The gift is a symbol of the ongoing relationship between Midas and the Lake of Stars festival. It follows Will's use of one of the first ever Midas PRO2C to be shipped, directly after its 2011 PLASA launch.
"The Lake of Stars project gave the PRO2C its first real world challenge," explains Midas brand manager Richard Ferriday. "It had to handle FOH sound in extreme conditions including hot air-born sand, high temperatures - up to 42°C - and high humidity. We hope the VeniceU will be equally useful to the Lake of Stars team."
The VeniceU made its European debut this month at PLASA 2012, Earls Court as Ferriday discusses: "The VeniceU expands the MidasS range of' 'Digi-log' hybrid consoles. The VeniceU offers a user-friendly, high quality analogue audio console with integrated 8x8 USB digital audio interface. Applications include multitrack recording, playback from computer, and live inclusion of third party plug-ins."
At first glance the console looks like a straightforward, easy-to-use analogue audio console. However, it continues Midas' engineering concept of a hybrid mixer offering a fusion of both analogue and digital technology as Will Jameson explains, "The 'Digi-log' VeniceU is much more than a great-sounding, easy-to-use audio console. It offers a wider accessibility to Midas Digi-log technology than ever before and represents a comprehensive, integrated audio mixing, recording and processing package ideal for our intended use in training local Malawi technicians and aspiring engineers."
The award winning Lake of Stars festival takes place in the heart of Africa on the palm-fringed shores of the continent's third largest lake. A year round project, its mission is to promote Malawian arts and tourism through international interaction and exposure.
(Jim Evans)
