB

10 5 0 5 10 20 30 40 50 60 dB

10 5 0 5 10 20 30 40 50 60 dB

10 5 0 5 10 20 30 40 50 60 dB

10 5 0 5 10 20 30 40 50 60 dB

10 5 0 5 10 20 30 40 50 60 dB

10 5 0 5 10 20 30 40 50 60 dB

10 5 0 5 10 20 30 40 50 60 dB

10 5 0 5 10 20 30 40 50 60 dB

10 5 0 5 10 20 30 40 50 60 dB

MIDAS

XL413

FUNCTION: Moving fader control of 10 VCA sub groups and 2 grand masters with facility to meter and solo listen.

21

The ISOlate switches disconnect the vca sub group faders and mutes from automation screen recall. Screen storage is still active.

1
i so
mute

The vca MUTE switches mute any post fader input channel signals which are assigned to the corresponding

solo

The vca SOLO switches are used to monitor VCA sub groups by creating a corresponding AUDIO sub group on the stereo AFL busses. All input channels and line returns that are assigned to a specific vca sub group will be summed onto the solo busses when that vca solo is active.
Note i. If large numbers of inputs are assigned to one vca sub group, there will be a higher than usual signal level sent to the solo busses when the vca solo is active (+ 6 to + 10 dB approx.). Note ii. When vca solo switches are active the PFL buss also receives signals from the vca sub group inputs but it will NOT be a true representation of the relative levels within the vca sub group. This feature is however useful as it allows confirmation of signal present and signal quality when the vca fader is down or the vca sub group is muted. It is therefore important to know the status of the PFL MONITOR switch on the COMMS module before using the vca solo switches. Note iii. If a vca solo switch is pressed for a short time it will latch on or off, but if it is held on for more than 1 second the latching is disabled and when the switch is released the solo will turn off.

10
The VCA GROUP faders are motorised and under automation control. They give continuous adjustment of the vca sub group gains from +10dB to off.

5 0 5 10 20 30 40 50 60 dB

MIDAS

22

The ISOlate A and B switches disconnect the grand master vca A and B sub group faders and mutes from automation screen recall. Screen storage is still active. The vca MUTE A and B switches mute any AUDIO group post fader signals which are assigned to the grand master A or B vca sub groups.

A
i so
mute

solo

The grand master A and B vca SOLO switches are used to monitor the grand master A and B VCA sub groups by creating a corresponding AUDIO sub groups on the stereo AFL busses. All AUDIO sub groups that are assigned to grand master vca A or B will be summed onto the solo busses when the vca solo is active.
Note i. When a grand master vca solo switch is active the PFL buss also receives signals but they are NOT a true representation of the relative levels within the grand master vca sub group. This feature is however useful as it allows confirmation of signal present and signal quality when the grand master vca fader is down or muted. It is therefore important to know the status of the PFL MONITOR switch on the COMMS module before using the grand master vca solo switches. Note ii. If a grand master vca solo switch is pressed for a short time it will latch on or off, but if it is held on for more than 1 second the latching is disabled and when the switch is released the solo will turn off.

10
The grand master A and B VCA GROUP faders are motorised and under automation control. They give continuous adjustment of the grand master vca sub group gains from +10dB to off.

5 0 5 10 20 30 40 50 60 dB

23

24

MIDAS

XL421

+18 +15 +12 +9 +6 +3 0 -3 -6 -9

+10

record 2

mute
+18 +15 +12 +9 +6 +3 0 -3 -6 -9 0

record 1

+10

mute

mute all

solo in place
INS VCA SOLO

mute

10 5
+21 +18 +15 0 +12 +9 0 +6 +3 5 -3 -6 -9 10 -12 -15 -18 -21 -24 20 -27 -30 -33 30 -36

40 50 60

dB dB mono output
aux i/p mutes

MIDAS XL421 Master Module


left right
c r

ON INS INS

matrix send pre

balance

mute mute

solo
10 5 0 5 10 20 30 40 50 60 dB

solo

masters
MIDAS XL421

25

MIDAS

XL421

The record METERS monitor the peak signal level of the left and right record outputs (which ever is the highest ).

+18 +15 +12 +9 +6 +3 0 -3 -6 -9

+10

record 2

The RECORD controls ( 1 and 2 ) give continuous adjustment of the stereo record outputs from + 10dB to off. The record signals are derived from the pre insert master left and right signals. The record MUTE switches mute the record outputs.

mute
0 +18 +15 +12 +9 +6 +3 0 -3 -6 -9

record 1

+10

mute

The MUTE ALL switch effectively switches the console off by muting all outputs.

mute all
The SOLO IN PLACE switch disconnects the three pre insert master signals ( left, mono and right ) and replaces them with the stereo AFL solo busses. This does not effect the master to matrix feeds which means the matrix mixes can be "solo in placed" on the master outputs.

solo in place
26

The mono INS switch connects the mono insert return signal to the mono mix. The VCA switch connects the mono vca fader to the stereo master fader so that the mono output tracks any changes of the stereo master fader. The mono SOLO switch sends the mono master signal to the PFL and AFL solo busses. If the switch is pressed for a short time it will latch on or off, but if it is held on for more than 1 second the latching is disabled and when the switch is released the solo will turn off. The master mix signal can not be sent to the solo busses while any other solo is active.

