Midas Consoles U16, U24, U32 User Manual
U16, U24 and U32
Professional Audio Mixing Consoles
Operator Manual
MUSIC Group Research UK Limited,
Klark Industrial Park,
Walter
Tel: +44 1562 741515
Fax: +44 1562 745371
Nash Road,
Kidderminster.
Worcestershire.
DY11 7HJ.
England.
Email: mkt.info@music-group.com
Website: www.midasconsoles.com
DOC02-VENICEU Issue E — November 2013
© 2013 MUSIC Group IP Ltd. Technical specifications and appearances are subject to change without notice and accuracy is
not guaranteed.
MIDAS and KLARK TEKNIK are part of the MUSIC Group (music-group.com).
VeniceU — Operator Manual
© MUSIC Group IP Limited
VeniceU Operator Manual iii
CAUTION
ATTENTION
RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK!
DO NOT OPEN!
RISQUE DE CHOC ELECTRIQUE!
NE PAS OUVRIR!
Important safety instructions
Terminals marked with this
symbol carry electrical current of
sufficient magnitude to constitute
risk of electric shock. Use only
high-quality commercially-available speaker
cables with ¼" TS plugs pre-installed. All other
installation or modification should be performed
only by qualified personnel.
This symbol, wherever it appears,
alerts you to the presence of
uninsulated dangerous voltage
inside the enclosure - voltage that
may be sufficient to constitute a risk of shock.
This symbol, wherever it appears,
alerts you to important operating
and maintenance instructions in
the accompanying literature.
Please read the manual.
Caution
To reduce the risk of electric
shock, do not remove the top
cover (or the rear section). No
user serviceable parts inside. Refer servicing to
qualified personnel.
Caution
To reduce the risk of fire or
electric shock, do not expose this
appliance to rain and moisture.
The apparatus shall not be exposed to dripping or
splashing liquids and no objects filled with liquids,
such as vases, shall be placed on the apparatus.
Caution
These service instructions are for
use by qualified service personnel
only. To reduce the risk of electric
shock do not perform any servicing other than that
contained in the operation instructions. Repairs
have to be performed by qualified service
personnel.
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 dry cloth.
7 Do not block any 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 Use only 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 service
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 The apparatus shall be connected to a
MAINS socket outlet with a protective earthing
connection.
16 Where the MAINS plug or an appliance
coupler is used as the disconnect device, the
disconnect device shall remain readily operable.
Legal disclaimer
Technical specifications and appearances are
subject to change without notice and accuracy is
not guaranteed. MIDAS and KLARK TEKNIK are
part of the MUSIC Group (music-group .com). All
trademarks are the property of their respective
owners. MUSIC Group accepts no liability for any
loss which may be suffered by any person who
relies either wholly or in part upon any description,
photograph or statement contained herein.
Colours and specifications may vary slightly from
product. Midas products are sold through
authorized dealers only. Distributors and dealers
are not agents of MUSIC Group and have
absolutely no authority to bind MUSIC Group by
any express or implied undertaking or
representation. This manual is copyrighted. No
part of this manual may be reproduced or
transmitted in any form or by any means,
electronic or mechanical, including photocopying
and recording of any kind, for any purpose,
without the express written permission of MUSIC
Group IP Limited
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
© 2013 MUSIC Group I
Trident Chambers, Wickhams Cay, P.O. Box 146,
Road Town, Tortola, British Virgin Islands
P Limited
Limited warranty
§ 1 Warranty
1. This limited warranty is valid only if you
purchased the product from a MUSIC Group
authorized dealer in the country of purchase. A list
of authorized dealers can be found on MUSIC
Group's website www.midasconsoles.com, or you
can contact the MUSIC Group office closest to
you.
