Midas SIENA Operator's Manual

Telex Communications (UK) Ltd,

Klark Teknik Building,

Walter Nash Road,

Kidderminster.

Worcestershire.

DY11 7HJ.

England.

Tel:+44 1562 741515

Fax:+44 1562 745371

Website: www.midasconsoles.com

OPERATORS MANUAL

MIDAS Siena audio mixing console

DOC02-Siena Issue 1.0 - Janruary 2005

Telex Communciations (UK) Ltd.

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

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

Important Safety InstructionsImportant Safety Instructions

IEC-60065-Edn7-Midas

These symbols are internationally accepted symbols that warn of potential hazards with electrical products.

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.

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 manufacturers 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. Onlyuse attachments / accessories specified by the manufacturer.

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 is 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, orhas been dropped.

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.

CAUTION

RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK

DO NOT OPEN

WARNING: TO REDUCE THE RISK OF FIRE OR ELECTRIC SHOCK,

DO NOT EXPOSE THIS APPLIANCE TO RAIN OR MOISTURE

AVIS: RISQUE DE CHOC ELECTRIQUE. NE PAS OUVRIR

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 appliance.

DECLARATION OF CONFORMITY

We, Telex Communications (UK) Ltd

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

Declare that a sample of the following product:-

to which this declaration refers, is in conformity with the following directives and/or standards:-

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

A Subsidiary of Telex Communications, Inc.

Siena Professional Audio 115V AC 2.2A 50/60Hz

Mixing Desk 230V AC 1.1A

Directive(s) Test Standard(s)

Generic Standard using EN55103 Limits and Methods

EN50081/2

Class B Conduct Emissions EN55103 Class B Radiated Emissions EN55103 Fast Transient Bursts EN61000-4-4 Static Discharge EN61000-4-2

Electrical Safety

EN60065:2002 UL60065-03 CAN/CSA60065-03 IEC60065-2001

Pending

Signed:............................ Date: 1st February 2005

Name: Simon Harrison

Authority: Research and Development Director, TelexCommunications (UK) Ltd

Attention! Where applicable, the attention of the specifier, purchaser, installer or user is drawn to special limitations of use which must be observed when these products are taken into service to maintain compliance with the above directives. Details of these special measures and limitations to use are available on request and are available in product manuals.

Telex Communcations (UK) Ltd, Klark Teknik Building, Walter Nash Road, Kidderminster. Worcs. DY11 7HJ. England Tel:+44 1562 741515 Fax:+44 1562 745371 www.midasconsoles.com www.klarkteknik.com

Welcome

Thank You for using a Midas Siena mixing console. The Siena has been developed to meet the needs of even the most

demanding live sound applications. The console delivers both the quality of build and superior audio performance that you would expect from a Midas. All backed up, of course, by the standard Midas Three Year Warranty.

The Siena is an all purpose Monitor or Monitor/Front of House (FOH) hybrid console that is quickly and easily configurable.

Available in 24, 32, 40, 48, 56 and 64 input channel frame sizes, each mono input channel offers microphone and line inputs with four band swept equaliser, direct output and insert send/return. In addition to a master stereo bus, each channel may be assigned onto the console's 16 mix sends, configurable for mono or stereo operation, and featuring independent pre/post switching, level/level or level/pan control.

The 16 mix bus outputs provide the flexibility to generate mono floor monitor or stereo wireless in-ear monitor feeds, with each bus featuring dedicated metering, an insert point and fader level control. In addition, any mix bus from 9 to 16 may be routed and panned onto the stereo master providing sub mixing capabilities for FOH applications.

A comprehensive solo system and five auto mute groups further enhance the Siena's feature set for dealing with the most demanding of applications.

Please take the time to complete and return the registration card and, to obtain the best results, please read this operator's manual.

Finally,

Enjoy your new Midas Siena Console!

