18/09/2008 [Music Production]
A mixer is used in almost all audio situations – from live sound to the studio, from a small rehearsal to the classroom, a mixer is really the hub of your system. Its probably the most critical part of the audio chain so its therefore really important to get the right mixer!
This month, lets take a look at just a handful of stories involving Yamaha mixers. From the incredible LS9 digital mixer, through the new IM8 and onto the latest in digital integration, the N series.
In the professional live sound arena, the LS9 Digital Mixer has become the backbone of many named gigs and performances. Recently the LS9 has been used extensively on tour with The Hoosiers, Boy George and The Pigeon Detectives.
Its small footprint, incredible audio quality and ease of use have made LS9 a favourite amongst the worlds leading live audio engineers.
However, the digital vs analog argument / discussions continue….
So, for some applications there is no substitute for affordable, multichannel analog mixing. September 2008 therefore sees the arrival into the UK of the latest large-frame analog mixers from Yamaha, the IM8 Series.
IM8 is available in 3 different models (24 channel, 32 channel and 40 channel) and are laid out in an extremely familiar and understandable way. Lots of faders, familiar 4-band EQ, 8 auxiliary sends, 4 mute groups and 8 audio buses make this a very simple but versatile mixer - perfect for live sound in houses of worship, theatres and colleges.
As with any professional mixing console from Yamaha, its ‘a given’ that its going to sound great – the microphone inputs of the IM8 inherit the same technologies that are deployed on more expensive consoles and each mic channel even has the acclaimed Yamaha ‘single knob compressor’ to really maximize the signal path.
A unique feature for IM8 series is the inclusion of the USB audio port. This connection allows for a stereo audio stream to be recorded at CD quality to a host computer. IM8 even ships with the Mac and Windows compatible Cubase AI4 audio/MIDI software so its simple to record a stereo mix of the performance to a laptop for analysis after the gig.
For more details and specs on the IM8 check out
http://www.yamahaproaudio.com/products/mixers/im8/index.html
Our IM8 demonstration units are out on the road during the next 2 months so email musicproduction@gmx.yamaha.com to arrange your hands-on demonstration.
So we have talked about the smallest, most powerful digital live console and the latest large frame analog console but, what about something that sits between analog and digital? Something with a digital inside but analog control surface?
Enter the N series.
We have covered the N series before but its worth a brief recap and reminder of the amazing ‘personal test drive’ program we are running for these mixers.
If you are a UK resident you can get to test drive an N series in the comfort of your own studio. Simply visit your local UK N series retailer for more details.
(Terms and conditions apply)
The N12 (and its smaller brother, N8) are the only digital consoles on the market that look and feel analog and offer full integration into Cubase. Check out the online demonstration movies for more details.
Any UK customers can also claim their free ‘Cubase AI4 Tutorial’ CD simply by sending a copy of your sales receipt to musicproduction@gmx.yamaha.com
For more information about Yamaha mixers (both analog and digital) visit http://www.yamahaproaudio.com
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