Midas DL251 - 48-Input/16-Output Stage Box with 48 Midas Microphone Preamplifiers in Blue Finish

The Midas DL251 is a robust and versatile 48-input/16-output stagebox, specifically designed to provide unparalleled sound quality and reliability for large-scale live sound applications. Featuring 48 of Midas' renowned microphone preamplifiers, the DL251 ensures pristine audio capture, delivering the signature Midas warmth and depth. These preamplifiers feature 2.5 dB analogue gain steps and switchable +48 V phantom power, allowing for exceptional fidelity across a wide range of microphones. With over 40 years of design experience, Midas has crafted these preamps to faithfully reproduce every sonic detail, ensuring that no part of the performance is lost. The DL251 is perfect for integrating with Midas M Series and PRO Series digital consoles, providing a reliable digital snake connection from the stage to Front of House.

The DL251 utilizes advanced SuperMAC (AES50-compliant) digital audio networking technology from Klark Teknik, allowing for high channel counts, ultra-low latency, and sample-synchronous networked clock distribution. With three AES50 network ports, the DL251 ensures N+1 redundancy, making it an ideal choice for critical live sound applications where stability and reliability are paramount. It supports multiple sample rates, including 96 kHz for Midas PRO Series and 48 kHz for Midas M32 Series, giving engineers the flexibility to tailor the system to the specific needs of the performance. The DL251 is also equipped with a dedicated Ethernet control port and a MIDI interface (In, Out, Thru), providing further versatility in remote operation and integration with other systems.

The DL251 is designed with the rigors of live concert touring in mind, featuring a rugged steel 5U rackmount chassis. This durable construction ensures that the unit can withstand the challenging conditions of the road while providing reliable performance throughout its lifespan. The unit features 16 active servo-balanced, low-impedance line-level outputs capable of driving long cable runs with ease. For safe and quiet re-patching during shows, a recessed 'Mute All Outputs' switch on the rear panel ensures that audio can be muted without disrupting the signal flow. The front panel features intuitive switches and LED status indicators, providing clear feedback on power supply conditions, AES50 and Ethernet network statuses, and clock synchronization modes. Additionally, the DL251 offers flexible configuration through both front panel controls and remote operation via the connected console, making it easy to adapt the setup to the needs of the performance.

The DL251 is powered by dual-redundant auto-ranging switch-mode power supplies, ensuring continuous operation even in the event of a power failure. The unit operates on a wide voltage range of 100-240 V AC, making it suitable for use globally. The power consumption is efficient, with a maximum draw of 110 W when using both power supplies, ensuring minimal energy use without compromising performance. The unit also features a high dynamic range of 107 dB, ensuring that audio remains clean, clear, and free from distortion across the full frequency spectrum. With a frequency response of 20 Hz to 20 kHz and low crosstalk between channels, the DL251 ensures that the integrity of each audio signal is preserved for maximum clarity and precision.

With its powerful capabilities, flexibility, and robust design, the Midas DL251 is the ideal choice for large-scale live sound applications, offering seamless integration with Midas digital consoles and AES50-equipped devices. Its combination of Midas preamp technology, advanced networking features, and rugged construction makes it a reliable and essential tool for any professional audio engineer.

Features

• 48 award-winning Midas microphone preamplifiers with switchable +48 V phantom power
• 16 actively balanced low-impedance line-level outputs
• Selectable 96 kHz or 48 kHz sample rate operation
• Remote operation up to 100 m via CAT5/5e cable
• All settings programmable from front panel controls or console
• PSU status indicator LEDs and configuration switches on front panel
• 3 AES50 network ports for redundant connections, ensuring N+1 redundancy
• MIDI In, Out, and Thru connectors for additional control integration
• Neutrik etherCON AES50 network ports for reliable and secure connections
• Rugged 5U rackmount chassis for durability in portable applications
• Dual redundant auto-ranging universal switch-mode power supplies
• Power consumption: 85 W (1 PSU), 110 W (2 PSU)
• Voltage: 100-240 V AC +10%
• Operating temperature range: +5°C to +40°C
• Storage temperature range: -20°C to +60°C
• Dimensions: 5U x 410 mm deep
• Net weight: 22 lbs
• Shipping weight: 39.6 lbs

