DM2000VCM Digital Production Console

Advanced custom DSP-7 LSIs feature 32-bit internal processing (58-bit accumulator) at extremely high speed. Full functionality is provided when mixing all 96 channels at 96 kHz. All analog inputs and outputs — including the 24 microphone/line inputs — employ precision 24-bit A/D and D/A converters for an outstanding 110-dB dynamic range. Top-performance head amplifiers provide precise, uncolored pre-amplification prior to A/D conversion, and optimum circuit configurations and parts for all stages of the design were determined through repeated listening tests by some of the best "ears" in the industry.

Although it is a desktop type console, the DM2000 offers generous mixing capacity with up to 96 simultaneous inputs. All 96 input channels include four-band parametric EQ, gating, compression/limiting, and up to 453 milliseconds of delay with variable feedback. What's more, all of this functionality is available at 96 kHz. The output section also offers plenty of versatility with 22 buses: 8 mix buses, 12 auxiliary buses, and a stereo bus. Mix buses 1 through 6 also function as surround buses, and a Bus to Stereo function allows sound-reinforcement type sub-mixing as well as easy downmixing of 5.1, or 3-1 surround to stereo. Eight of the 12 auxiliary buses can be used as surround effect sends, and there's a "Unity" function that automatically sets the auxiliary buses to nominal (0 dB) level, so they can be used as additional mix buses. Four stereo matrixes provide additional utility for live sound, surround, and other applications.

All 96 input channels as well as the 8 mix buses, 12 auxiliary buses, 4 stereo matrixes and stereo bus feature powerful mixing functions including gate and compressor dynamics processing, input attenuation, four-band parametric EQ with a choice of Type I and Type II algorithms, channel inserts, delay, surround and stereo panning, and phase. Easy-access dedicated controllers are provided for routing, auxiliary/matrix send, dynamics, stereo and surround panning, and EQ. Dedicated controls are also provided for copying and pasting channel parameters, even between different scenes. Control data is graphically displayed via the LCD screen, and can be saved in "libraries" for easy recall whenever recalled. All inputs, outputs, insert patch points, direct outputs, and effect sends and returns can be freely patched to configure the system as required via graphical on-screen "digital patching" displays: for example, you could patch one input to multiple channels, or assign the signal from one bus to multiple outputs. The encoders and name displays associated with each fader can be used to make input patch and direct out settings without having to refer to the LCD display, and you can save your patch settings as library data for recall when needed.

The DM2000's eight internal effect processors deliver full functionality and performance even when the console is running at 96 kHz. New effect programs such as multi-band compression and surround-compatible 5.1 reverb and 5.1 modulation* augment the console's processing capabilities, and can be used in a send/return loop or as inserts effects. The DM2000 also features six 31-band graphic equalizers with switchable 6, 15, or 24-dB ranges.* Each surround processor may occupy up to four of the onboard effect processors.

The DM2000 rear panel provides 24 microphone/line inputs with balanced XLR/TRS jacks that feature top-performance head amplifiers for outstanding audio quality. These inputs also offer insert I/O jacks with bypass switches, and individual phantom power switches. There are five 2-track inputs: two analog and three digital with built-in sample rate converters. All analog inputs and outputs employ precision 24-bit, 96-kHz converters. Eight versatile "omni" outputs can be used for stereo or surround monitoring. Two pairs of XLR-type CR monitor outputs allow convenient connection to large and small monitors. Two AES/EBU format digital stereo outputs and one coaxial digital stereo output provide a total of three digital outs with sampling rate converters for broad connectivity.

Each of six Mini-YGDAI (Yamaha General Digital Audio Interface) expansion card slots support up to 16 additional channels of digital I/O in AES/EBU, ADAT or TASCAM format, as well as a range of other interface cards including double-speed 96 kHz (AES/EBU) digital I/O cards, 96-kHz compatible AD/DA cards, and a range of analog I/O cards. The DM2000 expansion slots also accept various Mini-YGDAI compatible cards available from third parties.

