Midas DL252 - 16-Input/48-Output Stage Box with 16 Midas Microphone Preamplifiers in Blue Finish

The Midas DL252 is a 5U 19" fixed-configuration rack I/O unit that offers an impressive 16 mic/line level inputs and 48 line level outputs, providing unparalleled flexibility and sound quality for large-scale live sound applications. Featuring 16 of Midas' renowned microphone preamplifiers, the DL252 ensures pristine, transparent audio that faithfully reproduces every nuance of a performance. These award-winning preamplifiers offer 2.5 dB analogue gain steps and switchable +48 V phantom power, ensuring compatibility with a wide range of microphones and delivering the signature warmth, clarity, and depth that Midas is famous for. The DL252's exceptional audio performance makes it the ideal companion for Midas M32 Series and PRO Series digital consoles, enabling a seamless digital snake connection from Front of House to stage.

Built on Midas' legendary SuperMAC (AES50-compliant) digital audio networking technology from Klark Teknik, the DL252 supports high channel counts, ultra-low latency, and sample-synchronous, phase-aligned networked clock distribution. With three AES50 network ports, the DL252 provides N+1 redundancy, ensuring fail-safe operation in critical environments. The unit is capable of supporting multiple sample rates, including 96 kHz for Midas PRO Series consoles and 48 kHz for Midas M32 Series consoles. Its flexibility allows for the integration of various AES50-equipped devices, making it suitable for large-scale tours or installations requiring rock-solid reliability.

Equipped with 48 active servo-balanced low-impedance line level outputs, the DL252 is designed to drive long cable runs with ease, ensuring clear, distortion-free audio across large venues. The unit also features a recessed 'Mute All Outputs' switch on the rear panel, allowing for safe and quiet re-patching of cables during a show without disrupting the audio signal. The front panel is equipped with LED status indicators and configuration switches, offering clear feedback on operational status, including power supply conditions, AES50 and Ethernet network connection status, clock synchronization settings, and unit identification. This user-friendly interface ensures that engineers can easily monitor and adjust settings as needed, even in the most demanding live sound environments.

The DL252's rugged 5U rackmount chassis is designed to withstand the harsh conditions of live concert touring, ensuring reliable performance in any environment. Premium Neutrik etherCON connectors are used for AES50 network connections, ensuring secure and durable audio and network links. The unit also features dual-redundant auto-ranging switch-mode power supplies, which provide seamless power switchover in the unlikely event of a failure, offering peace of mind during critical performances. The DL252 operates globally with voltage support ranging from 100 V to 240 V AC, making it a versatile solution for international touring.

With its exceptional audio performance, flexibility, and rugged construction, the Midas DL252 is the ideal choice for large-scale live sound systems, providing the high-quality, reliable signal routing and amplification that Midas is known for.

Features

• 16 award-winning Midas microphone preamplifiers with switchable +48 V phantom power
• 48 active servo-balanced low-impedance line-level outputs
• Selectable 96 kHz or 48 kHz sample rate operation for compatibility with Midas PRO Series and M32 Series consoles
• 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 integration with Midas consoles
• Neutrik etherCON AES50 network ports for secure and reliable connections
• Rugged 5U rackmount chassis designed for durability in portable applications
• Dual-redundant auto-ranging universal switch-mode power supplies for seamless power switchover
• 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