I recently purchased 2 Midas 522 v2 analog compressors, which are 500 series modules, but are supposedly based on the Midas Heritage 3000 Compressor/Dynamics sections.

I'm trying to learn more about the original hardware, but even in the user guide there is no mention of a dynamics module on the Heritage 3000 console. I can't find a video on YouTube of someone showing their 3000 console with a dynamics section.

What's the deal? Was it like a special feature to have the dynamics module included with the 3000 console? Was it a separate add on unit to pair with the console?

There's even a TC Electronic plugin that says it's based on the Heritage 3000 Dynamics section:

"DYN 3000 – Advanced Dynamics Processor
DYN 3000 delivers highly musical compression, expansion, and gating, faithfully recreating the MIDAS Heritage 3000’s sought-after dynamics section. It offers precise control over transients and dynamics, ensuring a polished and professional mix.

• Compressor, expander, and gate functions in a single interface
  
  
• Soft knee and hard knee compression modes for varying dynamic responses
  
  
• Sidechain filtering for precise frequency-dependent compression
  
  
• Highly responsive VU-style metering for real-time feedback
  
  
• Warm, analog-modeled processing for a musical and natural sound
  
  
• Transparent and punchy dynamic control, ideal for any source

From adding punch to drums to tightening vocal performances, DYN 3000 delivers precise yet musical dynamic shaping for mixing and mastering."

I can't find any info about the original console compressors, but some of may have worked with Midas consoles and could provide some more info. I know Midas makes a ton of different consoles so maybe some of them have Compressors built in to thr channel strips.

Link to the plugin version:
https://www.pluginboutique.com/products/14590

Thanks a lot

 

The H3000 did not have a compressor build in.
The dynamics hardware has just the design of the H3000 otherwise it's just a simple dynamics module with all the usual parameters. Same goes for the eq or any other module.

 

The H3000 doesn't have any stock dynamic module build in

 

"faithfully recreating the MIDAS Heritage 3000’s sought-after dynamics section"

Wtf is this supposed to mean then?

Faithfully recreating something that doesn't exist lmao

 

The midas Heritage 3000 console has a parametric EQ built in to many channels. It has a 4 band PEQ with dual concentric knobs and a separate frequency knob. The midas 512, 4 band PEQ 500 series units are based on these.

 

Last edited: Jun 2, 2025

Yes, I just wanted to express there that it's is also just a simple eq, like the console eq or whatever. The importance is the workflow here. Especially with those modules in combination with the plugin.

 

Oh ok, you just mean it's a standard console PEQ without any special features. Yeah I definitely agree.

Weirdly, the compressor (that seemingly doesn't exist on the consoles), does actually have a special feature. It has a "presense" knob that allows for a different ratio to be applied to high frequencies in tandem with the ratio you manually set on the compressor. Weird stuff.

Here's some info about that:

Variable Dynamics & “Air”
The range of mid-high audio frequencies (centered around 5 kHz) can be boosted to increase the sense of presence of vocals and solo instruments. As 522’s Presence control is adjusted above minimum, those mid-high frequencies are increasingly boosted during compression, allowing a sound or instrument to cut through or seem more present in the mix. This variable presence function enables the 522 to effectively operate with two different ratios, one for low frequencies (LF) and the other for mid-high frequencies (reduced ratio). The primary effects are: heavy compression and dynamic control can be applied without sounding unnatural; and the reduced compression in the human ear’s most sensitive range makes the material sound brighter. However, since high frequency (HF) make up gain is not required, unwanted noise, pumping, and howl-round during quiet passages are all greatly reduced.