The Midas AS88 is a professional 2U 19″ digital network converter that bridges dual high-bandwidth HyperMAC snake connections with eight fully redundant AES50 ports. Built to anchor large-scale live networks, it provides instantaneous signal routing and full cable redundancy across complex stadium or broadcast setups.
$4,500.00
The Midas AS88 was announced in May 2025 and began shipping to dealers in late 2025. Designed and engineered by Midas Consoles, it is the newest addition to the brand's professional converter lineup and remains in active production. The AS88 is available through authorized dealers including Midas Console USA.
The Midas AS88 is a dual HyperMAC to 8-port dual redundant AES50 converter designed to meet the rigorous demands of professional live sound. It seamlessly converts two high-bitrate HyperMAC connections into eight fully redundant AES50 connections, and vice versa, while ensuring ultra-fast audio switching.
At its core, the AS88 supports up to 192 bidirectional channels at 96 kHz, delivering outstanding bandwidth and flexibility for large-scale live productions. Unlike standard converters that offer limited redundancy, the AS88 provides full cable redundancy from console to stage box, significantly reducing the risk of signal loss.
The AS88 is the ideal companion to the flagship Midas HD96 console, enabling full redundancy across both console Snake ports and unlocking greater channel capacity and enhanced system reliability.
Dual Redundant HyperMAC to 8 Redundant AES50 Conversion: The AS88 converts two HyperMAC connections into 16 AES50 ports (8 on Snake X, 8 on Snake Y), providing dual redundancy throughout the signal chain. This architecture ensures that if any cable or connection fails, audio continues seamlessly via the redundant path.
192 Bidirectional Channels at 96 kHz: The AS88 handles up to 192 channels of bidirectional audio at 96 kHz sample rate, making it suitable for the most demanding touring and installation applications.
Advanced FPGA-Based Switching: Utilizing advanced FPGA-based technology, the AS88 ensures dependable HyperMAC failover to a redundant connection when needed . This real-time switching capability maintains audio integrity even in the event of a primary connection failure.
Rugged Optical and Copper Connectivity: The AS88 features dual-fibre ruggedised optical connectors for long-distance optical transmission, alongside locking network-grade RJ45 connectors for AES50 ports and copper snake connections. This offers full redundancy and real-time cable status monitoring.
Dual Redundant Power Supplies: The AS88 includes dual redundant auto-ranging universal switch-mode power supplies with independent IEC C13 inlets, providing seamless switchover in the unlikely event of a power supply failure.
Real-Time Cable Status Monitoring: Connection redundancy status is available from the connected console, indicating cable state. Front-panel LEDs provide instant visibility into Snake X and Y status, AES50 port status, and PSU health.
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Architecture | HyperMAC / AES50 Converter, 2 In / 16 Out (Dual redundancy) |
| Channels | 192 bidirectional at 96 kHz |
| HyperMAC Optical | 2 × standard connector on rear panel |
| HyperMAC Copper | 2 × standard connector on rear panel |
| AES50 Outputs | 16 × RJ45 sockets on rear panel |
| Ethernet Control | 1 × RJ45 connector |
| Display | 2 × 20 character LCD |
| Snake Status LEDs | 2 × green / 2 × red (per Snake X and Y) |
| AES50 Status LEDs | 16 × green / 16 × red |
| PSU Status LEDs | 2 × green / 2 × red |
| Power Switches | 2 × rocker on rear panel |
| Power Inlets | 2 × IEC C13 on rear panel |
| Voltage | 100–240 V AC, 50/60 Hz |
| Power Consumption | 2 × 25 W maximum draw (Dual redundancy) |
| Rack Spaces | 2U |
| Dimensions (H×W×D) | 88 × 440 × 483 mm (3.46 × 17.32 × 19.01") |
| Weight | 6.59 kg (14.53 lbs) |
| Operating Temperature | 5°C – 45°C (41°F – 113°F) |
| Included Accessories | 2 × IEC power cables, Quick Start Guide |
Specifications sourced from official Midas documentation and authorized dealer listings.
If you're running an HD96 console and need to distribute audio across multiple AES50 devices with full redundancy, the AS88 is purpose-built for the task. It is the only converter in the Midas lineup that provides 8 redundant AES50 ports from dual HyperMAC inputs, enabling complex system architectures with multiple stage boxes, I/O units, and recording devices.
The FPGA-based switching is a standout feature for mission-critical applications. Unlike software-based failover that can introduce latency or dropouts, the AS88's hardware-based switching ensures seamless audio continuity even when a primary HyperMAC connection fails.
For touring professionals, the dual redundant power supplies and real-time cable status monitoring provide peace of mind that the show will go on, regardless of cable or power issues.
Basic Setup: Mount the AS88 in your stage or FOH rack (2U rack space). Connect your HD96 console's Snake ports to the AS88's HyperMAC inputs using either copper (RJ45) or optical fibre cables. Connect AES50 devices (stage boxes, I/O units) to the 16 AES50 RJ45 outputs.
Redundancy Configuration: For full redundancy, connect both Snake X and Snake Y paths. Note: Do not mix optical and copper connections between X and Y — use two optical or two copper connections for proper redundancy operation.
Software Configuration: The AS88 is configurable via its onboard web interface. Connect a PC or Mac to the Ethernet control port, set an appropriate IP address, and access the configuration page to set the AS88's IP address, clock source, and sample rate.
Typical System Example: A Heritage D console connects via dual redundant copper snake to the AS88. Two dualled AES50 outputs then feed a DL153 Audio I/O unit (for analog conversion to PA) and a DL231 Audio Input Splitter (for stage mic preamplification).
How to Buy: Purchase the Midas AS88 directly from Midas Console USA. We offer competitive pricing and fast shipping within the United States.
Payment: We accept major credit cards, debit cards, and other secure payment methods through our encrypted checkout system.
Shipping: Fast, tracked shipping across the USA. Products are carefully packaged in protective materials to ensure safe delivery of your professional audio equipment.
Legal Considerations: The AS88 is covered by the comprehensive Midas warranty program. Purchasing from an unauthorized dealer may void warranty protection. Midas Console USA is an authorized source for genuine Midas products.
A: The AS88 is designed for HyperMAC-equipped Midas consoles, particularly the HD96 series (HD96-24, HD96-AIR). It also works with other HyperMAC devices.
A: The AS88 provides 16 AES50 RJ45 outputs (8 on Snake X, 8 on Snake Y) with dual redundancy.
A: The AS88 supports 192 bidirectional channels at 96 kHz.
A: Yes. The AS88 features dual redundant auto-ranging universal switch-mode power supplies with independent IEC C13 inlets.
A: No. For proper dual redundancy, you must use either two optical or two copper connections for Snake X and Y. Do not mix cable types between redundant paths.
A: The AS88 is configurable via its onboard web interface. Connect to the Ethernet control port, set an appropriate IP address, and access the configuration page in a web browser.
A: The AS88 includes the converter unit, 2 × IEC power cables, and a Quick Start Guide.
As a new product launched in 2025, the AS88 has received significant industry attention. AudioTechnology described it as a "highly anticipated addition to the Midas converter lineup" that is "engineered to meet the rigorous demands of professional live sound". TPi Magazine highlighted its "full cable redundancy from console to StageBox" and "real-time cable status monitoring" as key features that "ensure confidence in every performance".
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