Digital mixing consoles are certainly not new, but the evolution toward a truly intuitive, easy-to-use interface has been long and at times fraught with growing pains. If you’ve been delaying a move to digital because of interface or operational issues, the wait is over. The Yamaha M7CL Digital Mixing Console offers professional digital console performance and features for live sound in a 32- or 48-channel system that can actually be easier to use than a conventional analog console.

Extended information

Available in 32- or 48-channel formats, the M7CL features a small footprint, light weight and simple self-contained design that is attractive for both fixed and mobile applications. The Centralogic interface provides intuitive operation by combining a touch panel control surface with Yamaha's "Selected Channel" structure that guides the user through a logical navigation system. With the M7CL there are no layers--most physical controls are single-function, and digital controls can be accessed through just two main software screens.

The M7CL features four stereo inputs and three mini-YGDAI expansion card slots, 16 mix buses, eight matrix buses, an L-C-R bus, eight DCAs and 16 omni outputs. The built-in power supply is backed by optional single or double failsafe external PW800W PSUs.

Full-length 100mm motor faders are provided for all input channels, plus stereo/mono masters, with an additional eight Centralogic faders. Each input fader has its own "On" and "Cue" keys, plus a "Sel" key to assign that channel to Selected Channel controls for more detailed channel manipulation in the Centralogic section.

Each selected input channel includes Channel Name and Icon strip, Insert and Direct Out select keys, Input Gain, 4-band EQ, Hi-pass Filter, Dynamics 1 and 2 (with a brand new De-Esser), 16 Mix sends, Stereo, Mono and Bus assigns and Channel Pan. The M7CL includes a number of onboard effects and graphic EQs. Simply touch the on-screen Rack button and instantly patch effects or EQ to any channel; another touch takes you to detailed editing within your chosen effect or graphic.

Up to eight signal processors can be used simultaneously, and all of these onboard modules are capable of operation as graphic EQs. Additionally, the M7CL takes processing power further with the new Flex15 GEQ. When selected, each GEQ module will function as two 31-band units with 15 bands available at any one time. The M7CL also includes the proprietary REV-X algorithm as a standard feature, and Yamaha's Add-On Effects Packages are available.

Users can store and recall up to 300 scene memories--each storing a complete snapshot of all console settings within a single scene. Advanced Access Management provides multiple levels of security, preventing unauthorized access to the console, or restricting access to a limited set of functions via passwords and USB memory keys.

Bundled Windows-compatible Editor software provides offline programming and editing, and access to all console parameters. A graphic interface provides quick access to all programming functions using a computer.

The new console will ship in October. The 48-channel version carries a target MSRP of $24,999 and the 32-channel version, $19,999.

Technical specifications

# 48 or 32 mono microphone/line inputs, 4 stereo inputs, and 3 mini-YGDAI card slots (a total of 56 or 40 mixing channels).
# 16 mix buses, LCR bus, 8 matrix channels, and 8 DCAs assignable to 16 omni outputs.
# Virtual effect and EQ rack: up to 4 simultaneous multi-effect processors; up to 8 simultaneous 31-band graphic EQs.
# Centralogic™ interface: central, logical, and intuitive.
# Dual power modes: use the built in power supply, or add an external PW800W power supply unit (optional) for failsafe dual-supply operation.
# Compact and lightweight: 48 channels in the space and weight normally required for 24