Yamaha Busts Out The Box For AES

SAN FRANCISCO–Yamaha took advantage of the AES spotlight to introduce several new products this past weekend, on the surface the biggest announcement Yamaha made was the launch of the DSP5D, a DSP-expander for the PM5D digital sound reinforcement console. The DSP5D is essentially a PM5D without a control surface, shrunk into a 10RU box. It can be controlled via a PC running Yamaha Studio manager software, or used as an expansion to the PM5D console. If used as an expander it will extend the PM5D to 96 mono plus 16 stereo input channels, including two additional card slots and effects and dynamics processing. A second DSP5D unit can be added to provide further expansion to 144 mono plus 24 stereo input channels. When used in conjunction with the new DCU5D Ethernet Audio Cascade Unit, the DSP5D can be set in a remote location and controlled from a PM5D up to 100 meters away via a Cat5 cable. Multiple units can be placed anywhere, allowing for use in situations where distance requires Ethernet audio cabling connectivity. Units can be retrofit to existing customers' PM5D consoles.

"We suspect that sound designers for Broadway theatres and touring productions will appreciate the amount of mixing power and connectivity capability using one single cable out to front of house, and the retrofit option to existing PM5D consoles," said Larry Italia, vice president/general manager of Yamaha Commercial Audio Systems, Inc. No price point has been set yet, but the reps we spoke to gave us the impression it would be in the neighborhood of stupid cheap (approximately $28,000).

Yamaha also announced the debut of the LS9 series of digital mixing consoles. The 32- and 64- input consoles were designed specifically for sound reinforcement requirements within small to medium sized houses of worship, regional sound companies and corporate audio/video presentation. The consoles can also be used as auxiliary mixer/channel expanders for the M7CL and PM5D consoles.

The LS9 series console is housed in a small footprint frame, and consists of built-in mic pre-amps on the first layer of both the 16- and 32- input consoles. The console shares the same sound quality, built-in effects, EQ, and dynamics processing as that of the M7CL console, not to mention an MP3 recorder.

"The inclusion of an MP3 recorder will enable mixing engineers to record and playback all performances, whether musical or spoken word, from within the console," commented Italia.

The LS9-16 includes 32-mono inputs 16 with on-board mic preamps while the LS9-32 utilizes 64-mono input channels with 32 on-board mic preamps. Additional microphone pre amps can be added to the LS9 using the MY card slots. The LS9 can also be used with third party products, such as Aviom and AuviTran cards. The consoles have a suggested retail price of $10,999 and $5,999 respectively.

Remember that note above about surface versus deeper? Check this: Available in November 2006, the LS9 series will replace the Yamaha GA series analog console. In what has to be a first in the industry, a major manufacturer is replacing an analog line with a digital line. Is that writing on the wall getting any clearer yet?

Yamaha also declared its intent to re-enter the professional amplifier market in a big way with the introduction of the two-ohm, Tn Series amps.

The amps enters the market with three available models. The Tn5 delivers 2300W (stereo at four ohms) and 5000W at four ohms bridged; the Tn4 delivers 2000W (stereo at four ohms), 4400W in four ohms bridged mode; the Tn3 delivers 1400W (stereo at 4 ohms), and 3800W at four ohms bridged. The input gain level for all models is 26dB.

The Tn amplifiers are equipped with additional power supply circuitry protection against low or high voltage. This works automatically when voltage registers at a pre-determined range and releases when voltage is back in normal range. A VHF protection circuit restricts any high frequency swing. The amplifiers feature a cooling fan that automatically stops when an input signal ceases. The fan includes removable filters for cleaning while in use. A copper plated power transformer is used instead of wire, reducing impedance. A thin film chip power transistor reduces thermal resistance. Yamaha-patented EEEngine technology acts as a current buffer.

Delivery is scheduled for the first quarter of 2007. The Tn 3, 4, and 5 have a suggested retail price of $2,399, $2,999 and $3,799 respectively.

Lastly, Yamaha gave some details on its recently announced partnership with EtherSound, showing their DME Satellite Series with its new EtherSound compatibility.

The Yamaha DME-ES Satellite Series includes the DME8i-ES (8 analog inputs), DME8o-ES (8 analog outputs), and DME4io-ES (4 analog inputs, 4 analog outputs). The series will be available in the second quarter of 2007.

Each DSP processor is housed in a single rack space unit and is capable of producing 80 percent of the DSP power of the full-featured Yamaha DME24N. Designed for maximum flexibility, connections include EtherSound, USB and RS422 control ports; an 8-in/4- out GPI port, plus dual EtherSound ports.

DME Designer Software, which will be included with the DME Satellites and will also be distributed from the Yamaha website, allows programming, monitoring and control of all DME units: Satellite models (CobraNet and EtherSound versions), the DME24N and DME64N, plus the SP2060 speaker processor, all from one central software package.

For more information on all Yamaha commercial audio products, visit www.yamahaca.com.

Pic is Daniel Craik, product manager for Yamaha, next to the LS9-16 console.