VENICE F VF24

VF24 is much more than a compact live audio console. the DIGI-LOG VF24 is the platform for a completely integrated audio mixing, recording and signal processing - thanks to its FireWire digital audio interface which is capable of supporting up to 24 x 24 channels of high-quality, 24-bit audio. The hybrid VF24 bridges the gap between analogue and digital audio consoles, and offers the user the ease-of-use, warmth, feel and zero-latency of analogue, combined with the power, choice and flexibility of outboard digital processing. Whilst originally intended for live sound applications, the superb audio performance and the addition of the FireWire digital audio interface means that the VF24 is equally at home in recording and mixdown applications. Many manufacturers cut quality when they design small format mixers. At Midas, we understand that a modest footprint doesn’t have to mean compromised performance and a poor feature set. The VF24 embodies this philosophy, from its rugged construction and top-of-the-range components, to the unmistakable Midas sound, which makes for a truly professional audio mixing console. From the horizontal fader panel with premium 100 mm faders, through the legendary 4 band Midas XL3 channel EQ, to the latest expression of the legendary Midas microphone preamplifier, this is a console without compromise.

Award-Winning Midas Microphone Preamplifier

The Midas microphone preamplifier is considered by leading live sound and recording engineers to be the very essence of the famous Midas sound. More than 40 years of design experience paired with the finest choice of premium-grade components lead to the acclaimed warmth and depth - bringing out subtle ambience, maintaining spatial positioning and more effectively capturing a precise sound image. The acclaimed sound of the award-winning Midas microphone preamplifier has inspired generations of live sound engineers to their best work, creating sonic panoramas that have captivated audiences worldwide. Since pristine sound always begins with the microphone preamplifier, the first point where the signal enters the console, VF24 features the latest generation of Midas microphone preamplifiers, which faithfully reproduce every sonic detail so no part of a performance will ever be missed. Transparent and pristine sound, low noise and high common-mode rejection are all hallmarks of this classic design. Over the years many mix engineers have found this robust and overload-tolerant design takes on a whole new dimension of sound when driven hard, the crystal-clear audiophile reproduction giving way to just the right combination of harmonics, a warm and organic sound heard by millions of concert goers and recorded for posterity on countless live albums over the years.

Acclaimed Midas XL3 EQ

VF24 features an enhanced version of the legendary equalisation section from the classic Midas XL3, the definitive live analogue monitor console. Throughout countless world tours, festivals and other live events, the XL3 became a proven workhorse of the live audio industry, excelling in both FOH and monitor applications. This channel equalisation design has proven itself capable of handling the most demanding stage monitoring situations, whilst providing immersive and compelling on-stage sound to inspire performers to new creative heights. Each mono input channel on the VF24 features the XL3’s 4 bands of swept equalisation, consisting of Bass and Teble shelving filters with adjustable frequency and gain, and fully parametric Lo Mid and Hi Mid bands featuring variable bandwidth controls as well as adjustable frequency and gain. This enhanced control set allows for both powerful and musical creative and corrective equalisation, whether the aim is gentle contouring or a scalpel-sharp surgical cut.

FireWire Digital Audio Interface with up to 24 Inputs and 24 Outputs

VF24’s FireWire interface connects directly to your computer to provide a bidirectional 24 channel digital audio link with 24-bit fixed point precision at 44.1 kHz and 48 kHz sample rates. This interface can be used with any computer fitted with an IEEE-1394 FireWire port and allows the use of third party audio recording and processing software in conjunction with the console. The conversion between the analogue and digital domains uses the lowest latency converters and advanced filter designs developed for the industry-first Midas XL8 Live Performance System. This ensures that the conversion process is transparent and free from any undesirable digital artefacts, whilst minimising the round-trip latency essential for the use of software plug-ins for outboard processing, to preserve that unmistakable Midas sound. Additionally, the FireWire outputs from the four stereo input channel pairs can be overridden by aux send 1 & 2 or groups 1 & 2 (channels 17 & 18), aux send 3 & 4 or groups 3 & 4 (channels 19 & 20), monitor 1 & 2 or matrix 1 & 2 (channels 21 & 22) and the master stereo output (channels 23 & 24). This ability to route the bus outputs to the FireWire interfaces allows a computer to be used with the VF24 in exactly the same way as traditional outboard rackmount audio processing and recording equipment, retaining familiar approaches to mixing console workflows whilst adding the flexibility and accessibility offered by computer-based audio.

Analogue or FireWire Digital input

The VF24’s mono channels and stereo input channel pairs can either be sourced from the microphone preamplifiers or from the incoming FireWire interface, so playback channels from a computer can have the benefit of the premium Midas analogue signal path and equalisation section, ideal for mixing ‘out of the box’ in conjunction with digital audio workstations and recording software. VF24 enables virtual sound checking, with playback of pre-recorded tracks to save valuable time during show set-up, especially to refine mixes when artists cannot always be present.

6 Auxiliary Sends

VF24 features 6 auxiliary send buses with individual bus pre/post fader switching and optional routing to FireWire interface outputs. The 2 aux send buses designated as monitor sends are also switchable to be pre-EQ or post-EQ on an individual input channel basis. All aux send outputs feature XLR connectors with TRS insert points.

4 Output Groups with Aux Changeover

In addition to the mono and stereo output bus assignment switches, each input channel on VF24 includes individual assignment switches to the 4 output groups, which feature XLR connectors and TRS insert points. VF24 is ideal for use for both FOH or monitor console applications. Whilst FOH engineers would generally rather use their output faders for groups (either for sub mixes or alternative outputs), monitor engineers tend to prefer to use the output faders on their console to set the aux send output levels. To achieve this flexibility, the VF24 features an ‘aux c/o’ (aux/group changeover) switch per group output, so that each group output can be individually ‘changed over’ so that the group output path becomes that of the corresponding aux send output and vice versa.

7 x 2 Matrix with Stereo Split

VF24 features a 7 x 2 output matrix with level controls for contributions from the 4 groups, and the master left, right and mono outputs. The 2 matrix output channels feature a level control, mute and solo switches with LED indication with balanced XLR output connectors and TRS insert points. Additional switches split the left and right contributions to the matrix (default is a sum of left and right), and to optionally route the matrix outputs to the FireWire interface.

Analogue and FireWire Direct Outputs

A single switch on each input channel allows both the FireWire channel output and the analogue direct output to be set to either Pre-EQ or Post-EQ for maximum flexibility for recording and outboard processing.

Built for the Road

Featuring a rugged steel chassis frame, VF24 is designed for the rigours of live concert touring. industry-standard connectors are used to ensure reliable audio connections, night after night.

Auto-ranging universal switch-mode power supply

VF24 features a universal power supply, which is auto-voltage sensing for use on a worldwide basis.