The console was a Verona 560 fitted with 48 mono inputs and eight multi function inputs (can be either stereo or mono). Sydney-based rental company Coda Audio, already well known for its considerable inventory of Midas mixing consoles, and thus an obvious choice to take the Verona out for its first spin down under, supplied the production for the event. Coda proprietor Michael Wilkie was impressed with the size and feature set and surprised by the extensive EQ on the input channels. The console performed faultlessly on the gig and delivered the classic 'Midas Sound' that engineers have come to expect from Midas consoles.
Meanwhile, while Coda Audio was able to lay claim to Australia's first gig with a Verona, Sydney production company Action Sound is now the proud owner of the very first Verona to be sold in Australia. Complementing an existing inventory of Midas Venice consoles, Action Sound has just taken delivery of a Verona 400 featuring 32 mono inputs and eight multi-function inputs (either stereo or mono), supplied complete with the distinctive purple Midas roadcase.
The console made its debut three days after delivery in March when it performed FoH duties for English folk legends Ralph McTell and Steeleye Span. The concert was held in one of Sydney's most picturesque theatre venues 'The State' and proved to be a bit of a family gig with a Dynacord Cobra line array system, ElectroVoice foldback and microphones plus Klark Teknik processing.
(Sarah Rushton-Read)
