Neutrik’s  OpticalCon is incorporated into the design of Midas’ XL8 Live Performance System, the UK manufacturer’s flagship digital mixing console. The link between the console and the stage, with no discernable loss in frequency response, is a concern for most live performance sound engineers; Neutrik’s OpticalCon system meets this need.

The Midas XL8 is one of the leading digital live audio mixing consoles for sound reinforcement applications, whether live, installed, theatre or broadcast. Each Midas XL8 console comes supplied with two 150m drums of Neutrik’s multimode OpticalCon to create a fully redundant digital snake system.

“Midas has used Neutrik analogue XLR connectors for many years and found them to be rugged and reliable, which is why they were chosen for the XL8 live performance system,” says Alex Cooper, director of console development at Midas. “We also chose Neutrik’s OpticalCon for our fiber interconnection because it is compatible with Neutrik's standard XLR footprint, which allows us to standardize all our panels.”

Neutrik’s OpticalCon, a complete fiber optic connector system, features an LC-compatible fitting that is housed within a roadworthy zinc diecast shell. It enables up to four copper wires to run power, analogue or data signals. The optical connection is protected from dust and dirt through automatic sealing covers and gaskets, which are operated automatically during mating or unmating. Connectors can be supplied with two types of multimode cable (suitable for multichannel audio) or three types of single mode cable (including a special 'SMPTE-version' with an additional ground-shell contact for broadcast applications). In addition, colored labeling plates are included to identify the fiber mode.

Neutrik’s EtherCon and PowerCon products were also incorporated into the design of Midas’ XL8 console. The EtherCon Series is a ruggedized and lockable RJ45 connector system, optimized for pro audio, video, and lighting network applications. Neutrik PowerCon is a lockable, extremely robust and reliable 3-pole equipment (AC) connector with high current capacity.

“When we were developing the XL8, we opted to use Neutrik’s EtherCon to achieve the same levels of reliability and ruggedness for digital Cat5 and Cat6 interconnections,” continues Cooper. “The locking capabilities (which are standard on XLRs but unusual in power connectors) and universal acceptance within the touring business attracted us to Neutrik’s PowerCon for the main inlets on the control surface.”