2. MUSIC Group* warrants the mechanical and
electronic components of this product to be free of
defects in material and workmanship if used
under normal operating conditions for a period of
three (3) years from the original date of purchase
(see the Limited Warranty terms in § 4 below),
unless a longer minimum warranty period is
mandated by applicable local laws. If the product
shows any defects within the specified warranty
period and that defect is not excluded under § 4,
MUSIC Group shall, at its discretion, either
replace or repair the product using suitable new or
reconditioned product or parts. In case MUSIC
Group decides to replace the entire product, this
limited warranty shall apply to the replacement
product for the remaining initial warranty period,
i.e., three (3) years (or otherwise applicable
minimum warranty period) from the date of
purchase of the original product.
3. Upon validation of the warranty claim, the
repaired or replacement product will be returned
to the user freight prepaid by MUSIC Group.
4. Warranty claims other than those indicated
above are expressly excluded.
PLEASE RETAIN YOUR SALES RECEIPT. IT IS
YOUR PROOF OF PURCHASE COVERING
YOUR LIMITED WARRANTY. THIS LIMITED
WARRANTY IS VOID WITHOUT SUCH PROOF
OF PURCHASE.
§ 2 Online registration
Please do remember to register your new Midas
equipment right after your purchase at
www.midasconsoles.com and kindly read the
terms and conditions of our limited warranty
MUSIC Group IP Limited
iv VeniceU
carefully. Registering your purchase and
equipment with us helps us process your repair
claims quicker and more efficiently. Thank you for
your cooperation!
§ 3 Return materials authorization
1. To obtain warranty service, please contact
the retailer from whom the equipment was
purchased. Should your MUSIC Group dealer not
be located in your vicinity, you may contact the
MUSIC Group distributor fo r yo ur c oun tr y l i ste d a t
www.midasconsoles.com. If your country is not
listed please contact the “United Kingdom (Midas/
KT main office)” located under “Service
Service/Repairs” on the www.midasconsoles.com
website. Alternatively, please submit the online
warranty return form found under “Service
Warranty Registration” on
www.midasconsoles.com BEFORE returning the
product. All enquires must be accompanied by the
description of the problem and the serial number
of the product. The warranty eligibility will be
verified from the original sales receipt.
2. Subsequently, the product must be returned
in its original shipping carton, together with the
return authorization number to the address
indicated by MUSIC Group.
3. Shipments without freight prepaid will not be
accepted.
§ 4 Warranty Exclusions
1. This limited warranty does not cover
consumable parts including, but not limited to,
fuses and batteries. Where applicable, MUSIC
Group warrants the valves or met ers c on tai n ed i n
the product to be free from defects in material and
workmanship for a period of ninety (90) days from
date of purchase.
2. This limited warranty does not cover the
product if it has been electronically or
mechanically modified in any way. If the product
needs to be modified or adapted in order to
comply with applicable technical or safety
standards on a national or local level, in any
country which is not the country for which the
product was originally developed and
manufactured, this modification/adaptation shall
not be considered a defect in materials or
workmanship. This limited warranty does not
cover any such modification/adaptation,
regardless of whether it was carried out properly
or not. Under the terms of this limited warranty,
MUSIC Group shall not be held responsible for
any cost resulting from such a modification/
adaptation.
3. This limited warranty covers only the product
hardware. It does not cover technical assistance
for hardware or software usage and it does not
cover any software products whether or not
contained in the product. Any such software is
provided "AS IS" unless expressly provided for in
any enclosed software limited warranty.
4. This limited warranty is invalid if the factoryapplied serial number has been altered or
removed from the product.
5. Free inspections and maintenance/repair
work are expressly excluded from this limited
warranty, in particular, if caused by improper
handling of the product by the user. This also
applies to defects caused by normal wear and
tear, in particular, of faders, crossfaders,
potentiometers, keys/buttons, guitar strings,
illuminants and similar parts.
6. Damage/defects caused by the following
conditions are not covered by this limited
warranty:
• improper handling, neglect or failure to
operate the unit in compliance with the
instructions given in Midas user or service
manuals;
• connection or operation of the unit in any way
that does not comply with the technical or
safety regulations applicable in the country
where the product is used;
• damage/defects caused by acts of God/
Nature (accident, fire, flood, etc) or any other
condition that is beyond the control of MUSIC
Group.
