Midas PRO2 Overview page 13

Assignable Controls
Between the screen and the fader bank are the 8
assignable rotaries and buttons. These controls
are scrolled using the vertical arrow keys, and
address the function of all primary rotary and
switch functions on the channels populating this
area of the console. The assignable controls adopt
colour cues depending upon their function. The
ALT button selects the alternative function (if one
is available) for each area. Assignable rotaries
can be used for input gain, compressor and gate
threshold, aux send levels, pan.
Area B
To further enhance an already dynamic and
flexible user-interface, PRO2 features an AREA
B. By default, these are the Left, Right and Mono
master faders. However, as these faders are seldom
used once the show is running, any of the VCA or
POPulation groups can be deployed here as an
alternative to the primary fader area. This allows
the operator to "stick" high-priority channels onto
this area of the surface for instant access.
Display Screen
The high-resolution screen remains visible even
in direct sunlight. In this aspect, the PRO2's visual
support is exceptional, as most conventional
consoles become difficult, or impossible to
operate in high ambient lighting.
Visual feedback for the entire system is provided
by the screen. Pressing the HOME key (just to the
left of the assignable controls) instantly displays
the console overview screen, which keeps all
vital information (all metering, all fader positions,
mutes and solos,) in view at all times.
Detail Panel Area
The detail panel is a vertically oriented channel
strip, with an almost identical layout to the PRO3,6
and 9. The controls are configured in a logical,
signal-path sequence and are easily identified by
their relative positions. Both analogue users and
digital adopters will find no difficulty using the
large multi-colour LCD channel select buttons for
navigating the console.
Input Gains
The PRO2 boasts two input gains per channel.
First is the remote analogue gain for that
wonderful Midas mic amp, the second is a digital
gain. Set the analogue gain for the desired
amount (if any) of that famous Midas "warmth",
then use the digital gain to trim to your preferred
gain structure.
Equalisation
Midas digital EQ features fully interpolated
controls, which re-create the original phase-shift
as experienced when working on the worlds'
best-loved analogue consoles. Each input channel
has 4-band parametric EQ, with a choice of four
different filter types for both the high and low
filters. These powerful EQ options enable the user
to employ EQ filters which emulate the sound of
historic Midas consoles, or, freed of the limitations
of analogue circuitry, choose advanced digital
filter types.
Dynamics Processing
The dynamics processing on the PRO2's input
channels is identical to the Midas XL8. Each input
channel features a frequency-conscious gate
and a choice from four different compressor
algorithms. Further creative expression is
available, as these compressor options feature
variable knee, internal and external sidechain
filtering, and colouration artefact options.
Output (bus) compression offers a choice of five
different options. These compression algorithms
are designed to provide the engineer with a
broad pallet of options for maximum creative
potential, right down to the visual display on the
screen changing to support the different styles.
More dynamics processing options are available
in the PRO2's FX rack, including multiband
compression and dynamic equalisation.
FX
The PRO2's 40 bit floating-point audio processing
hosts a wide choice of virtual FX devices,
which range from dual-mono delay units,
stereo modulation and many diverse reverb
FX, multiband compression, dynamic EQ and
multichannel dual-function dynamics processing.
All FX processors are custom-designed to function
within the Midas automatic latency compensation
system. This ensures a phase-coherent sample-
accurate mix regardless of whether the FX devices
are used as channel inserts or on a send-and-
return basis.
Delay FX can be individually configured to
synchronise to the PRO2's GLOBAL TAP-TEMPO
hardware button. This makes on-the-fly changes
to delay effects childs' play.
Even more FX options are under development for
future firmware releases.
Surround Sound
In addition to normal stereo and SIS operation,
the PRO2 can operate in one of three surround
sound modes:
Quad Four-channel L-R front plus L-R rear
LCRS Four-channel L-C-R plus single rear channel
5.1 Six-channel L-C-R plus Sub plus L-R rear
All three surround modes feature divergence
control to tailor the depth of the surround
panning. Dynamic surround panning can be
implemented using the PRO2's trackball, or the
USB pointing device of your choice.
Remote Control
Remote control of the PRO2 can be achieved
using an iPad and wireless access point. Install the
PRO2 remote app on the iPad and connect the
WAP to the PRO2's Ethernet control port, having
configured the wireless link.