INS VCA SOLO


The mono MUTE switch mutes the mono output but not the mono insert send. This switch is under automation control.

mute

10
+21 5 +18 +15 +12 +9 0 +6 +3 0 -3 -6 5 -9 -12 -15 -18 10 -21 -24 -27 -30 20 -33 -36

The mono FADER gives continuous adjustment of the mono output level from + 10dB to off.

The mono METER monitors the peak level of the post fader mono signal. When the GLOBAL METER CHANGE OVER switch on the COMMS module is activated the meter monitors the mono bus summing amplifier output.

30 40 50 60

dB dB mono output
aux i/p mutes
The AUX I/P MUTE mutes every aux line return input on the GROUP modules. 27

MATRIX SEND PRE. Feeds to the matrix modules from the stereo busses are post fader as a default. When the MATRIX SEND PRE is active, the feed changes to pre fader and pre insert. The INS LEFT and RIGHT switches connect the master left and right insert return signals to the stereo master mix.

ON INS INS

matrix send pre left right


c

balance

The BALANCE (pan) control gives continuous and reciprocal adjustment of the stereo left and right signal levels by + 3dB to off. This allows fine adjustment of the left, right power levels and imaging. The stereo master MUTE switches mute the stereo master outputs but not the insert sends. These switches are under automation control.

The stereo master SOLO switches send stereo master signals to the PFL mono and AFL stereo busses. If the switch is pressed for a short time it will latch on or off, but if it is held on for more than 1 second the latching is disabled and when the switch is released the solo will turn off. The master mix signal can not be sent to the solo busses while any other solo is active. This means that they can be left on to provide a stereo master signal in the headphones which will be overridden if any other solo is activated on the console.

mute mute

solo
10 5 0 5 10 20 30 40 50 60 dB

solo

The stereo MASTER FADER gives continuous adjustment of the stereo master mix level from + 10dB to off.

masters
MIDAS XL421

28

MIDAS XL422 Master Pod

l
+21+ +18+ +15+ +12+ +9+ +6+ +3+ 0 -3-6-9-12-15-18-21-24-27-30-33-36-

l solo r
+21+ +18+ +15+ +12+ +9+ +6+ +3+ 0 -3-6-9-12-15-18-21-24-27-30-33-36-

change over
+21+ +18+ +15+ +12+ +9+ +6+ +3+ 0 -3-6-9-12-15-18-21-24-27-30-33-36-

change over
+21+ +18+ +15+ +12+ +9+ +6+ +3+ 0 -3-6-9-12-15-18-21-24-27-30-33-36-

change over
+21+ +18+ +15+ +12+ +9+ +6+ +3+ 0 -3-6-9-12-15-18-21-24-27-30-33-36-

change over
+21+ +18+ +15+ +12+ +9+ +6+ +3+ 0 -3-6-9-12-15-18-21-24-27-30-33-36-

masters
MIDAS XL422

pfl

local

1 matrix

3 matrix

5 matrix

7 matrix

FUNCTION: Metering for master stereo, solo, PFL and local busses plus matrix outputs and stereo aux send outputs.

29

Master Stereo Bus Metering

l
The METERS monitor the peak signal levels of the stereo master left and right outputs. When the GLOBAL METER CHANGE OVER switch on the COMMS module is activated the meters monitor the master left and right bus amplifiers.

r
+21+ +18+ +15+ +12+ +9+ +6+ +3+ 0 -3-6-9-12-15-18-21-24-27-30-33-36-

master
MIDAS XL422

30

Solo, PFL and Local Metering

l solo r
+21+ +18+ +15+ +12+ +9+ +6+ +3+ 0 -3-6-9-12-15-18-21-24-27-30-33-36The meters monitor the peak signal level of the stereo AFL left and right solo busses or the PFL and local output level. The change over is automatic as part of the PFL Monitor switch on the COMMS module.

pfl

local

31

Matrix and Stereo Master Aux Send Metering

change over
+21+ +18+ +15+ +12+ +9+ +6+ +3+ 0 -3-6-9-12-15-18-21-24-27-30-33-36-

The CHANGE OVER switches change the function of the left and right meters so that they monitor the stereo aux send outputs in place of the matrix outputs.

1 matrix

The METERS monitor the peak signal level of the matrix or stereo aux outputs as described above but when the GLOBAL METER CHANGE OVER switch on the COMMS module is activated the meters monitor the matrix bus or stereo aux bus amplifiers ( which ever is selected ).

32

MIDAS

XL432

call
OSC 300 1k

1kHz 10k 100 external freq 0 ON PINK TALK TALK TALK TALK TALK C/O +6

level

to auxes to groups to matrix to mono to l+r oscillator to talk 0 +6 comms

ON LINK

talk mic

+6 +6 talk ext talk int talk ext talk int

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
SOLO C/O C/O

a u t o m u t e g r o u p m a s t e r s

add mode global metering 2tr-return solo clear

MIDAS XL432 Communications Module

pfl to mon

ON
solo to mon

ON

pfl speaker
0 0

+6 +6 intercom ext. 1 0 0 +6 +6 ext. 2 0

pfl C/O

a/b +6 speakers pfl-ls level 0 C/O source level +6 0

headphones

local ls-level
mono

+10

-20dB left to both mute left right to both mute right

comms
MIDAS XL432

33

The CALL switch and indicator has two functions:i. It illuminates when an incoming "clearcom" call is expected. ii. It fires a DC pulse when pressed to signal "clearcom" devices (by illuminating their call lamps) that an outgoing call is to be made. The OSC switch activates the oscillator ready for connection to the oscillator output or the talk system . The 1KHz switch overrides the frequency control and sets the oscillator to 1KHz. The EXTERNAL ON switch connects the oscillator signal to the oscillator external output socket. The PINK noise switch disconnects the oscillator and replaces it with pink noise.