A cascade connector allows two DM2000 consoles to be connected to provide up to 192 input channels. Versatile MIDI control capability is provided via MIDI IN, OUT, and THRU connectors and an independent MTC input connector. USB and RS422 "TO HOST" connectors, an XLR type SMPTE time code input, a 9-pin D-sub remote connector that supports P2 commands or remote HA control, and a 25-pin D-sub control connector give the DM2000 extensive control capability in any type of application. There's also a PS/2 keyboard connector for convenient name entry. Two sets of word clock I/O connectors support double-channel 96 kHz operation.

Surround panning was originally provided on the 02R and 03D, but the DM2000 goes much further with a comprehensive range of features for surround production. The Matrix Mixing and Bus to Stereo functions make it easy to downmix 5.1 or 3-1 surround sources to stereo, and the 3-1 output can be connected via Dolby Surround or DTS stereo encoders back to a DM2000 slot input to allow real-time comparison between the encoded and pre-encoded sound. A panning joystick is provided in the Selected Channel control section to facilitate complex panning moves and trace specified panning patterns. Surround panning features 127 x 127 resolution, and divergence control is possible in 0 ~ 100 steps. Surround-compatible effects in up to 8-in/8-out configurations include 5.1 reverb, modulation, and dynamics.* EQ and dynamics grouping is another feature that can be a great advantage for surround production.* Each surround processor may occupy up to four of the onboard effect processors.

The DM2000 monitor section provides facilities for muting individual buses (speakers), centralized level control of all monitor outputs, stem mix monitoring, and real-time comparison between the encoded and pre-encoded Dolby Surround or DTS stereo sound. Downmix processing allows just about any surround format to be downmixed to just about any other surround format or stereo for monitoring without affecting the signal sent to the recorder. A Speaker Control function allows fine control of the monitoring environment to match the program material you are mixing as well as your working environment. The DM2000 also includes bass management, attenuators for precise speaker level control, and delay for "virtual speaker repositioning".

In addition to its extensive stand-alone capabilities the DM2000 can integrate with your computer-based DAW (Digital Audio Workstation) or digital recorder to create an advanced digital production environment. A comprehensive range of dedicated controllers is provided for direct control of external equipment. The DM2000 can function as a physical controller for both recorder and mixer sections of your DAW. The standard library includes control compatibility with Digidesign Pro Tools® and Steinberg NUENDO® workstations, control functions can be assigned to remote layers 1 through 4. MIDI control tables can also be created to provide functionality with MIDI-compatible DAW systems. Dedicated recorder controls are provided on the DM2000 panel: the track arming section with keys for 24 tracks, group keys A through D, and master recorder key all provide convenient remote control of your MTR or master recorder. A locator section is also provided, with eight locate memory keys as well as pre, post, in, out, return to zero, and roll back keys for speedy, efficient operation. The DM2000's physical controls are compatible with DAW systems and recorders that support MMC or P2 protocol.

The DM2000 features automix capability with 1/4-frame resolution, allowing full automation of parameters right down to the internal effects. Automix functions can be controlled via dedicated keys for easy access. Scene memories allow fade times and recall safe settings to be specified independently for each channel, while recall safe can even be specified at the function level. Your data can be conveniently saved to SmartMedia memory cards.

In addition to "horizontal pairing" of adjacent channels, the DM2000 allows "vertical pairing" of channels on different layers so that, for example, you can control up to 24 stereo sources from a single layer. In such setups the 24 stereo signals can even be displayed simultaneously on the meter bridge. Grouping functions include the familiar fader and mute grouping, as well as sophisticated EQ and dynamics grouping. The latter can be a great advantage when mixing surround sound.

24 faders provide access to the console's 96 input channels in four layers. Add the stereo master and you have a total of 25 top-quality 100-millimeter touch-sensitive motor faders. The bus, auxiliary, and master faders are provided in another layer, and four "remote" layers are provided for external device control. A Fader Mode key additionally allows the auxiliary send levels to be assigned to the faders. The rotary encoder and switch associated with each fader can be switched to any of six modes via the Encoder Mode key. The encoders can be used for panning or auxiliary/matrix send, as well any other four functions you assign. You could assign input patching, direct out assignments, or remote assignments for external HA units such as the Yamaha AD8HR to the encoders to allow fast, efficient setup in your specific work environment.

