Midas DOC04-XL8 User Manual

XL8 Control Centre

Quick Reference Guide

Midas Klark Teknik Limited,

Klark Industrial Park,

Walter Nash Road,

Kidderminster.

Worcestershire.

DY11 7HJ.

England.

Tel: [phone]

Fax: [phone]

Email: [e-mail]
Website: www.midasconsoles.com

XL8 Control Centre — Quick Reference Guide

DOC04-XL8 Issue F — April 2010

© Red Chip Company Ltd.

In line with the company’s policy of continual improvement, specifications and function may be

subject to change without notice. This document was correct at the time of writing. E&OE.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

The lightning flash with arrowhead symbol within an equilateral triangle is
intended to alert the user to the presence of uninsulated “dangerous voltage”
within the product's enclosure that may be of sufficient magnitude to constitute a
risk of electric shock to persons.

The exclamation point within an equilateral triangle is intended to alert the user
to the presence of important operating and maintenance (servicing) instructions
in the literature accompanying the product.

1 Read these instructions.

2 Keep these instructions.

3 Heed all warnings.

4 Follow all instructions.

5 Do not use this apparatus near water.

6 Clean only with a dry cloth.

7 Do not block any of the ventilation

openings. Install in accordance with the
manufacturer’s instructions.

8 Do not install near any heat sources such

as radiators, heat registers, stoves, or
other apparatus (including amplifiers) that
produce heat.

9 Do not defeat the safety purpose of the

polarized or grounding-type plug. A
polarized plug has two blades with one
wider than the other. A grounding type
plug has two blades and a third grounding
prong. The wide blade or the third prong
are provided for your safety. If the
provided plug does not fit into your outlet,
consult an electrician for replacement of
the obsolete outlet.

10 Protect the power cord from being walked

on or pinched particularly at plugs,
convenience receptacles and the point
where they exit from the apparatus.

11 Only use attachments/accessories

specified by the manufacturer.

12 Use only with the cart, stand,

tripod, bracket, or table
specified by the
manufacturer, or sold with
the apparatus. When a cart
is used, use caution when moving the
cart/apparatus combination to avoid injury
from tip-over.

13 Unplug this apparatus during lightning

storms or when unused for long periods of
time.

14 Refer all servicing to qualified personnel.

Servicing is required when the apparatus
has been damaged in any way, such as
power-supply cord or plug is damaged,
liquid has been spilled or objects have
fallen into the apparatus, the apparatus
has been exposed to rain or moisture,
does not operate normally, or has been
dropped.

15 Use the mains plug to disconnect the

apparatus from the mains.

16 Warning: To reduce the risk of fire or

electric shock, do not expose this
apparatus to rain or moisture.

17 Warning: Do not expose this

equipment to dripping or splashing
and ensure that no objects filled with
liquids, such as vases, are placed on
the equipment.

18 Warning: The mains plug of the power

supply cord shall remain readily
operable.

Midas

EC-Declaration of Conformity

The undersigned, representing the following manufacturer

Manufacturer: Address:

Midas Klark Teknik Ltd. Klark Industrial Park, Walter Nash Road,
Kidderminster. Worcestershire. DY11 7HJ.

hereby declares that the following product

Product Type Number Product Description Nominal Voltage(s) Current Freq.

XL8 Control Centre

115V AC
230V AC

12A

6A

50/60Hz

is in conformity with the regulations of the following marked EC-directives and bears the

-mark accordingly

reference number title

2004/108/EC EMC Directive (EMC)

2006/95/EC Low-Voltage Directive (LVD)

The conformity of the product with EC Directives for use in environment E4 is provided by compliance with
the following standards:

Standards/date:

Applied Electrical Safety test standards:

reference number title

EN 60065:2002

Audio, video and similar electronic apparatus. Safety requirements

Applied EMC emission test standards:

ref. no. title

EN 55103-1:1996
Class A

CISPR 22: Radiated disturbance,

CISPR 22: Conducted disturbance,

CISPR 16: Discontinuous

EN 61000-3-2:2000 Mains

EN 61000-3-3:1995 Mains voltage

EN 55103-1 Annex A: Radiated
magnetic disturbance, 50Hz-50kHz

30-1000MHz

ac & signal ports

disturbance

harmonics

flicker

Applied EMC immunity test standards:

ref. no. title

EN 55103-2:1996
Class A

EN 55103-2 Annex A: Magnetic LF

EN 61000-4-4:1995: Fast transient

EN 61000-4-5:1995: Surge, ac port

EN 61000-4-6:1996: Conducted RF

EN 61000-4-11:1994: Mains voltage

EN 61000-4-2:1995 Electrostatic
discharge

EN 61000-4-3:1996: Radiated RF
disturbance, 80-1000MHz

disturbance, 50Hz–10kHz

bursts, ac & signal ports

field, ac & signal ports

dips and interruptions

Place, date: Kidderminster, UK
15
General Manager AVP, Product Development
Printed name: John Oakley Printed name: Alex Cooper

th

April 2010

DOC04-XL8ECDOC Rev. B

Licences

The following are the license agreements applicable to the Midas Digital Equipment.

