Yamaha’s new TF Series of digital consoles offer fast, accurate gain setup, single-step compression and EQ, and mic-specific presets. The TF series (which stands for TouchFlow Operation) includes three compact, digital mixing consoles, the TF5, TF3 and TF1, which feature 33, 25, or 17 motor faders, 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. It also includes seamless operation with high-performance I/O racks.
TouchFlow Operation is a new approach to console control that combines elements of Yamaha’s well-regarded user interfaces with an advanced touch panel system, allowing sound engineers to respond to the music and artists on stage with unprecedented speed and freedom.
Jake Cody of Yamaha offers this exclusive FOH-TV tour of the TF Series digital consoles.
A number of TF series features are also designed to contribute to faster, smoother setup. 1-knob COMP and 1-knob EQ features help mixers dial in the ideal sound via a single rotary control on inputs for adjusting individual sources and on outputs for overall sound control. The GainFinder feature facilitates optimum gain setup for individual input signals, making ideal overall signal quality easily achievable.
The TF mixers also provide a range of input and output channel presets created in cooperation and consultation with leading microphone manufacturers such as 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. This is a huge advantage for novice users, while experienced engineers will appreciate the enhanced speed and efficiency of operation.
Augmenting the consoles, separate software applications allow for wireless mixing, personal monitor mixing and offline setup with TF series consoles. The TF Editor, TF StageMix and MonitorMix applications feature user interfaces that extend the consoles’ own capabilities on any compatible device.
The TF Series also features powerful processing and effects. In addition to parametric EQ and dynamics processors on each channel, TF consoles offer eight powerful processors for wide-ranging sonic control. Two of these are globally accessible and feature the same type of Yamaha SPX processors that have become an industry standard in recording and live sound applications. The remaining six processors are available in the AUX 9/10–19/20 master channels. The AUX 1–8 buses and main output channels include the same four-band parametric EQ as provided on the input channels, plus 31-band Flex12 GEQ.
All TF models include a slot for an optional NY64-D I/O expansion card that allows transmission and reception of up to 128 channels (64 in/64 out) via a Dante audio network. Used in conjunction with Yamaha’s new Tio1608-D I/O Rack, it becomes possible to create a versatile and expandable stage box system with up to 48 inputs and 24 outputs.
The TF5 (MSRP: $4,200), TF3 (MSRP: $3,500) and TF1 (MSRP: $2,950) are scheduled to begin shipping in May 2015. An optional RK5014 Rack Mount Kit will also be available for mounting the TF1 console in a standard 19-inch rack. The Tio1608-D and NY64-D (MSRP: TBD) are scheduled to ship in Spring 2016.
For more info about Yamaha TF Series consoles, go to yamahaproaudio.com.
