Midas M32R Live

Designing A Future Classic

Our goal for M32R LIVE was to combine the best of classic British console designs with advanced modern technology to completely redefine what a rack mountable digital desktop mixing console can offer.
We began the industrial design process by drawing inspiration from a somewhat unexpected source – the luxury and high-performance car industry.


Why High-Performance Cars?

Simply because the design teams at Aston Martin*, Bentley*, Rolls Royce*, and other leading manufacturers are skilled at introducing innovative technological advancements while simultaneously maintaining the feel, essence, and intangible qualities of their cherished brands. And in essence, that’s the challenge we too faced when creating the M32R LIVE console.
So in order to create a future-forward design that took the Midas legacy even further, we enlisted the help of Rajesh Kutty, a leading industrial designer known for his work with celebrated luxury auto manufacturers such as Bentley, etc.

Kutty started by examining the design elements that have made Midas consoles so highly sought after – from the straightforward, logical layout to the unparalleled usability and ergonomics. These are characteristics that live sound engineers around the world have come to rely on, and are key aspects of the Midas legacy.

With these design elements in mind, Kutty set forth to create a styling that would be modern, innovative, futuristic, and stunningly elegant.

Many different construction materials were tested. Countless design variations were explored. And in the end, a styling was chosen that represented the perfect marriage between aerodynamic artistry and uncompromising performance. The design is both ultramodern and distinctly classic at the same time.

The Landmark in Console History

A close look at M32R LIVE reveals that the styling is completely new in every sense of the word. Rajesh Kutty’s automotive-inspired design elements mesh perfectly with a recognisable Midas signature, setting the M32R LIVE apart from any other console. Its beautifully streamlined and elegant form factor completely revolutionises the experience of live mixing.
The Midas M32R LIVE construction is equally impressive, and is designed to offer you years of reliable performance while withstanding the demanding environment of live performance venues. M32R LIVE employs a predominantly space-frame construction, with parts of the sub-frame consisting of high-performance aluminium. Multiple alloys have been employed throughout to guarantee maximum component efficiency and an improved performance-to-weight ratio.

The M32R LIVE is an innovative, evolved design that brings together modern construction principles and high-tech materials into a styling destined to go down as a landmark in console history.


Midas is the Epitome of Excellence

In 2013, Midas approached me to create a new design language for Midas and with it a new mixing console. Having designed for Bentley, I am intimately familiar with the challenge of transforming a brand while retaining the precious heritage – in this case the 40 year old iconic British mixing console brand Midas.
Representing the pinnacle of its industry, Midas is the Epitome of Excellence. When it comes to ergonomics, performance and style, the aspects of a high-performance luxury car equally apply to a high-end mixing console. I was given a blank sheet of paper for my choice of materials. This meant considering lightweight materials such as top-grade aluminium, while using a sophisticated steel construction, for high-impact structural areas.

High attention was paid to the tactile elements such as fader knobs and the illumination to work under all background conditions.

From the onset the idea was to break the mould! Hence the form study deliberately tried to break away from the static, bulky feel of today's mixing consoles. Instead making it more dynamic, ergonomic, yet luxurious. Colours, size, mobility and hardware were given equal importance to arrive at the M32R LIVE - a true projection of the brand, today.

Rajesh Kutty

Industry-Leading 192 kHz Precision

The groundbreaking M32R LIVE console combines legendary Midas sound quality with advanced digital technology, future-proof floating point audio engine, extremely low-latency design and industry-leading 192 kHz ADC and DAC converters, creating a revolutionary mid-format live console. M32R LIVE features ultra-sleek styling, offering you a truly luxurious mixing experience. High-end construction materials include carbon fibre provide unparalleled durability and strength, plus substantially lower weight than comparable consoles.

The M32R LIVE utilises award-winning Midas PRO Series microphone preamplifiers and the custom-designed Midas PRO motorised faders that are rated for 1 million life cycles-three times more than other leading consoles.

The Midas M32R LIVE is a future-forward console that completely raises the bar for live mixing.


Built for Tomorrow

The M32R LIVE is a console built for today, and tomorrow – its rock-solid proprietary operating system and the 0.8 ms audio engine provide outstanding state-of-the-art audio performance for years to come.

Industry-Leading Technology for More than 40 years

Midas’ experience spans over 40 years at the very top end of the live audio industry on countless world tours by the greatest artists and the most prestigious events. 40 years of relentless research, development with 300 of the world’s best engineers plus complete control over the manufacturing process. This is what powers the M32R LIVE.
Above all, M32R LIVE is designed to put the power of digital in your hands, without compromise. Midas’ singular focus on a matchless value proposition means M32R LIVE integrates advanced features such as motorised faders, LCD scribble strips, integrated personal monitor mixing and true high-speed digital audio networking as standard features.