7. Any repair or opening of the unit carried out
by unauthorised personnel (user included) will
void the limited warranty.
8. If an inspection of the product by MUSIC
Group shows that the defect in question is not
covered by the limited warranty, the inspection
costs are payable by t he customer.
9. Products which do not meet the terms of this
limited warranty will be repaired exclusively at the
buyer's expense. MUSIC Group or its authorized
service centre will inform the buyer of any such
circumstance. If the buyer fails to submit a written
repair order within 6 weeks after notification,
MUSIC Group will return the unit C.O.D. with a
separate invoice for freight and packing. Such
costs will also be invoiced separately when the
buyer has sent in a written repair order.
10. Authorized MUSIC Group dealers do not sell
new products directly in online auctions.
Purchases made through an online auction are on
a "buyer beware" basis. Online auction
confirmations or sales receipts are not accepted
for warranty verification and MUSIC Group will not
repair or replace any product purchased through
an online auction.
§ 5 Warranty transferability
This limited warranty is extended exclusively to
the original buyer (customer of authorized retail
dealer) and is not transferable to anyone who may
subsequently purchase this product. No other
person (retail dealer, etc.) shall be entitled to give
any warranty promise on behalf of MUSIC Group.
§ 6 Claim for damage
Subject only to the operation of mandatory
applicable local laws, MUSIC Group shall have no
liability to the buyer under this warranty for any
consequential or indirect loss or damage of any
kind. In no event shall the liability of MUSIC Group
under this limited warranty exceed the invoiced
value of the product.
§ 7 Limitation of liability
This limited warranty is the complete and
exclusive warranty between you and MUSIC
Group. It supersedes all other written or oral
communications related to this product. MUSIC
Group provides no other warranties for this
product.
§ 8 Other warranty rights and national
law
1. This limited warranty does not exclude or limit
the buyer's statutory rights as a consumer in any
way.
2. The limited warranty regulations mentioned
herein are applicable unless they constitute an
infringement of applicable mandatory local laws.
3. This warranty does not detract from the
seller's obligations in regard to any lack of
conformity of the product and any hidden defect.
§ 9 Amendment
Warranty service conditions are subject to change
without notice. For the latest warranty terms and
conditions and additional information regarding
MUSIC Group's limited warranty, please see
complete details online at
www.midasconsoles.com.
* MUSIC Group Macao Commercial Offshore Limited of Rue de
Pequim No. 202-A, Macau Finance Centre 9/J, Macau, including
all MUSIC Group companies
MUSIC Group IP Limited
Other important information
1 Register online. Please register your new Midas equipment right
after you purchase it by visiting www.midasconsoles.com. Registering your
purchase using our simple online form helps us to process your repair claims
more quickly and efficiently. Also, read the terms and conditions of our
warranty, if applicable.
2 Malfunction. Should your MUSIC Group Authorized Reseller not
be located in your vicinity, you may contact the MUSIC Group Authorized
Fulfiller for your country at www.midasconsoles.com. If your country is not
listed please contact the “United Kingdom (Midas/KT main office)” located
under “Service
website. Alternatively, please submit the online warranty return form found
under “Service Warranty Registration” on www.midasconsoles.com
BEFORE returning the product. All enquires must be accompanied by the
description of the problem and the serial number of the product. The
warranty eligibility will be verified from the original sales receipt.
3 Power Connections. Before plugging the unit into a power socket,
please make sure you are using the correct mains voltage for your particular
model. Faulty fuses must be replaced with fuses of the same type and rating
without exception.
