Digital Mixing Console Yamaha CL5

Yamaha CL5

The pursuit of perfection is ongoing and will probably never end, but along the way Yamaha has introduced a number of innovations that have become industry standards offering performance and familiarity that discerning users continue to demand. By definition, “standards” are best kept as they are. With evolutionary refinements, of course.

Yamaha CL series digital mixing consoles represent a new level of refinement. They offer an evolved experience in accessible mixing, plus sonic purity with sound shaping capabilities that will give the most imaginative engineer unprecedented creative freedom. The CL series embodies the leading standards in live sound in their most advanced, most expressive form.

Sound Quality

Every engineer, artist, and audience agrees that sound quality is the bottom line. That’s a given. Through thorough analysis, review, and refinement of every detail of the circuitry and technology used, Yamaha CL series consoles deliver naturally superior sound plus a comprehensive range of “coloring” options that give the sonic craftsmen who will use them extraordinary creative freedom. The signal processors provided are plentiful and of the highest quality, including extraordinary Portico 5033/5043 EQ and compressor devices that bring Yamaha VCM technology together with the legendary talents of Rupert Neve. The platform is pure and natural, so the engineer can create and deliver the ideal sound.

The full impact of the most advanced digital audio technology available has been applied throughout the CL series to deliver natural sound that provides a perfect foundation for the artist’s and engineer’s imagination. This type of sonic quality cannot be realized through specifications alone. Repeated listening evaluations and refinements by some of the most reliable ears and respected minds in the business are an indispensable part of the process. The CL series digital mixing consoles are proof that the time and effort involved have been well spent.

Operability

A truly useful sound reinforcement console is one that can keep pace with the rapidly and dramatically changing demands of live sound applications. Efficient, intuitive operation is essential. Yamaha’s acclaimed Centralogic concept is the core of a refined user interface that offers a new, unprecedented level of operating efficiency in the CL series, from visual feedback right down to the form and feel of the faders and controls. The CL consoles are also ready for seamlessly integrated remote control and offline editing via an Apple iPad® or other computer. Control is familiar and intuitive, while at the same time offering extensive freedom.

Yamaha’s Centralogic user interface has already proven its value as the most user-friendly digital operating environment available, even for engineers who were previously only comfortable with analog consoles. Founded solidly on Centralogic roots, the CL series takes intuitive, efficient operation to an even higher level, offering an operating experience that engineers will not only feel immediately familiar with, but will be able to grow with into the future.

The way CL series functions and controls work together is a perfect example of how a whole can be greater than the sum of its parts. Within the larger framework of the user interface, the visibility, feel, and precision of individual faders, knobs, and switches are an essential part of the overall operating experience. The visual flow of the control layout across the consoles’ sweeping curves makes a significant contribution to smooth operation as well. The outstanding balance of the entire system, plus refinements such as programmable channel names/colors and user defined knobs, add up to operation that is, in a word, sublime.

Functionality

Network capabilities are rapidly becoming fundamental and indispensable in today’s fast-paced world of digital live sound. CL series consoles feature separate console and I/O rack components that communicate via the Dante™ network audio protocol, allowing fast, efficient design and deployment of capable systems from the most basic to the dazzlingly complex. The ability to add Lake® processing via expansion slots also adds to the system’s versatility and adaptability to the widest range of mixing needs.

The complexity and variety of today’s live sound systems makes fast, adaptable configuration and setup capability vital. Of course the highest level of sonic performance must be maintained at the same time. CL series consoles use the Dante network protocol developed by Audinate to allow flexible connection to multiple I/O rack units configured and located according to the needs of the application, while at the same time providing redundancy for superior reliability.

The quality and variety of internal effects have become major factors in choosing a digital live sound console. Studio quality sound is a must, but so is having the right processors for the job at hand. CL series consoles feature virtual effect racks that are packed with a selection of effects that have been chosen and developed to meet the real-world needs of live sound professionals. Everything you need to create perfectly polished sound for your application is right here.

Digital Gain Control. Gain compensation applied after any initial analog gain levels are set is carried out entirely in the digital domain. Digital gain control is another original CL series feature that contributes to extraordinarily smooth, efficient operation and integration of the entire system

Effect Rack With More Than 50 Effects. In addition to the Premium Rack described above, the CL consoles feature an Effect Rack that allows simultaneous use of up to 8 effects from a selection of 46 ambience effects and 8 insertion effects, all of outstanding quality. Although a separate EQ rack is provided for the output buses, any of the 8 effects in the Effect Rack can be replaced by graphic EQ units as needed.

32-channel Graphic Equalizer Rack. The CL consoles also feature a GEQ rack that allows graphic EQ to be inserted into the output buses as required for room equalization and other functions. Up to 16 31-band GEQ units can be mounted in the rack for simultaneous use, and those GEQ units can be individually switched to Flex15GEQ mode, effectively providing two EQ channels that allow up to 15 bands to be used at a time. With a full rack of GEQ units all functioning in Flex15GEQ mode, you have a total of 32 GEQ channels for extensive equalization capacity.

Two Ways to Record Live. CL series consoles offer two live recording solutions: convenient 2-track recording direct to USB memory, and high-performance multitrack recording to a digital audio workstation via Dante. Whether it’s for a simple web upload, a commercial release, or just material to be used for a virtual sound check the next day, you have all the recording capability you need.

Stainless steel stay for iPad support.

Features Optimized for Live Sound

• Up to 300 complete console setups can be stored as “scenes” and instantly recalled whenever needed. Recall Safe, Focus, and Preview functions are also provided
• Up to 1000 ms delay on input channels facilitates precise microphone phase compensation, while up to 1000 ms delay on the output ports is useful for speaker distance compensation and room tuning
• All channels feature 4-band parametric EQ and two dynamics processors (one dynamic processor on outputs). The processors include an HPF for every input, and one also functions as a highly effective de-esser with advanced processing algorithms that also offers a bandpass mode.
• 16 DCA groups allow flexible grouping of multiple input channels for simultaneous control
• Multiple channels can be assigned to any of 8 mute groups for instant muting or un-muting, with a new Dimmer Level function
• A large number of console functions including Sends on Fader, Tap Tempo, and Set by Sel can be assigned to 16 User Defined Keys for instant hands-on access
• Limited access to CL console functions can be provided for less experienced operators and accident prevention via multiple User Key sets that can be stored in the console itself as well as on USB memory
• A 5-input/5-output GPI interface allows the CL consoles to respond to input from external switches, as well as to transmit on/off status to external devices
• Simply tap the on-screen “Help” button to access the onboard operation manual. Once loaded all essential information is available directly via the console’s display, so you won’t need to keep the printed manual with you.

User manual