End-User Licence Agreement for Midas™ and Klark Teknik™ Software

IMPORTANT - Please read this document carefully before using this Midas™ or

Klark Teknik™ Product. This is an agreement governing your use of software or

other machine instructions already installed on this Midas™ or Klark Teknik™

Product, as well as other software that we provide for installation on this Product.

The Midas™ or Klark Teknik™ Product will not operate in accordance with its

documentation without this software.

THIS AGREEMENT ("AGREEMENT" OR "LICENCE") STATES THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS UPON WHICH
MIDAS KLARK TEKNIK LIMITED ("COMPANY") OFFERS TO LICENSE THE INSTALLED FIRMWARE,
SOFTWARE AND/OR PROGRAMS ("the SOFTWARE") WITH THE MIDAS™ OR KLARK TEKNIK™ CONSOLE
OR SIGNAL PROCESSING PRODUCT ("PRODUCT") IN WHICH IT HAS BEEN INSTALLED BY, OR FOR
WHICH IT IS PROVIDED BY, THE COMPANY. BY USING THIS PRODUCT YOU WILL BE AGREEING TO
BECOME BOUND BY THE TERMS OF THIS LICENCE. IF YOU DO NOT AGREE TO THE TERMS OF THIS
LICENCE, DO NOT USE THIS PRODUCT AND PROMPTLY RETURN THE PRODUCT TO THE PLACE WHERE
YOU OBTAINED IT FOR A FULL REFUND. You agree to notify any persons whom you permit to operate
this Product of the terms of this Licence, and to require them to comply with these terms.

The Software is licensed, not sold, to you for use only under the terms of this Licence, and the
Company reserves all rights not expressly granted to you. The Company retains ownership of all copies
of the Software itself, and all proprietary parts of it, including those stored on or in the Product.

1. Licence: Subject to the terms and conditions of this agreement, the Company grants you, and
other persons you permit to operate the Product, a personal, limited, non-exclusive,
non-transferable licence to use the Software only on the single Product unit in which it has been
installed.

2. Restrictions: (a) The Software, and the accompanying written materials, are copyrighted and
contain trade secrets and other proprietary matter, including confidential information relating to
the specifications and performance characteristics of this Product. Save for such elements as
may be licensed to the Company, as described in paragraph 5, all rights to copyrights, trade
marks and trade secrets in the Software, or any modifications to it, are owned by the Company.
Unauthorised use or copying of the Company's proprietary Software, or any portion thereof, or
copying of those written materials, is prohibited. (b) You may not create, market, distribute, or
transfer copies of the Company's proprietary Software, or any part of it, to others, or duplicate,
rent, lease or loan that Software, or any part of it, except that you may transfer that Software
installed in this Product in conjunction with the sale, transfer, loan, rent or lease of this Product,
and subject at all times to this Licence. YOU MAY NOT REVERSE ENGINEER, DECOMPILE,
DISASSEMBLE, EXTRACT OR SEPARATE OUT, MODIFY, ADAPT, PORT, OR TRANSLATE THE
SOFTWARE, DERIVE THE SOURCE CODE OF THE SOFTWARE OR CREATE DERIVATIVE WORKS
BASED ON THE SOFTWARE OR ANY ACCOMPANYING WRITTEN MATERIALS, save as is allowed by
licences pertaining to component parts of the Software which are licensed by third parties, as
described under paragraph 5, or otherwise by law. (c) In the event you violate any term of this
Licence, all rights granted herein will automatically and immediately terminate and you must stop
using the Software and destroy any copies of the Software.

3. Limited Warranty: Subject to your installation of any Software updates issued by the Company
as described herein, and the condition below, the Company warrants that the Software will
operate in compliance with the Software's material specifications and documentation for a period
of 90 days from your purchase of this Product. The Software is provided "as is" and the Company
does not warrant that the operation of the Software will meet your requirements or operate free
from error. To the greatest extent permissible by law, the Company DISCLAIMS ALL
WARRANTIES AND CONDITIONS, EITHER EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING THE WARRANTIES
OF MERCHANTABILITY, FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, NON-INFRINGEMENT OF THIRD
PARTY RIGHTS OR CAPABILITY OF CORRECTLY PROCESSING PROVIDING AND/OR RECEIVING

DATE INFORMATION. You understand that the Company may update or revise the Software but
in so doing incurs no obligation to furnish such updates to you. However, the Company may in its
discretion make updates available from time to time upon such terms and conditions as it shall
determine. It is a condition of the above warranty that you install any such Software updates, as
may be issued from time to time by the Company for the Software, in accordance with the
Company's instructions, and if you do not do so such warranty will cease to apply. You may view
current Software updates at http://www.klarkteknik.com and http://www.midasconsoles.com.

