OPERATORS MANUAL Telex Communications (UK) Ltd, Klark Teknik Building, Walter Nash Road, Kidderminster. Worcestershire. DY11 7HJ. England. Tel:+44 1562 741515 Fax:+44 1562 745371 Website: www.midasconsoles.com MIDAS Siena audio mixing console DOC02-Siena Issue 1.0 - Janruary 2005 © Telex Communciations (UK) Ltd. In line with the company’s policy of continual improvement, specifications and function may be subject to change without notice. This Operators Manual was correct at the time of writing. E&OE.
Important Safety Instructions CAUTION RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK DO NOT OPEN WARNING: TO REDUCE THE RISK OF FIRE OR ELECTRIC SHOCK, DO NOT EXPOSE THIS APPLIANCE TO RAIN OR MOISTURE AVIS: RISQUE DE CHOC ELECTRIQUE. NE PAS OUVRIR These symbols are internationally accepted symbols that warn of potential hazards with electrical products.
Telex Communcations (UK) Ltd, Klark Teknik Building, Walter Nash Road, Kidderminster. Worcs. DY11 7HJ. England Tel:+44 1562 741515 Fax:+44 1562 745371 www.midasconsoles.com www.klarkteknik.com DECLARATION OF CONFORMITY We, Telex Communications (UK) Ltd of, Klark Teknik Building, Walter Nash Road, Kidderminster, Worcestershire, DY11 7HJ.
Welcome Thank You for using a Midas Siena mixing console. The Siena has been developed to meet the needs of even the most demanding live sound applications. The console delivers both the quality of build and superior audio performance that you would expect from a Midas. All backed up, of course, by the standard Midas Three Year Warranty. The Siena is an all purpose Monitor or Monitor/Front of House (FOH) hybrid console that is quickly and easily configurable.
ATTENTION The following special limitations must be observed in order to maintain safety and electromagnetic compatibility performance. Power Connection The console should only be operated with the power supply connected to ground via the ground in the mains connector. Audio Connections The console should only be operated with high quality twisted-pair audio cables. All connector shells should be of metal construction so that they provide a screen when connected to the console.
Input Channel Operators Manual - Page 7
Input Channels Rear Panel 48v 15 power pad 30 45 15 60 mic gain O mic insert 51 direct out ins 60 160 20 400 hi-pass line L 5k 15 10k 2k 20k 15 treble line in The Siena channel inputs are located on the rear of the console. Each channel provides: one insert point on a single TRS jack socket.
Input Channels 48v 15 power pad 30 45 15 60 mic gain O mic Channel Equalisation Each input channel of the Siena has a four (4) band sweep EQ allowing tonal control over the input signal. ins 60 160 20 400 5k 15 10k 2k 20k hi-pass 15 treble 15 15 1k 3k 5k 15 10k 2k 20k 15 hi-mid 400 8k 300 1k 100 2k Treble (Gain) - The gain of the treble equaliser is continuously variable from -15dB to +15dB with a centre detent at 0dB.
Input Channels 48v 15 power pad 30 45 15 60 mic gain O mic Mix Sends (Auxiliary Sends and Groups) ins 60 160 20 400 5k 15 10k 2k 20k hi-pass 15 treble 15 15 1k 3k 400 8k hi-mid 300 1k 100 2k lo-mid 15 15 50 100 20 400 bass mix pre eq on eq off 0 pre l 1-2 For example, today you may be using the console purely as a monitor desk, in which case you probably want to generate as many auxiliary sends as possible.
Input Channels 48v 15 power pad 30 45 15 60 mic gain O mic Routing to the Stereo Master Output In addition to the 16 mix bus sends, Siena features a stereo master output. ins 60 160 20 400 5k 15 10k 2k 20k hi-pass 15 Typically, this would be used to generate the Front of House (FOH) mix for hybrid FOH/monitor applications. In stand alone monitor applications, the master output may remain unused or provide an additional stereo output bus.
