Yamaha Commercial Audio and all its global professional and music audio divisions are in full force at the Integrated Systems Europe (ISE) this year with lots of new products and lots of networked audio technology, leveraging the company’s commitment to Audinate’s Dante. Commercial audio sometimes is not sexy but it sure is good business these days and Yamaha is showing great commitment towards this market segment.
At Integrated Systems Europe (ISE) 2016 Yamaha has a respectable number of innovative new products on show from its ever-expanding Commercial Installation Solutions (CIS) range. Taking place at the Amsterdam RAI from 9th-12th February, Yamaha is once again using ISE’s high profile platform to demonstrate the many advantages of its CIS products to existing and future customers.
Leading the way in new products is the SWP1 series, the first range of network switches designed and produced specifically for the professional audio industry. Offering a comprehensive set of Ethernet features, the SWP1 series has very straightforward, plug-and-play operation. Flipping a single DIP switch allows an optimised Dante setup to be instantly recalled, making the switches ideal for audio engineers who have no expertise in IP networking.
The SWP1 series is compatible with Dante equipment from both Yamaha and other manufacturers, with a dedicated Yamaha Audio Network Monitor application for Windows computers providing a comprehensive view of the parameters required for Dante network management.
Yamaha has two decades experience of manufacturing networking equipment and has been leading the audio industry for much of that time. Starting with the CL consoles in 2012, almost all of Yamaha’s digital professional audio products are now based on Dante networking. While Dante offers a huge increase in quality, scalability and redundancy for audio systems, when they grow complex IT equipment is needed to connect them together.
The switches simplify configuration by having settings for QoS, IGMP Snooping and other parameters pre-configured for optimum Dante performance. In addition, it is just as straightforward to set up independent VLAN domains to take full advantage of a network’s potential for handling StageMix or other smart device functions. Again, no prior knowledge is required, as the SWP1 series includes three VLAN presets that are selectable via DIP switch. There is also a User mode that allows for fully customised VLAN setup.
A dedicated Yamaha Audio Network Monitor application for Windows computers provides a comprehensive view of the parameters required for Dante network management, including network traffic, switch status and individual Dante device information. It also monitors non-Dante devices on the network. Users can even take a snapshot of the normal network status and set an alarm to warn them if any parameters change, ensuring problems can be identified and resolved quickly and easily.
“The SWP1 series is ideal for audio engineers who may be new to IP networking, simplifying the optimisation of network configuration for Dante networks and configuration settings, while offering enhanced network status tools through its ‘network visibility’ capability”, explains Lee Ellison, CEO of Audinate.
SWP1 network switchers will be available in March in three versions - SWP1-8 (eight Ethercon ports), SWP1-8MMF (eight Ethercon ports plus Multimode fibre connector) and SWP1-16MMF (12 Ethercon ports, four standard RJ45 ports plus Multimode fibre connector).
New Flexible Mixer and Power Amplifiers
The ongoing expansion of Yamaha’s flexible Commercial Installation Solutions (CIS) range continues with a pair of new mixer and power amplifiers, which provide customers with an even greater number of options to configure a sound reinforcement system that precisely matches their needs.
The new MA2120 and PA2120 add more power and flexible features to the existing MA/PA amplifier range, which has proven ideal for high-quality audio systems that can be configured quickly and easily, with no need for software control.
The MA2120 mixer amplifier features six mic/line inputs and two stereo inputs with input mixing capability. The mic inputs feature 24V capability, with inputs five and six able to be used as MONO SUM inputs. A range of onboard DSP functions (Feedback Suppressor, Priority Ducker, Leveller, Compressor and Reverb/Echo) add flexibility to accommodate a wider range of applications.
The MA2120 also features stereo source EQ with an enhancer function for inputs seven and eight, output EQ for each of the two output channels, selectable HPF/LPF settings and optimised EQ presets for VXS/VXC speakers and VXS subwoofers - making it possible to install an entire, high quality audio system using just Yamaha MA/PA amplifiers and VXS/VXC loudspeakers.
The MA2120 and PA2120 are both capable of controlling input sources for applications with two different zones, such as a retail store with two floors or a restaurant with a seating area and separate bar area. For larger spaces, an additional PA2120 can be added to expand the system and accommodate additional zones.
Users can also add Yamaha DCP1V4S, DCP4V4S and DCP4S wall-mount control panels to a system for convenient remote control of output volumes and microphone on/off switching.