4. Limited Liability: THE ENTIRE RISK ARISING OUT OF YOUR USE OR PERFORMANCE OF THE
SOFTWARE REMAINS WITH YOU. THE LIABILITY OF THE COMPANY FOR ANY CLAIMS ARISING
OUT OF THIS LICENCE AND/OR BASED UPON THE SOFTWARE, REGARDLESS OF THE FORM OF
ACTION, AND INCLUDING WORK STOPPAGE, PRODUCT FAILURE OF MALFUNCTION OR ANY
OTHER COMMERCIAL LOSS OR DAMAGE, SHALL NOT EXCEED THE COST OF THE LICENCE FEE
FOR THE SOFTWARE OR THE COST OF THIS PRODUCT. SUBJECT TO THE PROVISIONS OF
APPLICABLE LAW, IN NO EVENT SHALL THE COMPANY BE LIABLE FOR ANY LOSS OF DATA, LOST
OPPORTUNITY OR PROFITS, COST OF COVER OR SPECIAL, INCIDENTAL, CONSEQUENTIAL, OR
INDIRECT DAMAGES, EVEN IF YOU ADVISE THE COMPANY OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH
DAMAGES. THIS IS A FUNDAMENTAL TERM OF THIS AGREEMENT AND YOU ACKNOWLEDGE
THAT THE AMOUNT YOU PAID FOR THE SOFTWARE AND/OR THE PRODUCT REFLECTS THIS
ALLOCATION OF RISK. NOTHING IN THIS PARAGRAPH PURPORTS TO EXCLUDE OR LIMIT THE
COMPANY'S LIABILITY FOR DEATH OR PERSONAL INJURY CAUSED BY NEGLIGENCE OR ANY
OTHER LIABILITY WHICH CANNOT BE EXCLUDED OR LIMITED BY LAW.

5. Other Third-Party Computer Programs: As referred to herein, the term "Software" refers
only to proprietary Midas™ or Klark Teknik™ software, owned by the Company, that has been
provided to you for installation on, or already installed in, a Product. In addition to the Software,
you may have also been provided, at no additional charge, with a version of the widely-available
GNU Linux Operating System, which is a modular operating system made up of hundreds of
individual software components, each of which was written, and the copyright and other rights in
which are owned individually, by various parties (collectively, "the GNU Linux Programs"). Each
component has its own applicable end user licence agreement, and many of these agreements
permit you to copy, modify, and redistribute the applicable software, but you must review the
on-line documentation that shares a directory or otherwise accompanies each of the GNU Linux
Programs provided to you for the specific terms and conditions. Nothing in this Licence limits
your rights under, or grants you rights that supersede, the terms of any other applicable end user
licence agreement. If you wish to receive a computer-readable copy of the source code for any
of the GNU Linux Programs that have been provided with your Midas™ or Klark Teknik™ Product,
send a cheque or money order (no cash accepted), your address and [£10.00] to cover the cost
of optical media, postage and handling, to:

Midas Klark Teknik Limited
ATTN: Linux Programs CD for Midas™/Klark Teknik™
Walter Nash Road,
Kidderminster.
Worcestershire.
DY11 7HJ.
England.

In your request, indicate your Product's name and model number, serial number and
version/release information. In your request, also indicate the relevant Software version/release
infor mation. This offer, made pursuant to the GNU Linux Programs' end user licence agreements,
may expire according to the terms of those agreements, in which case your cheque will be
returned to you or destroyed at our option. Please note that the GNU Linux Programs that may

be available to you under this offer consists of the GNU Linux Operating System components only
and none of the proprietary application software developed by Midas or Klark Teknik is included.

Other updated Linux distributions containing application software are widely available from a
variety of Internet sources, and are often available at minimal or no cost.

6. Termination: This Licence will terminate immediately if you violate any of the Licence terms.
Upon termination you must discontinue use of the Software, and either destroy, erase or return
to Company all copies of the Software in your possession, custody or control, including those in
or on the Product.

