NAB 2016: Yamaha Announces Firmware Update for CL and QL Consoles, Integration With Shure

Yamaha Corporation of America, Professional Audio Division has announced the availability of a very significant firmware update for both CL and QL Series Digital Audio Consoles. V4.0 firmware update offers new features and enhanced operation and takes another leap forward with new EQ algorithms, a Premium Rack device, and other features that provide live sound support at an even higher level. StageMix application software for use with an iPad and related software is updated as well in V6.0 and further expands the range of both consoles for enhanced creative freedom and operability.

New features in Yamaha CL/QL V4.0 include “Precise,” “Aggressive,” and “Smooth” Channel EQ Algorithms. The three new EQs included in the flagship RIVAGE PM10 digital mixing system are now included in V4.0 firmware. The “Precise” EQ allows pinpoint precision utilizing a Constant Q algorithm. It includes Overshoot which reacts very analog-like. The Aggressive and Smooth EQs provide Proportional Q algorithms. All three are distinctly different giving mix engineers a huge palette of tools to help create their mix.

The new MBC4 is a four-band multi-band compressor that combines a GUI offering outstanding operability and visibility with advanced VCM modeling for higher overall performance. The musical response of analog compressors was studied in depth and recreated in detail in the MBC4 gain reduction circuit, allowing flexible dynamics processing while retaining the integrity and musicality of the source.

Control of the Shure ULXD4D and ULXD4Q includes channel name entry, receiver gain and muting, plus monitoring of receiver gain, mute, frequency, diversity, battery, RF strength, and audio level are now available via the CL and QL Series Touch Displays.

A new Solo Mode offers mix engineers solo-in-place. A Second Cue Bus option enables the MATRIX 7/8 bus to be used as a CUE B bus so that in-ear monitors and wedges can be monitored via separate CUE buses, for example. The separate CUE buses can be accessed via the console or remotely via Editor or StageMix application for monitor controls.

MonitorMix is an application for the iPhone, iPad, and iPod Touch that allows wireless control of Send levels to the mix bus. Up to ten devices running MonitorMix can be used simultaneously, providing a convenient way for individual performers to adjust their own monitor mix, having just the control of their own mix bus, so that any personal adjustments won’t affect the mix heard by the other performers.

DCA Roll Out has been enhanced adding the ability to scroll through the members of the DCA when the number of DCA members is greater than the number of available faders using a channel encoder on CL Series consoles. Also, the Gain of the GEQ band specified via the touch screen and Touch & Turn knobs can now be adjusted while the faders are being used for DCA or channel control.

The CL/QL Editor will now read and write CSV files containing channel name, icon, color, and patch information making it possible to prepare or edit data offline using a standard spreadsheet or text editor program.

Another significant update is the control of the head amps in the Tio1608-D I/O Rack for TF Series Consoles from CL and QL consoles, making it possible to combine the Tio1608-D with the R Series stage boxes.

New Features in CL/QL StageMix V6.0 include Effect Editing. Effect parameters that could previously only be edited via the CL or QL Series Console can now be edited using the StageMix application.

“We are very pleased to further build upon our CL and QL console platform with this immensely significant upgrade that includes useful features our users have been requesting,” states Marc Lopez, director of marketing, Yamaha Professional Audio, Commercial Audio products.

Yamaha Pro Audio Japan and Shure Incorporated have announced that customers using Yamaha CL and QL Series Digital Audio Consoles will be able to control and monitor Shure ULX-D Digital Wireless Systems (Dante-enabled ULXD4D Dual Channel Digital Wireless Receivers and ULXD4Q Quad Channel Digital Wireless Receivers).

The seamless integration of Yamaha’s CL/QL consoles with Shure’s ULX-D Digital Wireless Systems—which offers uncompromising 24-bit audio clarity and extremely efficient RF performance—equips audio professionals with the intuitive tools and enhanced operability for sound reinforcement applications of any size. The newly available control parameters will include monitoring of battery, RF reception strength, antenna status, frequency and audio level, and full control of gain, mute, and channel name assignment.

Ken Hiraoka, Yamaha Pro Audio Business Unit Director comments: “Through continuing collaboration with Shure, the leading microphone innovator, Yamaha CL/QL series consoles and Shure ULX-D digital wireless systems come together with seamless integration that contributes to enhanced operating efficiency and convenience. Both Shure and Yamaha will continue to innovate in our respective fields.”

Since its establishment in 1925, Shure has delivered sound quality and reliability that have made the Company’s products the go-to choice for musicians and audio enthusiasts worldwide. From microphones that have become the industry standard, to headphones and cutting-edge wireless gear, Shure has continued to innovate products that help users define their sound and take equipment issues out of the audio equation, enabling customers to concentrate on their message or performance with confidence.

Cooperation between the two Companies began in June 2013, when ULX-D receiver discovery patch support was introduced in the CL Series V1.6 update. More recently, the TF Series consoles were introduced with optimized QuickPro Presets for a number of microphones and instruments — including presets for Shure microphones — in April 2015. Today’s announcement marks the third stage of the Shure/Yamaha collaboration with control and monitoring of Shure ULX-D digital wireless system ULXD4D and ULXD4Q receivers directly from Yamaha CL and QL series console touch panels as of the V4.0 firmware update scheduled for release this month.

Nick Wood, Category Director of Wireless Systems at Shure comments: “This integration means that ULX-D users can optimize microphone gain settings from the mix position and confidently monitor the status of wireless systems within the context of the console interface.  It is a very important step in the progress of wireless control and in the continued collaboration between Shure and Yamaha.”