ResonantLive Sound Archive

Equipment file · Live mixing console

Midas PR-Series (PR04) Modular Console

Midas · 1974

Evidence status · documented

Identity and core specifications are documented; some historical fields remain unavailable.

Midas Amplification was founded in London in 1970 by Jeff Byers and Charles Brooke, initially building solid-state guitar amplifiers before relocating next to loudspeaker maker Martin Audio in 1972 and developing matched modular PA electronics. Design input from Jeff Byers' time on the road with Supertramp's 1974 'Crime of the Century' tour shaped the PR-series (PRO4) modular console, assembled from separate input, output, communications and aux-send/return module blocks for ruggedness on the road. The PR series went on to be used by Clair Brothers Audio on tours for Elvis Presley, Yes, Billy Joel and the Beach Boys, and Midas added dedicated monitor consoles for touring acts including Elvis Presley by 1975.

Introduced
1974
Category
Live mixing console
Intended use
Modular front-of-house and monitor mixing for large-scale rock touring PA systems
Production
Manufactured by Midas Audio Systems from 1974; built up from plug-in input, output, communications and aux modules

Why it mattered

  1. 01

    One of the first live consoles engineered as a true modular, plug-in-block system specifically for touring durability.

  2. 02

    Marks the start of the Midas/Martin Audio partnership that became a dominant combination on 1970s rock tours.

Engineering record

Architecture
Modular construction with separate plug-in blocks for input, output, communications and aux send/return sections[1]
System design
Developed as part of a matched modular PA system alongside Martin Audio loudspeakers and crossovers[2]

Original pricing

No reliable period price located

2026 equivalent

Not calculated without a reliable original price.

Public price evidence was not sufficient to publish a defensible original figure.

Use in the field

Design shaped by founder Jeff Byers' experience on Supertramp's 1974 Crime of the Century tour[1]

Manuals & original documents

No authoritative manual or original document has been located for this profile.

Sources

  1. 1About Us: Midas company historyMidas Consoles · reference · accessed 2024
  2. 2Midas Consoles JapanProAudio-Central · reference · 2010-05-31

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