Midas PRO6 Quick Reference Manual

PRO6 Control Centre

Quick Reference Guide

Midas,

Klark Teknik Building,

Walter Nash Road,

Kidderminster.

Worcestershire.

DY11 7HJ.

England.

Tel: [phone]

Fax: [phone]

Email: [e-mail]

Website: www.midasconsoles.com

PRO6 Control Centre - Quick Reference Guide

DOC04-DL3 Issue A - September 2008

© Telex Communications (UK) Limited

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

subject to change without notice. This Operator Manual 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 Unplug this apparatus during lightning

storms or when unused for long periods of
time.

13 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.

14 Use the mains plug to disconnect the

apparatus from the mains.

15 Warning: To reduce the risk of fire or

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

16 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.

17 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:

Telex Communications (UK) Limited

Address:

Klark Teknik Building,
Walter Nash Road,
Kidderminster.
Worcestershire.
DY11 7HJ.

hereby declares that the following product

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

The conformity of the product with EC directives is provided by the compliance with the following standards:

Standards/date:

Place, date: Kidderminster, UK

5th September 2008

Managing Director Business Line R+D Director Business Line

Printed name: John Oakley Printed name: Simon Harrison

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

PRO6 Control Centre 115V AC

230V AC

2.9A

1.5A

50/60Hz

reference number title

2004/108/EC EMC Directive (EMC)

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

reference number title

EN50081/1 Generic Standard Using EN55103 Limits and Methods

EN55103 Class B Conducted Emissions PAVI

EN55103 Class B Radiated Emissions PAVI

EN61000-4-4 Fast Transient Bursts at 2kV

EN61000-4-2 Static Discharge at 4kV

EN60204 Electrical Stress Test

EN60065 7

th

Edition

Electrical Safety

End-User License 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 the Midas™ or Klark Teknik™

product, as well as other software that we provide for installation on the product.

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

documentation without this software.

THIS AGREEMENT ("AGREEMENT" OR "LICENSE") STATES THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS UPON WHICH
TELEX COMMUNICATIONS, INC. ("COMPANY") OFFERS TO LICENSE THE INSTALLED FIRMWARE,
SOFTWARE, AND/OR PROGRAM ("the SOFTWARE") WITH THE MIDAS™ OR KLARK TEKNIK™ CONSOLE
OR SIGNAL PROCESSING PRODUCT ("PRODUCT") IN WHICH IT WAS INSTALLED BY, OR PROVIDED
FOR BY, THE COMPANY. YOU ARE AGREEING TO BECOME BOUND BY THE TERMS OF THIS LICENSE. IF
YOU DO NOT AGREE TO THE TERMS OF THIS LICENSE, DO NOT USE THIS PRODUCT. PROMPTLY
RETURN THE PRODUCT TO THE PLACE WHERE YOU OBTAINED IT FOR A FULL REFUND. You agree to
notify any persons who you permit to operate this Product of the terms of this License, and to expressly
obligate them in writing to comply with these terms.

The installed software as supplied by the Company is licensed, not sold, to you for use only under the
terms of this License, and the Company reserves all rights not expressly granted to you. You own the
Product on or in which the Software has been installed by the Company, but the Company retains
ownership of all copies of the Software itself, including those stored on or in the Product.

1. License: This limited License allows you, and other persons you permit to operate the Product,
to use the Software only on the single Product unit in which it was 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 Company's products. The Software is
protected by state trade secret laws as well as U.S. and international copyright and intellectual
property laws and treaties. All rights to copyrights, trademarks and trade secrets in the Software
or any modifications to it are owned by Company. Unauthorized copying of the Software or any
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transfer, loan, rent, or lease of the Product on which it is installed, and subject at all times to this
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OR TRANSLATE THE SOFTWARE OR CREATE DERIVATIVE WORKS BASED ON THE SOFTWARE OR
ANY ACCOMPANYING WRITTEN MATERIALS. (c) In the event you violate any term of this
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3. Limited Warranty: Subject to your installation of any Software updates issued by the Company
as described herein, the Company warrants that the Software shall cause the Product to operate
in compliance with the Product's material specifications and documentation for a period of
90 days from your purchase of the Product. The Company does not warrant that the operation of
the Software will meet your requirements or operate free from error. The Company DISCLAIMS
ALL WARRANTIES AND CONDITIONS EITHER EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING THE
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NON-INFRINGEMENT OF THIRD PARTY RIGHTS. You understand that the Company may update
or revise the Software and 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
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either the Software or the Product, that you install any such Software updates, as may be issued
from time to time by the Company for the Product or the Software, in accordance with
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and http://www.midasconsoles.com