Operators Manual - Page 5

Contents

ATTENTION: Installation and power

Input Channels 7

Master Section : Mix Bus Outputs 13

Master Section: Stereo Master and Monitoring Controls

Setting up the Siena 27

Functional Block Diagrams 35

Dimensions and Weights 39

Rear Panel Description 41

Specification and Features 43

Crib Sheet 47

Rear Panel and Gain 8 Channel Equalisation 9 Mix sends (Auxiliary sends and groups) 10 Routing to Stereo Master Outputs 11 Metering and Automutes 12

Mix Bus Outputs (Auxiliary Send/ Group Masters) 14 Rear Panel and Metering 15 Direct Input to Mix 16 Mix Bus 1-8 Master Controls 17 Mix bus 9-16 Master Controls 18

Rear Panel and Metering 19 Direct Input Master Controls 20 Talkback 21 Auto Mute Masters 22 Local Monitoring and Headphone Outputs 23 The Solo System (AFL and PFL) 24 Helix Digital Equaliser and Solo Tracking System 25 Stereo Master Output Controls 26

Mono Input Diagram 36 Mix Output Diagram 37 Master Module Diagram 38

Connections

Male XLR

Pin 1 - Screen/Ground

Pin 2 - Hot Signal Pin 3 - Cold Signal

ATTENTION

The following special limitations must be observed in order to maintain safety and electromagnetic compatibility performance.

Power Connection

The console should only be operated with the power supply connected to ground via the ground in the mains connector.

Audio Connections

The console should only be operated with high quality twisted-pair audio cables. All connector shells should be of metal construction so that they provide a screen when connected to the console. All jack connector shells should be connected to the cable screen. All XLR plugs should have pin one (1) connected to the cable screen.

Electric Fields

If the console is operated in an electromagnetic field that is amplitude modulated by an audio frequency signal, the signal to noise ratio may be degraded. Degradation of up to 60dB may be experienced under extreme conditions (3V/m, 90% modulation).

INSTALLATION

Position

Power

The position of the console will vary from venue to venue. However, when positioning the console for front of house usage it is worth placing the console in a position where the sound system used can be heard properly from the mix position. Try to avoid placing the console behind pillars or large objects , or mixing from a level above the speaker position (e.g. from a balcony).

Also try to avoid placing the console near or on any power distribution units or power amplifiers.

If using an external power supply, it should be located as far away from the console as the connecting cable will allow. The power supply should be set for the voltage supply available in your area and plugged into the mains outlet using the cable provided.

THE POWER SUPPLY SHOULD NEVER BE OPERATED WITH

THE MAINS EARTH DISCONNECTED

Please note that the power supply contains LETHAL VOLTAGES greatly in excess of

the mains voltage and that it’s rails can produce extremely large currents which

could burn out equipment and wiring if shorted. All testing and servicing should

ONLY be carried out by aqualified engineer.

Female XLR

Pin 1 - Screen/Ground Pin 2 - Hot Signal Pin 3 - Cold Signal

Connections

Quarter Inch Jack

TRS Signal TRS Insert TRS Headphone

Sleeve Screen/Ground Screen/Ground Screen/Ground Ring Cold Signal Insert Return Right Tip Hot Signal Insert Send Left

Operators Manual - Page 6

Input Channel

Operators Manual - Page 7

l r

pan

stereo

MIDAS

3-4

pre

5-6

pre

-8

pre

-21

15-16

pre

11-12

pre

13-14

pre

9-1

pre

ins

mic gain

300 1k

2050400

4003k8k

20k

2060400

padpower

48v

eq on

mix pre

off

treble

hi-mid

lo-mid

bass

hi-pass

mic

160

10k

100

001

mute

auto

MUTE

SOLO

2060400

hi-pass

16 0

line L

PUSH

insert

mic

line

direct

out

Input ChannelsInput Channels

The Siena channel inputs are located on the rear of the console. Each channel provides:

one insert point on a single TRS jack socket. one direct output on a single impedance balanced quarter-inch jack socket one line in quarter-inch TRS balanced jack socket one mic balanced XLR female

The channel is unbalanced and requires a conventionally wired insert lead where: - Channel Signal Send

- Channel Signal Return

- Signal Common Ground

The direct out and insert points operate at a nominal level of 0dBu.

Balanced XLR and Jack inputs are conventionally wired:

- 1. Screen - 2. Hot Signal - 3. Cold Signal

- T. Hot Signal - R. Cold Signal - S. Screen

The console's are set post fader as standard. However, an internal jumper may be set to offer one of four alternatives:

Pre EQ, insert, channel fader and mute. Pre EQ and channel fader, but post insert and mute. Post EQ and insert, but pre channel fader and mute. Pre channel fader, but post insert, EQ and mute.

insert point Tip Ring Sleeve

XLR TRS

direct outputs

Please refer to theservice manual or contact your authorisedMidas service agent for more details onsetting this option.

ins

mic gain

+30 +45

+60+15

mic

padpower

48v -15

Front Panel

All input channels on the Siena console are mono and the actual number available will depend on your choice of frame.

