Yamaha has recently redefined digital mixing for the live and installed sound industries with the launch of the new large format RIVAGE PM10 console - also officially introduced at the Prolight+Sound 2015, and complementing its CL and QL series consoles. Now, with the TF series, the company brings its most recent digital mixing technology to an even wider range of users, with advanced features at an exceptional price point. The new TF digital consoles have MSRP princes ranging from $2,950 to $4,200, combining great features, including an advanced touch screen, mic presets, 1-knob compression, wireless mixing, processing and effects. With key features aimed at new users and experienced professionals alike, the TF series offers the kind of facilities and performance enjoyed by large-scale productions for even the most modest sound reinforcement applications.
The TF series comprises three compact, performance-packed Yamaha digital mixing consoles. The TF5, TF3 and TF1 respectively feature 33, 25 or 17 motor faders along with 32, 24 or 16 rear-panel analogue inputs, which feature recallable Yamaha D-PRE preamplifiers for the first time in a digital console. This facility provides greatly improved support for live music and events where full setup changes need to be made on the fly.
There are a total of 48 inputs on the TF5 and TF3, with 40 on the TF1, including dual stereo analogue/USB digital inputs and dual returns. Advanced live recording features include up to 34 x 34 channel recording and playback via USB 2.0 and 2 x 2 with a USB storage device. All of this, plus seamless operation with high-performance I/O racks, makes the TF series an outstanding choice for a wide range of applications.
TouchFlow Operation is a new approach to console operation that combines elements of Yamaha’s highly regarded user interfaces with an advanced touch panel system, allowing users to respond to the music and artists on stage with unprecedented speed and freedom. Experienced engineers and newcomers alike will find it easier than ever to achieve the ideal mix.
A number of TF series features also contribute to faster, smoother setup. 1-knob COMP and 1-knob EQ features make it easy to dial in the ideal sound via a single rotary control - on inputs for adjusting individual sources and on outputs for overall sound control. An innovative GainFinder feature facilitates optimum gain setup for individual input signals, making ideal overall signal quality easily achievable.
Also provided is a range of input and output channel presets created in cooperation with leading microphone manufacturers such as Audio-Technica, Sennheiser and Shure, as well as respected engineers. The input channel presets are made to match a range of musical instruments and voices, covering parameters such as head amp (HA) gain, EQ, dynamics and much more, right down to details like channel name and colour. Output channel presets include parameters optimised for in-ear monitors (IEM) and Yamaha powered speakers, with variations to match different environments and room sizes. This is a huge advantage for novice users, while experienced engineers will appreciate the enhanced speed and efficiency of operation.
“Collaborating closely with the TF engineers on the instrument specific presets means that we can be sure our microphones deliver their best performance, while leaving the user free to focus on the creativity and character of the production,” comments Keisuke Kobayashi, CMO/CTO Audio-Technica Corporation.
“We are extremely pleased that our evolution microphones are part of the TF consoles via their ingenious preset functions. These presets provide users with an accurate indication of how to set the EQ, giving sound technicians a rock-solid foundation for their work,” says Sennheiser’s Michael Polten, Product Management & Marketing, Live Performance & Music.
“We are very pleased to have been able to co-operate with Yamaha on integrating Shure mic presets into the new TF mixers. These powerful mixers, combined with our presets and legendary microphones, will place outstanding audio in the hands of any audio engineer,” added Shure’s Matt Engstrom, Category Director of Wired Products.
In addition, separate software applications allow wireless mixing, personal monitor mixing and offline setup with TF series consoles. The TF Editor, TF StageMix and MonitorMix applications feature user interfaces that seamlessly extend the console’s own on any compatible device.
Of course TF series consoles also feature powerful processing and effects. In addition to parametric EQ and two dynamics processors on each channel, the consoles offer eight powerful processors for wide-ranging sonic control. Two of these are globally accessible and feature the same type of Yamaha SPX processors that have become an industry standard in recording and live sound applications. The remaining six processors are available in the AUX 9/10~19/20 master channels. The AUX 1~8 buses and main output channels include the same four-band parametric EQ as provided on the input channels, plus 31-band Flex12 GEQ.
All TF models include a slot for an optional NY64-D I/O expansion card that allows transmission and reception of up to 128 channels (64 in/64 out) via Dante audio network. Used in conjunction with Yamaha’s new Tio1608-D i/o rack, it becomes possible to create an exceptionally versatile stage box system with up to 48 inputs and 24 outputs. An optional RK5014 Rack Mount Kit will also be available for mounting the TF1 console in a standard 19-inch EIA equipment rack.
“Yamaha consoles have always been designed in cooperation with leading engineers from around the world to ensure maximum quality and ease of use,” says Yamaha PA department manager Ken Hiraoka. “The TF series takes another leap forward with a new concept in console operation that will allow experienced engineers as well as newcomers to the field to achieve the desired results quickly and easily.”
The TF series is scheduled to begin shipping in spring 2015. The Tio1608-D and NY64-D are scheduled to follow in spring 2016.
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