4. Limited Liability: THE LIABILITY OF THE COMPANY FOR ANY CLAIMS ARISING OUT OF THIS
LICENSE AND/OR BASED UPON THE SOFTWARE, REGARDLESS OF THE FORM OF ACTION, SHALL
NOT EXCEED THE GREATER OF THE LICENSE FEE FOR THE SOFTWARE OR THE COST OF THE
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PAID FOR THE PRODUCT AND SOFTWARE REFLECTS THIS ALLOCATION OF RISK.

5. Other Third-Party Computer Programs: As referred to herein, the term "Software" refers
only to proprietary Midas™ or Klark Teknik™ Software, developed by Company, that has been
provided to you for installation on, or already installed in, your Midas™ or Klark Teknik™ Product.
In addition to this Software, you may have also been provided, at no additional charge, a version
of the widely-available Linux software, which is a modular operating system made up of hundreds
of individual software components, each of which were written and copyrighted individually by
various parties (collectively, the "Linux Programs"). Each component has its own applicable end
user license agreement. Many of the Linux Programs are licensed pursuant to a Linux End User
License Agreement ("Linux EULA") that permits you to copy, modify, and redistribute the
Software. However, you must review the on-line documentation that shares a directory or
otherwise accompanies each of the Linux Programs included in this Product, for the applicable
Linux EULA. Nothing in this license agreement limits your rights under, or grants you rights that
supersede, the terms of any applicable Linux EULA. If you wish to receive a computer-readable
copy of the source code for the Linux programs that have been provided with your Midas™ or
Klark Teknik™ product, send a check or money order (no cash accepted), your address, and
$10.00 to cover the cost of optical media, postage and handling, to:

Telex Communications, Inc.
ATTN: Linux Programs CD for Midas™/Klark Teknik™
12000 Portland Ave South
Burnsville, Minnesota 55337.

In your request, indicate your Product's name and model number, serial number, and
version/release information. This offer made pursuant to the Linux EULA may expire according
to the terms of the Linux EULA, in which case your check will be returned to you or destroyed at
our option. Please note that the Linux distribution that may be available to you under this offer
consists of the Linux kernel only and does not contain any application software not
covered by the Linux EULA. 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 License will terminate immediately if you violate any of the License 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 License constitutes the entire agreement between you and Company with respect
to this Software and supersedes any other communication (including advertising). If any
provision of this License is held unenforceable, that provision shall be enforced to the maximum
extent permissible so as to give effect the intent of this License, and the remainder of this
License shall continue in full force and effect. This License shall be governed by the laws of the
State of Minnesota, and the federal laws of the United States, without reference to conflict of
laws principles. You agree that the United Nations Convention on Contracts for the International
Sale of Goods is inapplicable to both this License and to the sale of the Product.

ix

PRO6 Control Centre
Quick Reference Guide

Precautions

Before installing, setting up or operating this equipment make sure 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

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 ix), switch off
the isolator switch (above the mains power
sockets on rear of control centre) and then
switch off the mains at the three mains outlets.
Unplug the three mains leads from the rear of
the control centre.

To avoid electrical 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 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.

During operation, a minimum of two of its three
mains inlets must be connected and supplying
power.

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 connect/disconnect a mains power
connector to/from the PRO6 Control Centre
while power is being applied to it. Switch the
power off first.

Before switching the PRO6 Control Centre on or
off, make sure that all monitor loudspeaker
power amplifiers are turned off or muted.

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.

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, wash it out with soap.

x Precautions

PRO6 Control Centre

Quick Reference Guide

Installation

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.

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. Whenever 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.

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.

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).

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.

Precautions xi

PRO6 Control Centre
Quick Reference Guide

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.

xii Precautions

PRO6 Control Centre

Quick Reference Guide

xiii

PRO6 Control Centre
Quick Reference Guide

Contents

Introduction

Chapter 1 Introducing The PRO6 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

Overview of the PRO6 Live Performance System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

System components (standard supply) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

About this guide . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

Chapter 2 About The PRO6 Control Centre . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5

Overview of the PRO6 Control Centre . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

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

PRO6 control surface . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

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

Front panel connections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

Rear panel connections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

Operation

Chapter 3 Working With The PRO6 Control Centre . . . . . . . . . .13

Basic GUI operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

Operating the GUI screen controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

