Midas XL4 Manual

Broadcast console

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Brochure & specs (24 pages)

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BROADCAST CONSOLE

Contents

Introduction

Features

Overview and Statistics

Technical Specification

Block Diagrams

Rear Panel

Midas XL402 Input Pod

Midas XL401 Input Module

Midas XL405 Stereo Input Pod

Midas XL404 Stereo Input Module

Midas XL403 Input VCA Fader

Midas XL414 Group Module

Midas XL412 Group Pod

Midas XL413 Grand Master A VCA Fader

Midas XL421 Master Module

Midas XL422 Master Pod

Midas XL431 Communications Module

Midas XL441 Matrix Module

Midas XL443 Automation Central Control

MIDAS XL4

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Summary of Contents for Midas XL4

Page 1 Midas XL404 Stereo Input Module Midas XL403 Input VCA Fader Midas XL414 Group Module Midas XL412 Group Pod Midas XL413 Grand Master A VCA Fader Midas XL421 Master Module Midas XL422 Master Pod Midas XL431 Communications Module Midas XL441 Matrix Module...
Page 3 XL4 Introduction The XL4 is the pinnacle in the current range of Midas consoles. Designed around the classic high quality associated with analogue circuitry which was proven with the XL3 Live Performance and Theatre console. The requirements associated with the broadcast environment was designed into the original XL4 specification.
Page 4 20 x 8 Aux Send Masters 16 mic/line Input Pots Masters & Comms Matrix level returns Modules 24 Input 16 Audio Sub Groups Channels 24 Input channels each with 10 VCA sub groups Automation package capable of direct output, 4band parametric on moving faders memorising:audio, VCA, e/q, 16 mono aux (post panpot)
Page 5 Midas XL4 Features 48 Mic Inputs. The XL4 features a new mic amplifier which further improves on the XL3 design giving increased gain range and lower distortion whilst retaining the XL3's constant HF bandwidth topology which assures excellent amplifiers stability, RF rejection and noise performance at all gains.
Page 6 Group aux inputs. An additional 16 inputs with treble and bass equalisation can be routed directly to the groups or via a pan to the masters mix and can be further controlled by assignment to any of the 10 VCA masters. Master.
Page 7 XL4 Specification Overview and Statistics. 1. The XL4 is a 45 buss console with an additional 18 X 8 output matrix. The busses are as follows:- 16 mono aux 16 audio sub groups = 4 stereo aux 1 stereo master...
Page 8 9. The XL4 has a total of 77 peak program meters with 20 LED segments each and monitoring 282 signal points within the console.
Page 9 XL4 Technical Specification. Input Impedance 2K Balanced Line 20K Balanced Input Gain Continuously variable from ( all faders at 0dB ) + 15dB to + 70dB Mic + Pad Continuously variable from - 5dB to + 50dB Channel Continuously variable from...
Page 10 Distortion at 1KHz Mic to Mix ( + 60dB gain, 0dBu output ) < 0.03% Line to Mix ( 0dBu ) < 0.03% Crosstalk at 1 KHz Channel to Channel < - 100dB Mix to Mix < - 90dB Channel to Mix <...
Page 11 Equaliser Low pass slope 12dB / Oct. Low pass frequency Continuously variable - 3dB point from 1K to 40K Hi pass slope 12dB / Oct. Hi pass frequency Continuously variable 3dB point from 10Hz to 400Hz Treble Gain Continuously variable + 15 dB to - 15 dB Centre detent = 0dB Treble Shelving Freq.
Page 13 XL4 INPUT BLOCK DIAGRAM pre fade XL401 INPUT MODULE pre ins. & eq. BLOCK DIAGRAM DIRECT OUTPUT AUXILIARY TO POD SEND 1 OF 16 aux 1 direct o/p insert INPUT FROM POD INSERT POINT SEND RETURN STEREO AUXILIARY TEST SEND...
Page 14 XL4 MATRIX MODULE BLOCK DIAGRAM STEREO AUX LEFT STEREO AUXILIARY SECTION STEREO AUX INJECT LEFT stereo OUTPUT STEREO AUX BUS LEFT METER POST LEFT ∑ ∑ MUTE METER POST RIGHT STEREO AUX RIGHT NOISE REF BUS master OUTPUT TALK TO AUX STEREO AUX ∑...
Page 15 XL4 MASTERS MODULE BLOCK DIAGRAM...
Page 16 XL4 COMMS MODULE BLOCK DIAGRAM COMMS HEADPHONE COMMS SOURCE HEAD LEVEL COMMS CANCELATION HEADPHONE level LEVEL HEADPHONES COMMS CALL level COMMS LINK TO TALK LINK PFL BUS INTERCOM level TALK EXTERNAL METER PFL I/P O/P LEFT PFL INPUT LEVEL level...
Page 18 Typical Remote Patch Bay Option Panels INPUTS INPUTS INPUTS INPUTS INPUTS INPUTS 41 - 48 33 - 40 25 - 32 17 - 24 9 - 16 1 - 8 GROUPS MASTERS MATRIX GROUPS 1 - 8 LINKS 1 - 8 9 - 16 Edac Mono Inputs Panel INPUTS...
Page 21 MIDAS MIDAS XL402 Input Pod line lo-pass XL402 hi-pass FUNCTION: To control microphone and line input levels with phantom and phase reverse facility plus incorporating high and low pass filters.
