Yamaha has introduced its new DM5 series of professional digital mixers, alongside a line-up of new utility I/O devices. These have been devised with the concept of forward thinking – helping users to not only build systems for today’s applications, but the expandability for what they will need tomorrow.
Designed for small to mid-sized live sound, corporate events, houses of worship, theatre and broadcast applications, the DM5 series is available in two models, DM5 and DM5 Compact, which pack the DM7 series workflow and user experience into an even more compact design. Launched alongside three new R series utility I/O devices, the new PY-DSP processing card and Dugan Automixer license, the DM5 series includes innovative new features to help sound engineers work as freely and flexibly as possible, both now and into the future.
The DM5 features twin fader bays and screens with 32 analogue inputs, 16 analogue outputs, and can process 60 input channels in a footprint of W826 by H235 by D441mm (32.5 by 9.25 by 17.4”), while the DM5 Compact has 16 analogue inputs, 16 analogue outputs and can process 48 input channels. Featuring a single fader bay and screen, its chassis measures the same height and depth as the DM5 but is just 446mm (17.6”) wide.
Both models feature up to 64 in/out of industry-standard Dante networking at 96 kHz, along with 24 mix busses, 12 matrices, two stereo busses and 12 DCAs. There are also 18 channels of USB I/O, plus an RJ45 connector for mixer control and Bluetooth for audio playback. Alongside an extensive dynamics library, for each channel there are four types of EQ with a real-time analyser. A 16 slot onboard effects rack includes a palette of 43 versatile, high quality effects, including eight types of delay and supremely natural-sounding reverbs.
Both models also include a PY series card slot, which can be used to add further processing or additional I/O. Optional PY series cards include the brand new PY-DSP, which adds 32 instances of Yamaha’s Premium Effects.
Other PY series cards include the PY64-D for 64 extra channels of Dante I/O, PY64-MD supporting 64 channels of MADI I/O and the PY8-AE, featuring a 25 pin D-sub connector for eight channels of AES/EBU I/O. All cards include sample rate convertors**. The PY-MIDI-GPI adds MIDI/GPI control via DIN five-pin and D-sub 15-pin connectors, while the WSG-PY64 produced by Waves Audio Ltd connects to their SoundGrid system.
In a world first for digital mixers, the DM5 series’ 338mm (13.3”) main screen includes innovative glass keys, which act as tactile switches, while displaying status with dynamic labelling which changes depending on the state of the mixer. They allow operators to access more functions without increasing panel complexity, creating a cleaner, more adaptable user interface that evolves with the workflow and application.
A further, customisable 109mm (4.3”) touchscreen for user defined keys is provided, while four user defined rotary controls are located beside the main screen for even more flexibility. A new Dynamic Mode automatically follows selections in the selected channel view and assigns the relevant function parameters.
Another advance for Yamaha compact consoles is four selectable viewing angles for the main display. Whether operating under difficult lighting conditions, from a seated or standing position, engineers can easily adjust the display for optimised viewing. Yamaha’s Assist functions also help reduce setup time by supporting a range of tasks, allowing engineers to spend less time on repetitive preparation and more time focusing on creative decisions.
The DM5 series has extensive customisation options, including additional feature packages which can be accessed by activating a purchased license within the mixer. There are now two packages available for both the DM5 and DM7 series, plus an additional one for the DM5.
The Broadcast Package adds seven essential broadcast functions, including Mix Minus and Audio Follow Video, while the Theatre Package brings immersive control functions along with four bank EQ/DYN, an Actor Library, and other functions that are useful for musical and theatre applications.
With 12 channels of Dugan auto mixing included as standard with the DM5 series, the additional Dugan automixer license increases the auto mixing channels to 40 (DM5 Compact) or 60 (DM5), providing huge flexibility for large scale conferencing events.
In most regions, these package licenses are managed via Yamaha’s PV Portal app, which allows a single license to be activated and deactivated for use across multiple DM5 series and DM7 consoles, saving money by not needing to purchase the same package for each one.
Launched alongside the DM5 series are three new utility I/O units, which have been added to Yamaha’s renowned R series lineup. All are fully compatible with the DM5, DM7 and DM3 series, as well as Yamaha’s flagship RIVAGE PM series digital mixing systems.
The RUio1608SB-D is a compact stagebox-type I/O unit, featuring 16 analogue inputs, eight analogue outputs and industry-standard primary and secondary Dante ports. Featuring rugged rubber protectors for reliable onstage use and a carrying bar, an optional rackmount kit is available.