Using the GUI menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

Text editing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

Chapter 4 Navigation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

An introduction to PRO6 navigation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

About the navigational controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

About the navigation ‘select’ sections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

How to navigate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

Chapter 5 Patching . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23

Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23

Function buttons . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24

About the patching procedure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25

Configuring the devices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25

Configuring the PRO6 with the snake type . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27

Setting up the I/O rack devices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27

How to patch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29

Chapter 6 Basic Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31

Principles of operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31

Operating modes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31

Hints and tips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32

Saving your work . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33

xiv Contents

PRO6 Control Centre

Quick Reference Guide

Setting a mic amplifier’s input gain . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .34

Setting the high and low pass filters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .35

Input equalisation (E zone) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .36

Input dynamics processing (D zone) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .37

Using VCA/POP groups . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .39

Setting up a mix . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .41

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

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

Scene and show management (automation) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .46

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

Using copy and paste . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .51

Surround panning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .53

Two-man operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .54

Saving your show files to USB memory stick . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .55

Connecting And Setting Up The System

Chapter 7 Setting Up The System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59

Initial set-up procedure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .59

Unpacking the equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .59

Making up a rack . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .59

Wiring instructions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .59

Powering the PRO6 system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .61

Switching the PRO6 Control Centre on/off . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .62

Setting up the DL351 Modular I/O unit ID . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .64

Appendices

Appendix A Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67

No audio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .67

Diagnostics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .67

Swapping the active master controller . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .68

PRO6 Control Centre
Quick Reference Guide

Volume 1:Introduction

3

PRO6 Control Centre
Quick Reference Guide

Chapter 1: Introducing The PRO6

Welcome to the PRO6 Control Centre. The PRO6 Control Centre is a user-friendly,
state-of-the-art, high performance digital console specifically designed for live use.

The PRO6 Control Centre, which forms an integral part of the PRO6 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 PRO6 Live Performance System!

Overview of the PRO6 Live Performance System

The PRO6 Live Performance System is a very powerful and flexible audio processing
system that provides a complete solution for any audio mixing and signal distribution
application in a live sound environment.

Despite its compact size the standard PRO6 offers 56 channel inputs, eight returns, 41
buses (16 auxes, 16 matrices, three masters and six solos), eight on-board effects
processors, PEQs (four-band on inputs and six-band on outputs), eight standard (up to

36 maximum) 31-band GEQs, eight configurable stereo effects

1

, 5.1 surround panning
and comprehensive, easy-to-use routing. PRO6 automation provides up to 1,000
scenes with snapshot save/recall capability and global edit, and show file archiving.

The PRO6 Control Centre forms the core of the PRO6 Live Performance System, which
also includes two 19” rack units — a DL351 Modular I/O (7U) and a DL371 DSP (7U) —
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 PRO6 uses a proven stable Linux
operating system. All of the console’s internal and network routing (“patching”) is
managed via the graphical user interface (GUI).

Operation of the control surface is intuitive, unique and easy. Its layout is based on
familiar analogue lines to retain that ‘analogue’ feel. To manage the numerous
channels, the PRO6 Control Centre utilises VCA/POP groups and colours, and
additionally there are various navigational controls that aid quick channel/bus access
and selection. A daylight-viewable GUI at the top of the control surface assists
operation and provides extra functionality.

The PRO6 Live Performance System is tolerant of many types of hardware or software
failure. 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.

The Klark Teknik DN9696 Recorder can be used with the PRO6 Live Performance
System for live multi-track recording and ‘virtual’ sound check. Optional equipment
includes the XL8 DL451 I/O and DL431 splitter, and the DN9331 RapidE for remote GEQ
operation.

1. Each can be configured to generate four additional GEQs, making a total of 36 available on the console
(plus one stereo effect).

4 Chapter 1: Introducing The PRO6

PRO6 Control Centre

Quick Reference Guide

System components (standard supply)

The PRO6 Live Performance System is modular, allowing for some variations in physical
placement and system size. The standard PRO6 package touring system is configured

as a 14U rack (containing two DL3n1 units) in a single, easily portable flight case, with
an equally portable, flight-cased control surface and minimal cabling. This package
comprises:

• 1-off PRO6 Control Centre (in a flight case). Its user-configurable modular I/O rack

(rear panel) will be populated with the following modules (from top to bottom):

• DL443 analogue Jack I/O module, providing eight Jack line inputs and eight Jack
line outputs.