Service/Repairs” on the www.midasconsoles.com
Operator Manual v
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.
vi VeniceU
MUSIC Group IP Limited
vii
Contents
Important safety instructions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . iii
Other important information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .v
Chapter 1 Introduction. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1
Overview of the VeniceU . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
Key features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3
Control surface . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Rear panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6
External connections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Signal flow . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Mix matrix . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
About this manual . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Service and support . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Chapter 2 Getting Started. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13
Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Handling the equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Electric fields . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Connecting up . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Audio connections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Connecting to balanced/unbalanced equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Other connections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Setting up . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Switching the VeniceU on/off . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Chapter 3 Using The VeniceU With USB . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19
Windows 7 operating system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Using the Archwave USB Driver Control Panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Mac operating system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
Updating the VeniceU firmware . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
Troubleshooting USB operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
Audio problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
Avoiding drop outs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
No devices found . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
Overcoming ground loop problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
Chapter 4 Working With The Console. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .35
Ground loop problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
Chapter 5 Mono Input Channel. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .37
Overview of the mono input channel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
Rear panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
Gain . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
VeniceU
Operator Manual
viii Contents
EQ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .41
Monitors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .42
Auxes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .43
Pan, mute and solo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .44
Fader, routing and meter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .45
Meter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .46
Routing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .46
Chapter 6 Multifunction Input Channel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47
Overview of the multifunction input channel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .48
Rear panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .49
Gain (mic inputs) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .50
USB . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .50
Stereo line inputs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .51
EQ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .51
Monitors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .52
Auxes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .52
Balance, mute and solo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .53
Fader, routing and meter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .54
Meter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .55
Chapter 7 Output Section. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57
Rear panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .58
Overview of the outputs section . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .59
Output module notes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .60
Group-aux changeover . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .60
Meter changeover . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .60
Groups . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .61
USB . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .62
Matrices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .64
Stereo returns . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .66
Monitors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .67
Auxes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .68
Master outputs (mono and stereo) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .69
Talkback . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .71
Playback and recording . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .72
Playback . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .72
Recording . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .72
Local monitor and phones . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .73
Lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .74
Appendix A Functional Block Diagrams . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75
Mono input module . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .76
Stereo input module . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .78
Master and monitor modules . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .80
Appendix B Technical Specification . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 83
Dimensions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .85
Appendix C Application Notes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 87
Gain . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .87
Headroom . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .87
Operator Manual
VeniceU
Contents ix
The effect of EQ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 88
Dynamic processing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 88
Unity Gain . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 89
Signal Processing and Amplifiers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 89
Routing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 90
FOH mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 90
MON mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 91
Dual FOH/MON Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 91
Appendix D Crib Sheets. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .93
Mono input channels
Notes: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 94
Multifunction input channels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 95
Appendix E Best Grounding Practice. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .97
Safety first . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 97
Ground loops . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 97
Noise sources . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 98
Noise solutions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100
Balanced connections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 101
Balanced transformers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 102
Screen termination . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 102
Ground referenced connections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 103
Unbalanced connections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 104
Signal ground lift . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 104
XLR shells . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 105
Signal ground bonding . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 105
Appendix F Modification For VeniceU16 Rack Mounting. . . . . . .107
Electrostatic discharge (ESD) precautions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 107
Rack mounting parts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 107
Special tools required . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 107
Recommended torque settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 107
Modification procedure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 108
Appendix G Service Information. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .115
Routine maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 115
Cleaning the console . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 115
Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 115
Special accessories . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 115
Optional equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 115
Equipment disposal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 116
FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION COMPLIANCE INFORMATION
117
VeniceU
Operator Manual
x Contents
Operator Manual
VeniceU
Chapter 1: Introduction
Thank you for choosing a Midas VeniceU mixing console. The VeniceU 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
VeniceU meets the quality of build and performance that you would expect from a Midas
console.
1
VeniceU32
The VeniceU 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.
So, to obtain the best results with a minimum of effort, please read this Operator
Manual and, finally, enjoy your Midas VeniceU!
Overview of the VeniceU
The VeniceU is a premium quality, robust, live sound and studio, small format mixing
console. The VeniceU is available in three sizes — U16, U24 and U32 — and the U16
version can be mounted in a rack. The incorporation of USB 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 VeniceU
can also be used for monitors. The VeniceU 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 Venice U has
VeniceU
Operator Manual
2 Chapter 1: Introduction
a flexible bus structure that lets the engineer configure the console for different
applications.
