Prolight + Sound: Yamaha unveils TF Series consoles

Prolight + Sound 2015 saw the launch of Yamaha’s TF series digital consoles for small to medium scale mixing requirements.

The TF series comprises three compact Yamaha digital mixing consoles. The TF5, TF3 and TF1 respectively feature 33, 25 or 17 motor faders along with 32, 24 or 16 rear-panel analogue inputs, which feature recallable Yamaha D-PRE preamplifiers for the first time in a digital console. This facility provides 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 analogue/USB digital inputs and dual returns. 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. All of this, plus operation with I/O racks, makes the TF series suitable for a wide range of applications.

TouchFlow Operation is a new approach to console operation that combines elements of Yamaha’s user interfaces with an advanced touch panel system, allowing users to respond to the music and artists on stage ‘with unprecedented speed and freedom’.

1-knob COMP and 1-knob EQ features allow users to dial in the ideal sound via a single rotary control – on inputs for adjusting individual sources and on outputs for overall sound control. A GainFinder feature facilitates gain setup for individual input signals.

Also provided is a range of input and output channel presets created in cooperation with microphone manufacturers such as Audio-Technica, Sennheiser and Shure, made to match a range of musical instruments and voices, covering parameters such as head amp (HA) gain, EQ, dynamics and more. Output channel presets include parameters for in-ear monitors (IEM) and Yamaha powered speakers, with variations to match different environments and room sizes.

In addition, separate software applications allow 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 console’s own on any compatible device.

TF series consoles also feature processing and effects. In addition to parametric EQ and two dynamics processors on each channel, the consoles offer eight processors for sonic control. Two of these are globally accessible and feature Yamaha SPX processors. 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 stage box system with up to 48 inputs and 24 outputs.

An optional RK5014 Rack Mount Kit will also be available for mounting the TF1 console in a standard 19in EIA equipment rack.

“Yamaha consoles have always been designed in cooperation with leading engineers from around the world to ensure maximum quality and ease of use,” said Yamaha PA department manager Ken Hiraoka. “The TF series takes another leap forward with a new concept in console operation that will allow experienced engineers as well as newcomers to the field to achieve the desired results quickly and easily.”

The TF series is scheduled to begin shipping in spring 2015. The Tio1608-D and NY64-D are scheduled to follow in spring 2016.

http://www.yamaha.com