7. General: This Licence constitutes the entire agreement between you and the Company with
respect to this Software and, save in the case of fraud, supersedes any other communication
(including advertising). Company reserves all rights not expressly granted to you in this licence.
If any provision of this Licence is held unenforceable, that provision shall be enforced to the
maximum extent permissible so as to give effect the intent of this Licence, and the remainder of
this Licence shall continue in full force and effect. This Licence shall be governed by English law

and the Courts of England and Wales will have exclusive jurisdiction to hear and decide any
dispute concerning it or its formation. No breach by you of any provision of this Licence shall be
waived or discharged except with the express written consent of the Company and no failure or
delay by the Company to exercise any of its rights under this Licence shall operate as a waiver
thereof and no single or partial exercise of any such right shall prevent any other or further
exercise of that or any other right. You acknowledge that the Company could be irreparably
damaged if the terms of this Licence were not specifically enforced, and agree that the Company
may seek appropriate equitable remedies with respect to breaches of this Licence, including
injunctive relief, in addition to such other remedies as the Company may otherwise have
available to it under applicable laws.

GNU General Public License (GPL)

For details of the Third Party Software License Attribution, Copyright and Terms and Conditions and
Notices, and the GNU LESSER GENERAL PUBLIC LICENSE, see the Midas Digital Equipment GNU
General Public License (GPL) Booklet part number DOC04-GPL issue A.

xi

Precautions

Before installing, setting up or operating this equipment, make sure that you have read
and fully understand all of this section and the “IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS” at
the front of this guide.

This equipment is supplied by a mains voltage that can cause electric shock injury!

The following must be observed in order to maintain safety and electromagnetic compatibility (EMC)
performance.

Safety warnings

This equipment is fitted with two
PowerCon® mains power sockets. For
safety reasons the earth leads must not be
disconnected.

Signal 0V is connected internally to the
chassis.

To completely disconnect this equipment
from the AC mains, while observing full
safety precautions (see “Power” on
page xi), switch off the five bay isolator
switches (rear of control centre) one at a
time and then switch off the mains at the
two mains outlets that supply the
PowerCon® sockets. It is now safe to
isolate the control centre by removing the
two PowerCon® mains leads from rear of
control centre.

To avoid electric shock, do not remove
covers.

General precautions

In the event of ground loop problems,
disconnect the signal screen at one end of the
connecting cables. Note that this can only be
done when the equipment is used within a
balanced system.

Do not remove, hide or deface any warnings or
cautions.

Power

The system power supplies contain LETHAL
VOLTAGES greatly in excess of the mains
voltage and that its rails can produce extremely
large currents that could burn out equipment
and wiring if shorted.

The internal power supplies are of the switch
mode type that automatically sense the
incoming mains voltage and will work where the
nominal voltage is in the range 100VAC to
240VAC.

Each mains inlet is to be sourced from its own
separate wall-mounted mains outlet socket.
Otherwise, their mains sources must be suitably
distributed so as to meet local safety
regulations.

Two PowerCon® mains inlets are provided on
the rear panel. The correct leads for connection
in the area to which the unit was shipped are
supplied with the unit. The equipment should
only be plugged into the mains outlets using the
supplied leads.

When removing the equipment’s electric plugs
from the outlets, always hold the plug itself and
not the cable. Pulling out the plug by the cable
can damage it.

Never insert or remove an electric plug with wet
hands.

Do not insert or remove a PowerCon® connector
into/from the rear of control centre with mains
power and/or any of the bay isolator switches
on. You must make sure all bay isolator
switches are off and mains is switched off at the
power outlet(s) first.

When switching the five bay isolator switches
on/off, make sure it is done one at a time. It is
important that you don’t switch on/off two or
more simultaneously.

Before switching the XL8 on/off, please make
sure that all monitor loudspeaker power
amplifiers are turned off or muted.

XL8 Control Centre
Quick Reference Guide

xii

Handling the equipment

Completely isolate the equipment electrically
and disconnect all cables from the equipment
before moving it.

When lifting or moving the equipment, always
take its size and weight into consideration.
Use suitable lifting equipment or transporting
gear, or sufficient additional personnel.

Do not insert your fingers or hand in any gaps
or openings on the equipment, for example,
vents.

Avoid inserting or dropping foreign objects,
such as paper, plastic, metal etc., into any
gaps or openings on the equipment, for
example, vents. If this happens, immediately
disconnect the equipment from the AC mains;
see “Safety warnings” on page xi. Then have
the equipment inspected by the
manufacturer's qualified service personnel.

Do not press or rub on the sensitive surface of
the GUI screens.

If the glass of the GUI screen is broken, liquid
crystals shouldn’t leak through the break due
to the surface tension of the thin layer and the
type of construction of the LCD panel.
However, in the unlikely event that you do
make contact with this substance, please wash
it out with soap.