• DL441 analogue input (mic) module, providing eight balanced mic/line inputs.

• DL452 digital (AES3) I/O module, providing four stereo AES/EBU inputs and
outputs.

• 1-off main 14U rack (in a flight case), which houses:

• 1-off DL351 Modular I/O. This is populated with seven DL441 analogue input
modules (56 main inputs) and a DL442 analogue output module. There are a
total of 64-off XLR mic/line inputs provided on the system.

• 1-off DL371 DSP. This is populated with five cards, the two empty slots being
blanked off.

• 4-off interconnecting (N+1) rack cat5E copper cables.

• 2-off interconnecting (dual redundant) gigabit HyperMac Cat5E copper cables,
each 100 m long.

• 8-off mains cables.

About this guide

This is the Quick Reference Guide for the PRO6 Control Centre. Its purpose is to quickly
familiarise the user with the PRO6 Control Centre, show how to set up the PRO6 Live
Performance System and then show how to carry out some basic operations on the
PRO6 Control Centre 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 57, respectively. The
rest of the guide is intended for general readership.

For full details on the PRO6 Live Performance System and the PRO6 Control Centre,
refer to the PRO6 Live Performance System Owner’s Manual (part number DOC02-DL3),
which can be found on our website at www.midasconsoles.com.

Note: The content of this guide does not supersede any information supplied with any
other item of the PRO6 Live Performance System.

5

PRO6 Control Centre
Quick Reference Guide

Chapter 2: About The PRO6 Control
Centre

This chapter introduces you to the PRO6 Control Centre and provides a brief hardware
description.

Overview of the PRO6 Control Centre

The PRO6 Control Centre has a combined control surface and GUI that provide an array
of easy-to-use controls for the precise manipulation of audio.

The PRO6 Control Centre is of modular construction and is built on a robust Midas steel
frame chassis similar to those used for established Midas analogue products. The frame
houses three full size bays with a smaller one on the right. All of the bays are
controlled from a single processor and, collectively, provide the primary mixing needs
of the engineer.

All associated power supplies, computer motherboards, memory, graphics cards etc.
are housed within the PRO6 Control Centre, which also contains a digital audio router
box that supports local FOH (insert) I/O connectors on the rear panel. Substantial
forced air-cooling is provided by a bulkhead and large (but slow moving) internal fans.
These produce very low noise, suitable for seated areas theatres and concert sound.

Externally, the PRO6 Control Centre has three main areas: control surface, GUI and
rear panel. The control surface is populated with instantly recognisable controls that
are logically distributed in major sections. The GUI, which comprises two screens at the
top of the centre bays, enhances operation by providing visual representations of the
control surface and also gives you extra functionality. The rear panel provides all of the
console and network connectivity, and houses the mains power sockets and isolator
switch.

Being of modular design, the overall form and shape of the PRO6 is similar to Midas’
flagship XL8. The PRO6 is split into bays, each one containing a flat fader tray and
shallow raked control area. The centre bays also have a third area that houses a
steep-raked display screen.

GUI screens

Control surface

Connector panel

Rear view

6 Chapter 2: About The PRO6 Control Centre

PRO6 Control Centre

Quick Reference Guide

Multiple hardware fault types are tolerated by the PRO6 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. Either
of the GUI screens can be used to operate the whole PRO6 Control Centre, even if none
of the control surface hardware is working. The unit offers the facility of universal
input, N+1 redundant power supplies with three latching mains connectors.

Bay and GUI layout

The PRO6 Control Centre has four discrete bays that house the following control surface
controls:

• Input bays (12-channel and 4-channel) — two input bays provide fast access to
input faders and important signal processing controls.

• Mix bay — provides access to outputs and groups, a detailed processing controller
(all channels) and navigational controls.

• Master bay — provides access to the master output mixes, monitor (A and B)
faders, automation, comms control, assignable effects control, and another set of
detailed processing and navigational controls.

Figure 1: Bay and GUI layout

Two GUI display screens at the top of the central bays provide extensive screen support
(standard configuration) and extra functionality for the channels and buses. For
example, when mixing or processing. They also facilitate the use of the GUI menu,
which gives you access to the many powerful features of the PRO6, such as patching,
effects, GEQs, diagnostics etc.

6

1

2

5

3

4

1 Input bay (12-channel).
2 Mix bay.
3 Master bay.

4 Input bay (4-channel).
5 Mix bay GUI screen.
6 Master bay GUI screen.

7 Talk mic and USB

connectors.