Rear Panel

48V Power - When depressed, the Siena

will apply 48 volts phantom power to the microphone input. This is used to power condenser microphones, direct inject boxes and other devices that require phantom power.

The red phantom LED will light to indicate that 48V phantom is in operation.

-15dB Pad - The Pad switch provides 15dB attenuation to the input signal allowing for the connection of high output microphones and line level signals without overloading the channel input amplifier. Overloads are indicated on the in-channel meter by the red LED at the top.

Mic Gain - The mic gain is continuously variable from +15dB to +60dB (0dB to +45dB with the Pad enabled). The actual value of the gain required will depend upon the source and should ideally be set such that peaks in level on the input should not cause the input amplifier to overload (occasional peaks of +12dB is okay, +18dB is too high).

Mic Ø - The mic phase switch, when depressed, causes a 180 degree phase change (with respect to the input signal) to occur in the input amplifier such that the channel signal will have opposite polarity to the input signal.

The mic phase switch is commonly needed where two microphones are used facing each other (for example when using a microphone on both the top and bottom of a snare drum). Ordinarily the two microphones would be out of phase causing cancellation when the console sums the two signals into the output. Reversing the phase of one signal causes the microphones to have the same phase and no cancellation.

Ins - The ins switch enables the channel insert point by connecting the insert return to the channel signal path. The insert is switched into circuit before the EQ section, and may be used to apply external processing such as compression, gating or effects to the channel signal.

Hi-Pass - The Hi-Pass switch enables the high pass filter in the channel signal path. The filter is located before the insert point and channel equaliser, and is ideal for removing low frequency handling noise, bass rumble or mains hum.

High Pass Frequency - The cutoff frequency of the high pass filter is continuously variable from 20Hz to 400Hz.

Operators Manual - Page 8

2050400

eq on

mix pre

off

bass

100

300 1k

4003k8k

hi-mid

lo-mid

001

20k

treble

10k

Channel Equalisation

Each input channel of the Siena has a four (4) band sweep EQ allowing tonal control over the input signal.

- The gain of the treble equaliser is continuously variable from -15dB to +15dB

with a centre detent at 0dB.

- The centre frequency of the treble equaliser is continuously variable from

2kHz to 20kHz.

- The gain of the hi-mid equaliser is continuously variable from -15dB to +15dB

with a centre detent at 0dB.

- The centre frequency of the hi-mid equaliser is continuously variable from

400Hz to 8kHz.

- The centre frequency of the lo-mid equaliser is continuously variable from

100Hz to 2kHz.

- The gain of the lo-mid equaliser is continuously variable from -15dB to +15dB

with a centre detent at 0dB.

- The centre frequency of the bass equaliser is continuously variable from

20Hz to 400Hz.

- The gain of the bass equaliser is continuously variable from -15dB to +15dB with a

centre detent at 0dB.

- The Equaliser can be enabled by depressing the EQ On switch. Otherwise changes on the Equaliser controls have no effect. This can be used to compare the sound with and without EQ during sound check.

Treble (Gain)

Treble (frequency)

Hi-Mid (Gain)

Hi-Mid (frequency)

Lo-Mid (frequency)

Lo-Mid (Gain)

Bass (frequency)

Bass (Gain)

EQ On

EQ Off (mix pre) Depressing the EQ Off (mix pre) switch causes pre fader sends onto mix busses

1-16 to be sourced before the channel equaliser. For example, you may wish to EQ the channel signal feeding the master stereo bus while deriving mix sends pre EQ. Note: post fader sends are always post EQ.

Operators Manual - Page 9

Input ChannelsInput Channels

l r

pan

stereo

MIDAS

3-4

pre

5-6

pre

-8

pre

-21

15-16

pre

11-12

pre

13-14

pre

9-1

pre

ins

mic gain

300 1k

2050400

4003k8k

20k

2060400

padpower

48v

eq on

mix pre

off

treble

hi-mid

lo-mid

bass

hi-pass

mic

160

10k

100

001

mute

auto

MUTE

SOLO

Mix Sends (Auxiliary Sends and Groups)

For maximum flexibility, the Siena has 16 mix busses for use as auxiliary sends or groups. In addition, any pair of busses may be configured for mono or stereo operation.