Installation

Location

Ideally a cool area is preferred, away from
power distribution equipment or other
potential sources of interference.

Do not install the equipment in places of poor
ventilation.

Do not install this equipment in a location
subjected to excessive heat, dust or
mechanical vibration. Allow for adequate
ventilation around the equipment, making sure
that its fans and vents are not obstructed.
Wherever possible, keep the equipment out of
direct sunlight.

Do not place the equipment in an unstable
condition where it might accidentally fall over.

Make sure that the mains voltage and fuse
rating information of the equipment will be
visible after installation.

Audio connections

To ensure the correct and reliable operation of
your equipment, only high quality balanced,
screened, twisted pair audio cable should be
used.

XLR connector shells should be of metal
construction so that they provide a screen
when connected to the console and, where
appropriate, they should have Pin 1 connected
to the cable screen.

Before installing the equipment:

• Make sure the equipment is correctly
connected to the protective earth conductor
of the mains voltage supply of the system
installation through the mains leads.

• Power to the equipment must be via a fused
spur(s).

• Power plugs must be inserted in socket
outlets provided with protective earth
contacts. The electrical supply at the
socket outlets must provide appropriate
over-current protection.

• Both the mains supply and the quality of
earthing must be adequate for the
equipment.

• Before connecting up the equipment, check
that the mains power supply voltage rating
corresponds with the local mains power
supply. The rating of the mains power
supply voltage is printed on the equipment.

Radio frequency
interference — Class A
device

This equipment has been tested and found to
comply with the limits for a Class A digital
device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules.
These limits are designed to provide
reasonable protection against harmful
interference when the equipment is operated
in a commercial environment. This equipment
generates, uses, and can radiate radio
frequency energy and, if not installed and used
in accordance with the instruction manual,
may cause harmful interference to radio
communications. Operation of this equipment
in a residential area is likely to cause harmful
interference in which case the user will be
required to correct the interference at his own
expense.

XL8 Control Centre

Quick Reference Guide

xiii

Electric fields

Caution:
In accordance with Part 15 of the FCC
Rules & Regulations, “… changes or
modifications not expressly approved by
the party responsible for compliance
could void the user's authority to operate
the equipment.”

Should this product be used in an
electromagnetic field that is amplitude
modulated by an audio frequency signal (20Hz
to 20kHz), the signal to noise ratio may be
degraded. Degradation of up to 60dB at a
frequency corresponding to the modulation
signal may be experienced under extreme
conditions (3V/m, 90% modulation).

Operation

To avoid electrical shock, never operate the
equipment with the covers removed.

Safety equipment

Never remove, for example, covers, housings
or any other safety guards. Do not operate
the equipment or any of its parts if safety
guards are ineffective or their effectiveness
has been reduced.

Optional equipment

Unless advised otherwise, optional equipment
must only be installed by service personnel
and in accordance with the appropriate
assembly and usage regulations.

Special accessories

To comply with part 15 of the FCC Rules, any
special accessories (that is, items that cannot
be readily obtained from multiple retail
outlets) supplied with this equipment must be
used with this equipment; do not use any
alternatives as they may not fulfil the RF
requirement.

XL8 Control Centre
Quick Reference Guide

xiv

XL8 Control Centre

Quick Reference Guide

xv

Contents

Overview

Chapter 1 Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1

About this guide . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1

XL8 host software version . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1

Optional extras . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1

Warranty and registration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

Service and support . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

Chapter 2 Introducing The XL8 Live Performance System. . . . . .3

System components (standard supply) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

Chapter 3 About The XL8 Control Centre . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

Overview of the XL8 Control Centre . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

Bay and GUI layout . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

XL8 control surface . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

GUI . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

Front and rear connections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

Pull-out keyboard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

Operation

Chapter 4 Before You Start. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

Principles of operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

Hints and tips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

Saving your work . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

Chapter 5 Working With The XL8 Control Centre . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

About GUI operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

Operating the GUI screen controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

Using the GUI menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

Text editing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

Chapter 6 Navigation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19

An introduction to XL8 navigation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

About the navigational controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

Location of the navigational controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21

About GUI navigation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24

How to navigate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25

Chapter 7 Patching . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27

Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27

About the patching procedure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29

XL8 Control Centre
Quick Reference Guide

xvi

Configuring the devices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .29

Configuring the XL8 with the snake type . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .30

Setting up the I/O rack devices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .30

How to patch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .31

Chapter 8 Basic Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33

Setting a mic amplifier’s input gain . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .33

Setting the high and low pass filters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .34

