ResonantLive Sound Archive

Equipment file · Large-format analog touring console lineage

XL3 / XL4 lineage

Midas · XL3 in 1990; XL4 in 1995

Evidence status · verified

Claims in this file are tied to item-specific sources.

Large-format analog consoles offering extensive routing, EQ, and road-proven ergonomics.

Introduced
XL3 in 1990; XL4 in 1995
Category
Large-format analog touring console lineage
Intended use
Front-of-house and monitor mixing on major tours
Production
1990s–2000s

Why it mattered

  1. 01

    The XL3 established a highly regarded road console architecture; the XL4 added moving-fader automation while retaining an analog signal path.

  2. 02

    Its immediate control surface and routing became a touring benchmark during the transition to digital desks.

Engineering record

XL4 scale
The XL4 provided 48 inputs, 45 buses, an 18×8 matrix, eight mute groups, and scene-controlled moving faders.[1]
Signal path
Audio remained analog while routing and automation were digitally controlled.[1]

Original pricing

No reliable launch price located

2026 equivalent

Not calculated without a reliable original price.

No period dealer list with a verified console frame and configuration was found.

Use in the field

A 2005 retrospective documents XL4 use with Paul McCartney, Coldplay, Metallica, R.E.M., Santana, and other major tours.[2]

Professional reactions

“Engineers love the warm analog sound of the desk's preamps, plus the immediate response of the onboard EQ.”
Dave Cooper, Midas sales and marketing directorTen-year XL4 retrospective · Manufacturer-published case study[2]Mix · Midas XL4: Ten Years After

Manuals & original documents

Sources

  1. 1XL4 operator manualMidas · manual
  2. 2Midas XL4: Ten Years AfterMix · reference · 2005

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