Input Channels 48v 15 power pad 30 45 15 60 mic gain O mic 4 LED Meter - The 4 LED meter indicates the channel's peak signal level, measured after the insert point and EQ, but before the channel fader and mute. This provides a confidence meter, allowing the user to monitor the input signal prior to opening the fader, or deselecting the channel mute.
Master Section Operators Manual - Page 13
Master Section The Master Section of the Siena console is divided into two principal areas: On the left hand side of the panel, the two rows of eight faders, associated controls and metering provide output control for the console's 16 mix busses. Typically, these 16 mix bus outputs are used for auxiliary send masters and/or group outputs.
Master Section: Mix Bus Outputs Rear Panel 1 mix meters 2 21 21 18 18 15 15 12 12 9 9 6 insert 2 insert 1 Each of mix bus outputs 1-16 may be connected to external equipment by means of one single balanced male XLR socket (0dBu nominal level).
Master Section: Mix Bus Outputs Direct Input to Mix 1 mix meters 2 21 21 18 18 15 15 12 In addition to the console's input channels, Siena features a single stereo direct input (line level) which may be added to any of the 16 mix bus outputs or stereo master. 12 9 9 6 6 3 3 0 A common application is to use the direct input as a stereo effects return. For example, you may be using an auxiliary send to feed signals to an external reverberation unit.
Master Section: Mix Bus Outputs Auxiliary Send/Group Masters 1 mix meters 2 21 21 18 18 15 15 12 The master controls for mix bus outputs 1-8 vary slightly from those offered on mix bus outputs 9-16. This is due to the fact that mix busses 9-16 offer the additional feature of routing, and panning, onto the stereo master bus. This makes mix busses 916 ideal for use as group outputs in a hybrid FOH/Monitor application.
Master Section: Mix Bus Outputs Auxiliary Send/Group Masters 1 mix meters 2 21 21 18 18 15 15 12 Mix Bus 9-16 Master Controls 12 9 9 6 6 3 3 0 0 3 3 6 6 9 9 12 The master controls for mix bus outputs 9-16 are identical to those for mix bus outputs 1-8 with the addition of the following features: 12 15 15 18 18 21 21 24 24 9 mix meters 10 21 21 18 18 15 15 12 12 9 9 6 6 3 3 0 0 3 3 6 6 9 9 12 12 15 15 18 18 21 21 24 24 0 0 stereo direct
Master Section: Stereo Master & Monitoring Controls Rear Panel insert MR master meters insert ML The Siena's stereo master and monitoring outputs are located on the rear of the console and provide: direct in L right left 21 21 18 18 15 15 12 12 9 9 6 6 3 talk in talk out monitor R monitor PUSH direct in R 3 0 0 3 Output Master L Master R PFL Out Monitor L Monitor R Monitor M Talk Out 3 6 6 9 9 12 12 15 15 18 18 21 21 24 24 L monitor M right 21 21 18 18 15
Master Section: Stereo Master & Monitoring Controls master meters right left 21 21 18 18 15 15 12 12 9 9 6 6 3 3 0 Direct Input Master Controls In addition to the console's input channels, Siena features a single stereo direct input (line level) which may be added to any of the 16 mix bus outputs or stereo master. 0 3 3 6 6 9 9 12 A common application is to use the direct input as a stereo effects return.
Master Section: Stereo Master & Monitoring Controls master meters right left 21 21 18 18 15 15 12 Talkback 12 9 9 6 6 3 3 0 The Siena provides talkback which may be routed to any of the console's 16 mix bus and stereo master outputs.
Master Section: Stereo Master & Monitoring Controls master meters right left 21 21 18 18 15 15 12 12 9 9 6 6 3 3 0 Auto Mute Masters The Siena provides five auto mute groups commonly used to provide easy muting of similar channels.
Master Section: Stereo Master & Monitoring Controls master meters right left 21 21 18 18 15 15 12 12 9 9 6 6 3 3 0 Local Monitoring and Headphone Outputs The Siena provides local stereo and mono monitor outputs, stereo headphone and separate PFL output.