Input equalisation (E zone) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .35

Input dynamics processing (D zone) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .36

Output processing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .37

Using VCA/POP groups . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .38

Setting up a mix . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .40

Fader flip . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .44

Setting up the effects rack . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .44

Simple routing to master stereo outputs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .46

Automation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .47

Configuring the inputs and outputs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .51

Using copy and paste . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .52

User library (presets) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .53

Surround panning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .54

Two-man operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .55

Saving your show files to a USB memory stick . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .56

External AES50 synchronisation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .57

Security (locking mode) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .57

Connecting And Setting Up The System

Chapter 9 Setting Up The System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61

Initial set-up procedure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .61

Unpacking the equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .61

Making up the racks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .61

Wiring instructions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .62

XL8 system interconnections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .64

Powering the XL8 system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .66

Switching the XL8 Control Centre on/off . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .67

Setting up the ID of the DL4n1 units . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .68

Appendices

Appendix A Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71

No audio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .71

Diagnostics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .71

XL8 Control Centre

Quick Reference Guide

Volume 1:Overview

XL8 Control Centre
Quick Reference Guide

Chapter 1: Introduction

Welcome to the XL8 Control Centre. The XL8 Control Centre is a user-friendly,
state-of-the-art, high performance digital console specifically designed for live use.

The XL8 Control Centre, which forms an integral part of the XL8 Live Performance
System, was conceived by Midas to offer audio professionals high-performance audio
equipment, designed to provide no-compromise sonic quality with a feature set that
offers all essential facilities and functions. It represents the very best of British design
and engineering combined with contemporary, efficient manufacturing methods, and
will give you many years of reliable service.

So, to obtain the best results with a minimum of effort, please read this Quick
Reference Guide and, finally, enjoy your Midas XL8 Live Performance System!

About this guide

1

This is the Quick Reference Guide for the XL8 Control Centre. Its purpose is to quickly
familiarise the user with the XL8 Control Centre, show how to set up the XL8 Live
Performance System and then show how to carry out some basic operations on the XL8
in order to produce some audio. This guide is structured such that it may also provide
a useful introductory guide for training purposes.

This document is aimed at professionals, such as front of house (FOH) and monitor
(MON) engineers, who will be using this equipment in a live performance environment.
It is assumed that the reader has prior experience of using professional audio
equipment and has, most likely, undergone training on this system.

This guide has been structured specifically so that mix engineers and system
technicians can go straight to the areas applicable to them, that is, “Operation” on
page 11 and “Connecting And Setting Up The System” on page 59, respectively. The
rest of the guide is intended for general readership.

For full details on the XL8 Live Performance System and the XL8 Control Centre, refer to
the XL8 Live Performance System Owner’s Manual (part number DOC02-XL8), which
can be found on our website at www.midasconsoles.com.

Note: The content of this Quick Reference Guide does not supersede any information
supplied with any other item of the XL8 Live Performance System.

XL8 host software version

This guide is for an XL8 Control Centre running host software version 1.11 and later.

Optional extras

An easyglide is available for use with the XL8.

XL8 Control Centre
Quick Reference Guide

2 Chapter 1: Introduction

Warranty and registration

Midas has total confidence in the quality and reliability of this product. To back this up,
this product comes with the standard Midas and Klark Teknik three year warranty.

Please take the time to register your product by completing and returning the
registration card or by registering on our website at www.midasconsoles.com.

Service and support

The XL8 is a very hi-tech piece of equipment. We provide superb levels of support and
service to give users confidence in Midas digital products.

XL8 Control Centre

Quick Reference Guide

Chapter 2: Introducing The XL8 Live Performance System

The standard XL8 system offers 96 channel inputs, 51 outputs, 51 buses
(32 auxes/groups, 16 matrices and three masters), 16 on-board effects processors,
PEQs (four-band on inputs and six-band on outputs), up to 48 assignable GEQs (if all
stereo effects units are being used), 16 configurable stereo effects (from eight options),
surround panning (5.1, LCRS and quad) and comprehensive, easy-to-use routing. XL8
automation provides up to 1,000 scenes with snapshot save/recall capability and global
edit, presets and show file archiving.

The XL8 Control Centre forms the core of the XL8 Live Performance System, which also
includes a number of 19” rack modules that are interconnected by a networked data
system. The network carries both proprietary control data and open architecture
AES50 digital audio, and uses readily available standard cabling and connectors. The
XL8 uses the proven stable Linux operating system. Third party hardware and software
(and plug-ins) can be easily integrated into the system.

Included with the XL8 Control Centre are four mic splitters, five I/O units, 10 DSP units,
two routers and a Klark Teknik DN9331 RAPIDE that, collectively, form the standard
XL8 Live Performance System configuration.

