Retaining essential features and functionality that have become standards over the past quarter of a century, the new Yamaha CL Series of digital mixing consoles offers an evolved experience in accessible mixing. The CL Series was just unveiled at the ongoing Prolight+Sound 2012 show in Frankfurt.
The line-up comprises three consoles, the CL1, CL3 and CL5, ranging in scale from 48 to 72 mono plus 8 stereo inputs. All feature 16 DCAs and 24 mix/8matrix output buses.
Founded on the proven Centralogic interface, the CL Series incorporates multiple innovations and refinements, including enhanced Select Channel functions and User Defined knobs.
The CL Series EQ and effects have been vastly expanded. They include an Effect Rack with VCM analog circuitry modelling technology, as well as a Premium Rack that includes the Rupert Neve Designs Portico 5033 equalizer and Portico 5043 compressor/limiter, developed in close cooperation with Rupert Neve.
Two new rack-mountable I/O units, Rio3224-D and Rio1608-D, can be used in a variety of combinations and configurations, communicating via a scalable Audinate Dante digital audio network.
Up to eight I/O rack units can be connected to a CL Series console, while multiple CL consoles can share control of the same I/O rack unit. A new Gain Compensation function adds the ability to combine front of house and monitor control via a single network, for comprehensive digital live sound integration.
For live multitrack recording and virtual sound checking, CL consoles are equipped with dedicated recording control capabilities for use with Steinberg Nuendo Live DAW application running on a Windows or Mac computer.
Further Details
User interface. The Centralogic user interface ensures that the consoles will be immediately familiar to many thousands of live sound engineers.
It has evolved considerably on the new consoles, incorporating a new generation, highly responsive color touch screen and an array of user definable rotary encoders and buttons.
Newly designed faders offer optimum feel, visibility and accuracy and are freely configurable to allow control of any combination of inputs, outputs or the 16 DCA faders.
The control surface also provides editable, back-lit channel name displays above each fader, with assignable color bars. The CL1 and CL3 also feature the option of an external meter bridge.
Audio quality. Audio quality and character were top priorities in the development of the new consoles. In addition to featuring newly-designed mic preamps and delays on every input channel and output port, the range debuts a prestigious line up of studio quality processing.
The Effects Rack provides the equivalent of eight SPX2000 effects processors, along with a range of VCM EQs and dynamics, while two further virtual racks provide access to up to 32 channels of graphic EQs.
However, probably the most exciting sonic innovation is the introduction of the Premium Rack concept. Developed by Yamaha’s Dr K (Toshi Kunimoto) and his team, the Premium Rack provides a range of extremely high quality, dynamic processors and EQs.
Yamaha has collaborated closely with Rupert Neve to incorporate the acclaimed Portico 5033 EQ and 5043 compressor as key elements in this new concept. These processors are included as standard in the CL series, eliminating the need for any plug-in management.
“For the first time we have the capability of bringing Rupert Neve sound into the live audio field, entirely due to Yamaha VCM technology. I believe that it is indistinguishable from the original analog sound,” says Neve.
Scalable solution. A key factor in making the CL Series so flexible is the pair of accompanying I/O racks, the Rio3224-R and Rio1608-D, and the fact that consoles are the first to feature built-in Dante networking as a standard feature.
A scalable system is easily constructed by simultaneously attaching up to eight I/O racks via Dante, providing up to 256 input sources. Pairs of CL consoles can also be cascaded to handle larger mixing requirements.
Connection of basic systems is easy, using the console’s auto-configuration facility. Two or more consoles can share the inputs from one set of I/O racks without fear of unexpected level changes due to the inclusion of Auto Gain Compensation within the I/O racks themselves.
With the new Dante 32-bit mode of operation, gain compensation can be provided without audibly affecting the dynamic range.
“We are extremely excited to be collaborating with Yamaha on the extraordinary new CL Series and I/O racks,” notes Audinate CEO Lee Ellison. “Dante provides a flexible, low latency, highly scalable, plug and play networking solution to connect Yamaha networked systems, Dante Virtual Soundcards or any other Dante networked device.
“We believe the combination of technologies integrated in this new platform will provide an unsurpassed digital experience.”
The Rio3224 also includes four stereo AES-EBU outputs, keeping signals in the digital domain right through to the amplifier. The new consoles offer three MY card slots on the rear panel, maintaining compatibility with every existing audio format as well as newer cards like the MY8-Lake speaker processing card and the MY16-Dugan auto mixing card.
The three card slots also allow for additional I/O alongside the consoles’ onboard eight mic inputs and eight line outputs.
