An experienced engineer can do a lot with a compressor: bring a guitar to life, add punch to bass, tighten up a snare, and make vocals ride clearly on the mix. The 1-knob COMP can do all of this quickly and easily, without the need to juggle multiple parameters to achieve the desired effect. Originally introduced in Yamaha analog mixers, the 1-knob COMP quickly became a popular and valued feature. It has now been further refined in a digital version that adds new setup ease and efficiency to the TF consoles. The same concept has been applied in a new 1-knob EQ feature that provides notably improved speed and smooth operation. 1-knob EQ has been painstakingly fine-tuned by Yamaha R&D staff in cooperation with distinguished sound engineers, to ensure that you can achieve outstanding results with minimum effort in the shortest possible time. A Vocal Mode makes it easier than ever to achieve a clear, well defined vocal sound, while an Intensity Mode offers 1-knob “intensity” control over EQ curves you either select from the presets or create from scratch.But there’s more: the 1-knob COMP and 1-knob EQ are provided on the output channels too, so you can quickly achieve overall output compression or EQ that ideally matches the room and audience size. The output 1-knob EQ has a Loudness Mode in place of the Vocal Mode, effectively increasing the sound pressure level while maintaining optimum sound as you rotate the knob. Both the 1-knob COMP and 1-knob EQ provide quick access to the full compressor and EQ displays, so you can fine tune settings as required.

Gain is the first adjustment the input signal sees, and the way it is set up influences how subsequent parameters will affect the signal. Yamaha has developed a way to make fast, accurate setup of this important basic parameter easier than ever. The new GainFinder feature facilitates optimum gain setup for individual input signals so that ideal overall operation and signal quality is achieved. The user only has to set channel gain so that the central green indicator in the level meter remains lit for the longest possible time. Of course the level meters also perform their traditional function, so standard gain setup procedure can be followed if preferred.

The Yamaha R&D team developed a selection of optimized QuickPro Presets™ for a wide variety of microphones and output equipment by working in collaboration with well-respected engineers and major manufacturers such as Audio-Technica, FitEar, Sennheiser, Shure, Ultimate Ears and Westone Laboratories. With these practical presets even the novice engineer can get very close to the ideal sound, while experienced engineers will appreciate the significant time savings. For input channels we prepared more than 200 presets that range from vocals to drum sets. All the presets were precisely tuned by using a wide range of actual microphones, instruments. For output channels we developed presets for a variety of speaker systems and in-ear monitors such as Ultimate Ears with several variations to match different environments and room sizes. All of these can be used as is when time is tight, but they are also great starting points for manual fine tuning. Setups created from the presets or from scratch can be saved as additional presets too. The 1-knob EQ and 1-knob COMP can be used with QuickPro Presets™ providing a super-streamlined way to tweak your sound. In addition to the onboard presets, new QuickPro Presets™ will be added to the Yamaha Pro Audio website, so be sure to check for updates.

“Each Audio-Technica microphone is painstakingly designed to give a truly accurate reproduction within the application it has been selected for. We strive to provide the best possible tools allowing the user to realise the expression of their work. Collaborating closely with the TF engineers on the instrument specific presets means that we can be sure our microphones deliver their best performance, while leaving the user free to focus on the creativity and character of the production.”

We are thrilled to have had the opportunity to collaborate with Yamaha on their acclaimed world-class digital mixers. Their advice, as well as feedback from engineers in the field, has been unreservedly applied in creating EQ presets for our FitEar custom in-ear monitors. The outstanding control capabilities of Yamaha digital mixers merge with years of accumulated in-ear monitoring know-how to support smooth, efficient operation.

“The presets in the Yamaha TF series digital mixers provide users with an accurate indication of how to set the EQ for a wide variety of instrument/microphone combinations. These preset functions give the sound technician a solid basis to start from. All that is needed is to adapt the EQ-ing to the specific room and the instruments.”

“We’re thrilled to be offering QuickPro presets of our most popular SM, Beta, KSM and PG Alta microphones in the new TF mixer. When you combine Shure’s 90 years of microphone experience with the versatile new TF digital mixer and exceptional Yamaha speakers, these presets allow engineers at any level of experience to leverage our combined technical expertise for quick, simple and effective sound checks and performances that sound amazing. Engineers can focus on mixing great quality audio instead of chasing problems. It’s an incredibly powerful solution.”

“True technical innovations melt into the background and simply become part of life. Marvelous innovations make you wonder what you ever did before. And when you combine the collective industry knowledge of Yamaha, Shure, Sennheiser, Audio-Technica, and Ultimate Ears, art happens. Ultimate Ears is honored to share our outboard presets for in-ear monitors. We know that these combinations will help you take your performance to the next level.”

“Westone is thrilled and honored to have had the opportunity to work with Yamaha and include the presets for our custom-fit and universal-fit in-ear monitors to the TF Series of mixers. The complete range of Westone products is represented (we couldn’t be more excited) including our ES Series of custom-fit models, and both the UM Series, and the revolutionary AM Series of passive-ambient monitors. The QuickPro presets offered in the Yamaha TF Series allow engineers to quickly and easily set a starting point for their IEM mix.”

