Yamaha PM5D Series Offers Best of Both Worlds

BUENA PARK, CA (August 20, 2004) — For years, the term "PM" has come to mean high quality, reliable mixing products. The new Yamaha PM5D Series combines the advanced features and self-contained design of the acclaimed DM2000 with the operating style of the groundbreaking PM1D to create a new category of live performance digital mixing consoles for regional sound reinforcement companies, houses of worship, theaters and educational facilities.

"The PM5D has been engineered for those applications that require high quality digital audio and complete recall, but where budgetary limitations may be a consideration," states Larry Italia, general manager, Yamaha Commercial Audio. "It provides the customer with a top-quality digital mixing product where previously, a Yamaha digital board may not have been an option."

Featuring a 'one box' design – including the mix engine – the PM5D offers 64 input channels (48 mono + 4 Stereo analog inputs, 4 internal stereo returns) of dynamic 96 kHz audio with 32-bit internal processing. All onboard A/D and D/A conversions make use of true 24-bit/96kHz converters. Outputs include 24 mix, 2 stereo (ST A and B or L-C-R), 8 matrix, 8 Mute groups and 8 DCAs (Digitally Controlled Amplifiers). The PM5D functions without the use of a meter bridge.

Customers have a choice of two front-end configurations. Model PM5D includes 48 XLR analog mono inputs with manual mic preamps based on the circuitry found in the Yamaha DM2000, each with balanced TRS insert I/Os and with an additional 4 stereo line level inputs. Model PM5D-RH includes 48 XLR analog mono inputs with recallable mic preamps, derived from the head amplifier design of the Yamaha PM5000, with 4 stereo inputs that will accept mic level signal.

"Yamaha's first design priority with the PM5D was to create a flexible mixing console for any situation – one where recallable mic preamps are necessary, or a more economical version for situations where non-recallable mic preamps are needed," states Marc Lopez, product manager, Yamaha Commercial Audio. "The second, although equally important, was to make the head amplifier circuitry as simple as possible in order to minimize signal deterioration, and maintain sound quality. The result is warm, transparent audio which conveys every nuance of the input signal."

Equipped with eight internal stereo multi-effects processors, the PM5D includes the new REV-X algorithm as a standard feature and will also accept Yamaha's new Add-On Effects Packages. All input channels feature 4-band parametric EQ, independent compression and gating processors, L-R, L-C-R and Surround panning, and a maximum channel delay of 1000 milliseconds. Users can manipulate up to eight effects processors and 12 graphic EQs simultaneously, which can then be assigned to an auxiliary buss or inserted directly into any input channel.

The PM5D's operation style and ergonomic layout is conducive to real-time, analog-style operation. A Channel Name Display enables the user to identify channels at a quick glance – a widely-used feature when switching between the console's two mix layers. The intuitive control surface houses a large color display and 25 user-defined keys, which are available for assignable functions. The PM5D provides scene-based automation, with 38 smooth, 100 mm motorized faders that can instantly be layer-switched. All scene data is recorded with 10-bit (1,024 step) fader resolution.

A Direct Out function routes signal from any of the 64 input channels directly to any other digital or analog output within the system. A 28 x 8 matrix system can provide cue monitor mixes, or zone level control for sound reinforcement.

Four 24-bit/96 kHz mini-YGDAI expansion slots accept a range of I/O and effects plug-in cards (including the current selection of 8- and 16-channel cards), as well as the new MY16-C CobraNet™ card from Yamaha. Dedicated cascade ports enable up to four PM5D units to function in tandem, or cascade with Yamaha DM2000 or 02R96 mixers. The PM5D will also integrate directly with the new Yamaha DME24N and DME64N for additional output processing and system control.

Bundled Mac- and Windows-compatible Editor Application software is included for online control or offline programming. Users can access all programming functions using the PS/2 keyboard and mouse inputs.

A dedicated power supply (model PW800W) delivers clean power to the console's circuitry, and two units can be coupled for failsafe switchover operation without the need of an external switcher.

CobraNet™ is a registered trademark of Peak Audio, a division of Cirrus Logic.

For more information on the PM5D Series mixing consoles, 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.