For example, today you may be using the console purely as a monitor desk, in which case you probably want to generate as many auxiliary sends as possible. In addition, you may require both mono and stereo mixes to feed a mixture of floor monitors and wireless in-ear monitoring. By configuring any odd/even pair of the Siena's mix busses for stereo operation, you have complete flexibility over the console layout.

Alternatively, in a hybrid FOH/monitor application, you may wish to create both auxiliary sends and group masters. Note that the controls for mix outputs 9-16 vary slightly from those for mix outputs 1-8. This is due to the fact that mix bus outputs 9-16 may be routed, and panned, onto the stereo master bus. Therefore, mix busses 9-16 are ideal for use as group outputs as they may be output separately from the console and/or summed onto the stereo master for a FOH mix. For these reasons, use mix busses 1-8 for auxiliary sends and 916 to create audio sub groups when working in a hybrid FOH/Monitor application.

mix sends are sourced after the channel insert, mute and EQ but before the channel fader. They will also be fed pre EQ if the (EQ Off) switch is depressed. As a result, the actual level sent to the aux bus is proportional to the mix send control only.

mix sends are sourced after the channel insert, mute, EQ and channel fader. As a result, the actual

level sent to the mix bus is proportional to the aux send control AND the channel fader.

Please note that, for illustration purposes, mix sends 1 and 2, only, are shown below. However, all 16 mix sends work in the same manner. In addition, to help locate the correct send more easily, sends 9 to 16 are highlighted by a lighter background panel colour.

Pre Fade

mix pre

Post Fade

Operators Manual - Page 10

Input ChannelsInput Channels

l r

pre

-21

l r

pre

-21

Mix Send Level - The mix send level is continuously variable from off (-inf ) to +6dB.

Mix Send Level - The mix send level is continuously variable from off (-inf) to +6dB.

Mix Send Pre/Post Switching

pre

Any mix send may be sourced pre fader by depressing the button. In this mode, the channel fader has no effect upon the level of the signal sent to the mix bus.

Note: both pre and post fade sends are muted when the channel mute is enabled.

When configured for stereo operation, the upper switch is inactive.pre

Mix Send Pre/Post Switching

pre

Use the lower of the two switches to switch the stereo send pre fader. In this mode, the channel fader has no effect upon the level of the signal sent to the mix bus.

Note: both pre and post fade sends are muted when the channel mute is enabled.

Stereo Send Operation

stereo

pre

Stereo sends are configured globally for each odd/even pair of mix busses by the recessed switches located beside each pair of master faders in the Master section. Please refer to Page 17 for more details.

If mix busses are configured for stereo operation, the two rotary controls and switches behave slightly differently from mono mix sends to provide stereo pan, send level and pre/post fader control:

Mix Send Pan The mono signal from the channel may be positioned within the stereo field using the left/right pan control. Turn the control fully anticlockwise to pan signal to the left (mix bus 1) or clockwise to pan to the right (mix bus 2). Adjustment between hard left and hard right is continuous.

Note: the pan control obeys a constant power law (i.e. -3db at the centre.)

l r

pan

stereo

MIDAS

3-4

pre

5-6

pre

-8

pre

-21

15-16

pre

11-12

pre

13-14

pre

9-1

pre

ins

mic gain

300 1k

2050400

4003k8k

20k

2060400

padpower

48v

eq on

mix pre

off

treble

hi-mid

lo-mid

bass

hi-pass

mic

160

10k

100

001

mute

auto

MUTE

SOLO

pan

stereo

MUTE

Routing to the Stereo Master Output

In addition to the 16 mix bus sends, Siena features a stereo master output.

Typically, this would be used to generate the Front of House (FOH) mix for hybrid FOH/monitor applications. In stand alone monitor applications, the master output may remain unused or provide an additional stereo output bus.

Operators Manual - Page 11

Input ChannelsInput Channels

Pan The mono signal from the channel may be positioned within the stereo field using the channel pan control. Turn the control fully anticlockwise to pan signal to the left or clockwise to pan to the right. Adjustment between hard left and hard right is continuous, with a centre detent.

