DEE Sound & Light founder, owner and managing director André Schneider has grown the company to become a major player in the Belgian audio and lighting rental industry, and has already invested a substantial sum in the latest Midas technology. Clients range from festivals and international promoters including Clear Channel Entertainment to Europe's leading theatre companies, with productions touring almost constantly through Europe and the rest of the world.
Karel de Piere, general manager of Ampco Belgium, says: "Since Midas started its digital project sound engineers and rental companies have been trying every trick in the book to get a sneak preview. Before Frankfurt we were able to invite some customers to the Midas factory to see the XL8 prototype and the result was that André decided immediately to be the first to make the commitment to the XL8 - and placed his order on the spot."
Schneider comments: "We see the digital audio mixer market growing rapidly and a major opportunity to dry-hire consoles to touring bands, one-off shows, theatre events and the broadcast market in particular. We also see an important new market in top-end fixed installations. To be successful you need to have a choice of the very best boards available, and when I saw the XL8 I knew this is the only desk that is a true step forward from analogue. With the XL8 you retain all the controllability and sonic advantages of analogue Midas consoles, but you get the addition of a totally digital audio network, control centre, show control and dynamics, all in one."
Schneider concludes: "The ergonomics, the sound and the features are Midas all the way, which is why we've made this the flagship of our new DEE Digital Rental operation. With our sister company DEE Transport, customers will be able to get delivery worldwide and have the backup of a dedicated team of certified XL8 engineers who will be at the disposal of the client."
As mentioned, DEE Digital has also invested in a Digidesign Venue, a system which is proving popular with sound engineers for its advanced facilities, compact footprint and its ability to use the enormous range of Pro Tools plug-ins to greatly expand the console's capabilities. In March, Ampco Belgium held a Venue Seminar at the Ampco Academy and over 50 respected sound engineers turned up to discover the features and USPs of the Venue. Ampco Belgium's Karel de Piere says: "The instant reactions were highly positive and people really enjoyed the versality, flexibilty and ease of use of the console. The console's clear layout, modular concept, redundancy, sound quality, Pro Tools integration, compact surface and plug-in modules were all elements which the engineers loved."
(Lee Baldock)
