Yamaha DM7 Series

Yamaha has announced the new DM7 series of professional digital mixers. The culmination of decades of Yamaha development experience, the DM7 series takes the best elements of previous digital mixing systems and combines them with innovative new features in a compact, powerful, ergonomic, flexible, and expandable package.

Comprising two consoles and a control expansion unit, plus additional software packages, the DM7 series is designed to deliver exceptional results with enhanced workflow for live music, corporate events, theatre, broadcast, streaming and hybrid mixing, where one console is used to independently mix more than one feed.

Overview
An expandable, all-in-one digital mixer with a wide range of inputs and outputs, there are two models in the DM7 series. The DM7 features 32 inputs, 16 outputs and can process 120 input channels in a footprint measuring 793mm x 564mm, while the DM7 Compact has 16 inputs, 16 outputs and can process 72 input channels in a 468mm x 564mm footprint. Both models feature up to 144 in/out Dante networking at 96kHz, along with 48 mix, 12 matrix and two stereo busses. They can be used with the optional Yamaha R Series I/O Racks and a variety of Dante devices for extremely scalable, flexible audio systems.

Either console can be expanded with DM7 Control, to create the DM7-EX (or DM7-EX Compact) system. This unit adds more physical controls and is bundled with Broadcast and Theatre software packages. Combined with enhanced performance and new features, the DM7 series is extremely flexible, adapting to the size and style of application, as well as the workflow of the engineer.

Sound Quality
The starting point for audio engineering has to be transparent, uncoloured sound. Yamaha mixers are built to capture audio with pristine accuracy, before letting users add their creative expression. To achieve this, the DM7 series has a range of key features — for example the channel strip features the four varieties of channel EQ from the flagship RIVAGE PM series, alongside the completely new FET Limiter and Diode Bridge Comp. The order of the EQ and Dynamics 2 signal flow can also be changed.

Dan Dugan auto-mixing is included as standard. Preassigned on the channel strip, it allows up to 64 channels of automated mixing without consuming EQ Rack resources. Also included are a range of Yamaha’s acclaimed Virtual Circuitry Modelling (VCM) plugins, such as the Portico 5033 equaliser and Portico 5043 compressor/limiter (created in cooperation with Rupert Neve Designs), as well as the DaNSe dynamic noise suppressor and Dynamic EQ. There is also an FX Rack with access to a range of high quality effects.

Operation
The DM7 series features a new user interface, which is simpler and more efficient with an excellent, intuitive user workflow, while still retaining the well-known familiarity of Yamaha consoles.

Two large 12.1-inch (31cm) multi-touch screens (one on the DM7 Compact) combine intuitive, multi-touch operation with precise operation, using physical screen encoders and Yamaha’s familiar ‘touch and turn’ knobs. A new, advanced Selected Channel View displays a list of information on individual channels, allowing quick access to the parameters engineer want to operate, as well as the overview screen for analogue mixer-like operation. A histogram display has also been added to the input meters to help manage head amp levels.

A new innovation for the DM7 series is a 7-inch (18cm) utility screen, which keeps essential information and functions — such as scene lists, user defined keys and meters — readily accessible at all times.

Functionality
A major new feature of the DM7 series is Split Mode, which allows the input channels, scenes and mix busses to be divided, letting one DM7 or DM7 Compact function like two separate mixers. Using one console, users can mix Front of House and monitors, FoH and broadcast or streaming, etc. without compromise.

Onboard Dante networking supports up to 144 channels of input and output and can be connected to the devices from a wide range of manufacturers, for flexible and highly scalable audio systems. Head amp remote and device control are also supported, making it easy to patch and control Dante equipment from the console. The DM7 series also features a rear panel USB-C port with 18 input/output audio interface functionality for recording, distribution, playback and connection to conferencing systems, as well as control via MIDI devices and DAWs. Naturally, Yamaha’s renowned reliability is at the heart of the DM7 series, and to enhance this even further it features a redundant power supply. There is also the new Assist function which suggests head amp adjustments, naming and fader balance, helping users to reduce preparation time.

A wide range of software and apps — including DM7 Editor, DM7 StageMix, MonitorMix, Console File Converter, ProVisionaire Control and ProVisionaire Touch — is supported, which allow offline preparation, wireless mixing, monitor mixing and control (including peripheral equipment).

The DM7 series includes an Open Sound Control (OSC) server function, which enables the consoles to be controlled from OSC-compatible devices, and the DM7 Compact can be mounted in a standard 19-inch rack for convenience.

Expandability
The DM7 series can be expanded with the optional DM7 Control. Creating the DM7-EX (or DM7-EX Compact) system, this unit adds two more faders, user defined controls, a jog wheel for DAW control, scene memory, panner and monitor controls. It provides a comfortable operating environment for productions like musicals, which need comprehensive triggering and scene changes, and broadcasts where hands-on monitor and DAW control are important.

The DM7 Control unit is bundled with the dedicated software Broadcast Package and Theatre Package. The Broadcast Package has functions to enhance the convenience of broadcast mixing, including 5.1 Surround support, Mix Minus, Audio Follow Video and Loudness Meter. The Theatre Package includes Actor Library, DCA Scene Grid and AFC Image control, as well as other functions for theatrical applications. These packages can be purchased separately for DM7 series users who do not need the DM7 Control unit.

A rear panel PY Card slot on the DM7 and DM7 Compact offers enhanced connectivity with a variety of audio formats and external control devices. Three PY cards are available, the PY64-MD (64 MADI inputs/outputs), PY8-AE (8 input/8 output AES/EBU D-sub 25-pin connector) and the PY-MIDI-GPI (DIN five pin and D-sub 15-pin connectors for expanded MID/GPI control terminals).

The DM7 and DM7 Compact are also bundled with VST Rack Elements, plug-in host software which allows engineers to create their own effects racks, and Steinberg’s Nuendo Live DAW software, which is optimised for live recording.

“Complimenting the existing flagship RIVAGE PM and the trusted CL and QL series consoles, the DM7 series provides users with a powerful option to begin their Yamaha journey or expand their Yamaha fleet,” says Thomas Hemery, Yamaha General Manager of Global Marketing and Sales, Professional Solutions Division. “With expected future firmware updates, similar to the significant new RIVAGE PM feature launching soon, the DM7 series will continue to evolve for many years to come.”