The XL8 Live Performance System is tolerant of any single failure of hardware or
software. To achieve this the system employs dual redundancy, where a key
component has an identical redundant spare that is ready to take over should it fail.
Other failure scenarios are managed by the N+1 principle, where redundant
components form an acceptable fraction of the system, for example, one of the DSP
units in the rack is a redundant spare.

3

System components (standard supply)

The standard XL8 Live Performance System comprises the following equipment:

• XL8 Control Centre (1-off):
Comprises five discrete, independent
bays, each with its own power supply,
surface modules, surface processor, GUI
processor and GUI screen. The standard
five-bay control centre has three bay
types, input (3-off), mix (1-off) and
output (1-off).

• DL431 Mic Splitter (4-off): 6U 19” rack unit that
provides 24 mic/line inputs.

• DL451 Modular I/O (5-off): 3U 19” rack unit that
provides a maximum of 24 audio inputs and 24 audio
outputs.

4 Chapter 2: Introducing The XL8 Live Performance System

• DL471 DSP (10-off): 1U 19” rack unit that forms part
of the modular DSP engine.

• DL461 Router (2-off): 3U 19” rack unit that provides
the on-stage Cat 5e interconnectivity and the stage-to­FOH link via a single ‘snake’, which can be copper cable
or a fibre optic link.

• Klark Teknik DN9331 RAPIDE (1-off): 6U 19” rack
unit that is a motorised fader remote control for the
onboard graphic EQs of the XL8.

• Snakes and main cables etc.

To provide a complete audio system, the only other equipment required are mics,
amplifiers and loudspeakers.

Chapter 3: About The XL8 Control Centre

This chapter introduces you to the XL8 Control Centre and provides a brief hardware
description.

Overview of the XL8 Control Centre

The XL8 Control Centre comprises a combined control surface and graphical user
interface (GUI) that provide an array of easy-to-use controls for the precise
manipulation of audio.

The control surface has been designed to emulate the fast access of an analogue control
surface by presenting things in a familiar, consistent and logical way so that
experienced analogue engineers can migrate easily to the new digital surface. This is
enhanced by visual representations on the GUI at the top of control surface, which also
provides extra functionality.

5

The XL8 Control Centre is built on a robust Midas steel frame chassis similar to those
used for established Midas analogue products. The frame houses five bays, each of
which is a discrete hardware module that can operate independently of its neighbour.
Collectively, the bays provide the primary mixing needs of the engineer.

Each bay has its own power supply, control surface modules, control surface
processors, GUI processor and GUI screen. The control surface and GUI processors for
each bay are separately connected to the network on duplicated Ethernet links. Also
housed within each bay are dual redundant master controller processors and dual
redundant high-speed network routers (eight AES50 connections each).

Multiple hardware faults are tolerated by the XL8 Control Centre without loss of audio
control due to the dual redundancy and N+1 methods incorporated in the system. This
is further helped by the modular nature of the bays and GUI independence. So, if a
whole bay fails others can take over or be used instead, and any of the GUI screens can
be used to operate the whole XL8 Control Centre, even if none of the control surface
hardware is working.

XL8 Control Centre
Quick Reference Guide

6 Chapter 3: About The XL8 Control Centre

GUI screens

Control area

(shallow rake)

Fader tray

(flat)

Bays

Mix OutputInput 1 Input 2 Input 3

1 2 3

Bay and GUI layout

The XL8 control centre has five bays, of which there are three types:

• Input bays — three input bays provide fast access to large numbers of faders and
important input signal processing controls. The bays are numbered 1, 2 and 3, in
order from left to right.

• Mix bay — provides fast access to large numbers of creative mix faders.

• Output Bay — provides access to the matrix/master output mixes and monitor
faders, the automation central control and large quantities of complex signal
processing systems.

Each bay has a GUI screen at the top and a control surface below, which is subdivided
into a control area (shallow rake) and a flat (horizontal) area at the bottom that
contains faders, navigational zones, automation etc.

Figure 1: Bays

XL8 Control Centre

Quick Reference Guide

XL8 control surface 7

A A ABB B

D

E

G

F

C

C

C

H

K

J

I

A — input fast zone: contains the

operator’s ‘must have now’ controls in
eight input fast strips.

B — input channel strip: contains

detail areas, such as the D-zone
(dynamic) and E-zone (EQ), that provide
a more comprehensive control of an
input channel and its mix buses by
allowing detailed audio parameter
adjustment. Also includes mix preset
controls.

C — input navigation zone: for input

GUI navigation via glide pad, and input
channel selection using an array of keys.

