Spectrum Sound Adds Two Midas PRO9 Consoles to the Mix Nashville-based Spectrum Sound, which specializes in touring, special events and installation, has added a pair of Midas PRO9 live audio systems to its rental inventory, along with an array of associated Midas hardware designed to meet any foreseeable client configuration needs. This includes two DL371 audio system DSP engines, one DL351 modular 56x8 I/O, four DL451 modular I/O (24 inputs, configurable) and eight DL431 24-channel mic splitters. Additional key functionality is provided a Klark Teknik DN9650 network bridge and DN9331 Rapide graphic EQ controller, both of which are integrated into the Midas digital platform. "The whole point of all these pieces is having the ability to say yes," says Spectrum Sound founder and president Ken Porter. "We look at this system as both a console and a digital snake. When a customer says they need a three-way split, a five-way split, a separate broadcast mix, or archival recording via Pro Tools, the Midas PRO platform can deliver. When you need a 72 or 80 input digital console doing maybe 35 mixes, the PRO9 really fits the bill." The other big advantage of the Midas digital platform is its sound quality. "I bought the PRO9s to get back to the sound I always liked," notes Porter. "There are plenty of good sounding desks out there, but this is the only way you can get the Midas sound. The comment I hear most from the guys out using it is that they need less EQ with the Midas than on any other digital console. That says a lot." One of the Spectrum Sound PRO9s has been out with artist Sara Bareilles, a tour that continues throughout the summer in the US with Spectrum's Kevin Twist as system tech. "The preamps are fantastic," says Twist. "To me, that is most of the sound of the console. I also think the POP Groups are a great idea. They make the console very deep, with quick access to everything. We're using the PRO9 out at front of house for Sara. Her guy, Trey Smith, is mixing, and he loves it." For a rental company like Spectrum Sound, the keys to any console's return on investment are longevity and customer demand. "It's all about getting people comfortable with the console," notes Porter. "We know the Midas digital platform is here to stay, and as a rental service house, we've hosted Midas training to get people comfortable with the PRO9. Midas has always been huge on training and support, and that hasn't changed. They are always there for you, and it puts everyone in a nice comfort zone." In business since 1979, Spectrum Sound has seen it all when it comes to pro audio. Today, the company's income is split fairly evenly between touring, special events, installed sound and consulting sales. With plenty of small and mid-sized consoles in stock, the PRO9 answered the company's need for a digital platform capable of handling its bigger, high profile jobs. "We needed something big enough to handle a lot of inputs and splits, something that sounds great but was still affordable," concludes Porter. "The PRO9 has proved to be the perfect fit." ![](/std_images/blank.gif)
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