MIDAS

XL432

call
OSC 300 1k

The FREQ control gives continuous adjustment of the oscillator frequency from 100Hz to 10K. The oscillator LEVEL control gives continuous adjustment of the oscillator and pink noise levels and has a range from + 6dB to off. The TALK TO AUXES switch sends the talk system signals to ALL the aux busses. The TALK TO GROUPS switch sends the talk system signals to any group buss which has its GROUP module TALK switch active. The TALK TO MATRIX switch sends the talk system signals to any matrix buss which has its MATRIX module TALK switch active.

1kHz 10k 100 external freq 0 ON PINK TALK TALK +6

level

to auxes to groups to matrix to mono to l+r

The TALK TO MONO switch sends the talk system signals to the mono master bus. The TALK TO LEFT AND RIGHT switch sends the talk system signals to the stereo master bus.

TALK TALK TALK

34

The OSCILLATOR TO TALK CHANGE OVER switch connects the oscillator and pink noise signals to the talk system in place of the talk mic. The COMMS ON switch sends the comms headset mic amplifier signal to the comms output / input connector. The LINK switch connects the talk mic to the intercom in such a way that the talk mic, headphones and PFL speaker output can send and receive (respectively) "clearcom" signals as well as the headset. When in LINK mode the COMMS ON switch activates the talk mic onto the comms system with the side tone cancel circuit preventing howl round. The TALK EXTERNAL control gives continuous adjustment of the talk mic amplifier signals that will feed the talk external output. The adjustment range is from + 6dB to off. The TALK EXTERNAL switch connects the talk mic to the talk external output and dims the local monitor outputs by 20dB to prevent howl

C/O

oscillator to talk 0 +6 comms

ON LINK

The COMMS control gives continuous adjustment of the incoming "clearcom" signals that feed to the headset and has a range from + 6dB to off.

talk mic

The TALK XLR socket accepts balanced 150 Ohm microphone signals from - 50dBu to 20dBu and uses an auto ranging gain system to bring the signal
0

+6 +6 talk ext talk int talk ext talk int

The TALK INTERNAL control gives continuous adjustment of the talk mic amplifier signals that will feed the internal talk system. The adjustment range is from + 6dB to off. The TALK INTERNAL switch connects the talk mic to the internal talk system and dims the local monitor outputs by 20dB to prevent howl round. None of the talk internal and external controls act on signals sent to the comms system when in LINK mode.

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8

The AUTO MUTE GROUP MASTER switches (1 to 8) activate the mute circuits on any appropriately mute group assigned input channel or audio group.

a u t o m u t e g r o u p m a s t e r s

35

The SOLO ADD MODE switch allows multiple channel access to the solo busses. When the solo add mode is off the action of pressing a solo switch will cancel any other active solo except for the master solo switches where the cancelling effect is only temporary (see XL421 Master Module). The 2 TRACK RETURN CHANGE OVER switch connects the 2 track input signals to the monitor system outputs in place of the master left and right signals. The PFL TO MONITOR switch connects the PFL signals to the monitor system outputs in place of the 2 track return or master left and right signals when ever a solo is active within the console. This switch overrides the SOLO TO MONITOR switch below. The INTERCOM level control gives continuous adjustment of the "clearcom" signal levels that can be fed into the headphones and PFL speaker output. It has a range from + 6dB to off. The PFL level control gives continuous adjustment of incoming signals from the PFL bus and has a range from + 6dB to off. The A/B SPEAKER CHANGE OVER re-routes the stereo monitor signals to from the "A" speaker outputs to the "B" speaker outputs. The headphone SOURCE CHANGE OVER connects PFL signals to the headphone amplifier in place of the monitor signals.

SOLO C/O C/O

add mode global metering 2tr-return solo clear

The GLOBAL METER CHANGE OVER switch changes the operation of every meter on the console except the comms meters and the record meters. The "normal" meter operation is to monitor pre fader on input channels and post fader on all other signals. When the global meter change over is active the meters change to monitor input amplifiers or bus amplifiers (as appropriate) on all signals. The SOLO TO MONITOR switch connects the solo AFL signals to the monitor system outputs in place of the 2 track return or master left and right signals when ever a solo is active within the console. The SOLO ON / CLEAR switch and indicator has two functions:i. It illuminates when any solo switch (except a master solo switch) is active. ii. When pressed it clears any active solo switches (except master solo switches). The EXTERNAL 1 level control gives continuous adjustment of incoming signals from the first external input and has a range from + 6dB to off. The EXTERNAL 2 level control gives continuous adjustment of incoming signals from the second external input and has a range from + 6dB to off. The PFL LS LEVEL control gives continuous adjustment of signals sent to the PFL speaker output and has a range from + 6dB to off. The headphone LEVEL control gives continuous adjustment of signals sent to the headphones and has a range from + 6dB to off.

pfl to mon

ON
solo to mon

ON

pfl speaker
0 0

+6 +6 intercom ext. 1 0 0 +6 +6 ext. 2 0

pfl C/O

a/b +6 speakers pfl-ls level 0 C/O source level +6

headphones

36

The LOCAL LS LEVEL control gives continuous adjustment of signals sent to the "A" or "B" monitor speaker outputs and has a range from + 10dB to off.

local ls-level
The PHASE switch reverses the phase of the left hand monitor signal. The left/right CROSSOVER routes the left hand monitor signal onto the right channel output speakers and the right hand monitor signal onto the left channel output speakers. The LEFT TO BOTH switch routes left hand monitor signal to both the left and right monitor speaker outputs. The MUTE LEFT switch controls the mute function on the left hand side of the local monitor speaker outputs.