The VeniceU consoles (U16 left, U24 top and U32 bottom)
All variants include four multifunction input channels for use on various sources. These
share single control knobs and have slightly different functionality as compared to the
mono channels.
The VeniceU 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 VeniceU consoles (where: XLRF = XLR female; XLRM =
XLR male; TRS = 1/4” TRS Jack; and RCA = phono plug).
Item U16 U24 U32
Mic inputs 12 mono XLRF 20 mono XLRF 28 mono XLRF
Line inputs 8 mono and
8 stereo TRS
Aux returns 4 stereo TRS 4 stereo TRS 4 stereo TRS
Playback input 2 stereo RCA 2 stereo RCA 2 stereo RCA
Talkback mic input 1 XLRF 1 XLRF 1 XLRF
Aux mix buses (includes
2 monitors)
Audio subgroups 4 XLRM 4 XLRM 4 XLRM
Matrices 2 XLRM 2 XLRM 2 XLRM
6 XLRM 6 XLRM 6 XLRM
16 mono and
8 stereo TRS
24 mono and
8 stereo TRS
Stereo master output 2 XLRM 2 XLRM 2 XLRM
Operator Manual
VeniceU
Key features 3
Item U16 U24 U32
Mono master output XLRM XLRM XLRM
USB I/O 4 stereo
channel, Type B
The USB interface can be used with any personal computer (PC) fitted with a standard
USB 2.0 port, and is effectively a digital multi-channel cable (up to 8 in and 8 out
channels) for connecting the PC to the console. USB 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 dual stereo channel USB send/returns.
4 stereo
channel, Type B
4 stereo
channel, Type B
Key features
The VeniceU consoles include the following key features:
• Sizes — available in 16, 24 and 32 input channel frame sizes.
• Midas mic preamps — 12/20/28 overload-tolerant Midas mic preamps (the last
four being on four stereo modules), which accept +32dBu.
• EQ — each mono channel has a 4-band swept EQ (treble, hi mid, lo mid and bass).
• 4-band EQs on stereo channels — 4-band fixed frequency EQs on stereo
channels.
• 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 USB. Analogue or digital (USB) input and analogue
or digital (USB) output.
• USB — up to 8 in and 8 out channel USB interface (USB type B socket) that provides
I/O connectivity to the multifunction input channels. The USB inputs feed the buses,
while the USB outputs are sourced from the buses and are selectable using the
changeover switches. Allows the use of external DAW-based effects and recording.
• Mono input channels — mic/line in, insert and direct out per channel. Each
channel mic pre-amp has +48V phantom volt, +20dB pad, 80Hz high pass filter and
polarity switches.
• Multifunction input channels — mono mic in, left (or mono) and right line in, and
stereo USB in (same mic pre-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 globally
switchable pre-/post-fader), 4 groups, 3 masters (2 stereo and a mono) and 2
matrices, all with hardware outputs.
• Returns — 2 stereo returns with flexible routing options.
• Local outputs — 2 local outputs (left and right).
• Routing — individual switch routing to stereo, mono and two pairs of groups.
• Metering — 4-LED meter per mono and stereo input channels, and per group, and
• Faders — high-precision 100 mm faders.
• 48V phantom power — all analogue audio I/O is tolerant of 48V connection.
• I/O connectors — all main inputs and outputs are on balanced XLR connectors.
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Operator Manual
3 x 12-LED master/solo meters.
4 Chapter 1: Introduction
321
• Mains power supply — universal switch mode 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 VeniceU can be divided into the following main vertical sections.
Control surfaces of the VeniceU consoles showing the three mains areas
Operator Manual
VeniceU
Control surface 5
Item Description
1 See Chapter 5 "Mono Input Channel" on page 37
2 See Chapter 6 "Multifunction Input Channel" on page 47
3 See Chapter 7 "Output Section" on page 57
VeniceU
Operator Manual
6 Chapter 1: Introduction
U16
89
1
7
2 3 54
1011
U24
U32
6
4
Rear panel
The VeniceU has a rear panel that houses the following.
