The new Yamaha TF series digital consoles are now shipping. Concurrent with their availability, Yamaha debuts the TF StageMix, a free iPad app that provides wireless remote control of TF digital mixing console functions via a graphical interface.
The software makes setups faster and lets engineers adjust monitor mixes from the vantage point of the performers onstage or the listener out in the audience using a touch interface that directly controls mixing parameters, including channel strip, noise gate, compression and EQ.
The TF series (which stands for TouchFlow Operation) comprises three compact digital mixing consoles, the TF5, TF3 and TF1, which feature 33, 25, or 17 motor faders, respectively, along with 32, 24, or 16 rear-panel analog inputs. Each console includes recallable Yamaha D-PRE preamplifiers for the first time in a digital console, which facilitates support for live music and events where full setup changes need to be made on the fly.
There are a total of 48 inputs on the TF5 and TF3, with 40 on the TF1, including dual stereo analog/USB digital inputs and dual returns. Advanced live recording features include up to 34 x 34 channel recording and playback via USB 2.0 and 2 x 2 with a USB storage device.
TouchFlow Operation is a new approach to console control that combines elements of Yamaha’s user interfaces with an advanced touch panel system. A number of TF series features also contribute to faster setup. 1-knob COMP and 1-knob EQ features make it easy to dial in sound via a single rotary control on inputs for adjusting individual sources and on outputs for overall sound control, while the GainFinder feature facilitates gain setup for individual input signals
The TF mixers also provide a range of input and output channel presets created in cooperation and consultation with leading microphone manufacturers Shure, Sennheiser and Audio-Technica, as well as accomplished engineers. The input channel presets are made to match a span of musical instruments and voices, covering parameters such as head amp gain, EQ, dynamics and much more, right down to details like channel name and color.
Output channel presets include parameters optimized for in-ear monitors and Yamaha powered speakers, with variations to match different environments and room sizes.
The TF5 (MSRP: $4,200), TF3 (MSRP: $3,500) and TF1 (MSRP: $2,950) are now shipping. TF Firmware V1.10 or later is required to use the TF StageMix.