+10

mono

The MONO switch adds the left and right monitor signals with a 4.5dB summing loss. The -20 DIM switch and indicator has two functions:i. It can be used to switch the monitor speaker outputs to dim by 20dB. ii. It illuminates when the talk system has activated a dim to prevent howl round. The RIGHT TO BOTH switch routes right hand monitor signal to both the left and right The MUTE RIGHT switch controls the mute function on the right hand side of the local monitor speaker outputs.

-20dB left to both mute left right to both mute right

comms
MIDAS XL432

37

MIDAS

XL441

MUTE SOLO MTX


0

stereo aux

master
0

+10

mix 1
0

+6

o o

+6 0

o o

mix 2
0

+6

o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o

+6 0

o o

mix 3
0

+6

+6 0

o o

mix 4
0

+6

+6 0

o o

mix 5
0

+6

+6 0

o o

mix 6
0

+6

+6 0

o o

mix 7
0

+6

+6 0

o o

mix 8
0

+6

+6 0

o o

mix 9
0

+6

+6 0

o o

mix 10
0

+6

+6 0

o o

mix 11
0

+6

+6 0

o o

mix 12
0

+6

+6 0

mix 13
0

+6

+6 0

mix 14
0

+6

+6 0

mix 15
0

+6

+6 0

MIDAS XL441 Matrix Module

o o

o o

o o

o o

mix 16 ON
0

+6

o o o o

o o

o o

o o

+6

o o

global pre
0

masters left
0

+6

+6 0

o o

masters right TALK INS TALK INS

+6

o o o o

+6

mute mute

o o

solo
10 5 0 5 10 20 30 40 50 60 dB

solo

matrix

38

MIDAS

XL441

MIDAS

XL441

The stereo aux MUTE switch mutes the stereo aux outputs. The stereo aux SOLO switch sends stereo aux signals to the PFL mono and AFL stereo busses. If the switch is pressed for a short time it will latch on or off, but if it is held on for more than 1 second the latching is disabled and when the switch is released the solo will turn off.

MUTE SOLO MTX


0

stereo aux

The STEREO AUX MASTER control gives continuous adjustment of the stereo aux output level from + 10dB to off. The MTX switch sends the pre fader stereo aux bus signals to the matrix mix directly below so that the console can be used for monitor applications.

master
0

+10

mix 1
0

+6

o o

+6 0

o o

mix 2
0

+6

o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o

+6 0

o o

mix 3
0

+6

+6 0

The MIX controls ( 1 to 16 ) give continuous adjustment of the audio sub group levels sent to the matrix mixes from + 6dB to off. If the FADER CHANGE OVER switch on the GROUP module is active the mono aux bus will route to the matrix mix in place of the audio sub group.

o o

mix 4
0

+6

+6 0

o o

mix 5
0

+6

+6 0

o o

mix 6
0

+6

+6 0

o o

mix 7
0

+6

+6 0

o o

mix 8
0

+6

+6 0

o o

mix 9
0

+6

+6 0

o o

mix 10
0

+6

+6 0

o o

mix 11
0

+6

+6 0

o o

mix 12
0

+6

+6 0

o o

mix 13
0

+6

+6 0

o o

mix 14
0

+6

+6 0

o o

mix 15
0

+6

+6 0

mix 16 ON

+6

+6

The GLOBAL PRE ON switch changes the audio sub group signals that are routed via the mix controls to the matrix from post fader to pre fader. 39

o o

o o

global pre

o o

o o

The MASTER LEFT controls give continuous adjustment of master left signals that are sent to the matrix mixes. The adjustment is from + 6dB to off.

masters left
0

+6

+6 0

The MASTER RIGHT controls give continuous adjustment of master right signals that are sent to the matrix mixes. The adjustment is from + 6dB to off.

o o

masters right

+6

o o o o

+6

The TALK switches connect the matrix busses to the COMMS module. When the TALK TO MATRIX switch on the COMMS module is activated it is then able to route its oscillator, pink noise, external input, talk mic or comms mic to the matrix mix.

o o

TALK INS

TALK INS

The INS switches connect the matrix insert return signals to the matrix mixes. The matrix MUTE switches mute the matrix outputs but not the insert sends. These switches are under automation control. The matrix SOLO switches send signals to the PFL mono and AFL stereo busses. If the switch is pressed for a short time it will latch on or off, but if it is held on for more than 1 second the latching is disabled and when the switch is released the solo will turn off. These solo switches can not be operated if the console is being used in SOLO IN PLACE mode. This is a safety feature which prevents matrix output signals from being routed back to their inputs via the master matrix feed.

