User Guide

Introduction to the XL4
The XL4 was born out of a dream to design an analogue state of the art live mixing
and recording console with unparalleled performance/features intrinsic with intuitive
layout and operation. The vision required the analogue sound path to be controlled in
the digital domain via a high degree of signal routing and moving fader automation
enabling the live sound engineer whether in a touring or theatre production
environment to utilise automation functions in order to enhance mix efficiency and
performance to performance consistency.
The benchmark for the XL4 was the XL3 console which during production since 1990
gained a worldwide reputation for unequaled sonic performance and system
transparency culminating in its award for best live sound mixing console 1993 and
1994.
Bob Doyle, Midas Sales & Marketing Director, spent ten months finalising the XL4
specification, discussing its concept with world class sound engineers and rental
company heads as well as theatrical production designers and artists alike. The criteria
was to develop a mixing environment which enhanced the creativity of the mixing
engineer by automating the repetitive functions of specific mix and cue requirements,
thus leaving he or she free to concentrate on the main thrust of live mixing by
reproducing the Artist’s music as it should be.
In our opinion, the XL4 combines all these criteria in a coherent, easy to operate
mixing aid with unsurpassed sound and sonic quality.
Bob Doyle
Special thanks to:
Mick Anderson
Chris Beale
Tim Boyle
Gary Bradshaw
Lars Brogaard
David Bryson
Robert “Cubby” Colby
Robert Collins
Ralph Collins
Alex Cooper
Charlie Davies
Keith Davies
Steve Flewin
Bryan Grant
Chris Hill
Paul Haseldine
Rocky Holman
Mick Hughes
Robbie McGrath
Paul Newman
Paul Owen
John Penn
Clay Powers
Chris Rogers
Ivan Schwartz
Sophie Webster
Mike Spratt
Yan Stile
Steve Sunderland
Phil Wilkie
Robin Whittaker
Wladyslav Wygnanski
Peter Ratcliffe
Bob Goldstein
Gottfried Duren-Fisgus
Christian Gobbel