Midas consoles F32, F16 Operator Manual

F16, F24 and F32

Professional Audio Mixing

Consoles

Operator Manual

Midas Klark Teknik Ltd.,

Klark Industrial Park,

Walter Nash Road,

Kidderminster.

Worcestershire.

DY11 7HJ.

England.

Tel: [phone]

Fax: [phone]

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

VeniceF — Operator Manual

DOC02-VENICEF Issue A — December 2010

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.

© Red Chip Company Ltd.

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.

INSTRUCTIONS DE SÉCURITÉ IMPORTANTES

Le symbole représentant un éclair fléché dans un triangle équilatéral a pour but
d'alerter l'utilisateur de la présence d'une "tension dangereuse" non isolée à
l'intérieur du boîtier, pouvant être d'une force suffisante pour constituer un risque
d'électrocution.

Le point d'exclamation dans un triangle équilatéral a pour but d'alerter
l'utilisateur de la présence d'instructions importantes concernant le
fonctionnement et la maintenance, dans la documentation qui accompagne
l'appareil.

1 Veuillez lire ces instructions.
2 Conservez ces instructions.
3 Respectez toutes les consignes de

sécurité.

4 Suivez scrupuleusement toutes les

instructions.

5 N'utilisez pas cet appareil près d'un point

d'eau.

6 Utilisez uniquement un chiffon sec pour le

nettoyer.

7 N'obstruez aucune des ouïes de

ventilation. Installez-le en respectant les
instructions du fabricant.

8 Ne l'installez pas près de sources de

chaleur tels que radiateurs, panneaux
chauffants, étuves, ou autres appareils
produisant de la chaleur (dont les
amplificateurs).

9 Ne pas utiliser d'adaptateur pour

supprimer la prise de terre des prises à
trois fiches. Si la prise fournie ne peut pas
être branchée dans la prise électrique,
adressez-vous à un électricen qui
remplacera la prise obsolète.

10 Protégez le cordon secteur afin que l'on ne

marche pas dessus et qu'il ne soit pas
pincé, surtout au niveau des prises, ou à
l'endroit où il sort de l'appareil.

11 Utilisez exclusivement des fixations et des

accessoires recommandés par le fabricant.

12 Utilisez l'appareil uniquement

avec le chariot, le trépied, le
support ou la table spécifiés
par le fabricant, ou vendus
avec l'appareil. Si un chariot
est utilisé, prenez toutes les précautions
nécessaires lorsque vous devez déplacer
l'ensemble (chariot et appareil) afin qu'ils
ne se renversent pas.

13 Débranchez l'appareil en période d'orage

ou s'il doit rester inutilisé pendant
longtemps.

14 Confiez toutes les réparations et

interventions à un personnel qualifié. Une
intervention est nécessaire si l'appareil a
été endommagé d'une façon ou d'une
autre, si son cordon ou sa prise secteur
ont été endommagés, si du liquide a été
renversé ou si des objets sont tombés à
l'intérieur, ou encore si l'appareil a été
exposé à la pluie ou à l'humidité, s'il ne
fonctionne pas normalement, ou s'il est
tombé.

15 Débrancher l'appareil du réseau électrique

par la prise de secteur.

16 Avertissement : afin de réduire le

risque d'incendie ou de choc
électrique, ne pas exposer cet
appareil à la pluie ou à de l'humidité.

17 Avertissement : n'exposez pas cet

équipement aux éclaboussures et
veillez à ce qu'aucun récipient rempli
de liquide, verre ou vase, ne soit posé
dessus.

18 Avertissement : la prise secteur doit

toujours rester directement
accessible.

v

Contents

IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . iii

INSTRUCTIONS DE SÉCURITÉ IMPORTANTES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . iv

Contents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . v

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

Overview of the VeniceF . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1

Key features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

Control surface . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

Rear panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

External connections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

Signal flow . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

Mix matrix . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

About this manual . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

Service and support . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

Chapter 2 Getting Started. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11

Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

Handling the equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

Radio frequency interference . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

Electric fields . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

Connecting up . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

Audio connections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

Connecting to balanced/unbalanced equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

Other connections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

Setting up . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

Switching the VeniceF on/off . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

