Retaining essential features and functionality that have become standards over the past quarter of a century, Yamaha's new CL Series of digital mixing consoles offers "an evolved experience in accessible mixing", the company says. "Combined with sonic purity and advanced sound shaping capabilities, the CL Series gives the most imaginative artists and engineers unprecedented creative freedom".
Three models were launched - the CL1, CL3 and CL5, ranging in scale from 48 to 72 mono + eight stereo inputs. All feature 16 DCAs and 24 mix / eight matrix output busses.
Founded on the proven Centralogic interface, the advanced CL Series incorporates multiple innovations and refinements, including enhanced Select Channel functions and User Defined knobs. EQ and effects have been "vastly expanded" - to include an Effect Rack with VCM analogue circuitry modelling technology, as well as a Premium Rack that includes the Rupert Neve Designs Portico 5033 equalizer and Portico 5043 compressor/limiter, developed in close cooperation with Rupert Neve himself.
Two new rack-mountable I/O units, Rio3224-D and Rio1608-D, can be used in a variety of combinations and configurations, communicating via a scalable Audinate Dante digital audio network. Up to eight I/O rack units can be connected to a CL series console, while multiple CL series consoles can share control of the same I/O rack unit. A new Gain Compensation function adds the ability to combine FOH and monitor control via a single network, for comprehensive digital live sound integration.
For live multi-track recording and virtual sound-checking, CL consoles are equipped with dedicated recording control capabilities for use with Steinberg's Nuendo Live DAW application running on a Windows or Mac computer.
"The CL series ideally answers today's needs using today's technology," says Kazunori Kobayashi, general manager of Yamaha's Pro Audio Division. "The collaboration between Yamaha, Rupert Neve Designs, Audinate and Steinberg has made it possible to deliver a sublime balance of sound, performance, and features that results in uncompromised overall mixing capability and quality. After a quarter century of evolution, the CL series represents a momentous new chapter in the history of Yamaha digital mixing."
The CL5 and Rio3224-D are scheduled to be released in the spring of 2012, with the CL1, CL3 and Rio1608-D available in the summer, say Yamaha.
(Lee Baldock)
