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Control software
The XL8's operating system is Linux, which is an open-source, stable, proven operating
system (OS). Linux is used in many mission-critical applications worldwide and has
allowed Midas' software engineers to write a ground-up system that contains no
'hidden' or unused code. This has resulted in an efficient, compact application, which is
quick in operation, quick booting and comparatively easy to debug.
Two copies of the master control software run on separate processors to provide
resilience to failure.
GUI
The XL8 has five, daylight-viewable, TFT screens that provide overview and detail
status indication. Any screen can display any information but, in the standard
configuration, screen information relates to module location. So, the input module
screens display their module's input status, the mix module screen displays the
overview status screen ('all the meters all the time') and the output module screen
display is used for general use, such as automation, effects, GEQs, third party screens
etc. This is dependent on the current application (concerts will probably be different to
theatre) and also operator preference.
The screens are controlled via the navigation zones at the front of the modules. In the
output module's primary navigation zone, two trackballs control the output module
(right trackball) and the mix module (left trackball). The equivalent on each input
module is a dedicated glidepad. A keyboard slides out from underneath the output
module to provide further control, such inserting text. USB keyboard input sockets at
the front of the control centre (under the left and right modules) allow the input and
mix screens to be controlled via an external keyboard should the output module screen
fail.
Console linking
Two XL8 Control Centres can be linked together, as you can with Heritage consoles.
The bus outputs from one control centre feeds the bus inputs of the other, which is
done using AES50 links.
Integration of third party software
The XL8 network includes the capability to interface any third party hardware that uses
AES/EBU or AES50 digital audio, or a standard analogue audio interface.
Each XL8 AES/EBU input and output has a sample rate converter. Synchronisation to
external AES3 interfaces can be:
• Global - via inputs on the routers.
• Local to each input.
• Local to each output (synchronisation to adjacent local output).
Multiple local connections can be at different sample rates.
The use of the AES50 protocol for the transmission of digital audio means that any third
party digital audio hardware that features this connection can be connected to the
Midas network, and will transfer audio to and from the Midas hardware without any
additional interfaces or converters (provided it runs in TDM 96kHz mode). This will be
particularly useful as the protocol gains acceptance with recording and playback
devices, loudspeaker controllers, audio networking systems, digital amplifiers etc.
PC or MAC computers can use the Ethernet tunnel in the MidasNET system, and can
communicate with other computers on the network.
Appendix F: XL8 Live Performance System
DL451 Modular I/O
Operator Manual
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