Chapter 3 Using The VeniceF With FireWire. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17

Installing FireWire on a PC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

Step A — Installing the device driver on your PC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

Step B — Connecting the VeniceF to your PC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

Step C — Configuring the FireWire settings for the VeniceF . . . . . . . 22

Installing FireWire on a Mac . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25

Step A — Installing the device driver on your Mac . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25

Step B — Connecting the VeniceF to your Mac . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27

Step C — Configuring the FireWire settings for the VeniceF . . . . . . . 27

Updating the FireWire driver . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27

Troubleshooting FireWire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28

Audio problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28

No devices found . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28

Overcoming ground loop problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28

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vi Contents

Chapter 4 Working With The Console . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29

Ground loop problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .29

Chapter 5 Mono Input Channel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31

Overview of the mono input channel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .32

Rear panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .33

Gain . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .34

FireWire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .35

Insert . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .35

EQ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .36

Monitors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .37

Auxes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .38

Pan, routing, mute and solo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .39

Fader and meter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .41

Chapter 6 Dual Stereo Input Channel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43

Overview of the dual stereo input channel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .44

Rear panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .45

Gain (stereo mic inputs) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .46

FireWire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .46

Stereo line inputs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .47

EQ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .48

Monitors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .49

Auxes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .49

Pan, routing, mute and solo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .50

Group sends . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .51

Fader and meter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .52

Chapter 7 Output Section. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53

Rear panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .54

Overview of the outputs section . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .55

Output module notes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .56

Group-aux changeover . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .56

Meter changeover . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .56

Groups . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .57

FireWire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .58

Matrices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .61

Stereo returns . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .63

Monitors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .64

Auxes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .65

Master outputs (mono and stereo) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .66

Signal generator and talkback . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .68

Playback and recording . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .69

Playback . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .69

Recording . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .70

Local monitor and phones . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .70

Lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .71

Appendix A Functional Block Diagrams . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73

Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .74

Mono input module . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .75

Stereo input module . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .76

Operator Manual

VeniceF

Contents vii

Stereo return . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 77

Group . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 78

Aux . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 79

Monitor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 80

Stereo master . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 81

Mono master . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 82

Matrix . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 83

Solo and comms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 84

Digital . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 85

Appendix B Technical Specification. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .87

Dimensions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 90

Appendix C Application Notes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .91

Gain . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 91

Headroom . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 91

The effect of EQ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 92

Dynamic processing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 92

Unity Gain . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 93

Signal Processing and Amplifiers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 93

Routing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 94

FOH mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 94

MON mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 95

Dual FOH/MON Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 95

Appendix D Crib Sheets. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .97

Mono input channels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 98

Dual stereo input channels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 99

Appendix E Best Grounding Practice. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .101

Safety first . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 101

Ground loops . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 101

Noise sources . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 102

Noise solutions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 104

Balanced connections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 105

Balanced transformers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 106

Screen termination . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 106

Ground referenced connections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 107

Unbalanced connections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 108

Signal ground lift . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 108

XLR shells . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 109

Signal ground bonding . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 109

Appendix F Service Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .111

Routine maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 111

Cleaning the console . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 111

Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 111

Special accessories . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 111

Optional equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 111

Equipment disposal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 112

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viii Contents

Operator Manual

VeniceF

Chapter 1: Introduction

Thank you for choosing a Midas VeniceF mixing console. The VeniceF range of consoles
have been developed to meet the needs of demanding live sound engineers and provide
the solution for any audio mixing application in live sound or studio environments. The
VeniceF meets the quality of build and performance that you would expect from a Midas
console.

1

VeniceF32

The VeniceF 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.

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

So, to obtain the best results with a minimum of effort, please read this Operator
Manual and, finally, enjoy your Midas VeniceF!

Overview of the VeniceF

The VeniceF is a premium quality, robust, live sound and studio, small format mixing
console. The VeniceF is available in three sizes — F16, F24 and F32 — and there is also
a rack mount version (F16R). The incorporation of FireWire®, bridges the gap between
analogue and digital audio consoles by offering the user the ease-of-use, warmth, feel,
and zero-latency of analogue, combined with the power, choice and flexibility of
outboard digital processing. Physically, it’s a one-piece solution provided in a
substantial chassis with cosmetic trim suitable for use and storage in a road flight case
(not provided). All circuitry — analogue, digital and power — is housed inside this box.

