Midas heralds new console price point with Pro2 and Pro2C
Published: PRODUCTS
New digital consoles offer XL8 features at vastly lower cost
Midas has launched the latest additions to its Pro series of digital consoles in the shape of the Midas Pro2 and Pro2C live audio systems. Both desks are described by the manufacturer as integrating the same technology as its flagship XL8 console alongside many of the same features but with a more aggressive price point and, particularly in the case of the very compact Pro2C, a vastly reduced footprint.
The Pro2C has eight fewer input faders and a smaller 750mm x 850mm frame, although both consoles share the components and finishes inherent in the other Pro series models, including the same Alex Cooper-designed mic preamps, A/D converters and daylight-viewable screens.
The Pro2 features three modes of channel navigation – FOH Normal, MON Normal and Advanced, allowing engineers to mix a large number of inputs on a very compact control surface. Putting a Pro2 or Pro2C into Advanced navigation mode enables what Midas believes to be one of the new design’s greatest innovations: MCA (Master Control Association) groups. These operate in a similar manner to the established VCA (Variable Control Association) groups, but are specific to the selected bus.
Both versions of the console also include console templates to allow progressive exploration of the new navigation concepts. In Normal mode, operation of the desk is reportedly similar to many other digital consoles. The Advanced navigation features can be implemented as the operator becomes familiar with the console’s design. Crucially, all Midas digital console showfiles are compatible with all Midas digital consoles, allowing a show written on a Pro2 or Pro2C to run on a Pro3, Pro6, Pro9, or XL8 and vice versa.
Other features common to both the Pro2 and Pro2C include 56 mic/line inputs with Midas mic preamps and 64 input channels respectively together with 32 analogue outputs (including two stereo local monitor outputs). Both models also integrate two AES3 inputs and outputs in addition to 27 sample-synchronous, phase-coherent buses, six stereo effects engines and up to 28 Klark Teknik DN370 31-band Graphic EQs, eight VCA (Variable Control Association) groups, six POPulation groups, 192 MCA (Master Control Association) groups and a 48 x 16 x 100m digital snake.
Meanwhile, the standard Pro2/Pro2C system consists of a control surface and one 5RU DL251 19-inch rack I/O unit, connected by a networked audio and data system. The network carries both proprietary control data and open architecture AES50 digital audio, utilising standard Cat-5E or Cat-6 cabling and connectors. The PR02/PR02C is network-compatible with all other Midas digital systems and I/O devices.
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