Midas PRO6 top of the class in Jakarta
A Midas PRO6 spearheads the brand new performance space recently constructed for Indonesia’s privately-funded University of Bunda Mulia (UBM) in North Jakarta. Chossy Pratama, one of Indonesia’s most highly regarded musicians and performers and a leading recording engineer, oversaw the entire development while the console was provided by local Midas distributor PT Gracia Auvindo.
“I wanted the best, so it had to be a Midas,” says Pratama. “Their analogue consoles are renowned for providing lots of gain and headroom but here, for a 21st century facility with some space constraints, I opted for a digital board.”
To his delight, Pratama has found that going digital has required no compromise on audio quality. “The EQ and dynamics are similar to those on the Midas Heritage console, and the EQ does exactly what I expect; the first time this has happened with a digital console,” he enthuses. “The desk’s reverb and delays sound natural, while the reverb on vocal performances are very warm. I can combine this with some delay effects when needed.”
Pratama was also impressed with the PRO6’s user-friendly design. “I’m not naturally a live sound man,” he admits, having spent most his pro-audio life in the studio, working on top of the range analogue recording consoles. “However the control surface works with all the parameters of a channel strip and the POP(ultation) groups make it clear, bringing everything to where you want it on the console.” Pratama is also full of praise for his suppliers; “Both the manufacturer in the UK and the local distributor here in Jakarta have been very supportive,” he says.
The installation marks a step change for UBM’s privately-funded facilities, which previously lacked an auditorium. The new space caters comfortably for a diverse range of activities, from graduation ceremonies, seminars and lectures for UBM to classical concerts, karaoke and corporate events for external clients.
University founder Djoko Susanto (Indonesian entrepreneur of the year 2003) acquired UBM and many of its surrounding properties after the Asian Financial Crisis of 1997 and has since maintained a programme of ongoing investment to boost the facility’s ratings.
Photo: Midas PRO6 at the University of Bunda Mulia, North Jakarta