Equally at home as an all-purpose front of house (FOH) or studio console, the VeniceF
can also be used for monitors. The VeniceF is quickly and easily configurable, with each
mono input channel offering microphone (mic) and line inputs, direct out and insert
points, and a four-band fully swept equaliser stage. In addition, the VeniceF has a

VeniceF
Operator Manual

2 Chapter 1: Introduction

flexible bus structure that lets the engineer configure the console for different
applications.

The VeniceF consoles (F16 left, F24 top and F32 bottom)

All variants include four stereo input channels for use on stereo sources. These share
single control knobs and have slightly different functionality as compared to the mono
channels.

The VeniceF lets the user route to any of 13 other buses — six auxiliaries (including two
monitors), four groups and three masters (stereo left and right, and mono). There are
also two matrix buses, which are a submix of the master buses, and three solo buses
(two after-fader listen (AFL) and one pre-fader listen (PFL)).

All major inputs and outputs are on balanced XLR connectors. The following table gives
a ‘quick stats’ comparison of the VeniceF consoles (where: XLRF = XLR female; XLRM =
XLR male; TRS = 1/4” TRS Jack; and RCA = phono plug).

Item F16 F24 F32

Mic inputs 8 mono and

4 stereo XLRF

Line inputs 8 mono and

4 stereo TRS

Aux returns 2 stereo TRS 2 stereo TRS 2 stereo TRS

Playback input 1 stereo RCA 1 stereo RCA 1 stereo RCA

Talkback mic input 1 XLRF 1 XLRF 1 XLRF

Aux mix buses (includes
2 monitors)

6 XLRM 6 XLRM 6 XLRM

16 mono and
4 stereo XLRF

16 mono and
4 stereo TRS

24 mono and
4 stereo XLRF

24 mono and
4 stereo TRS

Audio subgroups 4 XLRM 4 XLRM 4 XLRM

Matrices 2 XLRM 2 XLRM 2 XLRM

Stereo master output XLRM XLRM XLRM

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VeniceF

Key features 3

Item F16 F24 F32

Mono master output XLRM XLRM XLRM

FireWire (IEEE 1394) 16-channel,

FW400, 6-pin

The FireWire interface can be used with any personal computer (PC) fitted with an
IEEE1394 port, and is effectively a digital multi-channel cable (up to 2 x 32-channels)
for connecting the PC to the console. FireWire lets you use any third party audio
processing software in conjunction with the console, and applications include
multi-track recording, software-generated effects processors and “plug-ins” inserted on
input channel FireWire send/returns.

24-channel,
FW400, 6-pin

32-channel,
FW400, 6-pin

Key features

The VeniceF consoles include the following key features:

• Sizes — available in 16, 24 and 32 input channel frame sizes.

• Midas mic preamps — 16/24/32 overload-tolerant Midas mic preamps (the last

eight being on four stereo modules), which accept +32dBu.

• Midas XL3 EQ — each mono channel has a Midas XL3, 4-band swept EQ with

2 parametric mids (treble, hi mid, lo mid and bass).

• 4-band EQs on stereo channels — 4-band fixed frequency EQs on stereo channels

and a sum-to-mono switch.

• Ease of use — easy to store, prep, configure, maintain, repair, transport,

set up/down and clean.

• Hybrid technology — analogue technology for sound processing and mixing, and

digital connectivity provided by FireWire. Analogue or digital (FireWire) input and
analogue or digital (FireWire) direct output pre-EQ or post-EQ.

• FireWire — up to 32 x 32-channel FireWire interface that provides I/O connectivity,

which defaults to input channels, but can be switched to access buses. FireWire
socket (6-pin) and sample rate and clock source LEDs.

• Mono input channels — mic/line in, insert (with in/out switch and LED) and direct

out (with a pre-EQ or post-EQ switch) per channel. Polarity switch on each channel.

• Dual stereo input channels — mic/line in left and in right (mic and line can be

used simultaneously with mic routed via the channel and the line inputs routed
direct to masters), separate gain for the left and right inputs, and same mic amp
functions as the mono inputs.

