Midas launches VeniceU at PALME Beijing 2012
Beijing, May 2012: MIDAS has launched the VeniceU, its latest ‘Digi-log’ ultra-compact mixing console which offers USB connectivity. VeniceU joins the MIDAS VeniceF in a growing range of live consoles which bridge the gap between analogue and digital, offering the ease-of-use, warmth, feel and zero-latency of analogue combined with the power, choice and flexibility of outboard digital processing plug-ins, and of course, the classic MIDAS sound. The VeniceU comes with Propellerhead REASON recording and processing trial software bundle.
VeniceU is presented in a reassuringly substantial frame design and livery reminiscent of MIDAS’ analogue Heritage Series. There are three models, U16, U24 and U32, which have 8, 16 and 24 mono input channels respectively. The mono channel equaliser section offers four bands of superb MIDAS EQ, with swept filters on all four bands, an EQ in/out switch and LED status indicator.
In addition to the mono input channels, each VeniceU model has four multi-function channels with one mic, two line and a stereo USB input each. Each of the four multi-function channels feature separate gain for mic and line inputs, the same mic amp functions as the mono channels, which include +48 V polarity reverse, -20 dB and 80 Hz HPF. The multifunction channels feature four-band fixed frequency MIDAS EQ with in/out switch and LED status indicator.
Metering for all input channels is provided by a four-element LED display while high quality 100mm faders give precise control over the mix.
The VeniceU’s USB interface can be used with any USB-equipped computer, and is effectively a 16-channel (8 x 8) digital audio buss, enabling most third party audio processing software to be used in conjunction with the console.
All six aux busses, four subgroups, both matrix busses and the stereo masters route to the USB interface, up to eight busses at one time. Applications include multi-track recording from the VeniceU’s digital buss outputs and plug-in FX processors driven from aux sends and returned to the multifunction channels’ digital USB inputs.
Although the USB interface is compatible with most DAW audio processing software, a free 60-day trial version of REASON by Propellerhead is bundled with VeniceU, offering multi-track recording, virtual FX racks, dynamics processing and a software mixer.
The U16 includes integral rack-mounting hardware and a re-locatable connector panel to facilitate easy installation in a 19” rack.
“Never before has a MIDAS mixer been available at this price point,” says MIDAS brand development manager Richard Ferriday. “VeniceU will introduce thousands of people who care about audio to the MIDAS experience. Now anyone on a tight budget wanting to achieve the rich, warm tonal qualities of the best live audio consoles available needs look no further than the VeniceU.”
