Yamaha CL1 Digital Mixing Console

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.

The challenge begins right from the console’s inputs. In order to achieve the required level of sound quality, individual components, power supply, grounding, circuit layout, mechanical construction, and countless other details of the initial input stages must be selected and designed with the utmost care. Listening evaluation becomes an important part of the development process right from this first stage as well. Changing even a single electronic component can alter the sound in unexpected ways, and the tiniest variations must be noted and evaluated as development proceeds. Extreme measures have been taken to maximize AD and DA conversion performance as well, right down to making detailed spectral analyses of the AD/DA master clock and adjusting the FPGA clock signal routing so that the most natural, musical sound is achieved. Another critical part of any audio system is the power supply. Of course the capacity of the supply is important, but so are the types of capacitors used, and the grounding must be engineered to ensure the lowest possible impedance. The resultant sound is an eminently natural representation of the input signal, providing an ideal foundation for processing and effects that will lead to the final, polished sound.

– Comp 276
This model is a composite of several analog compressors that were popular in recording studios in the 70’s. Anyone who is familiar with the originals will recognize the characteristic punch and fatness this device delivers.

– Open Deck
Here’s a unique effect that models both the analog circuitry of well-known professional tape decks plus the characteristics of the tape used with them. You can simply choose a deck that offers the sound you need, or combine different recording and playback decks for a range of useful variations.

– Comp 260
The compressor/limiter modeled in this device was all the rage in the late 70’s, featuring solid-state RMS level detection circuitry and VCAs for level control. The sonic signature of this model is unmistakable.

– EQ 601
For a sweet analog EQ sound, this model recreates a popular circuit topology from the 70’s.

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.

2-track recording in mp3 format couldn’t be easier. Simply plug a USB memory into the USB connector on the front panel of the console and start recording. No other equipment is required. Of course playback from the USB memory is possible as well, making it a convenient source for BGM or sound effects.

Three Mini-YGDAI card slots on the CL consoles provide easy I/O expansion as well as extra processing capabilities. New additions to the expansion card lineup include an MY8-LAKE card that integrates Lake Processing, a staple in today’s live sound field, into the console, and a Dugan-MY16 card that adds the most advanced automated microphone cueing and gain control available.

With the CL StageMix application, an iPad becomes a wireless remote controller that can be used to set up and operate CL consoles from anywhere on stage or in the audience seating area. There’s even a built-in iPad stay on the CL5 and CL3 panels, providing a convenient mount for an iPad to be used for additional control functionality. There’s also the CL Editor application for computers running Windows or Mac operating systems, for both extended online operation and offline setup and editing. In addition to full Selected Channel and Overview display operation, the CL Editor facilitates scene data management, patch list editing, channel name editing, and much more. It’s even possible to use the CL StageMix and CL Editor applications at the same time.

Lake processing has become a standard for loudspeaker processing in live sound applications. An alliance between Yamaha and Lab.gruppen brings Lake Processing right into the CL series mixing consoles, via the MY8-LAKE expansion card. The MY8-LAKE card provides 8-in/8-out in Mesa (system EQ), 4-in/12-out Contour (crossover), and 4-in/4-out and 2-in/6-out Mesa & Contour (combination) modes.
Although primarily intended for speaker processing, the asymmetrical Mesa EQ can also be very useful on input sources. The Lake Controller application running on a compatible computer allows management of multiple Lake devices in the system, while close compatibility with Smaart® contributes to smooth, efficient speaker system tuning.

The Dugan-MY16 automatic mixer card, developed in cooperation with Dan Dugan Sound Design, provides smoothly automated microphone cueing and gain control for up to 16 input channels. Rather than using gates to open and close channels, the Dugan system uses gain sharing and fades for smooth, natural level changes.

For applications that require a large number of input channels, CL consoles can be cascade-connected via I/O cards such as the MY16-AE installed in their Mini-YGDAI expansion card slots.

The Yamaha Console File Converter is an application that allows data to be shared between a number of Yamaha digital mixing consoles, and the CL series consoles are included in the latest version. You can share data between CL series, PM5D, M7CL, and LS9 consoles, so data from one show doesn’t have to be completely reprogrammed from scratch for the next, even if different consoles are used.

Although there are as many ways to use a mixing console as there are sound engineers, extensive feedback from professionals in every possible sector of the business has made it possible to provide a feature set that is ideally suited to the real-world needs of demanding live sound applications.

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.