Midas Mixer Review: Legendary Console Heritage

Midas has built professional mixing consoles since 1970, with credits including countless legendary live recordings and tours. The distinctive gold faders and exceptional audio quality made Midas consoles the choice of top touring productions. Today’s Midas lineup brings this heritage to broader audiences while maintaining the quality that defines the brand.

The Midas Console Lineup

Midas offers digital and analog consoles across various formats.

The M32 ($4,999) provides the flagship 32-channel digital console. The professional feature set serves demanding touring and installation applications.

The M32R ($2,499) condenses M32 capability into a rack-mount format. The compact design suits spaces where full consoles don’t fit.

The MR18 ($799) delivers 18-channel digital mixing in a portable rack format. The tablet-controlled mixer suits small to medium applications.

The MR12 ($499) provides 12-channel capability in the smallest format. The entry point into Midas digital mixing.

The Venice series offers analog mixing with Midas preamp heritage.

M32 Digital Console

The M32 represents Midas’s approach to digital live sound. The console provides comprehensive feature sets with the audio quality Midas is known for.

The 40 input channels and 25 buses address complex production requirements. The processing includes dynamics, EQ, and effects on every channel.

The motorized faders provide tactile feedback that serious mix engineers expect. The physical control surface maintains traditional workflow.

The Midas PRO preamps deliver the quality that made Midas famous. The audio path maintains the clarity and dimension that distinguish Midas consoles.

MR Series Rack Mixers

The MR18 and MR12 bring Midas quality to compact, portable formats. Tablet control replaces physical faders for minimal footprint.

The Midas PRO preamps provide the same quality as larger consoles. The audio performance doesn’t compromise for size.

The WiFi router enables reliable wireless control. The dedicated network avoids venue WiFi congestion.

The effects and processing match M32 quality. The comprehensive feature set exceeds expectations for the price.

Midas Preamp Heritage

The Midas preamp sound has defined live sound for decades. The warm, detailed character captures sources with dimension that competitors lack.

The current designs maintain the analog DNA that established Midas reputation. The digital platforms incorporate this heritage thoughtfully.

Professional engineers recognize Midas preamp sound immediately. The character proves particularly flattering for vocals and acoustic instruments.

Venice Analog Console

The Venice series continues Midas analog heritage. The compact format brings Midas preamps and EQ to smaller applications.

The Venice F16 ($1,199) provides 16 channels with comprehensive analog mixing. The FireWire interface adds recording capability.

The Venice U16 ($999) offers similar capability with USB interface. The modern connectivity suits current workflows.

The analog signal path maintains purity that some engineers prefer. The tactile operation serves traditional mixing approaches.

Build Quality

Midas constructs its consoles to touring specifications. The durability survives repeated transport and demanding use.

The gold-plated faders became a Midas signature. Beyond aesthetics, the plating provides reliable contact over years of use.

The overall quality reflects professional heritage. The investment in Midas equipment proves justified through longevity.

Professional Application

Midas consoles serve the most demanding applications. Touring productions, major venues, and broadcast facilities rely on Midas quality.

The M32 has achieved wide adoption across professional applications. The capability and reliability satisfy demanding engineers.

The MR series provides Midas quality for applications where larger consoles prove impractical. The audio path maintains professional standards.

Relationship with Behringer

Music Group (now Music Tribe) acquired Midas and Behringer. The Midas preamp designs now appear in Behringer products including the X32.

The shared technology has made Midas quality more accessible. The Midas-branded products maintain premium positioning and build quality.

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All Midas mixers are available at Guitar Center, Musician’s Friend, ProAudioStar, and Amazon.