Note: the pan control obeys a constant power law (i.e. -3db at the centre.)

Stereo stereoDepressing the switch routes the channel signal onto the stereo (master left and right) bus. The signal is sourced post EQ, pan, mute and fader.

Mute MUTE- The switch mutes the channel signal feeding all 16 mix bus (pre or post fader) and stereo master bus outputs. However, signal will still be sent to the insert send. The mute status of the channel is indicated by the corresponding mute LED.

Note: the mute switch may be controlled from any of the five Auto Mute masters, see Page 22 for details.

l r

pan

stereo

MIDAS

3-4

pre

5-6

pre

-8

pre

-21

15-16

pre

11-12

pre

13-14

pre

9-1

pre

ins

mic gain

300 1k

2050400

4003k8k

20k

2060400

padpower

48v

eq on

mix pre

off

treble

hi-mid

lo-mid

bass

hi-pass

mic

160

10k

100

001

mute

auto

MUTE

SOLO

MIDAS

mute

auto

SOLO

Operators Manual - Page 12

Input ChannelsInput Channels

Channel Fader - The channel fader allows for continuous adjustment of the channel level from off (-inf) to +10dB. At 0dB, the output of the channel to the stereo master and 16 Mix busses will be at unity gain (i.e. no boost or cut in level from the input).

Solo - When selected, the channel SOLO switch routes signal onto the After Fade Listen (AFL) and Pre Fade Listen (PFL) outputs. The solo LED indicator illuminates to show that the channel solo is active.

Depending on the AFL and PFL selector in the master section, you may now be listening to the channel signal after the fader (AFL) or pre fader (PFL) on either the main monitor or headphone outputs.

Note: the AFL bus is a stereo bus; the PFL bus is mono. For more details on AFL and PFL monitoring, please refer to the 'The Solo System' on page 24.

4 LED Meter - The 4 LED meter indicates the channel's peak signal level, measured after the insert point and EQ, but before the channel fader and mute. This provides a confidence meter, allowing the user to monitor the input signal prior to opening the fader, or deselecting the channel mute.

With the insert and EQ disabled, the meter shows the peak signal level in four stages:

+18dB - Overload (Peak) +12dB - High Level 0dB - Normal Level

-18dB - Signal Present

The in-channel meter is especially useful when setting the microphone gain of a channel. Also, as the, meter is post EQ, it is possible to see the effect that the channel equalisation has upon the level.

For optimal performance, the level for input channels should be around +6db. Therefore, ideally, the in-line meters should show the 0dB LED illuminated consistently when signal is present, with occasional illumination of the +12dB LED.

Note: it may be necessary to turn the input gain down when excessive EQ is used to prevent the channel from overloading.

Auto Mute 1, 2, 3, 4 & 5 The Siena has five auto mute groups that can be controlled from the master section of the console. To assign an input channel to an auto mute group, switch in the desired auto mute switch.

Note: auto mute 5 is also available on the 16 mix and stereo output masters and, therefore, you may wish to reserve this group for dealing with output mute functions.

Commonly, the auto mute groups are used to provide easy muting of similar channels. For example:

Drum Mics Allows the engineer to mute the whole drum kit at once. Choir Overheads Allows the engineer to quickly remove all choir mics at once Orchestra Parts Allows the engineer to zone mics together (e.g. Brass,

Strings, etc.) and mute sections together if they were not playing.

Note: the auto mute groups and the individual channel mutes work like a logical OR where any single or combination of mutes will mute the channel output. This means, for example, that if channel 1 is assigned to auto mute group 4, and both the auto mute master and channel mute are active, the output of the channel will remain muted until the auto mute master and individual channel mute are deactivated.

Channels Reason

both

l r

pan

stereo

MIDAS

3-4

pre

5-6

pre

-8

pre

-21

15-16

pre

11-12

pre

13-14

pre

9-1

pre

ins

mic gain

300 1k

2050400

4003k8k

20k

2060400

padpower

48v

eq on

mix pre

off

treble

hi-mid

lo-mid

bass

hi-pass

mic

160

10k

100

001

mute

auto

MUTE

SOLO

Master Section

Operators Manual - Page 13

+ 35 hidden pages

Midas SIENA Operator's Manual

Specifications and Main Features

Frequently Asked Questions

User Manual