The XL4 is the pinnacle in the current range of Midas consoles. Designed around the classic high quality associated with analogue circuitry which was proven with the XL3 Live Performance and Theatre consoles. The requirements associated with the broadcast environment was designed into the original XL4 specification. These include, moving faders on all 48 inputs and 12 VCAs including remote machine starts, instant access to AFL/PFL,  snapshot automation to include audio follow video, direct outputs on each level, 16 Mic/Line level returns with VCA routing for total control over effects and ambient microphones as well as full communications module. 

Acknowledgements: 

Thank you to: 

    Gottfried Duren-Fisgus 
    Christian Gobbel 
    from Sono Studiotecknik 

    Phillipe Monteau 
    Jean Pascal Lefort 
    from Visual Technology 

Direct Outputs. 
Every input module is fitted with a direct output as standard with its own level control and front panel switching which selects the source from post fader, pre fader or pre insert and equaliser. 

16 audio sub groups. 
The 16 main audio groups can be assigned to any of the 8 automute groups and to VCA control from any combination of the 2 motorised grand master faders. A safe switch is again included for each group. The input for the groups is normally derived from the 16 group busses but for monitor applications the fader change over routes the 16 mono aux busses to the group faders. 

Line inputs. 
A separate Hi Z line input with its own dedicated gain control is incorporated which is ideal for playback of recorded material. Global change over from mic (record) to line (playback) is easy because it is under automation control. 

Equaliser. 
The sonic performance of the legendary XL3 equaliser is maintained including the full parametric mid's and traditional Midas bass and treble shelving responses. In addition the treble and bass sections now have an extended frequency range and are switchable to full parametric operation. 

Inserts. 
Each channel has a half normalised fully balanced insert send and return point which can be switched in or out from the front panel and set as either pre or post equaliser. 

Input metering. 
These peak reading meters cover a 60dB range in 3dB steps and can be switched globally to monitor pre fader signals or pre insert and equaliser signals. 

Audio busses. 
Each channel can be routed to any combination of 42 audio busses comprising of 16 mono aux'es, 8 stereo aux'es, 16 stereo groups and 2 stereo masters. All this is switchable on the module front panel but also via the automation control. 

VCA and mute busses. 
Each channel can be controlled by any combination of the 10 motorised VCA master faders and 8 mute masters. Assignment of these busses is again switchable on the module front panel or by the automation control. A safe switch disconnects the channel from all mute groups and an isolate switch removes the channel from all VCA control. 

Group aux inputs. 
An additional 16 inputs with treble and bass equalisation can be routed directly to the groups or via a pan to the masters mix and can be further controlled by assignment to any of the 10 VCA masters. 

Master. 
The stereo master module provides the main left and right console outputs plus 4 more record outputs and a mono output. A solo to master facility is incorporated on the left, right and mono outputs to aid the engineer at sound checks. 

Matrix. 
As standard the 8 matrix outputs derive their signals from the 16 audio groups, left and right masters creating a 18 X 8 matrix. The module also houses the stereo aux masters which have their own outputs at all times but which can be routed directly into the matrix giving an additional 48 X 8 matrix sourcing direct from the input channels. 

Output meters. 
28 peak reading meters (each covering a 60dB range in 3dB steps) are used to monitor all the main outputs i.e. 16 groups, 8 matrix, 2 masters and 2 local outputs. They and can be switched globally to monitor pre fader or post fader signals and can also be used to monitor the 24 aux outputs. 

Automutes. 
The 8 automute masters can be assigned to any input or audio group and act on pre fader and post fader signals. Apart from assignment the operation of these mutes is entirely independent of the automation system. 

10 input VCA faders. 
10 motorised VCA master faders control the channel and aux inputs whilst a further 2 VCA grand master faders control the audio groups. Each VCA master has a solo switch which gives the engineer an opportunity to monitor the signals within the VCA subgroup. Also incorporated is a VCA mute which act on post fader signals only and effectively adds a further 12 automute scenes to the existing dedicated automutes. 

Automation.  
The automation system can store and recall up to 2000 scenes. All channel routing and major functions are automated as well as all major output mutes. The 12 motorised VCA master faders give dynamic control of signal levels within the console and all automation information can be exported or imported in a variety of different mediums for storage or console and system linking.