Page 22 The PAD switch gives 20dB of attenuation to the mic signal and will allow the MIDAS connection of high output microphones or line level The MIC control gives signals. If the mic amp is continuous adjustment of the transformer coupled ( option )
Page 23 1 aux 2 aux 3 MIDAS XL401 aux 4 aux 5 Input Module aux 6 aux 7 aux 8 aux 9 aux10 aux11 aux12 aux13 aux14 aux15 aux16 st aux 1&2...
Page 24 1K to 20K. The treble BELL switch converts the treble equaliser treble from traditional MIDAS The hi mid WIDTH ( dual shelving response to full concentric bottom ) control parametric operation. gives continuous adjustment of bandwidth from 0.1 to 2 octaves...
Page 25 The mono AUX controls ( 1 to 16 ) give continuous adjustment The mono aux ON switches of the level sent from the input (1 to 16) connect signals from channel to the aux busses. The the input channel to the mono aux 1 level adjustment is from + 6dB aux busses and are under...
Page 26 / eq direct output. This switch is under automation and The ST switch connects the auto mute group control. input channel post fader signal mute to the stereo master buss via the pan control and is under automation control. XL401 MIDAS...
Page 27 MIDAS +18+ MIDAS XL405 +15+ +12+ Stereo Input -25- left balance right XL405 hi-pass...
Page 28 If the mic amps are transformer coupled MIDAS (option) the pad greatly The MIC control gives reduces the risk of saturation at continuous adjustment of left very low frequencies.
Page 29 MIDAS XL404 stereo input treble freq freq width freq width bass freq aux 1 aux 2 MIDAS XL404 aux 3 aux 4 aux 5 Stereo Input aux 6 aux 7 Module aux 8 aux 9 aux10 aux11 aux12 aux13 aux14...
Page 30 MIDAS XL404 stereo input The TREBLE control gives continuous adjustment of left and right shelving filters boost treble and cut from +15dB to -15dB with a 0dB centre detent. The treble FREQ control gives continuous freq adjustment of the frequency...
Page 31 The mono aux ON switches connect signals from the input channel to the mono aux busses and are under The mono AUX controls (1 to automation control. aux 1 16) give continuous adjustment of the level sent from the input channel to the aux busses.
Page 32 This mute signals to the stereo master switch is under automation and buss via the pan controls and is auto mute group control. under automation control. XL404 MIDAS...
Page 33 MIDAS XL403 Input VCA Fader isolate isolate isolate isolate isolate isolate isolate isolate solo solo solo solo solo solo solo solo safe safe safe safe safe safe safe safe 1&2 1&2 1&2 1&2 1&2 1&2 1&2 1&2 3&4 3&4 3&4 3&4...
Page 34 LOCK is used to disable all the input channel group assign switches throughout the console so as to avoid group accidental operation. It is still assign possible to view the switch switches status of all three group types when in this mode. MIDAS...
Page 35 MIDAS XL414 aux sends MUTE MUTE SOLO SOLO fader fader treble bass gain gain MUTE MUTE MIDAS XL414 SOLO SOLO grand master vca's Group Module SAFE SAFE TALK TALK mute mute solo solo group MIDAS XL414...
Page 36 AUX SENDS The aux send SOLO switches send mono aux bus signals to the PFL and AFL busses. If a MIDAS XL414 switch is pressed for a short time it will latch on or off, but if it is held on for more than 1...
Page 37 MIC/LINE RETURNS The TREBLE controls give continuous adjustment of boost The BASS Controls give and cut from +15dB to -15dB continuous adjustment of with a 0dB centre detent. The boost and cut from +15dB to - frequency is fixed at 10KHz. 15dB with a 0dB centre detent.
Page 38 1 second the latching is disabled and when the switch is released the solo will turn off. The GROUP FADERS give continuous adjustment of the audio sub group levels from + group XL414 MIDAS...
Page 39 MIDAS XL412 Group Pod group sends group sends group sends group sends group sends group sends group sends group sends returns returns returns returns returns returns returns returns +21+ +21+ +21+ +21+ +21+ +21+ +21+ +21+ +18+ +18+ +18+ +18+...
Page 40 METER CHANGE OVER switch on the COMMS module is activated the meters monitor the group bus, aux bus or line return input amplifiers ( which ever is -12- -15- selected ). -18- -21- -24- -27- -30- -33- -36- mix groups MIDAS...
Page 41 MIDAS XL413 Grand Master A VCA Fader solo solo solo solo solo solo solo solo solo solo solo solo mute mute mute mute mute mute mute mute mute mute mute mute MIDAS XL413 FUNCTION: Moving fader control of 10 VCA sub groups and 2 grand masters with facility to meter and...
Page 42 Note iii. If a vca solo switch is pressed for a short time it will latch on or off, but if it is held on for more than 1 second the latching is disabled and when the switch is released the solo will turn off. MIDAS...
