The flagship Roland Professional AV M5000 OHRCA (Open High Resolution Configurable Architecture) console recently has been joined by a more compact version, the M-5000C.
Both models allow the user to configure up to 120 channels as inputs, outputs or buses as required for any application. The M-5000C has 20 faders and a large touch screen, as well as onboard networking with the REAC (Roland Ethernet Audio Communication) protocol.
A pair of expansion slots can accept optional Dante, MADI or additional REAC cards for interfacing with a variety of networks for both signal routing and live recording. A USB interface enables 16-channel recording and 16-channel playback using a DAW. In addition, both models work with (and remotely control) the company’s R-1000 multi-track record and playback unit that offers 48 channels, and additional R-1000s can be synchronized if more tracks are required.
The TF (TouchFlow) Series, another recent introduction from Yamaha, is available in three frame sizes (32-, 24-, and 16-fader versions) that also have intuitive touch screen control. Simple two-track recording and playback is accomplished via a USB storage device.
They can also stream multi-track audio to a DAW and are supplied with Steinberg Cubase AI that provides an easy way to simultaneously record up to 16 tracks to a computer connected to the console via USB 2.0.
Yamaha TF Series
For more complex recording requirements, an optional DAW such as the Steinberg Nuendo Live application allows up to 34 tracks to be recorded simultaneously.
The soon-to-be-available NY64-D expansion card will allow transmission and reception of up to 128 channels (64 in/64 out) of uncompressed 48 kHz, 24-bit digital audio data via a Dante audio network, great for use with stage boxes and large multi-track recording needs.
Avid’s latest, the VENUE S6L Series, is packed with live and recording capabilities. There are three surface options: S6L-32D with 34 faders and four touch screens, S6L-24D with 26 faders and three touch screens, and S6L-24 with 26 faders and a single touch screen. All control up to 300 processing channels and can interface with a variety of networks, including Ethernet AVB, Dante, MADI and Thunderbolt.
Avid VENUE S6L Series
The real-time processing engine is dedicated to handling all routing, channel, and mixing functions for added stability, while the HDX-powered DSP engine manages all AAX plug-in processing.
Naturally, seamless Pro Tools recording and playback is included. When recording, VENUE Link automatically creates a Pro Tools session from the current VENUE show file, complete with all track names and patching, saving prep and labeling time. Two-track record/playback is also available via USB flash drive with transport and playlist controls integrated into VENUE software.
The Solid State Logic Live line includes two consoles, the L500 and the newer, more compact L300. While physically smaller, the L300 offers the connectivity to handle large-scale productions with up to 568 input/outputs (600 with Dante), 144 fully processed mix paths, 48 dry mix paths, and a 32 x 36 matrix. The L-300 surface features 26 faders, and two touch screens. Dante and MADI option cards allow networking and multi-track recording options.
PreSonus StudioLive RM16AI
Shifting back to the rack-mount realm, PreSonus StudioLive RM16AI (16 inputs) and RM32AI (32 inputs) are controlled with UC Surface software for Mac, Windows, and iOS that’s designed to be an interface for live mixing but is also suited for the studio environment. Both operate at 96 kHz and offer direct Wi-Fi and Ethernet networking.
The rear panel contains an option slot that comes with two FireWire 800 ports, an Ethernet control port, and S/PDIF I/O. The slot also accepts the same option cards as StudioLive AI-series digital mixers, with Dante, AVB, and Thunderbolt cards coming soon. In addition to UC Surface, the integrated software bundle includes Capture live recording software with Virtual Soundcheck mode and Studio One Artist DAW.
The Midas M32R is a rack-mount version of the M32 console, outfitted with 17 faders and a touch screen for onboard control. It can route audio to 40 input channels and 25 mix buses. With the Dn32-USB expansion card, it provides 32 x 32 channels of audio and 16 channels of MIDI. Additionally, the DN32-USB can turn it into a DAW control surface, making it suitable for studio applications in addition to live gigs.
Senior contributing editor Craig Leerman is the owner of Tech Works, a production company based in Las Vegas.