• Master channels — mono, left and right master channels, each with an insert.

• 15 Buses — 6 aux sends (includes 2 monitor (foldback) sends that are also

switchable pre-/post-EQ on an individual channel basis), 4 groups, 3 masters
(2 stereo and a mono) and two matrices, all with hardware outputs.

• Returns — 2 additional stereo return line inputs.

• Local outputs — 2 local outputs (left and right).

• Routing — individual routing to stereo, mono and groups with pan-to-groups enable

switch. Individual group routing switches.

• Metering — 4-LED meter per mono and stereo input channels, 4 x 8-LED output

meters and 3 x 12-LED master meters.

• Faders — high-precision 100 mm faders on a horizontal fader panel.

• 48V phantom power — all analogue audio I/O is tolerant of 48V connection.

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4 Chapter 1: Introduction

1 32

• Mains power supply — universal power supply unit (PSU) with mains input socket

and on/off switch.

• Lamps — socket(s) for fitting lamps.

• Playback/record I/Os — input/output sockets for playback and recording.

• Warranty — standard Midas 3-year warranty.

Control surface

The surface of the VeniceF can be divided into the following main vertical sections.

Control surfaces of the VeniceF consoles showing the three mains areas

Item Description

1 See Chapter 5 "Mono Input Channel" on page 31
2 See Chapter 6 "Dual Stereo Input Channel" on page 43
3 See Chapter 7 "Output Section" on page 53

Operator Manual

VeniceF

Rear panel 5

710 8

6321

9

5

5

4 4

F32

F24

F16

Rear panel

The VeniceF has a rear panel that houses the following.

Rear panels of the VeniceF consoles showing the main areas

Item Description

1 See “Master outputs (mono and stereo)” on page 66.
2 See “Stereo returns” on page 63, “Groups” on page 57, “Matrices” on

page 61, “Monitors” on page 64 and “Auxes” on page 65.

3 See Chapter 6 "Dual Stereo Input Channel" on page 43.
4 See “Lamps” on page 71.
5 Ventilation grills. Do not obstruct.
6 See Chapter 5 "Mono Input Channel" on page 31.
7 See “FireWire” on page 35, page 46 and page 58.
8 See “Playback and recording” on page 69.
9 See “Local monitor and phones” on page 70.
10 See “Switching the VeniceF on/off” on page 16.

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6 Chapter 1: Introduction

A

B

C

D

E

F

G

Rear panel of the VeniceF16 showing the main connector sections

A. Inserts and returns. B. Mono input channel (insert, direct out, line in and mic in).
C. Dual stereo channel (line in left and right, and mic inputs left and right). D. Playback

I/Os (left and right). E. Local monitor outputs. F. Aux, group, matrix and monitor
outputs. G. Stereo and mono master inserts and outputs.

External connections

The following table details all of the external connections on the VeniceF.

Connection(s) Description Notes

All mic inputs Balanced XLR connectors,

All primary line inputs Balanced Jacks 10K load Mono and stereo channels

All inserts Jack connectors, 50R

Mono and stereo channels

2K load

Mono and master

source, 10K load

channels

Group, matrix and
monitor buses

Stereo returns

VeniceF

Operator Manual

Signal flow 7

Connection(s) Description Notes

All primary outputs Balanced XLR connectors,

50R source

All secondary outputs
(direct outs)

Headphone outputs Jack connectors, 10R

Playback left and right
inputs and outputs

FireWire connections FireWire (FW 4000 6-pin)

Power connections IEC mains inlet

Balanced Jack connectors,
50R source

source (nominal +10dB)

Unbalanced phono
connectors, 600R source
(nominal -10dB)

connector to IEEE1394

4-pin XLR lamp power
outlets

Master channels

Aux, group, matrix,
monitor and local
(monitor) buses

Tal k m i c i n talk mic
section of outputs (control
surface)

Mono channels

local monitor section of
outputs (control surface)

Rear panel

Rear panel

Rear panel

Under top edge of rear of
console

Signal flow

The following table gives an overview of the basic signal flow.

