Leading events company Production Works, has become the first Australian user to upgrade its Midas Pro6 digital audio system to a Midas Pro9.
‘The Pro9 gives us identical features to the Pro6 but with expanded input channels live on the surface,’ explains Production Works CEO ,Tony Miller. ‘This allows us to tackle larger theatre shows and concert events without the need for multiple consoles. Twenty-four extra live channels make a big difference when you have 30 or so radio microphones, and a large chorus or choir with a 30 piece orchestra. Now everything is condensed onto one console, with the benefit of the Pro Series features available on all channels.
The Pro9 package was supplied to Hobart (Tasmania-based Production Works by Victoria-based Midas distributor National Audio Systems. The Pro9 tops the Midas Pro Series and features 88 input channels and 35 buses, with the dual stage boxes offering placement flexibility up to 200m apart and 500m from the FOH position.
Miller has long been a Midas fan and still holds an XL200, XL250, Verona and several Venice consoles in his inventory, alson with the Pro6 acquired in 2009. ‘The Pro series has so many highlights,’ he says. ‘The population groups are a fantastic feature, allowing live channels to be brought to the working surface very quickly and in manageable groups, and the audio distribution system is flexible, reliable and convenient. You can send, patch and assign anything almost anywhere. Combined with the latency management system it is a force to be reckoned with.’
But while Miller values the speed and flexibility of digital operation, the consoles’ analogue characteristics are equally important to him: ‘The whole analogue feel to the operation and layout of the console makes for an easy transition from an analogue to digital console for die-hard, ‘I’ll never use digital’ FOH and monitor engineers,’ he says. ‘A digital Midas Pro sounds like an analogue XL4. It’s the sound quality all digital console manufacturers would die for.’
More: www.midasconsoles.com