Rear panels of the VeniceU consoles showing the main areas
Item Description
1 See “Master outputs (mono and stereo)” on page 69.
2 See “Stereo returns” on page 66, “Groups” on page 61, “Matrices” on
page 64, “Monitors” on page 67 and “Auxes” on page 68.
3 See Chapter 6 "Multifunction Input Channel" on page 47.
4 Ventilation grills. Do not obstruct.
5 See Chapter 5 "Mono Input Channel" on page 37.
6 See “Lamps” on page 74.
7 See “Switching the VeniceU on/off” on page 17.
8 See “USB” on page 50 and page 62.
9 See “Playback and recording” on page 72.
10 See “Local monitor and phones” on page 73.
11 Serial number plate.
Operator Manual
VeniceU
External connections 7
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
Rear panel of the VeniceU16 showing the main connector sections
A. Inserts and returns. B. Mono input channel (insert, direct out, line in and mic in).
C. Multifunction input channel (insert, direct out, line in left (mono) and right, and mic
in). 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 VeniceU.
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
2K load
source, 10K load
Mono and stereo channels
Mono and master
channels
Group, matrix and
monitor buses
Stereo returns
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Operator Manual
8 Chapter 1: Introduction
Connection(s) Description Notes
All primary outputs Balanced XLR connectors,
All secondary outputs
(direct outs)
Headphone outputs Jack connectors, 10R
Playback left and right
inputs and outputs
USB connection Type B connector Rear panel
Power connections IEC mains inlet
Signal flow
50R source
Balanced Jack connectors,
50R source
source (nominal +10dB)
Unbalanced phono
connectors: input is 47k
load -10dB and output is
600R source (nominal
-10dB)
4-pin XLR lamp power
outlets
Master channels
Aux, group, matrix,
monitor and local
(monitor) buses
Mono channels
local monitor section of
outputs (control surface)
Rear panel
Rear panel
Under top edge of rear of
console or on control
surface (U16 only)
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
buses
4 mono mic channels 2 monitor, 4 aux, 4 group and 3 master
buses
4 stereo line inputs The same numbered stereo channel and
then onwards (as above)
2 stereo return channels 2 monitor, group 1-2 (return 1) and
group 3-4 (return 2), and the stereo
master buses
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
All channel types can also access the PFL, and AFL (left and right) solo buses.
Operator Manual
VeniceU
Signal flow 9
The following table shows the signal flow in detail.
Signal Sourced from Routed to
Mono Balanced XLR mic/line
input or balanced Jack line
Buses, insert Jack, direct
output Jack
input (common gain
control with above) or
insert return
Stereo Balanced XLR mic/line
input and balanced Jack
Insert Jack (mic input
only), direct output Jack
line input (independent
gain control) or USB
connection
Stereo return Balanced Jack Buses
Group Bus Master and matrix buses,
insert Jack, group output
balanced XLR and optional
USB connection (in place
of aux send)
Aux Bus Aux output balanced XLR
and USB connection
Monitor Bus Insert Jack, monitor
output balanced XLR and
USB connection
Matrix Insert Jack Insert Jack, matrix output
balanced XLR and optional
USB connection (in place
of stereo master)
Stereo master bus Bus, input channels,
group buses, stereo
returns or playback
Mono master bus Bus, input channels,
group buses or sum of
stereo bus
Insert Jack, master output
balanced XLR and USB
connection
Insert Jack and master
output balanced XLR
VeniceU
Operator Manual
10 Chapter 1: Introduction
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 VeniceU. 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.
VeniceU mix matrix
About this manual
This is the Operator Manual for the VeniceU. Its purpose is to familiarise the user with
the VeniceU and show how to install, set up, configure and operate the VeniceU.
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.
VeniceU
Operator Manual
Service and support 11
• 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.
• 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 VeniceU32 (pictures shown throughout), the
information also applies to the U16 and U24 models unless stated otherwise.
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.