Channels or inputs Route to

8, 16 or 24 mono mic/line channels 2 monitor, 4 aux, 4 group and 3 master

4 stereo mic channels 2 monitor, 4 aux, 4 group and 3 master

4 stereo line inputs The same numbered stereo channel and

2 stereo return channels 2 monitor, group 1-2 (return 1) and

4 group channels 3 master and 2 matrix buses

3 master channels 2 matrix buses

4 aux channels N/A

2 monitor channels N/A

2 matrix channels N/A

buses, and FireWire (8, 16 or 24
channels)

buses, and FireWire (8 channels)

then onwards (as above) or the stereo
master bus

group 3-4 (return 2), and the stereo
master buses

All channel types can also access the PFL, and AFL (left and right) solo buses.

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8 Chapter 1: Introduction

The following table shows the signal flow in detail.

Signal Sourced from Routed to

Mono Balanced XLR mic/line

input or balanced Jack line
Z input (common gain
control with above) or
FireWire connection or
insert return

Stereo Balanced XLR mic/line

input and balanced Jack
line Z input (independent
gain control) or FireWire
connection

Stereo return Balanced Jack Buses

Group Bus Master and matrix buses,

Aux Bus Insert Jack, monitor

Monitor Bus Insert Jack, monitor

Buses, insert Jack, direct
output Jack and FireWire
connection

Buses and FireWire
connection

insert Jack, group output
balanced XLR and optional
FireWire connection (in
place of stereo input
channel)

output balanced XLR and
optional FireWire
connection (in place of
stereo input channel)

output balanced XLR and
optional FireWire
connection (in place of
stereo input channel)

Matrix Insert Jack Insert Jack, matrix output

balanced XLR and optional
FireWire connection (in
place of stereo input
channel)

Stereo master bus Bus, input channels,

group buses, stereo
returns or playback

Mono master bus Bus, input channels,

group buses, stereo
returns or sum of stereo
bus

Insert Jack, master output
balanced XLR and optional
FireWire connection (in
place of stereo input
channel)

Insert Jack and master
output balanced XLR

Operator Manual

VeniceF

Mix matrix 9

6 aux buses

(include 2 monitors)

3 master (stereo

and mono) buses

4 group

buses

8/16/24 mic/line inputs 8 mic/line return inputs

2 matrix

buses

Bus outputs

3 solo
buses

Mix matrix

Ultimately, the mix matrix defines the capability of each VeniceF. It follows the console
layout, where inputs run vertically and buses run horizontally. A mix matrix is usually
defined as the number of buses and the quantity of simultaneously-mixable inputs
there are per bus.

VeniceF mix matrix

About this manual

This is the Operator Manual for the VeniceF. Its purpose is to familiarise the user with
the VeniceF and show how to install, set up, configure and operate the VeniceF.

This manual uses the following conventions:

• The exclamation mark (shown right) is intended to alert the user to important
operating instructions.

• The drawing pin (shown right) appears next to useful information, which
provides hints and tips.

• There are diagrams throughout the manual that
show you where on the console the local
information is referring to. These areas are
indicated by blue shading. For example, the mono
input channels, as shown right.

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Operator Manual

10 Chapter 1: Introduction

• Unless otherwise stated, an illuminated LED means that its related control/function
is on and when extinguished it is off.

• Although this manual is based on the VeniceF32 (pictures shown throughout), the
information also applies to the F16 and F24 models unless stated otherwise.

Trademarks

FireWire and the FireWire symbol are trademarks of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S.
and other countries. The FireWire logo is a trademark of Apple Inc.

Mac and the Mac logo are trademarks of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other
countries.

Microsoft and Windows are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation in the United
States and other countries.

Service and support

We provide superb levels of support and service to give users confidence in Midas
products. For more information, please contact your local distributor or Midas at the
address shown in the front of this manual.

Operator Manual

VeniceF

Chapter 2: Getting Started

This chapter shows you how to prepare the VeniceF for operation, which includes:

• Installation

• Connecting up

• Setting up

•Powering up

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

Installation

11

The position of the console will vary from venue to venue. When installing the console,
take the following into consideration.

• Before installing and operating this Class 1 equipment, make sure it is correctly
connected to the protective earth conductor of the mains voltage supply socket
outlet through the mains lead.

• When positioning the console for FOH use 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 (for example, from a balcony).

