Yamaha presents its new range of versatile digital consoles, consisting of a large format version and a second, more compact version. The first, called DM7, has enough to mix 120 mono channels, 48 mix buses, 12 matrices, 2 stereo buses and 2 cue buses:
- A 12-inch multi-touch main screen and a 7-inch secondary screen
- Total 28 faders (12 + 12 + 4)
- 32 analog audio inputs on XLR
- 2 AES/EBU inputs and outputs on XLR
- A TC input on XLR
- A word clock input and output
- 5 inputs and outputs on GPI
- 16 analogue audio outputs on XLR
- A headphone output
- One USB-C port (allows you to use the console’s 18 I/O audio USB interface by connecting a computer)
- A Dante interface with 144 inputs and outputs
- 2 front USB ports for external storage devices
The second console presented is less bulky, less heavy and its connectivity is bound to be limited. The DM7 Compact features:
- A 12″ multi-touch main screen and a secondary 7″ screen
- 16 faders (12 + 4)
- 16 analog inputs and outputs on XLR
- 144 inputs and outputs on Dante
- One AES/EBU input and output on XLR
- A USB-C audio interface with 18 inputs and outputs
- A TC input on XLR
- A word clock input and output
- 5 inputs and outputs on GPI
- A headphone output
- 2 front USB ports for connecting external storage devices
This new series is equipped with numerous software processing effects, notably the equalizer inherited from the Rivage PM7 and Rivage PM10, an FET limiter or even a diode bridge compressor whose routing and dry/wet mix you control. A duo of plug-ins developed in collaboration with Rupert Neve Designs are also on the program and include VCM models of the Portico 5033 equalizer and Portico 5043 compressor/limiter. You will also find original plug-ins from Yamaha, such as the DaNSe dynamic noise canceller and a dynamic equalizer. Finally, the FX Rack includes 43 different effects, including the new Rev HD and Rev R3.
Within the DM7 Series you will also find the DM7 Controller which, when connected to a DM7 via Ethernet, provides access to many physical controls such as user defined buttons and knobs, scene memory, monitor control, pan management etc. The DM7 Control controller comes with Broadcast Package/Theatre Package license codes that give access to additional special features.
Finally, note two new features from Yamaha designed to allow even more flexibility:
- The Assist function, which suggests settings and channel names via the faders and offers a certain level balance
- Split mode that allows you to use one console as if they were two separate consoles
The DM7 series comes with VST Rack Elements and Nuendo Live. By installing the Yamaha Console extension, you can control Nuendo Live’s transport and other functions from the console without touching your computer.
In terms of pricing, the DM7 should be around $30,000, the DM7 Compact around $15,000 and the DM7 Control around $6,000. Visit the Yamaha website for more information.