Yamaha CL, QL Digital Audio Consoles to release v3.0 updates with new features for broadcast, live sound
Announced during IBC in September, Yamaha CL and QL Digital Audio Consoles will release V3.0 updates available in early 2015. Version 3.0 adds features and functionality that will increase the appeal of all CL and QL Series models for broadcast applications, including 5.1 panning and monitoring for surround broadcasts, and a newly developed buss compressor that is ideal for insertion in the stereo mix buss.
For live sound applications, V3.0 will add the benefit of a new 8-band parametric EQ and real time analyzer. There will not be a QL Series V2.0 so that the CL and QL Series Consoles will be at the same V3.0 level. CL and QL files are interchangeable, making it easy to choose and combine models to best accommodate live sound front of house and monitoring as well as broadcast relay and recording, from the most basic to large scale applications.
Notable new CL/QL V3.0 features for broadcast include 5.1 Surround Panning.
Pan positioning can be set via the touch panel or knobs. Mix to Matrix can be used for international feed production, and Mix to Stereo can be used for stereo mix down. In addition to surround mixing, CL/QL V3.0 adds basic surround monitoring. Monitor alignment capability is also provided, with adjustment of relative speaker levels and delays.
Live Sound
Also for broadcast applications, Dan Dugan Sound Design highly regarded automatic microphone mixers already included in QL Series is now included in CL Series consoles. Gain distribution for up to 16 speech microphone channels is automatically optimized in real time, achieving smooth, natural level control.
Yamaha R&D has created an accurate VCM (Virtual Circuitry Modeling) model of an acclaimed buss compressor that is relied on in broadcast and recording studios around the world. Buss Comp 369 is ideal for inserting on the stereo mix buss for increased loudness, more uniform levels, and warm overall sound. It is an excellent choice for live sound as well as broadcast applications.
Mix minus, considered important for relay broadcast applications, previously available for CL consoles is now available in the QL consoles. The signal from a specified channel can be easily omitted from a specific bus, making it easy to quickly create a mix for the location reporter, for example, that may not include his/her own mic feed. The new Frame Delay capability enables the audio engineer to delay the audio at the console in order to achieve proper synchronization, a necessity in broadcast and in live applications where video is being used. The feature makes it possible to set that delay in frame increments for easy sync with a wide variety of video formats.
Additional live sound features include an 8-band PEQ in the GEQ Rack and Effect Rack making it possible to select 8-band Parametric EQ in the GEQ RACK and EFFECT RACK. With the real time analyzer (RTA) to support room tuning and other operations, the frequency spectrum of cued channels can be shown in the new RTA display as well as in the PEQ or GEQ display to provide visual feedback while adjusting EQ.
Also of note for the live sound market, V3.0 will now provide four banks of enhanced User Defined Keys, not only reducing the possibility of running out of keys, but it also allows keys to be grouped by function for improved efficiency. DCA Assignment Selection for Scene Management has been added to the parameters for Recall Safe, Focus Recall, and Global Paste. Rather than only being selectable with ALL parameters during scene memory management, DCA assignment is now an independent setting. This allows more refined control, such as specifying only Channel Name, Fader, and DCA Assign to be Recall Safe, for example.
“We’re very pleased to brings these additional upgrades that have been requested by our users, states Marc Lopez, Marketing Manager, Yamaha Commercial Audio Systems, Inc. Our loyal sound reinforcement engineers will benefit from several great tools whether they are mixing on CL or the new QL Series as well as a whole new set of amazing features for our broadcast users. In addition to the new features in V3.0, we are currently working on a number of additional refinements that will provide even greater operability and stability and will continue to deliver products and updates that contribute to the most efficient and comfortable working environment for our customers.”
Yamaha Commercial Audio Systems will launch the fifth in a series of its Remote I/O (Rio) Racks at this year’s AES Convention. The new RMio64-D provides unprecedented capabilities for Yamaha CL and QL Series Consoles as well as NUAGE DAW systems that use Dante networking. The new product enables audio from a CL or QL live sound system to be converted to MADI and fed to an OB vehicle, for example, or a MADI based console can be easily integrated into a NUAGE system for post production.
On its own or in close integration with other Yamaha products, RMio64-D adds even greater value. The rack can be mounted via the CL or QL console touch screen displays with convenient remote control of Dante patching and sample rate converter settings (future update). Precision synchronization with the NUAGE system Direct Monitoring and VST System Link functions is also provided, as well as remote control from the NUAGE Workgroup Manager software.
“The RMio64-D allows smooth, simple connection between the MADI format and the Dante digital audio networking protocol that is rapidly gaining acceptance worldwide, states Marc Lopez, Marketing Manager, Yamaha Commercial Audio Systems, Inc. Built-in sample rate conversion effectively overcomes word clock synchronization issues that would otherwise limit system design freedom, and extensive compatibility with CL, QL and NUAGE systems, significantly enhancing the value of those products for use in a broad spectrum of sound systems. Tight integration is the key to complete systems solutions offered by Yamaha for our customers.”