mute mute

solo
10 5
The MATRIX FADERS give continuous adjustment of the matrix levels from + 10dB to off.

solo

0 5 10 20 30 40 50 60 dB

matrix
MIDAS XL441

40

MIDAS XL443 Automation Control


group assignment mode
audio mute vca safe

automation system by
internal scene number main point hours

out board electronics

scene name
mins secs frames

a1

memory
external

alt. scenes time code


a2

program
store memory system

last

now

next

recall

VCA, Audio and Automute Group Assign


1. The AUDIO switch changes the function of every GROUP ASSIGN SWITCH and its corresponding LED indicator on the INPUT channels so that AUDIO group assignment can be viewed or changed. 2. The VCA switch changes the function of every GROUP ASSIGN SWITCH and its corresponding LED indicator on the INPUT channels so that VCA group assignment can be viewed or changed. 3. The MUTE switch changes the function of every GROUP ASSIGN SWITCH and its corresponding LED indicator on the INPUT channels so that MUTE group assignment can be viewed or changed. 4. The SAFE switch changes the function of the audio, vca, and mute switches above so that the groupings can be viewed only. i.e. all GROUP ASSIGN SWITCH on the INPUT channels will be disabled.

41

MIDAS XL4 Automation system System operation

while every effort has been made to ensure it is accurate, there may be changes dependent on the software version. This has been writen for Version 25.A Should you find an error, or you find a section ambiguous, please let MIDAS know so that we may correct the problem.

Midas XL4 Automation system

Information about this manual

In this document the following colours have been used to aid the text: Descriptions of what can be seen on the Alpha-numeric displays are in green, such as OVERSTORE. When a button is referred to, its name is in blue, such as STORE. Functions or operation names are in red, such as SCENE NAME. Warnings and important notes have their headings in magenta, such as WARNING.

Page 2

Midas XL4 Automation system

Contents
Introduction.
Automation system overview. The Central control unit. 5 5 6 7 7 7 7 8 8 9 9 9 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 11 11 11 11 11 11 11 11 11 11 12 15 15 16 16 16 16 16 16 16 16 17 17 17
Page 3

Operating the system.


Input fader mode control. System Start Up Unlock The Automation System Scene Storage Scene Recall

System menu
Unlock Lock Chmidiout Chmidin Automidi RSLink Faders Mutes Matrix Contacts XL4 Size Mem Size Format Test 1 Test 2 Test 3 Test 4 Open Restrict Totclear

Total Clear Format Procedure Store Menu


New Scene Overstoring X-FADE (Crossfade). Expand Insert. Delete. Copy. Edit. Edit scene name. Edit MIDI In Midi Clear Edit midi Out

Midas XL4 Automation system

Contents Cont.
Memory menu.
Toggle Internal. External. Copy all. Clear all. 18 18 18 18 18 18 19 19

Alternate Buttons Using the system - general hints and tips.

Page 4

Midas XL4 Automation system

Introduction.
Automation system overview.
The MIDAS XL4 is an intelligent live mixing console. It utilises microprocessor technology to provide the operator with unprecedented features for a live console, whilst remaining easy to use and retaining the familiar look of a normal console. The update speed of the MIDAS XL4 automation was a high priority of the system design, the entire console is capable of updating itself over fifty times a second. Thus the delay between pressing the RECALL button and the desk update is negligible. Some sound engineers harbour concerns about giving control of a sound system over to computers, in the case of the MIDAS XL4 these concerns are unfounded. For one thing, the MIDAS XL4 is a computer assisted console. Most of the audio functions may be controlled without the aid of microprocessors, and all audio functions may be controlled without the central control CPU. With the exception of the central controller CPU, the microprocessor chips used are single chip micros or microcontrollers. The CPU, program memory, RAM, data converters and timers are all housed in a single chip. This gives the utmost in reliability as the computer itself is protected from the outside world by its input/output ports. Fifty microprocessors (in a standard 48 input console) split the workload, resulting in high speed operation and also providing the large degree of protection required for live performances. Should one microprocessor fall over the others will continue to operate normally. In addition, the system has been designed is such a way that if a microprocessor does fail, the audio circuits controlled by that unit will usually remain active in the state last recalled. The chances of a microprocessor failing in such a way as to reconfigure its audio control circuits are extremely remote. The most likely indication that a microprocessor has failed will be that it fails to respond to the central control CPU. The audio circuits will continue to work. Important controls such as the MUTE switch, whilst they can be over-ridden by microprocessor control, will work without the intervention of a microprocessor. Each input channel has its own microprocessor, the VCA master section has one and the final microprocessor is in the central control section. All the microprocessors are located in the fader bay of the XL4. No audio passes through the fader bay, allowing a high degree of immunity to digital breakthrough to be achieved. The use of multiple processors also means that the software, instead of being one large program, is broken up into a number of small programs which are easier to test and debug, minimising the chances of software problems.

Page 5

Midas XL4 Automation system

The Central control unit.


The MIDAS XL4 Automation is controlled from the central control CPU mounted to the right of the VCA Master faders.

