Yamaha To Debut Rio 64-Input/Output Rack, Sets July Release for NUAGE Version 1.7

Yamaha Commercial Audio has announced the NAB 2015 launch the new RSio64-D I/O audio interface providing up to 64 inputs and 64 outputs with Dante/Mini-YGDAI card conversion for broadcast, recording, live sound, and other professional audio applications at booth #C1450. The new RSio64-D is a digital ‘Bento Box’ of sorts, the Japanese equivalent of a lunch box with compartments that contain various parts of the meal.

The Yamaha RSio64-D is a Dante/Mini-YGDAI format converting audio interface that can handle up to 64 inputs and 64 outputs while providing router functionality. It allows a wide range of input/output formats to be connected to a Dante network via four card slots that accept the comprehensive range of Mini-YGDAI cards available, making it an ideal choice for a wide range of applications. The RSio64-D can also be remotely controlled from Yamaha CL and QL Series digital consoles.

“The Rsio64-D is a card slot device that has slots for the customer to choose what “flavor” of format they require, states Marc Lopez, Marketing Manager, Yamaha Commercial Audio. “We expect that our customers will utilize the ‘Bento Box’ to the max as it will provide significantly enhanced flexibility for sound systems that include the Dante audio network.”

To make the RSio64-D even more convenient and easy to use as a format converter and router, presets for seven basic routing patterns are built in including routing between Mini-YGDAI cards. A rotary switch on the front panel allows direct selection of one-to-one Dante/Mini-YGDAI routing, branched Mini-YGDAI/Mini-YGDAI routing, and other options designed to suit a variety of applications.

Used with the R Remote software application or a CL or QL Series digital console, full matrix patching will be supported so that more complex routing can be set up as required.

Since its introduction in 1998 the Mini-YGDAI format has evolved to encompass a broad range of host devices and cards. The RSio64-D is an innovative solution that not only makes it possible to utilize the Dante network, but also enables convenient routing between Mini-YGDAI cards. The RSio64-D will greatly expand the utility and power of sound systems built around Dante capable products.

The Yamaha RSio64-D has a target MSRP of $3,000. Shipping is scheduled to begin this summer.

Yamaha Commercial Audio also announced the July availability of Version 1.7 software for the NUAGE advanced production DAW system. NUAGE is used primarily for commercial production applications ranging from audio post-production to music recording and mixing and is gaining vast market acceptance.

NUAGE V1.7 software will provide support for Steinberg Nuendo 7, as well as the addition of a multitude of control improvements, support for GPI devices that can improve studio communication, and greater control for Avid Pro Tools with plug-in and shortcut assignments. “All of these enhancements add a new dimension to the system that will benefit current users while augmenting the system’s appeal to users who have not yet experienced the power and flexibility of NUAGE,” states Marc Lopez, Marketing Manager, Yamaha Commercial Audio.

At the heart of NUAGE, and in its latest version, Nuendo 7 provides an improved work flow, the addition of VCA faders, support for game audio middleware, and other advanced features that enable an enhanced workflow.

Nuendo 7 features include Game Audio Connect: a fast, easy transfer of audio assets from Nuendo 7 to Audiokinetic Wwise middleware; integrated ReConforming solution: automatic re-editing of audio projects according to picture changes; advanced project collaboration: audio track import from other Nuendo projects from within an open Nuendo project; VCA faders for audio-post workflows: VCA fader automation using Nuendo routing operation patterns (independently from linked groups); Render In Place/Render Export: allows any selected audio files to be rendered to a new audio track, and any selected audio files to be exported to a disk destination, including numerous individual options such as naming conventions; new and updated plug-ins, and a new plug-in manager: Quadrafuzz V2, Multi-band Expander, Multiband Envelope Shaper, and VST Bass Amp.

As most NUAGE end users can attest, this system has always been more than just a DAW controller because of its deep integration with high-level DAW software. Now, Version 1.7 goes even further with improved access to a variety of important functions contributing to greater control and efficiency. Functions like Automation Mode setup and switching from the NUAGE Master Channel Control page; Multi-Function Knob click level and click pan can be changed from the NUAGE Master Control Room and Cue pages; plug-ins can be inserted in the Control Room buses; Section Control and Channel View Control can be customized for VCA assignments, etc.; as well as support for the JL Cooper eBOX and eBOX GPI8 GPI interfaces remotely controlled from the NUAGE Master.

Although NUAGE is able to switch between as many as three connected DAWs, with the new dedicated NUAGE PT Bridge driver in V1.7, Avid ProTools installations can be used as well. And, in response to requests from ProTools users, the updated software also expands the functionality of the NUAGE PT Bridge driver for even greater control and convenience. Using the Plug-in Panel shown on the monitor display as a guide, the NUAGE Fader Multi-Function Knobs can be used for ProTools plug-in control. And finally, the 12 NUAGE Master User Assignable Buttons can be assigned to ProTools shortcut keys, allowing the engineer to use familiar shortcuts directly from the NUAGE system.