Midas VENICEF320

32 Channel Venice F (Firewire) Hybrid Mixing Console

Venice F Series - This "32" version takes all of the good bits from the purely analogue predecessor, Venice320, and addresses the 'issue' of faders by replacing the old 60mm with very nice 100m faders, adding a big dose of digital (we'll call it hybrid) to this analogue console with the addition of firewire.
If you're after something a little smaller, chekc out VeniceF160 or VeniceF240. We think the whole series is a ripper, but if you can't get in to Factory Sound straight away for a touch-and-feel session, here is some more specs and info via Midas:

The bus structure remains true to the original Venice concept. Six aux sends, four groups and stereo masters. This F model adds an additional mono bus and a 7 x 2 matrix. All bus outputs feature XLR connectors and insert capability. Routing options have been expanded from the outgoing model too. VeniceF has individual routing to groups, all six aux sends are individually switchable pre or post fade, and the two aux buses designated as monitor (foldback) sends are also switchable pre/post EQ on an individual channel basis.

Mono inputs pack a host of features, starting with the indispensible Midas mic pre, still crafted from discrete components, rather than the cheaper IC option. The 15mm gain pot is surrounded by a quartet of switches, +48V, -20dB pad, polarity reverse and 80Hz hi-pass. A further pair of switches select analogue or digital (FW) input and analogue or digital (FW) direct out pre or post EQ. Switches with LED status indicators are provided for insert and EQ in/out. The equaliser section is an updated XL3 design, featuring four bands of swept Midas eq, with the addition of variable bandwith on the two midrange filters. All input channels, groups and masters feature high precision 100mm faders.

Stereo inputs have two mic and two line inputs each. Mic inputs feature separate gain for left and right inputs, and the same mic amp functions as the mono inputs. Both mic and line inputs can be used simultaneously, with the line inputs routed direct to masters, while the mic inputs route via the channel. Stereo channels have four-band fixed frequency eq, and a sum-to-mono switch.

Hybrid VeniceF bridges the gap between analogue and digital audio consoles, and offers the user the ease-of-use, warmth, feel, and zero-latency of analogue, combined with the power, choice and flexibility of outboard digital processing.

The FireWire interface can be used with any computer fitted with a 1394 port, and is effectively a 64-channel (32x32) digital audio snake, which connects directly to your computer, allowing the use of any 3rd party audio processing software in conjunction with the console. Applications include multitrack recording from the VeniceF's digital direct outputs, software-generated FX processors driven from aux sends or direct outputs, "plug-ins" inserted on input channel FireWire send/returns. All with a heart of pure Midas.

Mic inputs: 24 mono plus 4 stereo (XLR)
Line inputs: 24 mono plus 4 stereo (TRS)
Aux returns: 2 stereo (TRS)
Playback input: 1 stereo (RCA)
Talkback mic input: 1 (XLR)
Aux mix busses: 6 (XLR)
Audio subgroups: 4 (XLR)
Matrix: 7 x 2 (XLR)
Stereo master output: XLR
Mono master output: XLR
FireWire (1394): 1 (64 ch) FW400, 6 pin

Width: 1007mm
Depth: 669.30mm
Height: 286.28mm (Including feet)
Weight: 37.5kg

$6,999 (RRP)