• The console should be located in a convenient space commensurate with the use to
which the console is being put.

• 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.

• Provision should be made for some flat surface surrounding the console to prevent
people using it as a table top.

Handling the equipment

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

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

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

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Operator Manual

12 Chapter 2: Getting Started

Radio frequency interference

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

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).

Operator Manual

VeniceF

Connecting up 13

2

3

1

1

3

2

1

2

123

13

Connecting up

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.

All Jack connector shells should be connected to the cable screen.

Audio connections

This section gives details of the audio connections of the VeniceF.

Table 1: Connector pinouts

Connector on rear
panel Example of plug Pinouts Example of socket

Male XLR chassis
connector (output)

Female XLR chassis
connector (mic input)

Pair of RCA
connectors (tape
in/out)

1/4” TRS Jack plug
(inserts)

1 = ground
2 = hot
3 = cold

1 = ground
2 = hot
3 = cold

1 = ground
2 = signal

1 (tip) = send
2 (ring) = return
3 (sleeve) =
ground

1/4” TRS Jack plug
(input, output)

VeniceF
Operator Manual

1 (tip) = hot
2 (ring) = cold
3 (sleeve) =
ground

14 Chapter 2: Getting Started

3

Female XLR

Male XLR

3

2

1

2

1

Sleeve

Ring

Tip

Male XLR

Tip

Sleeve

Ring

Female XLR

Input and output

sockets on rear of

external device

Rear of VeniceF console

1/4” TRS Jack

Screen

Send

Return

Send

Return

Tip

Sleeve

Ring

Sockets on

rear of

external

device

Rear of VeniceF console

Sleeve

Ring

Tip

1/4” TRS Jack

Sleeve

Tip

Input

Output

Sleeve

Tip

Screen

Input

Output

1/4” TS Jack

Connecting to balanced/unbalanced equipment

The inserts of the VeniceF are unbalanced. Ideally, you will be connecting the inserts to
balanced equipment to help avoid noise problems due to grounding.

Figure 1: Connecting to balanced equipment

However, if you do have to connect to unbalanced devices, the following wiring is
recommended for best results.

Figure 2: Connecting to unbalanced equipment

Important:
If you have any audio problems, see Appendix E "Best Grounding Practice" on
page 101.

Operator Manual

VeniceF

Connecting up 15

4

1

3

2

123

Other connections

The section gives details of the other VeniceF interconnections.

Description Example Pinouts Example of socket

4-pin, male XLR
chassis connector(s)
on the rear panel for
connecting 12V/5W
lamp(s)

1-off socket in the
FireWire section of
the rear panel for
connecting a 6-pin,
FireWire 400
connector

Important:
If you have any
audio problems
these may be due
to ground loops
(see Appendix
E "Best Grounding
Practice" on
page 101).

1 = N/A
2 = N/A
3 = ground
4 = 12V

N/A

Headphones socket in
the local monitor
section of the control
surface for connecting
a 1/4” TRS Jack plug.
There is also one
under the armrest on
the desktop versions.

1 (tip) = left
2 (ring) = right
3 (sleeve) =
ground

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Operator Manual

16 Chapter 2: Getting Started

A

B

Setting up

There is no initial setting up required for the VeniceF console. However, if you want to
use FireWire, you will need to set up you PC first (see Chapter 3 "Using The VeniceF
With FireWire" on page 17).

Switching the VeniceF on/off

Switch the VeniceF on/off via the mains switch on the rear panel.

Mains power supply input on the rear panel. A. Mains on/off switch. B. Mains power
supply socket (IEC connector).

Operator Manual

VeniceF

Chapter 3: Using The VeniceF With FireWire

This chapter shows you how to prepare your PC/Mac for using FireWire, how to update
the FireWire driver and how to troubleshoot FireWire. For information on how to use
FireWire with the ‘bundled’ recording software, refer to the Software Application Guide.

Installing FireWire on a PC

This section shows how to install and set up FireWire on a PC running the Windows®
operating system. This procedure comprises three main steps:

• “Step A — Installing the device driver on your PC”

• “Step B — Connecting the VeniceF to your PC”

17

• “Step C — Configuring the FireWire settings for the VeniceF”

Step A — Installing the device driver on your PC

Do not connect the FireWire cable to the PC before installing the device
driver.

