New Yamaha M2500 Sound Reinforcement Console
September 28, 1999
Yamaha introduces the new M2500 Sound Reinforcement Console
at this year's Audio Engineering Society (AES) Convention in New York. A key feature
of the M2500 is the switchable LR and LCR panning feature using the mono bus as
the center channel feed. Yamaha has traditionally covered all markets with low-,
mid- and high-range consoles. The M2500 is a perfect fit in the range of existing
GA Series and M3000 Series consoles. Available in five input configurations-24,
32, 40, 48, or 56 channels-the M2500 offers a total of 25 output buses: 8 groups,
14 auxiliary buses, a stereo bus, and a mono/center bus. The 8-group bus and 8
of the aux bus master controls can be flipped for maximum control versatility.
An 8x13 matrix section completes the output versatility and power of the M2500.
"The M2500 is a low-cost, high performance console with extensive features
that will complement the already proven line of M3000 consoles with Yamaha's innovative
technology," states Larry Italia, national sales & marketing manager,
Commercial Audio, Pro Audio & Combo Division, Yamaha Corporation of America.
"This console provides the necessary features that consultants and installation
contractors need, specifically for applications that require true LCR panning
in a high performance, mid-priced mixing console."
The console features 8 groups, 14 aux buses, a stereo bus, and a mono/center
bus. M2500's mono bus functions as the center-channel send when the LCR pan mode
is engaged. Master aux sends 1 through 6 feature full-length 100mm faders with
On and AFL switches which directly feed the corresponding Aux outputs. Master
aux sends 7 through 14 rotary controls feed the corresponding Aux outputs, and
these can be flipped to appear at the 100mm faders and related controls normally
assigned to the 8 group buses. The 8 group buses are routed to the rotary controls
completing the "flip". Other group bus master controls include On/Edit
switches and indicators, AFL switches, Pan controls, Matrix assign, Stereo assign,
Mono assign, and LCR pan mode switches. The M2500 allows the user to configure
the console to meet group/auxiliary requirements while retaining full use of all
25 output buses.
When the LCR switches are not engaged, the mono input channel Pan controls
function by panning the signal from left to right on the Stereo bus. When a channel's
LCR switch is engaged, however, the center pan pot position directly feeds the
channel signal to the Mono/C buss, which can feed a center amplifier or speaker
system. The advantage is the ability for center signals to be heard precisely
in mid-sound field, regardless of listening position, which is ideal for situations
such as vocals, speech, etc.
The mono input channels feature balanced XLR-type Microphone/Line inputs which
allows phantom power to be independently switched for all mono inputs, providing
direct compatibility with high-performance phantom-powered condenser microphones
and DI boxes.
The M2500 provides direct connection capability of stereo line sources to
any of 4 stereo inputs to a total of eight. Switchable A or B inputs include balanced
XLR connectors, and the B inputs are standard RCA pin jacks. Stereo channels 2
through 4 have balanced/unbalanced TRS inputs. Insert send/return patch points
are included on all mono channels for convenient insertion of compressor/limiters,
equalizers, or any other outboard equipment.
The M2500 supplies gain trim control with 44-dB range availability on all
mono inputs, independent 40-dB gain controls for A and B inputs on stereo channel
1, and 30-dB gain controls on stereo channels 2 through 4-enabling maximum level
matching with a wide range of sources.
The M2500 offers MIDI scene memory and control. Up to 128 mute "scenes"
can be stored in memory and recalled either from panel controls or an external
MIDI device. Eight Direct Recall switches for those scenes most often used can
be instantly recalled. Others can be recalled via the numeric keys, as the memory
contents can be checked and edited at any time without affecting the mix.
A flexible 4-band sweepable EQ with 2 sweepable, overlapping mid bands is
provided on all mono channels. The stereo channels offer 2-band shelving EQ. Bypass
switches are provided on all channels for EQ punch in or out without having to
change settings.
Three-point level indicators are available on all mono and stereo channels
to create accurate monitoring of pre-fader signal levels. Signal, Nom and Peak
LEDs provide a broad view of channel signal levels. The console's smooth 100mm
linear faders make it easy to set up optimum balance between channels as the PFL
(Pre-Fader Listen) switches allow convenient solo monitoring of the channel's
pre-fader signal. An additional feature to all channels is the On/Edit switches
and indicators that allow editing of mute scenes, for example, without changing
any other settings.
The M2500 console is powered with one high-capacity, high-performance PW3000MA
power supply unit with full power monitoring. Two PW3000MAs can be parallel-connected,
preventing power failure as one will automatically take over without the need
for switchover equipment.
"The M2500 is the first console built by Yamaha to have LCR panning,"
comments Dan Craik, product manager, Commercial Audio, Yamaha Corporation of America,
Pro Audio & Combo Division. "Yamaha engineers have made this board incredibly
flexible by allowing Stereo Plus Mono operation as well as by providing the sound
contractor and the sound reinforcement professional with a mixing desk that can
meet the demands of any application."
For more information, visit Yamaha's web site at www.yamaha.com
or www.yamaha.co.jp/product/proaudio/homeenglish/. |
