Roland Systems Group has unveiled the M-480 digital mixing console as the new flagship of the V-Mixing System lineup, where it also integrates with digital snake, personal mixing and multi-channel recording components.
The new M-480 V-Mixer offers 48 mixing channels and 6 stereo returns for a total of 60 channels. Busing is strong with a total of 27 consisting of 16 auxiliaries, 8 matrices and full support for mono, stereo or LCR sound design.
With a configurable choice of available digital I/O boxes, the M-480 can support up to 90 inputs and 90 outputs – all fully assignable via the digital patchbay. The patchbay also has the unique ability to route any input to any output without going through the mixer.
Each mixing channel includes 2 stages of dynamics processing, 4-band PEQ, and delay. Dedicated 4-band PEQ, limiting and delay are available on every output.
The intuitive interface of the V-Mixer lineup has been retained in the M-480, making it easy to learn and easy to use. It has rapid recall of setups/scenes, 25 – 100mm motorized faders, a high-resolution
color screen, and dedicated channel strip knobs for all bands of EQ, as well as pan and gain.
Effects processing is strong with six dual-mono effects processors as well as twelve 31-band GEQs. Built-in stereo recording/playback uses uncompressed WAV files via USB flash drive.
The M-480 also has a “Cascade” function, allowing two units to be connected together enabling a 96-channel mixing solution. The two connected consoles share AUX/Matrix/Main/Solo buses with bi-directional communication, providing a compact, affordable and powerful high channel mixing solution.
This fully digital system is built on REAC (Roland Ethernet Audio Communication), eliminating the bulk and noise susceptibility typically associated with analog snakes, and replaces it with Cat5e/6 cable.
The system generates excellent sound quality by converting analog inputs to 24-bit digital streams at the stage end via high-quality mic preamps located near the source. The V-Mixing System then secures the quality of audio signal throughout the complete system path en route to the M-480 V-Mixer, back to any outputs and on to limitless split positions.
The two 40-channel assignable output patchbays are ideally used with the M-48 Personal Mixing system and with the new R-1000 48-track recorder/player. The R-1000 in particular can be used as a multi-channel recorder or player and is perfectly suited for live multi-channel capture or virtual soundchecks, backing tracks, and training.
The M-480 V-Mixer integrates with PCs via its Remote Control Software for additional control or sending/receiving setup data allowing users to prepare channel setups and configurations before arriving at the venue. When connected via USB it allows independent control of the M-480.
The M-480 supports V-LINK/MIDI Visual Control for synchronization with video equipment. Used in combination with the Roland V-1600HD multi-format video switcher enables an “audio follows video” setup ensuring that audio levels are raised when and associated video source is live.
The North American debut of the M-480 will be at the upcoming NAB show in Las Vegas, at booth #C4345.