Specifications

Audio Performance

• Audio Performance:
  • Input Output Gain: DL251 I/O Box to DL252 I/O Box, Gain 0 dB, 20 Hz to -10 dB, 20 kHz to -1.0 dB
  • Input Output Gain: DL251 I/O Box to DL252 I/O Box, Gain 40 dB, 20 Hz to -10 dB, 20 kHz to -1.0 dB
  • Input Output Gain: DL252 I/O Box to DL251 I/O Box, Gain 0 dB, 20 Hz to -10 dB, 20 kHz to -1.0 dB
  • Input Output Gain: DL252 I/O Box to DL251 I/O Box, Gain 40 dB, 20 Hz to -10 dB, 20 kHz to -1.0 dB
• Gain error at 1 kHz:
  • Input Output Gain: DL251 I/O Box to DL252 I/O Box, Gain 0 dB, Max +1.0 dB, Min -1.0 dB
  • Input Output Gain: DL251 I/O Box to DL252 I/O Box, Gain 40 dB, Max +1.0 dB, Min -1.0 dB
  • Input Output Gain: DL252 I/O Box to DL251 I/O Box, Gain 0 dB, Max +1.0 dB, Min -1.0 dB
  • Input Output Gain: DL252 I/O Box to DL251 I/O Box, Gain 40 dB, Max +1.0 dB, Min -1.0 dB
• Input CMRR:
  • Input Output Gain: DL251 I/O Box to DL252 I/O Box, Gain 0 dB, 100 Hz 60 dB, 1 kHz 60 dB
  • Input Output Gain: DL251 I/O Box to DL252 I/O Box, Gain 40 dB, 100 Hz 90 dB, 1 kHz 90 dB
  • Input Output Gain: DL252 I/O Box to DL251 I/O Box, Gain 0 dB, 100 Hz 60 dB, 1 kHz 60 dB
  • Input Output Gain: DL252 I/O Box to DL251 I/O Box, Gain 40 dB, 100 Hz 90 dB, 1 kHz 90 dB
• Distortion at 0 dBu:
  • Input Output Gain: DL251 I/O Box to DL252 I/O Box, Gain 0 dB, 1 kHz 0.01%, 10 kHz 0.01%
  • Input Output Gain: DL251 I/O Box to DL252 I/O Box, Gain 40 dB, 1 kHz 0.03%, 10 kHz 0.03%
  • Input Output Gain: DL252 I/O Box to DL251 I/O Box, Gain 0 dB, 1 kHz 0.01%, 10 kHz 0.01%
• Distortion at +20 dBu:
  • Input Output Gain: DL251 I/O Box to DL252 I/O Box, Gain 0 dB, 1 kHz 0.03%, 10 kHz 0.03%
  • Input Output Gain: DL251 I/O Box to DL252 I/O Box, Gain 40 dB, 1 kHz 0.03%, 10 kHz 0.03%
  • Input Output Gain: DL252 I/O Box to DL251 I/O Box, Gain 0 dB, 1 kHz 0.03%, 10 kHz 0.03%
• Signal path noise 22 Hz to 22 kHz unweighted (inputs 150Ω terminated):
  • Input Output Gain: DL251 I/O Box to DL252 I/O Box, Gain 0 dB, Output noise -86 dBu, EIN -125 dBu
  • Input Output Gain: DL251 I/O Box to DL252 I/O Box, Gain 40 dB, Output noise -86 dBu, EIN -125 dBu
  • Input Output Gain: DL252 I/O Box to DL251 I/O Box, Gain 0 dB, Output noise -86 dBu, EIN -125 dBu
  • Input Output Gain: DL252 I/O Box to DL251 I/O Box, Gain 40 dB, Output noise -86 dBu, EIN -125 dBu
• Dynamic range 22 Hz to 22 kHz unweighted:
  • Input Output Gain: DL251 I/O Box to DL252 I/O Box, Gain 0 dB, Output noise +21 dBu, EIN 107 dB
  • Input Output Gain: DL251 I/O Box to DL252 I/O Box, Gain 40 dB, Output noise +21 dBu, EIN 106 dB
  • Input Output Gain: DL252 I/O Box to DL251 I/O Box, Gain 0 dB, Output noise +21 dBu, EIN 107 dB
  • Input Output Gain: DL252 I/O Box to DL251 I/O Box, Gain 40 dB, Output noise +21 dBu, EIN 106 dB

System Inputs and Outputs

• I/O Box Inputs
  • Connector: 3-pin XLR balanced
  • A/D Converter: 24-bit, 96 kHz, and 128 times oversampling
• Box Analogue Outputs
  • Connector: 3-pin XLR balanced
  • D/A Converter: 24-bit, 96 kHz, and 128 times oversampling
• MIDI
  • MIDI Connector: In, out, and through on 5-pin DIN (for use with Midas consoles only)
• 48 kHz I/O Digital System Inputs and Outputs
  • System Connector: 1 x AES50 (48 channels of bi-directional digital audio) on EtherCon® XLR
  • Redundant Connector: 1 x AES50 (48 channels of bi-directional digital audio) on EtherCon® XLR providing redundant back-up
  • Additional Connector: Not used
• 96 kHz I/O Digital System Inputs and Outputs
  • System Connector (1 and 2): 2 x AES50 (24 channels of bi-directional digital audio) on EtherCon® XLR
  • N+1 Connector (3): 1 x AES50 (24 channels of bi-directional digital audio) on EtherCon® XLR providing redundant back-up

Input and Output Characteristics

• 48 kHz Digital I/O Characteristics
  • Type: AES50
  • Channels: 48
  • Data Length: 24-bit
  • I/O: Bi-directional
  • Description Notes: Conforms to AES50-2006
  • Connector: EtherCon® XLR
• 96 kHz Digital I/O Characteristics
  • Type: AES50
  • Channels: 24
  • Data Length: 24-bit
  • I/O: Bi-directional
  • Description Notes: Conforms to AES50-2006
  • Connector: EtherCon® XLR

General

• Sampling frequency: 48 kHz/96 kHz snake; 96 kHz with Midas console
• Latency delay: <1ms direct connection input to output
• Dynamic range: 107 dB, 22 Hz to 22 kHz (no pre-emphasis)
• Maximum voltage gain: 45 dB
• Crosstalk @ 1 kHz: -100 dB physically adjacent input channels
• Crosstalk @ 10 kHz: -90 dB physically adjacent input channels
• Dimensions: 5U x 410 mm deep
• Net weight: 22 lbs
• Shipping weight: 39.6 lbs
• Power requirements 100 V to 240 V AC +10%, 50 to 60 Hz
• Power consumption at 115 V 1 PSU: 85 W, 85 VA, 2 PSU: 110 W, 110 VA
• Power consumption at 230 V 1 PSU: 90 W, 100 VA, 2 PSU: 110 W, 135 VA
• Operating temperature range +5°C to +40°C
• Storage temperature range -20°C to +60°C