Important:
Before installing the FireWire device driver from the VeniceF USB memory
stick, we recommend that you make sure it is the latest version by checking
the www.midasconsoles.com website. This is important, as you may not be
able to use FireWire properly with an older version of the device driver.

>> To install the FireWire device driver

1 The FireWire device driver software is on the VeniceF USB memory stick. Plug

the VeniceF USB memory stick into your PC. (Depending on your PC’s
configuration, a window may open asking you what you want Windows to do. If
so, select the Open folder to view files option and then click OK.)

2 On the USB memory stick, double-click the “MidasFW-Installer.exe” file to start

the setup wizard.

3 In the Setup - Midas FW window

(right), click Next.

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18 Chapter 3: Using The VeniceF With FireWire

4 In the Select Destination Location

window, click Next.

You can change the install location by
typing it in or using the browse facility.

5 In the Select Additional Tasks

window, click Next.

You can choose to create a desktop
icon by selecting the Create a

desktop icon option.

6 If the installer’s release notes appear,

close them. Then, in the Ready to
Install window, check that the
information is correct and click Install.

7 The Installing window will display the

progress of the installation.

Operator Manual

VeniceF

Installing FireWire on a PC 19

8 If the Windows “Logo testing”

compatibility window appears, click

Continue Anyway.

9 To complete the installation, select the

Yes, restart the computer now
option and then click Finish.

You must restart your PC before using the VeniceF driver you have just
installed.

After restarting your PC, proceed to the next step (see “Step B — Connecting the
VeniceF to your PC” on page 20).

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Operator Manual

20 Chapter 3: Using The VeniceF With FireWire

6-pin (VeniceF)

9-pin

4-pin

Step B — Connecting the VeniceF to your PC

Important:
The VeniceF must be switched on before the FireWire cable is connected to it.

When you use your PC with the VeniceF for the first time after installing the FireWire
device driver, you will need to install the VeniceF device software. This is so that your
PC will recognise the VeniceF whenever they are connected together.

>> To connect the PC to the console

Do not attempt the following procedure until you have completed Step A
(see “Step A — Installing the device driver on your PC” on page 17).

1 Switch on the VeniceF.
2 Connect the VeniceF to the PC using the appropriate FireWire cable, while

observing the following precautions. Plug the 6-pin connector into the FireWire
socket of the FireWire section on the rear of the console. Connect the other end
of the cable into the PC.

Figure 3: Some typical FireWire connectors

Make sure you use the correct FireWire cable connector with your PC.

When plugging the FireWire connector into your PC, make sure the
connector is the correct way up and take great care not to exert too much
force.

3 In the Found New Hardware Wizard

window, select the No, not this time
option and then click Next.

VeniceF

Operator Manual

Installing FireWire on a PC 21

4 For standard installation, select the

Install the software automatically
(Recommended) option and then
click Next.

5 The wizard will perform a search for

the correct driver. When it has
finished, click Next.

6 When the Windows “Logo testing”

compatibility window appears, click

Continue Anyway.

7 The driver will now be installed.

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Operator Manual

22 Chapter 3: Using The VeniceF With FireWire

8 After the wizard has finished installing

the driver, click Finish.

After the device hardware has been
successfully installed, you will see a Found
New Hardware balloon on your desktop.

You are now ready to configure the VeniceF FireWire settings (see Step C below).

Step C — Configuring the FireWire settings for the VeniceF

In general, you should be able to use your recording software application on your
PC/Mac quite successfully using the default FireWire settings. However, you can
change the settings, if desired (for example, if you have audio problems), which is done
in the Midas FW FireWire settings window.

Configuration of the VeniceF’s FireWire settings involves opening the Midas FW
settings window, selecting your desired options and then closing the window.

>> To open the Midas FW settings window

1 On your PC/Mac desktop, double-click

the Midas FW icon.

2 If no devices are found, you will see

the message shown right. Make sure
the PC/Mac and console are properly
connected together with the FireWire
cable, and then click ok.

3 The Midas FW settings window will

open. In the Devices section you
should see the Venice icon (shown
right).

Operator Manual

VeniceF