YAMAHA DM2000 MAKES AES DEBUT

—First True 24-Bit 96 kHz Total Production Console Now Delivering—

LOS ANGELES, CA (October 5, 2002)—Since its introduction, the Yamaha DM2000 has set a new standard in digital consoles as a total production tool for the commercial and sound reinforcement markets.

"Yamaha defined the first generation of truly affordable, professional digital mixing consoles," states Larry Italia, general manager, Yamaha Commercial Audio Systems Division. "The DM2000 is really the next generation in that it offers total production control, and has already made a significant impact on all commercial audio markets."

The multi-platform system provides 96 channels of clean, superior dynamic control, noise-free 24-bit/96kHz audio, gates and compressors on every channel, extensive surround production features, integrated digital audio workstation and ProTools® control, and provides more than nine times the processing power of the original 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.

For sound reinforcement applications, the expanded control surface allows analog-style hands-on operation and houses 16 user-defined keys available for assignable functions, allowing the user to individually mute surround monitor speakers and directly recall scene memories. All available inputs, outputs, effects and channel inserts can be assigned to any console channel or output via a versatile patching system.

The DM2000 includes a comprehensive range of 96kHz-compatible stereo effects, many specifically designed for surround mixing. Users can manipulate up to eight internal multi-effects processors [32-bit/96kHz] simultaneously, which can be assigned to an auxiliary buss for sends, or inserted directly into any input channel. Surround features include panning, joystick, monitoring, bass management, and 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.

The unit provides full automation of virtually all console parameters, with 24 smooth, quiet touch-sensitive 100 mm motorized faders, which can instantly be layer-switched to control the 96 channels. All automation data is recorded at 1/4-frame accuracy.

A direct out function enables signal from any of the 96 input channels to be routed directly to any other digital or analog output within the system. A 22 x 8 (4-stereo) matrix system can be used to provide cue monitor mixes, downmix monitoring for surround, or zone level control for sound reinforcement applications. The fully functional patching system enables 22 busses (eight record/subgroup busses, 12 auxiliary sends, L/R stereo buss) to be assigned to any output connector. A channel name display enables the user to identify channels at a quick glance, a widely-used feature when switching between mix layers.

FADER mode keys allow the console faders to be switched between fader and aux/matrix level control. ENCODER mode keys assign the rotary encoders for pan, send level, and other assignable functions. DISPLAY ACCESS keys determine the type of data to be shown on the LCD panel such as digital I/O's, channel parameters, and utility functions, for a total of 29 selected categories. These keys are positioned over and above the DISPLAY keys provided for each control section. The EFFECTS/PLUG-IN keys instantly access the parameters for any of the eight assignable effects. Since users spend significant time setting up EQs, dynamics, panning, surround position, and matrix send levels, the SELECTED CHANNEL controls form the largest single control group.

For monitor routing, SOLO CONTRAST separates multiple source selectors for studio and control room sends, for solo control and level control for surround monitoring. MONO, DIMMER, and TALKBACK capabilities are also provided. The SCENE MEMORY section enables storage of all console parameters as a new scene, or for recall of previously stored scenes.

With AUTOMIX, the DM2000's automated mixdown feature, the user can write and enable automation of faders, channel on/off, panning, surround positioning, aux levels, on/off switching, and EQ.

The DM2000 is designed to integrate with leading digital audio workstations and computer automated recording systems, providing extensive support for ProTools® (Support for Steinberg's Nuendo® is currently under development). An included Yamaha Studio Manager Software package is compatible for both Macintosh and Windows platforms, and enables total control of all console parameters via a comprehensive graphic interface.

Six mini-YGDAI slots accept a wide range of I/O and effects plug-in cards. Dedicated cascade ports enable two DM2000s to function in tandem, providing a maximum of 192 input channels. A full range of new Mini YGDAI digital and analog I/O cards also provide full 24-bit/96kHz capability; cards are available in ADAT®, TASCAM, AES/EBU formats, or for extra analog I/O capability. The unit will also support Apogee's high performance A/D and D/A cards, and the very powerful Waves Y56K effects plug-in card, designed for the Yamaha AW4416 and AW2816 digital audio workstations. SmartMedia® memory cards save Automix and scene data for transfer or archival purposes.

All onboard A/D and D/A conversions make use of true 24-bit/96kHz converters. The DM2000 also offers some of the finest analog mic preamps, which provide excellent digital representation of warm, transparent output from the mic pre-amps.

The peak meter bridge (MB2000) supplies 48 12-segment level meters that can be used individually or in pairs to display pre-EQ, pre- or post-fader signal levels. The same meters can also display levels of the console's eight busses, 12 aux sends, four stereo matrix busses and timecode.

Four-band parametric EQ, independent channel gates and compressors are included on every channel, with 24 high-performance head amps for mic or line input, and six 31-band graphic equalizers. Inputs include: balanced XLR and TRS connectors for all 24 inputs; balanced and unbalanced analog two-track inputs; two-track digital inputs featuring both AES/EBU and coaxial connectors. Onboard sample rate conversion with a wide range of synchronization and control options, plus standard word clock inputs and outputs are also available.

For more information on the DM2000, visit Yamaha at the 113th Audio Engineering Society (AES) Convention, Los Angeles Convention Center, Booth 1401; write Yamaha Corporation of America, Commercial Audio Systems Division, P.O. Box 6600, Buena Park, CA 90622; telephone (714) 522-9011; e-mail infostation@yamaha.com; or visit www.yamaha.com/proaudio.