Midas HD96-24-CC-TP, Quick Start Manual

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HD96-24-CC-TP Quick Start Guide
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Network
The network of the HD96-24 utilises the physical connectivity of Ethernet
(EtherCon® connectors and Cat 5e/copper cable) but replaces its data protocol
with AES50 protocol (implemented as SuperMac) and the HyperMac high capacity
system, which are more suited to high quality, low latency audio distribution. The
use of the AES standard allows straightforward interfacing with any third-party
hardware that also utilises this connection.
AES50 connections carry digital audio and control data bi-directionally down a
single cable. Cat 5e cable is used for the ‘local’ connections and the dual digital
‘snake’ (equivalent to a 384-channel analogue multi-core, 192 channels per snake
connection) between console and I/O. The combination of audio, control, clock and
third-party Ethernet data in a single network means that the hardware interfaces
on a single RJ45 connection.
All system connections can be duplicated for full dual redundancy.
mCloud Network
The Midas mCloud network is a brand-new concept in file and system
management. The HD96-24 has built in Wi-Fi capabilities which allow the
surface to share its information over a Wi-Fi connection and any other network
connections to the mCloud. Be reassured the connection is completely safe and
great lengths have been taken to keep information secure.
The mCloud can be used to store your show files, preset files and all other types of
data from the console. If you leave your USB stick with your vital settings at home,
you can directly log into your mCloud account and load your show file straight to
the HD96-24 without breaking a sweat.
New system updates can be downloaded directly to the surface ready for you to
update when you’re ready. A list of all previous software versions will be stored on
the HD96-24 for peace of mind.
It also allows audio rental companies to keep a track of registrations, software
versions, warranties and diagnostic logs. All the admin for running a busy hire
company in one place.
Each user of the HD96-24 will be prompted to set up a user profile which also in
turn configures your mCloud account. Visit cloud.midasconsoles.com to set up and
use your account.
HD96-24 software
The operating system of the HD96-24 is Linux, which is an open-source, stable,
proven operating system (OS). Linux is used in many mission-critical applications
worldwide and has allowed Midas’ software engineers to write a ground-up
system that contains no ‘hidden’ or unused code. This has resulted in an efficient,
compact application, which is quick in operation, quick booting and comparatively
easy to debug.
Graphic User Interface (GUI)
The HD96-24 has a 21” touch screen that provides a quick and intuitive workflow.
Modern touch gestures such as pinch and smooth touch screen faders have been
included to speed up work flow and let you concentrate on the mix. Not only does
the GUI reflect what is happening on the control surface, but it also provides extra
functionality via a top and side bar menu. These menus provide access to all the
pages that you will require to set up, configure, manage and operate the entire
control surface.
Gone are the days of only one touch on a screen at a time. Use both hands to
manipulate up to 10 faders at a time if you so wish.
Pinch gesture showing EQ width adjustment.
Independent widget style areas are extensively used to display various different
types of information at once, all fully customisable to suit your workflow.
System card expansion
The HD96-24 has 2 x CM-1 slots built in for further audio expansion. Adding up to
an additional 128 channels of I/O greatly increases networked capabilities. Virtual
sound checks and recording have never been easier to set-up and achieve with
flexible options. Being able to support new and emerging protocols via its two
industry-standard expansion slots gives the HD96-24 a greatly extended shelf life.
The 24 VCA (Variable Control Association) and 24 POP (POPulation) groups,
combined with the advanced touch screen navigation system, 28 faders,
assignable controls and innovative shortcut area allow simultaneous display and
control of all the critical information required to craft an unprecedented
mix experience.
Applications
The HD96-24 is the go-to high-end Midas Digital Console System, akin to the
‘industry standard’ Heritage 3000 and XL4. Although the HD96-24 is designed for
the traditional touring live sound environment, it is also ideal for theatre, house of
worship installations and broadcast. So, being a truly multi-functional console in
the Midas tradition, the HD96-24 is suitable for many applications, such as:
Live sound touring FOH or MON duties.
Live sound theatre FOH or MON duties.
Live sound house of worship FOH or MON duties.
System busses
The HD96-24 has comprehensive system busses to suit demanding applications,
compromising of:
1. 2 stereo solo busses, routable from all locations and allowing for
dual operator.
2. 3 master busses (1 Stereo 1 mono), routable from the mic/line inputs
(up to 144), and 96 aux busses.
3. 24 matrix busses, routable from the mic/line inputs (up to 144),
96 aux busses and three stereo busses.
4. 96 aux busses (either standard or flexi-aux, routable from the
mic/line inputs (up to 144) or flexi aux bus to aux bus for group or
stem style processing.
All of the bus routings provide simultaneous and time aligned mixing of all the
sources, which will be switchable for minimum latency requirements.
For monitor mixing, the master, matrix and aux busses can all be routed directly
from the input channels, with independent level controls providing up to 123
monitor mix busses. Flexi-Aux busses allow group mixing of channels to be sent to
Auxes, Matrices or the Masters, for example, mix and process all your drums via a
Flexi-Aux then send to an IEM Aux.
For traditional FOH sub group mixing, any (or all) of the aux busses can change to
operate post-channel fader and pan (that is, aux gain fixed at unity).
Mix matrix
Fundamentally, the mix matrix defines the capability of the HD96-24. Probably
the best way to imagine the mix matrix is to think of an analogue console layout,
where inputs run vertically, and busses run horizontally. A mix matrix is usually
defined as the number of busses and the quantity of simultaneously-mixable
inputs there are per bus. The following diagrams illustrate the capability within
the HD96-24 system.
HD96-24 Overview