7

PRO6 control surface 7

PRO6 Control Centre
Quick Reference Guide

PRO6 control surface

The control surface of the PRO6 Control Centre is divided into areas (see Figure 2)
whose function is, largely, dependent on bay location. Each bay has assorted control
elements with local feedback and/or support from the two centrally located GUI display
screens. The screens can be remoted via external VGA connections, and third party
systems can also be viewed/controlled via an integrated KVM switch on the rear panel.

Figure 2: Main areas of the control surface

A A

B

D

E

G

H

A — input fast zone: 16 input fast

strips across the 12-channel and
4-channel input bays provide the
operator’s ‘must have now’ controls.

B — channel strip and mixes:

processing areas, such as the D-zone
(dynamic), E-zone (EQ) and mix controls,
provide a more comprehensive control by
allowing detailed adjustments to a single
channel’s audio parameters.

C — channel and bus navigation

zone: sections for channel and bus

navigation and selection. For details, see
Chapter 4 “Navigation”.

D — output fast zone: 16 output fast

strips can be used for mixing and
processing aux, return, matrix and
master channels. Navigation and flip
buttons are on the right of the output fast
strips.

E — VCA and POP groups: VCA faders

and POP group sections.

F — miscellaneous: master fast strips,

A and B signal path monitoring,
communications, I-zone, surround
monitoring and mute groups.

G — primary navigation zone:

trackballs for mix and master bay GUI
screen control, and a screen access panel
(between trackballs) for direct access to
GUI menu options.

H — automation: scene store/recall

and system edit.

C

C

F

B

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Quick Reference Guide

During show time the screen functions that require fast access are controlled by control
knobs, pushbutton switches, faders etc. More complex functions that do not require
this fast access are controlled by the trackballs and navigational keys. A keyboard
integral to the flight case is used for text entry via the master bay GUI screen. An
external USB keyboard can be used to operate the mix bay GUI screen.

The choice of controls provided by each bay type are prioritised by access time
importance. Fast zone areas, which contain fast strips, give instant access to specific
functions across the bay and channel strips give greater control of the selected fast
strip.

GUI

The GUI comprises two screens that provide a pictorial representation of the control
surface layout 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 provides access to all the screens that you will require to set up,
configure, manage and operate the entire PRO6 Control Centre, all from a single drop­down list of easy to follow options.

Figure 3: Layout of the GUI screens

Channel

strip

Overview screen

(mix bay GUI screen)

InputsOutputs

All meters display

Inputs and

automation

summary

Meters screen

(master bay GUI screen)

Banner

Front panel connections 9

PRO6 Control Centre
Quick Reference Guide

Each GUI screen has its own default display (Overview and Meters as shown in
Figure 3), although either is selectable via the GUI main menu. The Overview screen
displays 12 inputs and two sets of eight outputs, and the Meters screen shows all the
meters, four inputs and a summary of the automation. Both screens have a banner at
the top, which is constantly displayed, and a channel strip down the outermost side.

The channel strips have a similar function to the ones on the control surface (see
Figure 2 on page 7), but provide extra functionality. Each displays an ‘overview’ of the
associated selected channel, which is divided into specific sections that provide access
to processing areas.

Front panel connections

The panel to the left of the mix bay GUI screen (item 7 in Figure 1) has an XLR socket
and two USB sockets for connecting a talk mic and USB devices, respectively. For
example, you can connect a USB memory stick for show file backup and transfer, or a
USB keyboard for text editing on the GUI.

Rear panel connections

A connector panel on the rear of the PRO6 Control Centre has three main sections (see
below). On the left are three mains power inlet and ventilation assemblies, with a
DC power switch above. The mid-section contains connections for the audio, network,
communications, intercoms, synchronisation, external remote devices and peripheral
devices. The section on the right is the user-configurable modular I/O section.

The modular I/O section can house up to three of any of the following I/O modules in
any combination: DL441 analogue input module; DL442 analogue output module;
DL443 analogue insert input/output module; and DL452 digital in/out (AES/EBU)
module. This gives a maximum of 24 inputs and 24 outputs, if the appropriate cards
are fitted. The following diagram shows the standard I/O module configuration in which
the DL443 (top), DL441 (middle) and DL452 (bottom) are fitted.

Mains power

and ventilation

Audio, control

and networking

I/O

10 Chapter 2: About The PRO6 Control Centre

PRO6 Control Centre

Quick Reference Guide

PRO6 Control Centre
Quick Reference Guide

Volume 1:Operation