Page 43 The ISOlate A and B switches disconnect the grand master vca A and B sub group faders and mutes from automation The grand master A and B vca screen recall. Screen storage SOLO switches are used to is still active. monitor the grand master A and B VCA sub groups by creating The vca MUTE A and B...
Page 45 MIDAS XL421 record 2 mute record 1 mute mute all solo in place mute SOLO MIDAS XL421 Master Module mono output aux i/p mutes matrix send pre left right balance mute mute solo solo masters MIDAS XL421...
Page 46 MIDAS XL421 The RECORD controls ( 1 and 2 ) give continuous adjustment of the stereo record outputs The record METERS monitor from + 10dB to off. The record the peak signal level of the signals are derived from the pre...
Page 47 The mono INS switch connects the mono insert return signal to the mono mix. The VCA switch connects the The mono MUTE switch mutes mono vca fader to the stereo the mono output but not the master fader so that the mono mono insert send.
Page 48 + 10dB to off. will be overridden if any other solo is activated on the console. masters MIDAS XL421...
Page 49 MIDAS XL422 Master Pod solo change over change over change over change over +21+ +21+ +21+ +21+ +21+ +21+ +18+ +18+ +18+ +18+ +18+ +18+ +15+ +15+ +15+ +15+ +15+ +15+ +12+ +12+ +12+ +12+ +12+ +12+ -12- -12- -12-...
Page 50 When the GLOBAL METER CHANGE OVER switch on the COMMS module is activated the meters monitor the master left and right bus amplifiers. -12- -15- -18- -21- -24- -27- -30- -33- -36- master MIDAS XL422...
Page 51 Solo, PFL and Local Metering solo +21+ +18+ +15+ The meters monitor the peak +12+ signal level of the stereo AFL left and right solo busses or the PFL and local output level. The change over is automatic as part of the PFL Monitor switch on the COMMS module.
Page 52 Matrix and Stereo Master Aux Send Metering The CHANGE OVER switches change the function of the left and right meters so that they change over monitor the stereo aux send outputs in place of the matrix outputs. +21+ +18+ +15+ +12+ -12- -15-...
Page 53 TALK to mono TALK to l+r oscillator to talk LINK comms talk mic talk ext talk int talk talk MIDAS XL432 Communications Module add mode SOLO global metering 2tr-return solo pfl to mon clear solo to mon pfl speaker intercom ext.
Page 54 It illuminates when an incoming "clearcom" call is expected. ii. It fires a DC pulse when pressed to signal "clearcom" MIDAS XL432 devices (by illuminating their call lamps) that an outgoing call is to be made. The OSC switch activates the...
Page 55 The OSCILLATOR TO TALK CHANGE OVER switch oscillator connects the oscillator and to talk The COMMS control gives pink noise signals to the talk continuous adjustment of the system in place of the talk mic. incoming "clearcom" signals The COMMS ON switch sends that feed to the headset and has the comms headset mic a range from + 6dB to off.
Page 56 The SOLO ADD MODE The GLOBAL METER switch allows multiple channel CHANGE OVER switch access to the solo busses. changes the operation of every When the solo add mode is off meter on the console except the the action of pressing a solo comms meters and the record switch will cancel any other meters.
Page 57 The MUTE LEFT switch left right controls the mute function on The MUTE RIGHT switch the left hand side of the local controls the mute function on comms monitor speaker outputs. the right hand side of the local monitor speaker outputs. XL432 MIDAS...
Page 58 2 mix 3 mix 4 mix 5 mix 6 mix 7 mix 8 mix 9 mix 10 mix 11 MIDAS XL441 mix 12 mix 13 Matrix Module mix 14 mix 15 mix 16 global pre masters left masters right...
Page 59 MIDAS XL441 The STEREO AUX MASTER control gives continuous The stereo aux MUTE switch stereo adjustment of the stereo aux mutes the stereo aux outputs. MUTE output level from + 10dB to off. SOLO The stereo aux SOLO switch sends stereo aux signals to the...
Page 60 The MATRIX FADERS give PLACE mode. This is a safety continuous adjustment of the feature which prevents matrix matrix levels from + 10dB to output signals from being off. routed back to their inputs via the master matrix feed. matrix XL441 MIDAS...
Page 61 MIDAS XL443 Automation Control group assignment mode audio mute safe automation system out board electronics scene name internal scene number memory alt. scenes main point hours mins secs frames external time code program memory store system last next recall VCA, Audio and Automute Group Assign 1.
Page 63 This has been writen for Version 25.A Should you find an error, or you find a section ambiguous, please let MIDAS know so that we may correct the problem.
Page 64: Test
