One exciting debut scheduled for the 1999 Winter NAMM show in Los Angeles is the Heritage 3000, a new 48-input, 24-bus live sound mixer from Midas.
According to Bob Doyle, VP of Sales and Marketing for the Klark Teknik Group, the Heritage name was selected to reflect Midas’ 30-year history, and the Heritage 3000 is the first of a series: Heritage 2000 and 1000 models will appear later this year. Originally available in a 48-input format, the Heritage 3000 will also be made available with four additional stereo inputs. A broadcast version, supplied with a communications sections designed specifically for broadcast applications, is also scheduled.
Based on proven technologies, the Heritage 3000 combines favorite features from Midas’ top-of-the-line XL-4 (including mic pre and 4-band EQ sections) with a revised automation package and improved noise figures. Common mode rejection figures for the Heritage 3000 are projected as 30 dB better than on the XL-4, already recognized as one of the quieter consoles available.
Designed for both FOH and monitor mix applications, the Heritage 3000 provides a 3-fader Left/Center/Right master output section and 24 discrete group/aux outputs. The LCR master output section includes Midas’ patented Spatial Imaging System (SIS) technology, designed to compensate for the fact that the center cluster in a LCR sound system is typically under-powered relative to the Left and Right clusters. A pot on each input channel sweeps between L/R and LCR stereo, enabling the operator to add or subtract a centered signal from the center cluster without changing the stereo imaging. In addition to the 24 subgroup/aux send masters, the Heritage 3000 offers a separate eight-way matrix that can be fed from both the subgroup masters and from the Left, Center, Right master outputs; by using all the available outputs, a user can generate as manys 32 discrete mixes, plus LCR outputs.
As with most monitor consoles, the Heritage 3000 may be thought of as a matrix mixer-individual input channels are routed to any or all of the 24 aux outputs via 24 individual pots per input strip, allowing for 24 mono or 12 stereo mixes, or a combination. In addition, an innovative switching system allows the operator to mix and match mono mixes, stereo mixes suitable for in-ear monitoring and “straight-through” subgroup assignments. Each adjacent pair of the 24 output group masters has an illuminated three-way switch configuring each consecutive pair of aux send pots as discrete mono mix sends (normal monitor mode) or as pan and level controls for a stereo mix. The third switch position routes each aux send direct to the relevant output bus, enabling the operator to easily combine subgrouping for an FOH (or sidefill, or broadcast) mix with traditional monitor console setups for mono wedge and stereo in-ear mixes.
Another innovative touch is an LED ladder that runs parallel to each input module’s 100mm P&G fader. A snapshot function in the automation package illuminates the LEDs; simply repositioning the fader to match the LEDs effectively recalls the stored fader setting. The same LEDs can also indicate a recalled “virtual fader” setting-when a channel is assigned to one of the ten VCAs, the LEDs indicate the recalled channel’s send level, regardless of the channel fader level. The physical channel fader then becomes a trim control. The automation system may also control every function switch on the console, simplifying multiple set changes in festival and theatrical applications. The automation will recall up to 400 separate scenes and may be edited offline with supplied Windows software.
The Heritage 3000’s input mic preamps and channel EQs are identical to those offered on the XL-4. The EQ is 4-band parametric, with a choice of bell or shelving curves on HF and LF filters. Additional features include a sweep oscillator, pink noise generator and a built-in interface for Telex and ClearCom communications systems. Metering includes 20-segment LEDs on the outputs and 10-segment LEDs on the inputs. Two power supplies are standard, linked for redundant operation.
The Heritage 3000 is priced at $105,000, within a few percentage points of the popular XL-3 (800 sold worldwide).
Midas, 600 Cecil Street, Buchanan, MI 49107; phone 616/695-4750, fax 616/695-4750. Web site: www.midasconsoles.com.
