A look at the new Yamaha DM2000;
Elliot Scheiner takes delivery of first unit

The 24-bit, 96kHz DM2000.

At the recently concluded NSCA Expo in Denver, Yamaha was showing the new Yamaha DM2000, a 24-bit, 96kHz production console. They also informed us that Elliot Scheiner has taken delivery of the first unit in his 5.1 studio where it’s currently in use for Steve Lukather’s (Toto) latest solo project [DTS].

Available with an MSRP of under $20,000, the DM2000 digital console offers 96 input channels, gates and compressors on every channel, extensive surround production features, integrated digital audio workstation and ProTools control, and provides more than nine times the processing power of the Yamaha 02R.

While in 96k mode, there is no loss of any inputs or outputs, made possible by utilizing the newly developed DSP7 LSIs with 32-bit (accumulative 58-bit) internal processing

For sound reinforcement applications, the expanded control surface allows analog-style hands-on operation and houses 16 user-defined keys available for assignable functions, which allow the user to individually mute surround monitor speakers and directly recall scene memories. All available inputs, outputs, effects and channel inserts can be assigned to any console channel or output via a versatile patching system.

The DM2000 includes a comprehensive range of 96kHz-compatible stereo effects - many that are specifically designed for surround mixing. Users can manipulate up to eight internal multi-effects processors [32-bit/96kHz] simultaneously, which can be assigned to an auxiliary buss for sends, or inserted directly into any input channel.

Surround features include panning, joystick, monitoring, bass management, and downmix matrix, which enables L-C-R-S and stereo mix monitoring ideal for 5.1 surround mixing to DVD. Multiple 5.1 stem mixes can easily be handled.

Elliot Scheiner’s studio set. (Photo by Michael Partenio)

A five-time Grammy winner who’s worked with The Eagles, Fleetwood Mac, Sting, Steely Dan and other A-list artists, engineer/producer Scheiner’s 5.1 studio now revolves around the DM2000. It’s accompanied by Yamaha MSP10 monitors, and SREV1 reverb as well as an Alesis HD-24, dbx 160 SL signal processor, Studio Comm 5.1 monitor controller, and Steinberg’s Neuendo DAW. All of this gear is positioned (except monitors) in a custom desk manufactured by Todd Beeton at Custom-Consoles in Nashville.

“The DM2000’s library of built-in effects is absolutely awesome; there’s an enormous amount of flexibility with the internal patching and some great 5.1 effects processors. It’s one of the most powerful consoles I’ve ever worked on,” says Scheiner.

The unit provides full automation of virtually all console parameters, with 24 touch-sensitive 100 mm motorized faders, which can instantly be layer-switched to control the 96 channels.

A direct out function enables signal from any of the 96 input channels to be routed directly to any other digital or analog output within the system. A 22 x 8 (4-stereo) matrix system can be used to provide cue monitor mixes, downmix monitoring for surround, or zone level control for sound reinforcement applications. A fully functional patching system enables 22 busses (eight record/subgroup busses, 12 auxiliary sends, L/R stereo buss) to be assigned to any output connector.

FADER mode keys allow the console faders to be switched between fader and aux/matrix level control. ENCODER mode keys assign the rotary encoders for pan, send level, and other assignable functions. DISPLAY ACCESS keys determine the type of data to be shown on the LCD panel such as digital I/O’s, channel parameters, and utility functions, for a total of 29 selected categories. These keys are positioned over and above the DISPLAY keys provided for each control section.

The EFFECTS/PLUG-IN keys instantly access the parameters for any of the eight assignable effects. Since users spend significant time setting up EQs, dynamics, panning, surround position, and matrix send levels, the SELECTED CHANNEL controls form the largest single control group.

A look behind the DM2000.

For monitor routing, SOLO CONTRAST separates multiple source selectors for studio and control room sends, for solo control and level control for surround monitoring. MONO, DIMMER, and TALKBACK capabilities are also provided. The SCENE MEMORY section enables storage of all console parameters as a new scene, or for recall of previously stored scenes.

With AUTOMIX, the DM2000’s automated mixdown feature, the user can write and enable automation of faders, channel on/off, panning, surround positioning, aux levels, on/off switching, and EQ.

The DM2000 provides extensive support for ProTools and additional support for Steinberg’s Nuendo is currently under development. The console comes equipped with Yamaha Studio Manager Software, compatible for both Macintosh and Windows platforms, enabling total control of all DM2000 parameters via a comprehensive graphic interface.

Six mini-YGDAI slots accept a wide range of I/O and effects plug-in cards. Dedicated cascade ports enable two DM2000s to function in tandem, providing a maximum of 192 input channels. The channel name display (developed for the groundbreaking Yamaha PM1D) enables the user to identify channels at a quick glance, a widely-used feature when switching between mix layers. A full range of new Mini YGDAI digital and analog I/O cards also provide full 24-bit/96kHz capability. Mini YGDAI cards are available in ADAT®, TASCAM, AES/EBU formats, or for extra analog I/O capability. The DM2000 also supports Apogee’s high performance A/D and D/A cards, and the very powerful Waves Y56K effects plug-in card, designed for the Yamaha AW4416 and AW2816 digital audio workstations. SmartMedia memory cards save Automix and scene data for transfer or archival purposes.

All onboard A/D and D/A conversions make use of true 24-bit/96kHz converters. The DM2000 also offers some of the finest analog mic preamps, which provide excellent digital representation of warm, transparent output from the mic pre-amps.

The peak meter bridge (MB2000) supplies 48 12-segment level meters that can be used individually or in pairs to display pre-EQ, pre- or post-fader signal levels. The same meters can also display levels of the console’s eight busses, 12 aux sends, and four stereo matrix busses. Time code display is also featured on the MB2000 peak meter bridge.

Four-band parametric EQ on every channel, independent channel gates and compressors on every channel, 24 high-performance head amps for mic or line input, and six 31-band graphic equalizers are also included. Inputs include: balanced XLR and TRS connectors for all 24 inputs; balanced and unbalanced analog two-track inputs; two-track digital inputs featuring both AES/EBU and coaxial connectors.

Onboard sample rate conversion with a wide range of synchronization and control options, and standard word clock inputs and outputs are available.