Master Section: Stereo Master & Monitoring Controls master meters right left 21 21 18 18 15 15 12 12 9 9 6 6 3 3 0 The Solo System (AFL and PFL) Siena's hierarchical solo system and master AFL/PFL selector provides the flexibility to monitor signals pre fade (PFL) or post fade (AFL) quickly and easily. 0 3 3 6 6 9 9 12 By default, you will be monitoring channels or outputs in AFL on the local monitor and headphone outputs when you press a SOLO switch.
Master Section: Stereo Master & Monitoring Controls master meters right left 21 21 18 18 15 15 12 12 9 9 6 6 3 3 0 HELIX Digital Equaliser Solo Tracking System The Siena console features a Solo Tracking System which allows any of the 16 mix bus master or stereo master solos on the console to trigger auto solo messages on the Klark Teknik DN9340 (HELIX) digital graphic equaliser.
Master Section: Stereo Master & Monitoring Controls master meters right left 21 21 18 18 15 15 12 12 9 9 6 6 3 3 0 Stereo Master Output Controls In addition to the console's 16 mix bus outputs, the Siena provides a stereo master typically used to generate the front of house (FOH) mix, if required. Independent controls are provided for the left and right sides of the stereo master retaining ultimate control at all times.
Setting up the Siena Operators Manual - Page 27
Setting Up The Siena The Siena has been designed with real world sound engineering in mind. With its flexible routing and feature set, the console is as happy running the front of house (FOH) mix as it is providing monitor mixes for the artists on stage. In this section of the manual, we will introduce some of the basic operating principles of the Siena console, and discuss some typical operating scenarios and the best way to approach them.
Setting Up The Siena Using Dynamics Processing to Control Gain When working with signals that are constantly at a high level, the channel gain can accommodate these signals with ease. When working with varying signals (such as the vocals) it may be desirable to reduce the dynamic range of the signal so that the loud parts aren’t so loud (and don’t overload your channel input) and the quiet bits aren’t too quiet (so the signal to noise ratio would be increased).
Setting Up The Siena Signal Processing and Amplifiers The final links in the system tend to be graphical equalisers, loudspeaker processors and finally amplifiers and speakers. Graphical equalisers have the same problems as the Siena’s EQ. If excessive boost is applied to the signal, the graphic equaliser’s output may be overloaded. If, the output of the Siena is higher than the maximum input level of the graphic, the input of the graphic may be overloaded. Loudspeaker processors have similar problems.
Setting Up The Siena Busses and Routing Siena has a master stereo bus plus 16 mix bus outputs which may be used as auxiliary sends or group outputs depending on the application of the console. This generic approach to the mix bus structure enables the console cover a wide range of applications. Here are two typical examples: Monitors (Creating Auxiliary Sends) When using the Siena purely as a monitor desk, you will want to generate as many auxiliary sends as possible to feed each artist's monitoring.
Setting Up The Siena Busses and Routing Dual Purpose Front of House (FOH) and Monitor Applications With its flexible routing and feature set, the Siena is happy to run both the front of house (FOH) mix and provide monitor mixes for the artists on stage. In this dual purpose application, you will want to use some of the 16 mix busses, as above, to generate your monitor feeds to the stage, while the remaining busses can be used to generate audio sub groups.
Setting Up The Siena Busses and Routing Auxiliary Sends Typical Configuration When determining how many mix busses you wish to use for auxiliary sends, you may wish to consider the following. We've also provided some recommendations on how to configure each send, depending on its application. Application Artist Monitor Sends Pre/Post Fade Reason Pre (Post EQ) The level in the monitor stays constant so that the engineer can change the FOH level without affecting the performer.