VeniceU
Operator Manual
12 Chapter 1: Introduction
Operator Manual
VeniceU
Chapter 2: Getting Started
This chapter shows you how to prepare the VeniceU 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
13
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.
VeniceU
Operator Manual
14 Chapter 2: Getting Started
2
3
1
1
3
2
1
2
123
13
Electric fields
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).
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 VeniceU.
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 = ground
2 = hot
3 = cold
1 = ground
2 = hot
3 = cold
1 = ground
2 = signal
1/4” TRS Jack plug
(inserts)
1/4” TRS Jack plug
(input, output)
1 (tip) = send
2 (ring) = return
3 (sleeve) =
ground
1 (tip) = hot
2 (ring) = cold
3 (sleeve) =
ground
VeniceU
Operator Manual
Connecting up 15
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 VeniceU console
1/4” TRS Jack
Screen
Send
Return
Send
Return
Tip
Sleeve
Ring
Sockets on
rear of
external
device
Rear of VeniceU 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 VeniceU 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
Figure 2: Connecting to unbalanced equipment
However, if you do have to connect to unbalanced devices, the following wiring is
recommended for best results.
Important:
If you have any audio problems, see Appendix E "Best Grounding Practice" on
page 97.
VeniceU
Operator Manual
16 Chapter 2: Getting Started
4
1
3
2
2
1
3
123
Other connections
The section gives details of the other VeniceU interconnections.
Description Example of plug or
device
4-pin, male XLR
chassis connector(s)
on the rear panel for
connecting 12V/5W
lamp(s)
Female XLR chassis
connector (talk mic)
USB socket for type B
connector. (The
supplied USB lead is
terminated in a type B
connector and a type
A connector.)
Pinouts Example of socket
1 = N/A
2 = N/A
3 = ground
4 = 12V
1 = ground
2 = hot
3 = cold
N/A
Important:
If you have any
audio problems
these may be due
to ground loops
(see Appendix
E "Best Grounding
Practice" on
page 97).
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.
Setting up
There is no initial setting up required for the VeniceU console. However, if you want to
use USB, you will need to set up your PC first (see Chapter 3 "Using The VeniceU With
USB" on page 19).
1 (tip) = left
2 (ring) = right
3 (sleeve) =
ground
Operator Manual
VeniceU
Switching the VeniceU on/off 17
A
B
Switching the VeniceU on/off
Switch the VeniceU 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).
VeniceU
Operator Manual
18 Chapter 2: Getting Started
Operator Manual
VeniceU
Chapter 3: Using The VeniceU With
USB
This chapter shows you how to prepare your PC/Mac® for USB operation. The VeniceU
console has been tested and verified for USB use with the following computer operating
systems: a PC running Windows® 7 and a Mac running OS® X (version 10.7 or later).
However, we cannot guarantee correct USB operation on any other computer
operating system.
All of the files that you should need for USB operation on the VeniceU, such as, drivers,
recording
templates, demos, etc., can be downloaded from the MIDAS website.
19
Windows 7 operating system
This section shows how to install and set up USB on a PC running the Windows 7
operating system.
>> To install the USB device driver on your PC
Do not connect the USB cable to the PC before installing the device driver.
Important:
Before installing the USB device driver, 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 USB operation properly
with an older version of the device driver.
1
The USB device driver software can
be found on the MIDAS website.
2
VeniceU
Operator Manual
Navigate to the DRIVERS s
versions, then double-click the “setup.exe” file to start the setup wizard.
ection on the website to download the latest
20 Chapter 3: Using The VeniceU With USB
3 In the User Account Control dialog
box, click Yes.
4 In the “Welcome ...” screen of the
Setup dialog box, click Next.
5 In the “Choose Install Location” screen
of the Setup dialog box, choose the
destination of the USB driver and click
Install.
The installation will begin.
6 During the installation procedure the
following dialog box will appear. Plug
the USB cable into the VeniceU console
(type B connector) and into your PC
(type A connector). Then switch on the
console and click OK in the dialog box.
Operator Manual
VeniceU
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