InfoComm 2012 marked the U.S. debut of the Midas VeniceU, its latest “digi-log” ultra-compact mixing console offering USB connectivity.
Available in three frame sizes, VeniceU joins the VeniceF in a growing range of live consoles which bridge the gap between analog and digital, offering the ease of use, warmth, feel and zero-latency qualities of analog audio combined with the power, choice and flexibility of outboard digital processing plug-ins.
The VeniceU comes with Propellerhead Reason recording and processing trial software bundle.
The three models—U16, U24 and U32—have 8, 16 and 24 mono input channels respectively. The mono channel equalizer section offers four bands of Midas EQ, with swept filters on all four bands, plus an EQ in/out switch and LED status indicator.
In addition to the mono input channels, each VeniceU model has four multi-function channels, each with one mic, two line and one stereo USB input. Each of these four multi-function channels feature separate gain for mic and line inputs, the same mic amp functions as the mono channels, which include +48-volt polarity reverse, -20 dB and 80 Hz HPF.
The multifunction channels feature four-band fixed frequency MIDAS EQ with in/out switch and LED status indicator.
Metering for all input channels is provided by a four-element LED display, while high quality 100mm faders give precise control over the mix.
The VeniceU’s USB interface can be used with any USB-equipped computer, and is effectively a 16-channel (8 x 8) digital audio buss, enabling most third party audio processing software to be used in conjunction with the console.
All six aux buses, four subgroups, both matrix buses and the stereo masters all route to the USB interface, up to eight buses 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 multifunction channels’ digital USB inputs.
While the USB interface is compatible with most DAW audio processing software, a free 60-day trial version of Reason is bundled with VeniceU, offering multi-track recording, virtual FX racks, dynamics processing and a software mixer.
Of particular note is the U16 version, which includes integral rack-mounting hardware and a re-locatable connector panel to facilitate easy installation in a 19-inch rack.
“Never before has a Midas mixer been available at this price point,” says Richard Ferriday, brand development manager. “VeniceU will introduce thousands of people who care about audio to the MIDAS experience. Now anyone on a tight budget wanting to achieve the rich, warm tonal qualities of the best live audio consoles available needs look no further than the VeniceU.”
