Midas XL8
Encyclopedia
The Midas XL8 is the first audio console by Midas
to feature fully digital operation. The introduction of the console came after a long time of console competition by Yamaha
's PM1D, Digidesign
's D-show, and the DiGiCo
D5.
Launched at the Frankfurt Music Messe in 2006, the XL8 was a surprise to almost everyone in the field.
At the time of its introduction the XL8 carried a US$340,000 list price.
The introduction of the XL8 was a noticeable milestone because Midas had previously developed a reputation for quality premium analogue consoles. The fact that they had brought a digital desk to market was seen by many in the industry as a "tipping point" where digital consoles had become the accepted standard rather than an innovative oddity.
The XL8 was marketed under the slogan "Digital goes Midas" (an obvious turning around of the phrase "Midas goes digital" to indicate that the perceived Midas audio quality and ease of use was now available in digital format, rather than admitting that they had jumped on the digital bandwagon.
Midas Consoles
Midas has been designing and manufacturing audio consoles since the early 1970s.Later on it became part of the Telex group. When, in January 2006, Telex Communications was acquired by the Bosch group, Midas consoles became part of the business unit "Bosch Communications Systems"...
to feature fully digital operation. The introduction of the console came after a long time of console competition by Yamaha
Yamaha (manufacturer)
is a multinational corporation and conglomerate based in Japan with a wide range of products and services, predominantly musical instruments, electronics, motorcycles and power sports equipment.-History:...
's PM1D, Digidesign
Digidesign
Avid Audio is an American digital audio technology company. It was founded in 1984 by Peter Gotcher and Evan Brooks. The company began as a project to raise money for the founders' band, selling EPROM chips for drum machines. It is a subsidiary of Avid Technology, and during 2010 the Digidesign...
's D-show, and the DiGiCo
DiGiCo
DiGiCo is a British company, founded in 2002, that manufactures digital mixing consoles targeted for live audio mixing applications.DiGiCo's most current console lineup comprises the SD-Series of consoles, powered by Stealth Digital Processing. Pioneered with their flagship SD7, Stealth Digital...
D5.
Launched at the Frankfurt Music Messe in 2006, the XL8 was a surprise to almost everyone in the field.
At the time of its introduction the XL8 carried a US$340,000 list price.
The introduction of the XL8 was a noticeable milestone because Midas had previously developed a reputation for quality premium analogue consoles. The fact that they had brought a digital desk to market was seen by many in the industry as a "tipping point" where digital consoles had become the accepted standard rather than an innovative oddity.
The XL8 was marketed under the slogan "Digital goes Midas" (an obvious turning around of the phrase "Midas goes digital" to indicate that the perceived Midas audio quality and ease of use was now available in digital format, rather than admitting that they had jumped on the digital bandwagon.