The RUio0804-D is a compact, 1U I/O rack featuring eight analogue inputs and four analogue outputs, alongside primary and secondary Dante ports, ideal for adding limited extra I/O for a wide range of applications.
Meanwhile, the unique RUio16FLX-D’s 16 channels of can be flexibly configured in pairs as analogue mic/line inputs, analogue outputs or AES/EBU outs – of course also with Dante I/O – making it the perfect I/O device for fully scalable audio installations in a host of different applications.
Beyond the new RUio models, the DM5 series is compatible with all generations of Yamaha R series I/O racks, allowing users to make the most of existing investments, while choosing the ideal combination of console and I/O for any application. From compact utility I/O to large scale stage racks, users can build scalable systems tailored to their specific requirements.
The new DM Editor application for Windows and Mac enables offline setup and editing, as well as online backup management. Both the DM5 and DM7 series work with this application, with mutually compatible console files for smooth data exchange. Meanwhile, newly updated DM StageMix and MonitorMix applications provide convenient remote control from anywhere within a venue, while flexible ProVisionaire Control Plus offers a fully customisable control platform.
Built on Yamaha’s philosophy that great sound begins with transparency, the extensive channel processing, versatile processing and highly customisable user experience of the DM5 series gives sound engineers the tools to transform that transparent foundation into a sound that accurately reflects their artistic vision – not just now, but well into the future.
“The DM5 series brings the proven workflow of the DM7 series to a more accessible platform, providing users with more options than ever before,” said Motome Tanaka, Senior General Manager of Yamaha’s Professional Solutions Division. “Together with the flexibility of the Yamaha ecosystem, users can choose the ideal system for each application, while maintaining a consistent workflow. We believe this will help audio professionals focus on what matters most, creating the best possible sound for every event.”
As part of the new V2.0 firmware for its DM7 and DM5 series digital mixers, Yamaha is expanding its third party integration ecosystem through new collaborations with Audio-Technica, DirectOut and STAGETEC.
The latest update adds support for a range of professional audio devices, enabling remote monitoring and control directly from DM7 and DM5 series consoles. This will help sound engineers to enjoy a more unified system management experience, enabling faster and easier workflows.
The Audio-Technica ATW-DR3240DAN is now supported, a four channel Dante-enabled receiver for the D50 digital wireless system. Designed for reliable wireless performance and flexible networked audio integration, this extends Yamaha console integration to another professional wireless platform.
The DirectOut DANTE.IO and DANTE.IO DNA are also now supported. These are Dante audio network interfaces designed for the DirectOut PRODIGY and MAVEN platforms, which enable flexible integration of networked audio streams across complex production environments.
Finally, the STAGETEC products now supported are the XDIP network card, which seamlessly connects its Dante and NEXUS audio networks, along with the NEXUS Compact multifunction audio interface, designed for broadcast, recording and live production applications.
“The D50 receiver combines flexible audio routing with a compact design, offering eight Dante outputs to support a wide range of professional applications. By bringing audio and RF monitoring closer together within the DM7 and DM5 series environment, this integration helps to simplify operation and improve efficiency from setup to live production,” said Yuki Otomo, General Manager, Product Strategy Division at Audio-Technica “We appreciate Yamaha’s partnership and shared commitment to creating seamless workflows for audio professionals.”
Claudio Becker-Foss, CTO of DirectOut added, “With the integration of our PRODIGY series and Yamaha’s DM7 and DM5 series, we are fulfilling a long-standing request from our customers. In line with our Audio Solution Model philosophy, third party integration is a fundamental part of our solution strategy, and we are delighted to add a leading manufacturer such as Yamaha to our growing control ecosystem. Both Yamaha and DirectOut share a strong commitment to ease of use, intuitive workflows and outstanding audio quality. Enabling direct control of DirectOutmicrophone preamps from the DM7 and DM5 control surfaces are therefore a natural fit.”
“Engineers are facing more and more complex tasks. Our goal at STAGETEC is it not only to provide the best sounding solutions to do so, but also to support them with the most intuitive workflows to help them concentrate on achieving their production goals,” noted STAGETEC CEO Wolfgang Saltzbrenner. “The way to achieve this includes working closely with companies like Yamaha who appreciate and share that vision.”
Motome Tanaka, Senior General Manager of Yamaha’s Professional Solutions Division, concluded: “These new collaborations further expand the flexibility of systems based on the DM7 and DM5 series, by allowing more devices to be monitored and controlled directly from the consoles. By integrating more of the technologies used across live, broadcast and installed sound applications, users can streamline system management and enjoy seamless workflows throughout their entire audio infrastructure.”
