 |
| Click to enlarge |
Doesn't it seem odd that one of the world's largest music and sound manufacturers would make a 500-series rack that is noisy due to a switching power supply? For answers, I purposely loaded this newly acquired, Midas L10 rack with two transformer coupled mic preamps (trying to attract induced noise using input and output transformers) along with a transformerless budget model mic preamp from Fredenstein. In addition I installed a Midas 512 parametric EQ (< full review on H.o.T.) so I could sweep around searching for any buzz prone boost range. I’m very happy to report NO BUZZ, none. The L10 is dead quiet, with or without a lotta gain on any of the mic preamps installed (that little '73 clone has 80dB on tap)- silence, no buzz, which makes sense if the switching frequency in the digital power supply happens well above any of the audio range, combined with sufficient filter capacitors making smooth DC.
For microphone testing I used the Shure SM7B microphone which is also transformer coupled and requires a lot of gain, with the gain up high I could hear every sound in the room in great detail but there was not the slightest hint of buzz, hum or noise from the rack's inbuilt power supply. Just for fun I also tested the preamps with the vintage styled Shure 55 microphone (which was unusable in a Bento 2, 500-series rack, but worked flawlessly in the Midas L10, producing no noise).
MIDAS L10 HARDWARE
The L10 is a 10-slot chassis; that means you can mount ten, individual, 500-series modules. The L10 power supply provides 3.2A at plus and minus 16V and 300mA@ 48 volts for phantom power. Around back an IEC style power cord plugs directly into the chassis and the complete power supply for the rack is inbuilt, surrounded by sheet steel for shielding. There is no external power supply connection other than the IEC power cable which comes included with the L10.
 |
| Click to enlarge |
There are two additional AUX XLR jacks on the rear for every channel. The manual says these AUX I.O. ports can be used if your modules support them (which the Midas 500-series compressor module does not).
 |
| Click to enlarge |
There’s a row of pushbutton switches labeled COMP BUS but these are only useful if your module supports them (which the Midas compressor does not). I left the Comp Bus pushbuttons OFF.
 |
| Click to enlarge |
Across the bottom of the rear panel is another set of pushbutton switches which create links between channels. This lets you feed the output from slot/module #One directly to the input of slot/module #Two, and then if you want, you can route the output from slot/module #Two to the input of slot/module #Three, and on through all 10 slots if you need that much processing;-) These pushbuttons give you a convenient way to build custom chains of modules without connecting external patch cables. You could install a preamp, EQ and compressor in three slot-positions and link them together to function as one channel strip, with no extra cables as long as you install them in the desired order, very handy for testing gadgets together.
 |
| Click to enlarge |
Mounting the modules in the L10 was no more difficult than mounting modules in a rack by API, like the VPR 500 rack (< full review here on H.o.T.). You’ll want to turn the power off (I disconnect the power cord for extra safety) whenever exchanging modules in any 500-series rack. The weight of the L10 at 10.8 pounds is very reasonable considering it's steel construction and the built-in power supply.
LIKES
- Link buttons series-connect module slots without patch cords
- Front panel AC power switch with large jeweled power indicator light
- Built-in universal worldwide power supply
- Air vents on the top, bottom and power supply side for cooling
- 320 mA of power per slot (VPR spec calls for 130mA per slot, more is better)
DISLIKES
- Comes with Star-head screws filling module slot mounting holes (they’re too short for modules and requires another tool laying around the studio)
- Star screws holding on the feet - I like star screws, just not for everyday interaction
- Postioning of link buttons on the rear are easily depressed accidentally
EPILOGUE
While looking at the specifications for the L-10, I was also perusing the specs for the L-6, the smaller, six-slot lunchbox version by Midas, and noticed that it has the exact same power supply as the L10 divided across six module/slots instead of ten. The L6 also comes with rack mount ears for no extra charge (according to the literature) which makes it attractive for ultra power hungry modules in a rack mount-style package.
For my money the L10 by Midas has everything I want in a 10 slot, 500 series chassis: It’s not a kit, it has a lot of quiet power-supply (to feed hungry modules), proper sizing and fitment of modules (which makes sense because almost all the manufacturing at the Music Tribe factory is done by robots), pushbutton ganging of modules to form processor channel strips using modules (without patch cords), and an incredible low price compared to every other 10-slot maker. The Midas L10 500 series chassis is truly an impressive build and a H.o.T. Best Value winner!
Thanks for reading High on Technology, Good Music To You!
©May 2025 by Mark King, it’s not ok to copy or quote without written permission from the author.
 |
| Midas L10, Designed and Engineered in the U.K., click to enlarge |
 |
| Midas L10, 500 series rack chassis |