  



   

   
 
     

 
 
   


  





  



  








The top four switches, labelled AUDIO, MUTE, VCA & LOCK are not directly part of the central control CPU, these switches directly control the operating mode of the input fader automation. (See Input fader mode control, later). The central controller CPU has been developed by OUTBOARD ELECTRONICS Ltd. in conjunction with MIDAS. The operation of the MIDAS XL4 Automation system is based on the control system used on the OUTBOARD ELECTRONICS SS20 Moving fader system. Many operators used to the SS20 will find operating the MIDAS XL4 Automation system very familiar. Control of the system is achieved with eight buttons and a jogwheel. Operator feedback is done with two displays, a four character scene number display and an eight character scene name display. Auxiliary functions are accessed through a series of menus. The main 1 Meg of internal memory is battery backed up and may also be downloaded on to a memory card.

Page 6

Midas XL4 Automation system

Operating the system.


Input fader mode control
The top four switches of the central control unit, labelled AUDIO, MUTE, VCA & LOCK directly control the operating mode of the input fader automation. With the AUDIO mode enabled, the fader bay switch bank controls the audio group routing. Only switches 1-8 are used. Switches 9 & 10 are used to trigger a input moving fader calibration on the input channel (when fitted, if no moving fader is fitted the function will time out). To use this function press switch 9. The LEDs associated with switches 9 & 10 will flash. This indicates that the clear function is armed. Pressing switch 10 will clear the channel. If switch 9 is pressed, arming the calibrate function, and it is not desired to calibrate the channel, pressing switch 9 again will disarm the clear function. With the MUTE mode enabled, the fader bay switch bank controls the automute assignments. Only switches 1-8 are used for automutes. Switches 9 & 10 are used for the channel clear function. The channel clear function resets all computer controlled settings on that channel to off. To use this function press switch 9. The LEDs associated with switches 9 & 10 will flash. This indicates that the clear function is armed. Pressing switch 10 will clear the channel. If switch 9 is pressed, arming the clear function, and it is not desired to clear the channel, pressing switch 9 again will disarm the clear function. With the VCA mode enabled, the fader bay switch bank controls the VCA assignments. When the system is locked (with the LOCK switch illuminated) the three operating modes may be called up, allowing the state of the switches to be seen, but the switches will not operate. This is to prevent accidental operation of the fader bay switches.

SystemStart up
Following power up, the alpha-numeric display will briefly show the software release version, followed by READY. This indicates that the initialisation is complete and the system is ready for use. The system powers up in the locked state. In this state scenes may be recalled but not stored. All functions which modify the stored data are disabled until the system has been unlocked.

Unlocking The System


To unlock the system after start up the following procedure must be followed. Press the SYSTEM button and UNLOCK will be displayed in the right hand screen. Press the YES button and the left hand window will change to read 1200, using the jog wheel alter this screen until the correct password is displayed. This password is found on the insert provided with this manual or can be obtained from Midas.

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Midas XL4 Automation system

Scene storeage
Storing scenes may only be done when the system is unlocked. To store a scene, first display the position you wish to store the scene in on the left hand window by using the jog wheel. Scene 0000 is a preset scene and can not be overstored. Once the required position is displayed press the STORE button. The display will respond with NEW, if the scene does not yet exist or OVERSTORE if the scene does exist. Following a scene store operation, the scene number is incremented by 1 or 0.1 depending on wether the scene was expanded previously.

Scene recall
Recalling scenes is achieved using the LAST, NOW and NEXT buttons, and also using the jogwheel. Pressing the NEXT button causes the system to step to the next scene number in memory and recall it to the console. After the last scene has been recalled, pressing NEXT will cause the display to show END and no other operation will occur. Pressing the LAST button causes the system to step to the previous scene number in memory and recall it to the console. After the first scene has been recalled, pressing NEXT will cause the display to show START and no other operation will occur. Pressing NOW will recall the scene number currently shown in the left hand section of the display. This number may be adjusted using the jogwheel. When the system is locked the jogwheel will only use the numbers of scenes that exist in memory. No operations other than recall are available while the system is locked. When the system is unlocked the jogwheel adjust the scene number in increments of one whether the scene exists or not. Attempting to recall a scene number which does not exist will result in the message EMPTY.

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Midas XL4 Automation system

System menu.
To call the system menu, press the SYSTEM button. The display will show SYSTEM and the SYSTEM, NO and YES buttons will flash. The jogwheel may then be used to scroll through the system options.

SYSTEM MENU

UNLOCK LOCK CHMIDOUT CHMIDIN AUTOMIDI RS-LINK FADERS MUTES MATRIX CONTACTS XL4_SIZE MEM.SIZE FORMAT? TEST- 1 TEST- 2 TEST- 3 TEST- 4 TEST- 5 OPEN RESTRICT TOTCLEAR

User Options

System Set up Options

UNLOCK
To unlock the system, press the YES button while the display is showing UNLOCK. The jogwheel may then be used to adjust the password number shown in the left section of the display. When the correct password number is shown, press YES. If the number is accepted the display will briefly show OK. This indicates that the system is unlocked. The display will then return to showing the title of the current scene. If the display returns directly to the scene title without showing OK then the number has not been accepted and the system is still locked.

LOCK
To lock the system, rotate the jogwheel until the LOCK option is displayed. Pressing YES will then lock the system, this will be indicated by the display briefly showing DONE. The display will then return to showing the title of the current scene.

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Midas XL4 Automation system

CHMIDOUT
This option allows the output MIDI Channel to be selected. To set the channel number, press the YES button while the display is showing MIDI CH. The jogwheel can then be used to select the required channel. When the required channel number is displayed, press the YES button to enter it.