Midas XL4 Automation system Information about this manual In this document the following colours have been used to aid the text: Descriptions of what can be seen on the Alpha-numeric displays are in green, such as ‘OVERSTORE’. When a button is referred to, its name is in blue, such as ‘STORE’.
Page 65: Table Of Contents
Midas XL4 Automation system Contents Introduction. Automation system overview. The Central control unit. Operating the system. Input fader mode control. System Start Up Unlock The Automation System Scene Storage Scene Recall System menu Unlock Lock Chmidiout Chmidin Automidi RSLink Faders...
Page 66: Test
Midas XL4 Automation system Contents Cont. Memory menu. Toggle Internal. External. Copy all. Clear all. Alternate Buttons Using the system - general hints and tips. Page 4...
Page 67: Introduction
Each input channel has its own microprocessor, the VCA master section has one and the final microprocessor is in the central control section. All the microprocessors are located in the fader bay of the XL4. No audio passes through the fader bay, allowing a high degree of immunity to digital breakthrough to be achieved.
Page 68: The Central Control Unit
Input fader mode control, later). The central controller CPU has been developed by OUTBOARD ELECTRONICS Ltd. in conjunction with MIDAS. The operation of the MIDAS XL4 Automation system is based on the control system used on the OUTBOARD ELECTRONICS SS20 Moving fader system. Many operators used to...
Page 69: Operating The System
1200, using the jog wheel alter this screen until the correct password is displayed. This password is found on the insert provided with this manual or can be obtained from Midas. Page 7...
Page 70: Scene Storage
Midas XL4 Automation system Scene storeage Storing scenes may only be done when the system is unlocked. To store a scene, first display the position you wish to store the scene in on the left hand window by using the jog wheel. Scene 0000 is a preset scene and can not be overstored. Once the required position is displayed press the ‘STORE’...
Page 71: System Menu
Midas XL4 Automation system System menu. To call the system menu, press the ‘SYSTEM’ button. The display will show ‘SYSTEM’ and the ‘SYSTEM’, ‘NO’ and ‘YES’ buttons will flash. The jogwheel may then be used to scroll through the system options.
Page 72: Chmidin
This option allows the input MIDI Channel to be selected. This is the channel down which program changes can be sent that the XL4 will respond to when set up in the edit menu, see store menu. To set the channel number, press the ‘YES’...
Page 73: Xl4 Size
This function is only accessible after the correct password has been entered into the OPEN option. This function allows Midas to look at the last 8 operations of the automation control system and aws placed in for software debugging purposes.
Page 74: Total Clear Format Procedure
Midas XL4 Automation system Total Clear and Format Procedure C O N F IR M b u tto n T O TA L C L E A R A N D F O R M A T P R O C E D U R E...
Page 75 Midas XL4 Automation system D isp la y p ro m p ts T O TA L C L E A R , th en WA IT, th e n D O N E...
Page 76 Midas XL4 Automation system S cro ll to X L 4 S IZ E , p ress C O N F IR M If d isp lay p ro m p ts 0 4 8...
Page 77: Store Menu
Midas XL4 Automation system Store Menu There are 2 possible menus available when the ‘STORE’ button is pressed dependent on whether you are storeing a new scene or editing an existing one. If no scene is present in the location you are trying to store to (displayed in the left hand window) the menu you may access is shown below.
Page 78: Overstoring
Midas XL4 Automation system Overstoring If the scene number does exist, the display will respond with ‘OVERSTORE’. To update the scene press ‘YES’. The existing scene will be replaced with the current status of the console. Pressing ‘NO’ will abandon the store procedure without taking any further action.
Page 79: Edit Midi In
MIDI IN This function allows you to edit the midi program change that the scene will be recalled by when received. The XL4 will monitor the midi channel set in the CH.MIDI in located in the SYSTEM Menu. MIDI CLR...
Page 80 Midas XL4 Automation system Memory menu Memory – Mem Tog Internal External Copy All Clear All Mem Tog (Memory Toggle) This allows you to swap from the memory you are currently working on to other. For example if you are working on Internal memory mode choosing YES to Mem Tog will switch over to External memory.
Page 81 Midas XL4 Automation system Alt Scene Buttons A1 and A2 These buttons allow the recall of a scene assigned to the switch with a single button push. To assign a scene to either ALT1 or ALT2, recall the scene you wish to assign. Press the...

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