Midas XL8

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

This article or section is written like an advertisement. Please help rewrite this article from a neutral point of view. Mark blatant advertising which would require a fundamental rewrite in order to become encyclopedic for speedy deletion, using {{db-spam}}. (December 2007)

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 Frankfut Music Messe in 2006, the XL8 was a surprise to almost everyone in the field. While at this moment a few consoles have been sold, analists predict that regular purchasers of Midas consoles and permanent facilities (e.g. performing arts centers, theatres) will be willing to buy the premium audio desk.

At the time of introduction the XL8 was the most expensive digital console in the world, with a $340,000 retail list price.

The introduction of the XL8 is a noticeable milestone because Midas has developed a reputation for quality premium analogue consoles. The fact that they have brought a digital desk to market is seen by many in the industry as a "tipping point" where digital consoles become the accepted standard rather than an innovative oddity. (This paradigm shift has also been assisted by the release of other smaller format consoles such as the Yamaha MC7L)

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.