VeniceU extends Midas’ hybrid mixer line, using both analogue and digital technology.
The VeniceU’s bus structure is identical to the larger VeniceF – six aux sends, four groups, stereo masters, discrete mono bus and a 7:2 matrix. All bus outputs feature XLR connectors and insert capability. All six aux sends are switchable pre or post fade, and the two aux buses designated as monitor (foldback) sends are also switchable pre/post EQ on an individual channel basis.
Mono fhannels feature Midas mic preamplifiers, using discrete components, rather than IC options. The 20mm input gain is complimented by switched +48V, -20dB, polarity reverse and a 80Hz high-pass filter.
Mono channels can be routed to all six aux buses, the four subgroups in odd/even pairs, left and right masters via pan control, and discrete mono master output.
The equaliser section features four bands of Midas EQ, with swept filters on all four bands, an EQ in/out switch and LED status indicator. Additional switch functions with LED status indication are mute and solo. Metering is provided by a accurate four-element LED.
Multi-function channels have one mono mic, one stereo line, and a stereo USB input each. Each of the four multi-function channels feature separate gain for mono mic and stereo line inputs, using the same mic amp functions as the mono channels, along with four-band fixed frequency Midas EQ with in/out switch and LED status indicator. Additional switch functions with LED status indication are for mute and solo. The stereo USB inputs are intended to be used for either stereo media playback, stereo digital FX returns, or submixes created in the DAW.
Multi-function channels can be routed to all six aux buses, the four subgroups in odd/even pairs, left, right and mono masters.
The VeniceU has six aux buses, all of which are switchable pre or post-fade on an indivudual basis. The first pair, designated as ‘monitor’ mixes, are also switchable pre or post input channel EQ on an individual channel basis. This means that the input channels send to the monitors can be independent of the channel EQ.
All aux sends have master level rotary controls, mute and solo switches, and feature balanced XLR output connectors. The two ‘monitor’ mix auxes are also equipped with single TRS insert points.
All six aux sends can be routed to the USB audio interface, facilitating their use as recording or FX sends in conjunction with a suitably equipped computer.
Sub Groups The VeniceU has four subgroups, all of which feature 100mm fader, mute and solo switches with LED status indication. All subgroups can be routed to the stereo master outputs via a pan control, and also independently to the mono master output and to the USB interface. A fader changeover switch is provided for each subgroup, facilitating the group and aux signal paths to be swapped.
All four subgroups feature balanced XLR output connectors and single TRS insert points.
Master Outputs A single 100mm fader controls the LR outputs, which also have mute and solo switches with LED indicators. A balance pot is provided for matching the LR levels, and a switch for routing the LR mix to the mono output, which features 100mm fader and mute and solo switches.
All three master outputs feature balanced XLR output connectors and single TRS insert points.
In addition to the four multi-function input channels, all VeniceU models feature two stereo returns. These extra channels have dual TRS inputs, rotary level control, mute and solo switches with LED status indication, and routing to groups and stereo masters. Individual level controls are also provided to send the aux inputs to the two aux sends designated as monitor mixes.
A stereo playback input is provided with level control, mute and solo switches. Connection is via phono connectors.
A talkback input with level control and switch is provided with routing switches to Monitor 1&2, Aux 1-4, and stereo masters.
The two-channel 7:2 output matrix has level controls which source from the four groups, LR and mono outputs. Each channel features level output control, mute and solo switches with LED indication. There are additional switches which split the LR contributions to the matrix (default is a sum of LR) and to send the matrix outputs to the USB interface instead of the LR mix.
Both Matrix channels feature balanced XLR output connectors and single TRS insert points.
The VeniceU’s solo system features separate level controls and mute switches for headphone and local monitor outputs, with PFL/AFL selection for input solos. Headphone output is via quarter-inch TRS socket conveniently placed on the surface of the console. Local monitor (LR) outputs are available on XLR connectors located on the rear panel.
VeniceU’s USB audio interface combines digital audio processing with an analogue audio mixer. The USB interface can be used with any computer fitted with a USB port, and is effectively a 16-channel (8 x 8) digital audio bus, which connects directly to a computer and enables the use of most third-party audio processing software in conjunction with the console.
All six aux buses, four subgroups, both matrix buses and the stereo masters route to the USB interface, up to eight buses at one time. Applications include multitrack recording from the VeniceU’s digital bus outputs, and plug-in FX processors driven from aux sends and returned to the multi-function channels’ digital USB inputs - all with a heart of pure Midas.
Although the USB interface will work with nearly all computer-based DAW audio processing software, included in every VeniceU package is a free 60-day trial version of Reason, by Propellerhead. This software suite includes multitrack recording (up to 64 tracks), virtual racks full of FX and dynamics processing, and even a software mixer. Demo recording and FX templates are provided for quick, easy orientation with the powerful functionality of the VeniceU’s ‘Digi-log’ capabilities.
The VeniceU16 can be used as a freestanding console or fixed into an 11U-high 19-inch rack using the integral rack mount hardware. The rear panel rotates to facilitate easy connectivity in either orientation.
The VeniceU is finished in Midas ‘Heritage’ livery.
More: www.midasconsoles.com