CHMIDIN
This option allows the input MIDI Channel to be selected. This is the channel down which program changes can be sent that the XL4 will respond to when set up in the edit menu, see store menu. To set the channel number, press the YES button while the display is showing MIDI CH. The jogwheel can then be used to select the required channel. When the required channel number is displayed, press the YES button to enter it.

AUTOMIDI
This function when enabled automatically places a midi out message with every scene stored (0 to 99 only). This message is sent out on the midi channel selected using the MIDI CH selection. For example if scene 0100 is stored after automidi is enabled, when recalled a program change one will be sent from the midi out port on the midi channel selected in MIDI CH.

RS-LINK
This function allows you to enable and disable the RS link on the rear of the console (RS232-2). Pressing the YES button when this is displayed in the left hand display will then allow you to choose YES or NO using the jog wheel. Once you have choosen pressing YES will save your choice and drop you back out of the menu. This function is used when 2 XL4s are linked, enabling the one consoles automation to follow the others. You can either make one the consoles a master slave combination by disabling the RS232 in one console or control the recall of the automation from either console if they are both enabled.

FADERS
This option is not used. However if the memory has been corrupted for some reason (during servicing for example) this value should be set to zero. This procedure is decribed in the total clear and format procedure.

MUTES
This option is not used. However if the memory has been corrupted for some reason (during servicing for example) this value should be set to zero. This procedure is decribed in the total clear and format procedure.

MATRIX
This option is not used. However if the memory has been corrupted for some reason (during servicing for example) this value should be set to zero. This procedure is decribed in the total clear and format procedure.

CONTACTS
This option is not used. However if the memory has been corrupted for some reason (during servicing for example) this value should be set to zero. This procedure is decribed in the total clear and format procedure.

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Midas XL4 Automation system

XL4 SIZE
This number should be set to 48. However if the memory has been corrupted for some reason (during servicing for example) this value should be set to zero. This procedure is decribed in the total clear and format procedure.

MEM SIZE
This number should be set to 31. However if the memory has been corrupted for some reason (during servicing for example) this value should be set to zero. This procedure is decribed in the total clear and format procedure.

FORMAT Once the system settings have been entered, this option is used to format the memory ready for use. This is done by pressing YES when the display is showing FORMAT. Test 1
This sets the speed of Test 2 and 3

Test 2
This cycles through the scenes at a speed set by Test 1.

Test 3
This is a continuous read/write test as a speed set by Test 1.

Test 4
This is a system memory test, the automation control system will write and read to each bit of memory individually and check for any errors. This test is extreamly time consuming and special equipment is needed to see any results as there is no decipherable error messages are shown on the display if a fault is found.

WARNING!
During the test modes, the motorised faders should be disabled using the ISOLATE switch. Allowing the faders to attempt to keep up with the test function for long periods may damage the servo drivers.

OPEN
This allows you to enter the password which then enables access to the RESTRICT function in the menu. To access this press the YES button the left hand screen will then change to read 3200, using the jog wheel enter the correct password and press the YES button. This password is found on the insert provided with this manual or the separate password pdf provided.

RESTRICT
This function is only accessible after the correct password has been entered into the OPEN option. This function allows Midas to look at the last 8 operations of the automation control system and aws placed in for software debugging purposes.

Total Clear
This function allows you to do a complete low level format of the automation control system memory. This procedure is shown next : WARNING if this procedure is carried out all user information will be lost.

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Midas XL4 Automation system

Total Clear and Format Procedure


    

  
 
  
  

  


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T h e n a t PA S S W O R D ? p ro m p t, sc ro ll to 2 3 4 5 a n d C O N F IR M

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Midas XL4 Automation system

 

 





     
  


  


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Midas XL4 Automation system

 

 





      


  


  


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If d isp lay p ro m p ts 0 3 1 S E T U P, p re ss C O N F IR M If d isp lay p ro m p ts 0 0 0 S E T U P, scro ll to 0 3 1 , p ress C O N F IR M S cro ll to F O R M AT, P ress C O N F IR M

 

 





     
 
  


  


 

 

 





     
  


  


D isp la y p ro m p ts WA IT, th en D O N E , th en d isp lay s S TA RT

 

It is ad v isa b le to rep eat th is p ro ce d u re at th e b e g in n in g o f ea c h n e w p ro d u ctio n , first m ak in g su re th at y o u h av e sa v e d y o u r d ata to y o u r e x te rn al m e m o ry d ata card .

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Midas XL4 Automation system

Store Menu
There are 2 possible menus available when the STORE button is pressed dependent on whether you are storeing a new scene or editing an existing one. If no scene is present in the location you are trying to store to (displayed in the left hand window) the menu you may access is shown below. STORE NEW X-FADE

If a scene has previously been stored in the location you are trying to store to (displayed in the left hand window) Overstore OVERSTORE X FADE EXPAND INSERT DELETE EDIT SC.NAME MIDI_IN ------Midi CLR MIDI OUT -----

Program Number *** 1-Ch NoProg Note on Note Off

8-Ch No-

Prog Note On Note Off

9- Exit

New scene.
If the scene number does not yet exist, the display will respond with NEW. To create the scene press YES. The scene will be created and the current status of the console will be stored in it. The scene number may be adjusted using the jog wheel before pressing STORE. The scene number may be adjusted before or after setting the desired console configuration. Should STORE be pressed in error, the NO button will exit the procedure without taking any further action.