The DM2000 comes supplied with an advanced DM2000 Editor that runs on the Studio Manager application for Windows or Macintosh computers. The DM2000 connects to your computer via the TO HOST interface (USB or RS422), creating a production environment that goes beyond simple parameter viewers. The Console Window, Selected Channel Module, Surround Editor, Patch Editor, Effect Editor, Timecode Counter Window, GEQ Editor, and Library Window can be accessed via the computer's expansive color display, and the main mixer functions can be edited offline. Memory management functions allow DM2000 data to be transferred to and from the computer where it can be managed and even shared via LAN or the Internet.

DM2000 Version 2 implements a range of additions and refinements that reflect the needs of professionals in the field, providing an improved working environment as well as more sophisticated management capabilities.

The DM2000 V2 provides full support for all five of Yamaha's Add-on Effects packages (each package is sold separately). The advanced effects and signal-processing capabilities provided by these packages are easily accessible in addition to the standard built-in effects.

The Studio Manager application has undergone a major evolution, and is now a host application that can support multiple editors (such as the DM2000 Editor) within its framework. This offers many advantages including total project recall and smoother online and offline editing with multiple DM2000 units. A variety of other enhancements include Add-on Effect support, multiple windows, and improved overall operability through shortcuts, keyboard operations, drag and drop, and using the console's User Defined Keys to remotely open and close windows. The Console Window now provides a quick online/offline switch, the ability to show or hide the parameter block, user assignable layers, long stroke meters, quick jump to the Selected Channel window by double-clicking the EQ section, and numerical fader level indication. A new Master Fader window and Meter window have been added for easier master level monitoring as well as simultaneous meter display for 48 channels plus gain reduction metering. There's also a new Automix Library window that makes it much easier to use Automix. The Selected Channel window now shows gate type and long-stroke channel meters. The Patch Editor window can be resized, provides PM1D-like cursor shape and operation, and makes it possible to list and edit the port names. In the Library window you can operate multiple scenes and libraries simultaneously, recall them directly from hard disk, and link scene memories with patch libraries. As with the DM2000 itself, the Surround Editor window now supports 6.1 channels. You can also use the joystick in the Effect Editor window to control the ER/REV position of the REV 5.1 effect.

The new DM2000VCM is the DM2000 Version 2 plus a formidable array of state-of-the-art processing technologies that provide all-new production power. You now have extraordinary recreations of classic compression and EQ units from the 70's, simulations of several legendary analog open-reel tape decks, a complete suite of unmatched REV-X reverb effects, a surround post-production package that is second to none, and even a selection of vintage stomp boxes to spice up your mixes. And all of this is right at your fingertips, with no need to patch in external processors.The technology that has made all of this possible is some of the most advanced in the world, and the sound is simply superb.In short, one of the world's most popular digital production consoles just got a lot more powerful.

VCM technology is responsible for the classic compressor, EQ, analog tape deck, and stompbox effect simulations in the DM2000VCM.VCM (Virtual Circuitry Modeling) technology actually models the characteristics of analog circuitry - right down to the last resistor and capacitor. VCM technology goes well beyond simply analyzing and modeling electronic components and emulating the sound of old equipment. It's capable of capturing subtleties that simple digital simulations cannot even approach, while actually creating ideal examples of sought-after vintage gear.

iSSP technology is the key to the DM2000VCM's incredible selection of surround post-production effects.iSSP stands for "Interactive Spatial Sound Processing," and is Yamaha's original new spatial sound effect system. Designed through extensive research and exhaustive testing, this technology offers unparalleled reality, operability and originality for surround processing applications. It delivers unprecedented sound-field positioning precision and versatility, as well as realistic sound source movement effects with simple operation that allows simulations of an almost unlimited variety of spatial environments.

"REV-X" is the advanced algorithm behind Yamaha's newest generation of reverb and ambience programs, offering unprecedented reverberation depth and realism with smooth decay. REV-X technology takes full advantage of the 24-bit 96-kHz processing capability of the DM2000 for reverb and ambience effects that have the reassuring warmth and reality of natural acoustic environments.