Description

Free rein during mixing

The Midas MR18 sets the standard in digital mixing consoles – both visually and technically. The 18-channel console has been designed for use with iPads, Android tablets, and laptops, and combines features such as 16 high-quality microphone preamplifiers from the Midas PRO series, an integrated wi-fi router, a MIDI interface, and a multi-channel USB audio interface in an unconventional stage box design. Tablet-based control allows the user to move freely around the room or hall during mixing, enabling the live mix to be adjusted from among the audience and the monitor mix to be tailored to the artist’s requirements. Better still, up to four tablets can communicate simultaneously with the Midas MR18, enabling musicians to adjust the monitoring sound from their own tablets at any time during the gig.

Connections of the Midas MR 18 18-Input Digital Mixer for iPad / Android Tablets

A flexible network professional

The Midas MR18 is equipped with an access point function, which can be used to connect as many as four clients (tablets or laptops) directly to the mixer. Alternatively, the device can be integrated into an existing wireless network to which the control devices are also connected, or a wired connection can also be established directly with a PC, local network (LAN), or an external wi-fi router. The latter option is recommended if the integrated access point does not have a sufficient range, or if the user prefers to operate in a 5GHz network. On the input side, the Midas MR18 impresses with 16 lockable Neutrik combo connectors (XLR/jack) and two jack inputs (line in) and, in addition to the two main outputs, is equipped with a further six freely configurable AUX outputs in XLR format. The device also comes with a headphone connection (jack) complete with a separate volume control.

Side view of Midas MR 18 18-Input Digital Mixer for iPad / Android Tablets

Packed to the rafters

The Midas MR18 is not only recommended for live applications, it also provides a powerful digital mixing solution for studio use courtesy of its rapid USB interface, four M32 effect processors, high-end simulations of numerous legendary studio effects, and 31-band EQ section. The compact mixer also makes light work of handling multiple open microphones – as encountered in panel discussions or at press events – thanks to its revolutionary auto-mixing features, including real-time monitoring of all microphone levels and the reduction of feedback, studio noise, and comb filtering issues that are typical of such scenarios by an automatic gain controller. And the icing on the cake: Despite its extensive range of features, the Midas MR18 is also an affordable option for hobbyists.

About Midas

Founded in London in 1970, the company initially produced guitar amplifiers and speaker cabinets, but then specialised in the development and manufacture of audio mixing consoles and is now one of the leading suppliers in this field. In the late 1970s, Midas made giant custom consoles for Pink Floyd’s tours, and Frank Zappa also used a custom-made Midas recording console for his 1980 world tour. Legendary product series such as PRO40, XL, and HERITAGE have become the industry standard. The Midas flagship XL4 toured the globe with legends such as Aerosmith, Bon Jovi, Metallica, and the Rolling Stones and is still considered to this day to be the ultimate analogue live mixer. In 2009, Midas was acquired by Music Tribe. The development team, now based in Manchester, remained in place, while production was moved to the Music Tribe plant in Zhongshan, China.

Following in the path of the true classics

Regardless of the application – a live concert, recording session, business event, or church service – the Midas MR18 digital mixer delivers top performance in every situation. The numerous onboard effects, which have been modelled on some of the most well-known and sought-after processors on the market, negate the need for expensive additional sound-processing hardware. Practically every effect is conceivable, from simulated tube signal paths and vintage compressors, studio equalisers, flangers, and octavers through to chorus, delay, and reverb. The device also comes complete with low-cut, de-esser, noise gate, parametric EQ, and a 100-band RTA (real time analyser) with full-screen view for frequency analysis. The Midas MR18 even has an ULTRANET connection, thus supporting the transmission of up to 16 independent channels through a single CAT5 cable between compatible devices such as mixers, stage boxes, active speakers, and personal monitoring