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Midas XL4 Automation system

Overstoring
If the scene number does exist, the display will respond with OVERSTORE. To update the scene press YES. The existing scene will be replaced with the current status of the console. Pressing NO will abandon the store procedure without taking any further action.

X-FADE (Crossfade).
This allows the faders crossfade speed to be adjusted from 0.5 to 10 seconds in 99 equal steps. The speed is set using the jogwheel, pressing YES then stores the scene. WARNING When editing the crossfade speed it is important to note that the speed you leave set in the left hand window will be applied to any scene stored or overstored after.

Expand.
This is used to set the scene number increment value to use the decimal places. This is used when the number of expected scenes is greater than 99. It causes the auto-increment to step in 0.1 steps instead of 1.

Insert
This option allows extra scenes to be inserted between existing scenes. To insert a new scene dial up the number of the scene that you wish to come after the new scene. The scene will be inserted before the scene displayed. The new scene will be given the number of the previous scene plus point five. Once an extra scene has been added, decimal place numbered scenes will be accessible between the previous scene with a whole number and the next scene with a whole number. This can occur to two levels, that is scenes may be stored between decimal place numbered scenes using the hundredths digit as well.

Delete
This option is used to delete the current scene from memory. There is currently no way to restore a scene once it has been deleted, so this function should be used with caution.

Edit
EDIT calls up a further sub-menu for editing facilities.

Sc. NAME
To enter or edit a scene name, dial up this option and press YES. The character in the left hand position of the scene name display may then be adjusted using the jogwheel. When the desired character is visible, press YES again and the character will be stored. The next character on the right may then be adjusted. Continue until all eight characters have been entered, when the normal system operation will resume. To leave a character as it is, press YES without moving the jogwheel.

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Midas XL4 Automation system

MIDI IN
This function allows you to edit the midi program change that the scene will be recalled by when received. The XL4 will monitor the midi channel set in the CH.MIDI in located in the SYSTEM Menu.

MIDI CLR
This function allows you to clear all the mikdi information associated with the particular scene you are on. This function is used to set up a MIDI message which will be transmitted whenever the scene containing the message is recalled.

MIDI OUT
This function allows you to edit the 8 possible midi out messages the console can send out when a scene is recalled. To program the multiple-midi outputs the following procedure must be followed. 1/ Press STORE and scroll the screen using the jogwheel until EDIT is seen, press the YES button. 2/ Scroll the screen until MIDIOUT is seen, press the YES button. 3/ You may now select one of the eight midiout messages for editing. This may be done using the jogwheel. When the required message number is displayed in the left hand window press the YES button. 4/ In the left hand window the midi channel the message is sent out on will be displayed. This may be changed using the jogwheel, when the required channel is selected press YES. 5/ Using the jogwheel you may choose one of the following to edit in the right hand display NOTEOFF, NOTEON, PROGRAM and CLEAR when the required perameter is displayed press YES. CLEAR will delete that particular message from the group sent with that scene change. 6/ The chosen perameter may then be changed using the jogwheel and selected by pressing YES when the required value is displayed. 7/ When all the midi out messages have been edited to exit scroll through the message list until 9 EXIT is displayed and press YES. NB: This Function edits the Midi information for the last scene recalled using the Now, Next or Last button.

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Midas XL4 Automation system

Memory menu
Memory Mem Tog Internal External Copy All Clear All

Mem Tog (Memory Toggle)


This allows you to swap from the memory you are currently working on to other. For example if you are working on Internal memory mode choosing YES to Mem Tog will switch over to External memory.

Internal
This setting sets the system operation to operate with the central control units internal memory.

External
This setting sets the system operation to operate with the RAM card memory .

Copy all
This function copies the data to and from the RAM card. If INTERNAL memory is active, the data will be copied from internal memory to the RAM card. If EXTERNAL memory is active, the data will be copied from the RAM card to the internal memory.

Clear all
This function clears the data in the memory or RAM card. If INTERNAL memory is active, the data will be cleared from internal memory . If EXTERNAL memory is active, the data will be cleared from the RAM card. WARNING! Use this function with care! Although future software releases may feature an UNDO function, the current software does not. Once erased there is no way to retrieve the data unless you have saved it to a RAM card which has been kept somewhere safe.

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Midas XL4 Automation system

Alt Scene Buttons A1 and A2


These buttons allow the recall of a scene assigned to the switch with a single button push. To assign a scene to either ALT1 or ALT2, recall the scene you wish to assign. Press the STORE button, the right hand screen will now read either NEW or OVERSTORE. Press the ALT button that you wish to assign the scene to, the screen will read OK. The scene will now be recalled when ever that ALT button is pressed. To place a different scene to the button follow the above procedure and the new scene will automatically be overstored to the ALT button pressed.

Using the system - general hints and tips.


Setting up a console can be a laborious process, setting it up separately for multiple scenes could be worse! Make use of the facilities to minimise the work. If you have already programmed in a scene which is similar to the one you wish to create, RECALL it, make the required alterations then dial up the number of the new scene you wish to create and STORE it.

Backing up.
At the end of a rehearsal session it is good practice to save the data entered to the RAM card. By using three or four RAM cards and rotating them you will always have the last three or four sessions saved ready to be reloaded in an emergency.

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