“We were so excited to be asked by Yamaha to provide QuickPro Presets for our extensive line of application-specific microphones. At Audix, we believe that less time spent EQing a mic equals more time and attention that can be given to the actual performance. The presets that we co-developed with Yamaha’s R&D team ensure that an audio engineer – regardless of experience level – will be able to go live with little or no time spent at sound check. And, if you do have the luxury of a sound check, that time can be spent further enhancing the presets to the needs of the room, instrument or vocalist.”

The TF Editor application for Windows and Mac computers provides a complete interface for offline editing and setup of TF consoles, with scene and preset management capabilities plus convenient keyboard entry of channel names. In addition to being able to set up the console offline at any convenient location and time, the TF Editor can be used online at the same time as the TF StageMix and MonitorMix applications. A Windows 8 PC with a multi-touch screen can use the same gestures as on the console itself. And if using Wi-Fi, a PC can function as a convenient remote-mixing device. Up to three devices running TF Editor or StageMix can be connected at the same time.

TF StageMix is an iPad application that provides wireless control of TF series consoles, allowing remote mixing from audience seating, in front of floor monitors, or any other listening position. It can also be used at the console as an extension of the console’s own interface. The TF StageMix interface is designed for similar operation and flow to the console display, making it easier than ever to refine the mix from any location.

The MonitorMix application for the TF Series allows individual wireless AUX mixing from up to 10 iPad, iPhone, iPod touch or Android devices simultaneously. Each performer can have convenient control over the AUX buses assigned to them, without having to deal with complex settings or parameters. They can also create personal Group settings for even easier adjustment; all levels on just one fader, for example. Since up to three devices running TF Editor or StageMix and up to 10 devices running MonitorMix can be connected at the same time, even large bands can have the personal control they need, reducing demands on the sound engineer.

No specialized programming skills are required. An intuitive interface makes it easy to create faders for volume control and switches for channel on/off, for example, and position photographs or other graphic elements on the tablet screen as required to create original control panels that are ideally suited to individual applications and users. In addition, ProVisionaire Touch and ProVisionaire Control can control CL/QL/TF series digital mixers, MTX and MRX series processors, XMV series and PC-D/PC-DI series power amplifiers, R series (ADDA) and Tio1608-D I/O rack, DZR-D series powered loudspeakers and DXS XLF-D powered subwoofers and Nexo NXAMPmk2 powered TD controller. It is easy to combine those parameters onto the one screen.

The TF series consoles feature new recallable versions of Yamaha’s acclaimed D-PRE microphone preamplifier. The preamplifiers, or head amplifiers in any console play a significant role in defining the sound of the final mix, so Yamaha engineers spared no effort in developing and refining the D-PRE design to ensure that every nuance and subtlety of the original signal is effectively captured. The circuit is based on a discrete inverted Darlington pair configuration that achieves clean, precise amplification with consistently low noise and distortion at all signal levels. While some microphone preamps are built specifically to impart a unique character of their own, the D-PRE preamplifier has been painstakingly designed with a flat, wide frequency response that retains the tone and nuance of the original sound so that the essence of the performer’s art is captured intact.

In addition to channel processors, TF consoles feature eight powerful processing/effect units. All the units feature the same type of SPX processors that have become standards in recording and live sound applications, offering 19 programs ranging from reverb and delay, through modulation effects such as flanger and chorus, to multiband compression. With two units of global FX the panel EDIT key opens the effect parameter display where detailed parameters can be adjusted instantly. The remaining six Ins FX are available in the AUX 9/10~19/20 master channels for additional signal control ie. managing levels for in-ear monitoring, or controlling output delay for remotely located speakers using a delay. If more than two Global FX units are required, these Ins effects can be used as additional SEND/ RETURN effects by assigning them to the main stereo bus. The AUX 1~8 buses and main output channels include the same 4-band parametric EQ as provided on the input channels, plus 31-band Flex12 GEQ. Both types of EQ are invaluable for optimizing speaker response and eliminating feedback. These GEQ can also be assigned to the physical faders for more detailed fine tuning.

Thanks to in-depth collaboration with Dan Dugan Sound Design, renowned Dan Dugan automatic microphone mixing with its advanced algorithms is built into the TF series consoles. The processor is available for input channel 1-8, you can accsess the setting screen easily from their channel strips for automatically optimized microphone gain distribution. Gain control is smooth and natural, as though experienced human operators were doing the mix. The system also effectively reduces feedback and comb filter issues. For speech applications, especially non-scripted situations, this allows the operator to concentrate on details other than fader operation for consistently high-quality mixes.

Four matrix out channels with delay parameters that are ideally suited to setting up delay compensation for live sound speaker systems at large venues, installations where separate mixes are fed to a main hall and lobby, and many other situations that require some degree of delay compensation.

TF V2.5 also includes a simple Output Delay that can be used as an Ins FX on the AUX 9/10 ~ AUX 19/20 buses to manage the timing of signals sent to speakers at different locations for improved intelligibility and clarity.

Steinberg’s Nuendo Live multi-track live recording software is bundled with TF series digital mixing consoles. Nuendo Live multi-track recording software is ideal for use in live sound applications, from club gigs to concert halls and festivals. It offers simple operation that is an advantage in busy live sound situations, high reliability, and a comprehensive range of features that provide professional performance and efficiency. Not only multi-track recording, Nuendo Live offers a virtual sound check when the performers aren’t available. Many users will benefit from the advanced multi-track recording and virtual sound check capabilities that this powerful combination of hardware and software provides.