MIDAS VeniceU

At first glance, VeniceU looks like a straightforward, easy-to-use analogue audio console. However, VeniceU continues MIDAS’ engineering concept of a hybrid mixer offering a fusion of both analogue and digital technology.

The “Digi-log” VeniceU is much more than a great-sounding, easy-to-use audio console. The VeniceUoffers wider accessibility to MIDAS Digi-log technology than ever before, representing an integrated audio mixing, recording and processing package.

At MIDAS, we know what it takes to design and build live sound consoles for the world’s most demanding tours and installations. One look at the VeniceUconfirms that this console continues the legacy established by the ground-breaking MIDAS consoles which have been at the heart of so many historic live performances. From the VeniceU's class-leading EQ filters, to the latest expression of that legendary MIDAS mic pre, this is a console which compromises only on price.

The VeniceU’s buss structure is identical to the larger VeniceF - six aux sends, four groups, stereo masters, discrete mono buss and a 7 x 2 matrix. All buss outputs feature XLR connectors and insert capability. All six aux sends are switchable pre or post fade, and the two aux busses designated as monitor (fold back) sends are also switchable pre/post EQ on an individual channel basis.

Mono Channels Feature the indispensable MIDAS mic pre, still crafted from discrete components, rather than cheaper IC options. The 20mm input gain is complimented by a quartet of switches, +48 V, -20 dB, polarity reverse and 80 Hz hi-pass filter.

Mono channels can be routed to all six aux busses, the four subgroups in odd/even pairs, left and right masters via pan control, and discrete mono master output. Superior quality 100mm faders give precise control over the mix, while providing that reassuringly tactile MIDAS touch.

EQ The equaliser section features four bands of superb MIDAS EQ, with swept filters on all four bands, an EQ in/out switch and LED status indicator. Additional switch functions with LED status indication are mute and solo. Metering is provided by a highly accurate four element LED display.

Multi-function Channels Have one mono mic, one stereo line, and a stereo USB input each. Each of the four multi-function channels feature separate gain for mono mic and stereo line inputs. They have the same mic amp functions as the mono channels, four-band fixed frequency MIDAS EQ with in/out switch and LED status indicator. Additional switch functions with LED status indication are for mute and solo. The stereo USB inputs are intended to be used for either stereo media playback, stereo digital FX returns, or submixes created in the DAW.

Multi-function channels can be routed to all six aux busses, the four subgroups in odd/even pairs, left, right and mono masters.

Auxiliary Sends The VeniceU has six aux busses, all of which are switchable pre or post-fade on a buss-by-buss basis. The first pair, designated as “monitor” mixes, are also switchable pre or post input channel EQ on an individual channel basis. This means that the input channels send to the monitors can be independent of the channel EQ.

All aux sends have master level rotary controls, mute and solo switches, and feature balanced XLR output connectors. The two “monitor” mix auxes are also equipped with single TRS insert points.

All six aux sends can be routed to the USB audio interface, facilitating their use as recording or FX sends in conjunction with a suitably equipped computer.

Sub Groups The VeniceU has four subgroups, all of which feature 100mm fader, mute and solo switches with LED status indication. All subgroups can be routed to the stereo master outputs via a pan control, and also independently to the mono master output and to the USB interface. A fader changeover switch is provided for each subgroup, facilitating the group and aux signal paths to be swapped.

All four subgroups feature balanced XLR output connectors and single TRS insert points.

Master Outputs A single 100mm fader controls the Left and Right outputs, which also have Mute and Solo switches with LED indication. A balance pot is provided for matching the L & R levels, and a switch for routing the L & R mix to the Mono output, which features 100mm fader and mute and solo switches.

All three master outputs feature balanced XLR output connectors and single TRS insert points.

Additional Inputs In addition to the four multi-function input channels, all VeniceU models feature two stereo returns. These extra channels have dual TRS inputs, rotary level control, mute and solo switches with LED status indication, and routing to groups and stereo masters. Individual level controls are also provided to send the aux inputs to the two aux sends designated as monitor mixes.

A stereo playback input is provided with level control, mute and solo switches. Connection is via phono connectors.

A talkback input with level control and switch is provided with routing switches to monitor 1&2, aux 1-4, and stereo masters.

Matrix The two-channel 7x2 output matrix has level controls which source from the four groups, Left, Right and Mono outputs. Each channel features level output control, mute and solo switches with LED indication. There are additional switches which split the L & R contributions to the matrix (default is a sum of L & R) and to send the matrix outputs to the USB interface instead of the L & R mix.

Both Matrix channels feature balanced XLR output connectors and single TRS insert points.

Solo System The VeniceU’s solo system features separate level controls and mute switches for headphone and local monitor outputs, with PFL/AFL selection for input solos. Headphone output is via ¼” TRS socket conveniently placed on the surface of the console. Local monitor (L & R) outputs are available on XLR connectors located on the rear panel.

USB Digital Audio VeniceU’s USB audio interface combines the power and convenience of digital audio processing with the warmth and feel of an analogue audio mixer. The USB interface can be used with any computer fitted with a USB port, and is effectively a 16-channel (8 x 8) digital audio buss, which connects directly to your computer and enables the use of most 3rd party audio processing software 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 multi-function channels’ digital USB inputs - all with a heart of pure MIDAS.

Hybrid VeniceU 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 “plug-ins”.

Software Although the USB interface will work with nearly all computer-based DAW audio processing software, included in every VeniceU package is a free 60-day trial version of REASON, by Propellerhead. This software suite includes multitrack recording (up to 64 tracks), virtual racks full of FX and dynamics processing, and even a software mixer. Demo recording and FX templates are provided for quick, easy orientation with the powerful functionality of the VeniceU’s “Digi-log” capabilities.

Mechanical Many manufacturers cut quality when they design small mixers. At MIDAS we understand that modest channel count doesn’t have to mean compromised performance and a poor feature set. The VeniceU embodies quality, from its rugged construction and top-of-the-range components through to the unmistakable MIDAS sound, it is obviously a truly professional audio console. The frame is of typical MIDAS steel construction, providing sufficient strength and rigidity for a hard life on the road. Potentiometers are metal-shafted, and individually secured to the steel fascia panel.

The VeniceU is finished in the well-loved, classic MIDAS “Heritage” livery. The VeniceU16 can be used as a freestanding console or fixed into a 19” rack (11U) using the integral rack mount hardware. The rear connector panel rotates to facilitate easy connectivity in either orientation.

Overview

• Frames: 16, 24, 32 (16 channel frame can be rack mounted in 11U)
• Overload tolerant MIDAS mic pre with polarity switch, high pass filter and 20 dB pad
• Individual phantom power for each mic input (including stereo channels)
• The equaliser section features four bands of MIDAS EQ, with swept filters on all four bands and an EQ in/out switch
• 8 input / 8 output USB digital audio interface - flexible routing options including six aux busses, four subgroups, both matrix busses and the stereo masters
• Analogue or USB input select switch on 4 stereo input channels allowing “plug-in” FX and multi-track record mix down
• 6 auxes with individual buss pre/post fade switching and routing to USB
• 7x2 matrix with stereo split switching and routing to USB
• Multi-function channels have fully featured mic pre’s with individual left and right gain control
• Discrete stereo master buss with individual routing to USB plus discrete mono master buss
• 4 audio subgroups with fader flip to auxes and routing to USB
• Highly efficient integral auto-ranging switch mode power supply
• Rugged, roadworthy, tour proven construction with 3 year warranty

VeniceU Quick stats:

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