Functional Block Diagrams Operators Manual - Page 35
Operators Manual - Page 36 automute 5 bus automute 4 bus automute 3 bus automute 2 bus automute 1 bus mic power 48v phantom 5 4 3 2 1 MUTE -15 line in post eq pre eq pad -15 mix pre +60 +45 mic gain +15 +30 40 30 20 15 10 5 0 5 10 eq off - phase reverse +10dB mic O / 400 160 pre(7)8 pre7 pre(5)6 pre 5 pre(3)4 pre3 pre(1)2 pre1 hi-pass 0 0 0 0 insert l l l l return send r 0 r 0 r 0 r 0 insert SIENA - MONO INPUT MODULE BLOCK DIAGRAM 20
Operators Manual - Page 37 mix 2 st R bus direct post R direct post mono mix 2 mono bus mix 1 st L bus direct post L direct post mono mix 1 mono bus +6 0 +6 0 direct 2 stereo send send return insert M2 return insert in insert in SIENA - MIX OUTPUT MODULE BLOCK DIAGRAM direct 1 insert M1 40 30 20 15 10 5 0 5 10 40 30 20 15 10 5 0 5 10 automute 5 bus automute 5 bus +10dB +10dB 5 5 MUTE MUTE -24 -21 -18 -15 -12 -9 -6 -3 0 +3 +6 +9 +12 +15 +18 +2
Operators Manual - Page 38 talk in talk mic 5k 50 OSC 500 freq 3 1 150 2 phantom +48V right bus left bus on +15 return generator +10 0 talk external direct in R direct in L send +60 return insert MR send insert ML on talk right bus left bus talk out stereo 0 +20 mix15 mono bus mix15 st L bus mix13 mono bus mix13 st L bus mix 16 mix 14 mix 12 mix10 mono bus mix16 mono bus mix16 st R bus mix14 mono bus mix14 st R bus mix12 mono bus mix9 mono bus mix10 st R b
Dimensions and Weights Operators Manual - Page 39
Dimensions and Weights Operators Manual - Page 40
Rear panel Description Operators Manual - Page 41
Solo Tracking System and data indicator External linear power supply connector Internal switching mode power supply mains inlet1 Recessed lamp clip Operators Manual - Page 42 1 Refer to specifications for PSU fitting option Model shown Siena 480 Input module Lamp connector Output module Rear Panel Description
Specification and Features Operators Manual - Page 43
Siena Features The following list of features is based upon the 48-channel frame size console.
Siena Specification Internal Power Supply Type Line Voltage Line Frequency Switching 90 - 240V AC 50/60Hz Input Impedance Microphone Line 1k5 ohm Balanced 10k ohm Balanced Input Gain (all faders at 0dB) Microphone Microphone + Pad Channel Line Continuously variable from +15dB to +60dB Continuously variable from 0dB to +45dB Continuously variable from 0dB to +45dB (-15dB to +30dB Pad enabled) Continuously variable from off to +20dB Direct Inputs Maximum Input Level Mic Mic + Pad Channel Line +6dBu +21
Siena Specification Equalisation Hi-pass slope 12dB/octave Treble Band Cut/Boost Frequency range +/-15dB 2kHz to 20kHz Hi Mid Band Cut/Boost Frequency range Bandwidth +/-15dB 400Hz to 8kHz 1 Octave Lo Mid Band Cut/Boost Frequency range Bandwidth +/-15dB 100Hz to 2kHz 1 Octave Bass Band Cut/Boost Frequency range Bandwidth +/-15dB 20Hz to 400Hz 1 Octave Power Supply Information The number of power supplies shipped as standard with the Siena varies with the frame size as follows: Channels 24 32 -
48v 48v 15 power pad 48v 15 power pad pad 48v 15 power pad 48v 15 power pad 48v 15 power pad 48v 15 power pad 15 power pad 30 45 30 45 30 45 30 45 30 45 30 45 30 45 30 45 15 60 15 60 15 60 15 60 15 60 15 60 15 60 15 60 O 15 10k O 5k 15 treble 20 400 5k 15 10k hi-pass 15 treble 300 1k lo-mid 400 8k 300 1k 15 15 15 bass 20 20 15 15 eq on r l r r l r 5-6 l r l r 0 r r 13-14 13-14 0 r c l r stereo 10
