AVATAR STUDIOS INSTALLS YAMAHA DM2000

—Engineer Roy Hendrickson Gears Up For 96kHz Digital Surround Mixes—

BUENA PARK, CA (January 02, 2004)—Resident mixer/engineer Roy Hendrickson recently installed a 96-input Yamaha DM2000 digital production console in his mix room, Studio R, located on the fourth floor of New York's legendary Avatar Studios. The room has a breathtaking view of the Manhattan skyline and is a popular mixing spot for his clients. The rare outside view and access to the rooftop deck with grill provide a setting conducive to relaxed creativity.

	The DM2000 is interfaced with a fully loaded Pro Tools HD3 rig complete with 48 I/O. Hendrickson uses the Pro Tools layer and locator on the DM2000 to mix much faster without having to look at the computer screen at all during mixing.

Hendrickson initially installed the DM2000 for its 96kHz capability after having mixed on it in a studio in Minneapolis, and was delighted with the smart, well-thought-out features of the console. "The internal patching is better than anything I have seen before," he says. "The console has a very honest, big sound."

Hendrickson sites several specific features of the Yamaha DM2000, such as the automation system for fast ease of use, 96 channel capability, Pro Tools layers and locator, a surround monitor section that requires no cables for external monitor boxes, 12 auxiliary sends, an impressive sounding analog section, Studio Manager software that makes saving data and setups very quick and neat, and absolute flexibility.

"Studios like Avatar and credentials like Roy's reinforce the fact that excellent records are made on Yamaha consoles," states Larry Italia, general manager, Yamaha Commercial Audio Division. "We're certain Roy will have only great experiences using the DM2000."

The new Yamaha console is interfaced with a fully loaded Pro Tools HD3 rig complete with 48 I/O. Hendrickson utilizes the Pro Tools layer and locator on the DM2000 quite frequently—a feature that allows him to mix much faster without having to look at the computer screen at all during mixing—enabling him to stay and mix in the sweet spot all day. The built-in USB interface of the console makes connections very easy. The P2 interface is used to control the collection of analog machines located in Studio R.

Now fully capable of 96K digital surround mixing, Studio R has a full complement of multitrack and two-track analog recorders including Ampex and Studer machines. Other equipment includes a Urei LA3A, Pultec equalizers, Neve 1073 channel modules, an Eventide SP2016 and an Ampex ATR-102. The room is also tied into analog reverb units and an EMT 140ST located in the basement. Studio R has direct access to Avatar's vast collection of outboard gear.

Kirk Imamura, President of Avatar Studios, says, "Roy has done some amazing work on Yamaha consoles in the past, mixing over 30 albums on a couple of 02R units. We can't wait to hear what he does on the new DM2000 with all its digital surround mixing capabilities."

Hendrickson has worked on a variety of projects, from the acclaimed Miles Davis release Doo-Bop to songs with P.O.D and Missy Elliot, tracked and mixed at Avatar. He recently completed mixing A World Still Turning for renowned UK jazz vocalist Ian Shaw. Produced by Todd Barkan, the CD will be released by 441 Records on October 14. Hendrickson is currently mixing a live album in surround for a DVD release, and with the addition of the Yamaha DM2000, is gearing up for 24-bit / 96kHz digital surround mix projects. He has previously worked on 5.1 surround mixes for Philippe Saisse and Cassandra Wilson.

The high performance Yamaha DM2000 digital console offers 96 input channels, extensive surround production features, integrated digital audio workstation and ProTools control, providing more than nine times the processing power of the Yamaha 02R. While in 96k mode, there is no loss of any inputs or outputs, made possible by utilizing the newly developed DSP7 LSIs with 32-bit (accumulative 58-bit) internal processing. The Yamaha DM2000 also features downmix matrix, which enables L-C-R-S and stereo mix monitoring—ideal for 5.1 surround mixing to DVD. Multiple 5.1 stem mixes can easily be handled.

AVATAR Studios is a 33,000-square-foot multi-room facility on Manhattan's West Side dedicated to providing the highest possible quality audio recording services to the recording industry. The studio houses four premier recording rooms containing Neve 8068, two SSL 9000J and a Neve VRP consoles. The four rooms are equipped with four ISDN lines per room and a remote recording session can be set up at a moment's notice. In addition, AVATAR has a Pro Tools editing suite available and has the ability to track directly to the DSD format.

For more information on AVATAR or for booking information, contact 212-765-7500.

For more information on the DM2000, write Yamaha Corporation of America, Commercial Audio Systems Division; for the 02R96, write Yamaha Corporation of America, Pro Audio & Combo Division, Professional Audio, P.O. Box 6600, Buena Park, CA 90622; telephone (714) 522-9011; email infostation@yamaha.com or visit www.yamaha.com/proaudio.