Both models support low impedance (120W x 2ch @4Ω / 100W x 2ch @ 3Ω, 8Ω selectable) as well as high impedance (120W x 2ch / 200W x 1ch, 70V/100V selectable) speaker systems. Both are equipped with highly efficient Class-D amplifiers and intelligent protection features in the power supply and amplifier unit to ensure safe, worry-free operation. All models are certified by ENERGY STAR, the internationally recognized standard of environmentally-friendly equipment and facilities.
New VXS3 EN54-24 Certified Ceiling Speakers
Yamaha’s flexible Commercial Installation Solutions (CIS) range has been expanded with the new VXS3 surface mount loudspeakers, which are specifically designed for small to mid-sized installations with a focus on background music (BGM) applications, and new EN54-24 Certified VXC series ceiling loudspeakers.
The VXS3 features an elegantly curved form that merges seamlessly into the décor of restaurants, cafes or retail stores interiors. With a more compact enclosure than the VXS5 and VXS8, it offers additional flexibility for a wide range of environments, with a range that has been tuned specifically to deliver the highest quality music playback and wide, consistent coverage even at low volume levels.
Two variations are provided for different installation requirements: the VXS3F and VXS3FW (white finish) are low impedance models, ideal for smaller spaces that can be serviced by a small number of speakers. The VXS3FT and VXS3FTW are high impedance models, perfect for areas which require a larger number of speakers.
Yamaha has also announced four further EN54-24 certified VXC ceiling loudspeakers. The low profile VXC Series F models - VXC3F, VXC3FW, VXC5F and VXC5FW - are now all available in VA versions which meet European EN54-24 voice alarm requirements. The careful tuning that makes the VXC series deliver natural reproduction of both music and voices means the new VA models deliver high-quality background music during normal use, as well as outstanding clarity for emergency announcements. All VA models are lightweight with a low-profile back box and include the same installation safety and efficiency features as the regular VXC Series F models so that installation is safe, fast, and flexible.
Yamaha Introduces DCH8 Hub
Yamaha’s Commercial Installation Solutions (CIS) range has been expanded with the introduction of the DCH8 Digital Controller Hub, which allows multiple control lines for the DCP series Digital Control Panel units to be connected to a Yamaha MRX7-D signal processor or MTX series matrix processor.
The DCH8 functions as a relay device between the host device and DCP series, allowing a combination of star and daisy-chain connections. Power is supplied via the CAT5e cable from the host device, simplifying cabling and allowing flexible device layout. Screw holes for mounting flanges are provided on both the rear and sides, for flexible mounting in a variety of situations.
Firmware and App Updates
Yamaha has also released a major firmware update - Version 2.0 - for its TF series of digital mixers, with a number of improvements to allow faster and easier setup for use in a broader range of applications, including connection to up to three Tio1608-D i/o units. Reflecting the improvements, the TF StageMix app has also been updated to Version 2.0.
Since its launch in 2015, the TF Series has earned a very positive reputation for its intuitive TouchFlow Operation interface and intuitive, compact design. The firmware update was developed in response to users seeking to expand TF Series systems for larger spaces and a wider variety of applications, using Yamaha’s Tio1608-D rackmount I/O units.
TF Series users can now easily configure multiple-channel digital network systems with a single Ethercon cable using Dante networking. The TF’s already extensive input/output capability can be easily expanded by adding up to three Tio1608-D units with the optional NY64-D expansion card, via the console’s QUICK CONFIG mode. This only takes a few simple steps to set up, with network settings and audio patching set automatically, allowing users to very quickly set up an audio system with up to 48 inputs and 24 outputs.
The TF V2.0 upgrade also makes it possible to assign the eight processing and effects units more flexibly, allowing for more creative sound-shaping and system expansion capability. In addition, the update also includes an expanded library of QuickPro Presets which give users a simple, time-efficient mixing starting point with optimised microphone, musical instrument and output equipment settings.
Along with the V2.0 firmware update, Yamaha’s TF Editor software for Windows and Macintosh - which provides flexible offline setup capability - has also been upgraded to version 2.0, while TF StageMix for iPad has been improved for more seamless wireless control of TF consoles.
Version 2.0 of the TF firmware and TF Editor can be downloaded from the Yamaha Pro Audio website, with TF StageMix available from Apple’s App Store. All are free of charge.
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