D — mix fast zone: auxiliary (aux) mix

masters in eight dual-channel mix fast
strips.

E — output channel strip: has similar

functionality to the input channel strip
(B), but is used for the output channels.

F — VCA and POP groups: VCA/POP

group select buttons and controls,
including VCA faders.

G — output fast zone: output (matrix)

mix masters in eight dual-channel output
fast strips, and also master channel
strips (mono and stereo left and right).

H — monitors: A and B signal path

monitoring, communications and mute
groups.

I — I zone: operator-assignable device

controls.

J — automation: scene store/recall and

system edit.

K — primary navigation zone: for mix

and output bay GUI screen navigation via
trackballs. Includes a screen access
panel for direct GUI screen access.

XL8 control surface

During show time the screen functions that require fast access are controlled by control
knobs (rotary encoders), pushbutton switches, faders etc. More complex functions that
do not require this fast access are controlled by glide pad/trackball and navigational
keys. An integral keyboard pulls out from underneath the output bay for text entry to
enable setting up and configuration on the output bay GUI screen. An external
keyboard can be used on any of the other bays, as each bay has a dedicated keyboard
socket on the front of the control centre.

Figure 2: Main areas of control surface

XL8 Control Centre
Quick Reference Guide

8 Chapter 3: About The XL8 Control Centre

Input bay GUI

Input fast zone contains a bank

of eight input channels (left)

and an input channel strip (far

right).

Mix bay GUIs

Option of two displays: (2a)
dashboard screen showing all
meters; (2b) output channel

screen with, in most cases, 16

mix fast strips. Both displays

have an output channel strip on

the far right.

Output bay GUIs

Default display is the effects

screen (3a), but this can be
changed to any of the GUI menu
screens, such as input channels,

groups, automation (3b),

monitors etc.

1

2a

2b

3a

3b

13211

The choice of controls provided by each bay type are prioritised by access time
importance. A fast zone area gives instant access to specific functions across the bay.
A channel strip (to the right of the input and mix bays) gives greater control of the
selected fast strip.

Typically, the XL8 fast zone areas contain signal processing and routing levels for input
bays, but only routing level control on the mix and output bay channel panels. GUI
screen navigation tools (keys, glide pad, trackball etc.) are used to manipulate the
signal processing required for these paths. This distances these functions from the
mixing surface, thus allowing the operator to concentrate more on creative mixing. On
analogue systems this is the equivalent of the external processing racks. The exception
to this on the XL8 being the graphic EQ for monitor mixing, where fast access is once
again required; this is provided by the Klark Teknik HELIX RAPIDE DN9331 Graphic
Controller.

GUI

Five screens comprise the graphical user interface (GUI) of the XL8 Control Centre.

Figure 3: GUI screens

XL8 Control Centre

Quick Reference Guide

Front and rear connections 9

Front view

Rear

Front

Side view

Rear view

Pull-out keyboard

Keyboard, headphones

and mic (2-off)

Internal/external

monitor (5-off)

Power supplySystem

interconnections

KVM, monitor,

synchronisation etc.

The GUI, which forms a backdrop to the control surface, represents pictorially the
layout of the control surface so that its displays are easy to follow at a glance. Not only
does it reflect what is happening on the control surface, but it also provides extra
functionality via a GUI menu. This menu lets you access all the screens that you will
require to set up, configure, manage and operate the entire XL8 Control Centre — all
from a single drop-down list of easy to follow options.

Generally, the GUIs on the input and mix bays have a channel strip on the right. This is
the equivalent of the channel strip on the control surface of each of those bays. It
displays the selected detail area of the currently selected channel.

Front and rear connections

The XL8 has connector panels on the front and rear that house numerous types of
connector, which cater for the connection of mains power leads, 19” rack units, USB
memory keys, keyboards, headphones, talk mics, communications, external monitors
(input and output), KVM (keyboard, video and mouse) switches, intercoms, AES3
synchronisation, word clocks (75R) and monitors.

The rear panel also houses the mains power inlet and five mains on/off switches, one
for each bay. Mains power is supplied to the XL8 Control Centre via two PowerCon®
sockets.

Figure 4: Front and rear connectors on XL8 Control Centre

XL8 Control Centre
Quick Reference Guide

10 Chapter 3: About The XL8 Control Centre

Pull-out keyboard

The XL8 has a QWERTY keyboard that is used mainly for inputting text, such as when
configuring a channel or using automation. It is fitted on a sliding tray underneath the
output bay (see Figure 4 “Front and rear connectors on XL8 Control Centre” on page 9)
and only operates the output bay GUI screen.

XL8 Control Centre

Quick Reference Guide