Yamaha CL5 Digital Mixing Desk

• Input channels: 72 mono, 8 stereo.
• Fader configuration: 16-fader left section, 8-fader Centralogic section, 8-fader right section, 2-fader master section.
• Stainless steel stay for iPad support.
• Built-in meter bridge.

The standards stay, but innovation never ends.

The pursuit of perfection is ongoing and will probably never end, but along the way Yamaha has introduced a number of innovations that have become industry standards offering performance and familiarity that discerning users continue to demand. By definition, “standards” are best kept as they are. With evolutionary refinements, of course.

Yamaha CL series digital mixing consoles represent a new level of refinement. They offer an evolved experience in accessible mixing, plus sonic purity with sound shaping capabilities that will give the most imaginative engineer unprecedented creative freedom. The CL series embodies the leading standards in live sound in their most advanced, most expressive form.

Main Features

A creative console for expressive engineering.

Every engineer, artist, and audience agrees that sound quality is the bottom line. That’s a given. Through thorough analysis, review, and refinement of every detail of the circuitry and technology used, Yamaha CL series consoles deliver naturally superior sound plus a comprehensive range of “colouring” options that give the sonic craftsmen who will use them extraordinary creative freedom. The signal processors provided are plentiful and of the highest quality, including extraordinary Portico 5033/5043 EQ and compressor devices that bring Yamaha VCM technology together with the legendary talents of Rupert Neve. The platform is pure and natural, so the engineer can create and deliver the ideal sound.

Efficient, enjoyable operation.

A truly useful sound reinforcement console is one that can keep pace with the rapidly and dramatically changing demands of live sound applications. Efficient, intuitive operation is essential. Yamaha’s acclaimed Centralogic concept is the core of a refined user interface that offers a new, unprecedented level of operating efficiency in the CL series, from visual feedback right down to the form and feel of the faders and controls. The CL consoles are also ready for seamlessly integrated remote control and offline editing via an Apple iPad® or other computer. Control is familiar and intuitive, while at the same time offering extensive freedom.

Scalable, versatile network capabilities.

Network capabilities are rapidly becoming fundamental and indispensable in today’s fast-paced world of digital live sound. CL series consoles feature separate console and I/O rack components that communicate via the Dante™ network audio protocol, allowing fast, efficient design and deployment of capable systems from the most basic to the dazzlingly complex. The ability to add Lake® processing via expansion slots also adds to the system’s versatility and adaptability to the widest range of mixing needs.

Revolutionary Dan Dugan Automatic Mixer Built In

Thanks to in-depth collaboration with Dan Dugan Sound Design, renowned Dan Dugan automatic microphone mixing with its advanced algorithms is built into the CL series consoles. Setup is easy: just insert the processor into up to 16 channels for automatically optimised microphone gain distribution. Gain control is smooth and natural, as though experienced human operators were doing the mix. The system also effectively reduces feedback and comb filter issues. For speech applications, especially non-scripted situations, this allows the operator to concentrate on details other than fader operation for consistently high-quality mixes.

Up to Eight I/O Rack Units

Dante directly supports star network configurations, so up to eight I/O rack units can be connected to any single CL series console and conveniently located wherever they are needed most. A few simple DIP switch settings are all that is required to change to daisy-chain networking as required.

Simple Setup

The ability to set up even complex systems quickly and easily is another benefit of Dante networking. In most cases devices on the network are recognised and set up automatically. And since patching operations that usually require a separate computer can be carried out directly from the CL console, changes to the initial setup are painless as well.

Redundancy for Reliability

Dante also makes it easy to maximise system reliability. Star networks allow the use of redundant primary and secondary lines for each device, for the utmost reliability in critical applications. With this type of setup a malfunction in a cable or other network component won’t bring the whole system down. The show will go on.

Full Integration of FOH and Monitor Control

Multiple CL series consoles can share control of the same I/O rack unit, allowing unprecedented system flexibility and efficient use of system resources. A new Gain Compensation function adds the ability to combine FOH and monitor control via a single network, for comprehensive digital live sound integration.

I/O Rack Unit Sharing with Gain Compensation

One obvious drawback of connecting multiple consoles to a single I/O rack unit is that gain adjustments made from one console can cause unexpected gain changes at the other consoles. The Gain Compensation function implemented in the CL consoles ensures that when the analog gain stage is adjusted from one of the consoles, corresponding compensation is automatically applied at the digital stage so that the level sent from the I/O rack unit to the connected CL consoles remains constant.

Digital Gain Control

Gain compensation applied after any initial analog gain levels are set is carried out entirely in the digital domain. Digital gain control is another original CL series feature that contributes to extraordinarily smooth, efficient operation and integration of the entire system.

Premium Rack Brings Studio Standards to the Live Stage

As the name implies, “virtual racks” provided in the CL series consoles let you combine signal processors you need for your application in one easily accessible location, much like traditional analog outboard racks. The new CL series Premium Rack can accommodate up to eight instances of the six expressive EQ and dynamics effects provided, including the Rupert Neve Designs Portico 5033 equalizer and Portico 5043 compressor/limiter. The ability to use some of the most highly regarded studio effects in live mixes can help you deliver unprecedented sonic quality in any venue.

Effect Rack With More Than 50 Effects

In addition to the Premium Rack described above, the CL consoles feature an Effect Rack that allows simultaneous use of up to 8 effects from a selection of 46 ambience effects and 8 insertion effects, all of outstanding quality. Although a separate EQ rack is provided for the output buses, any of the 8 effects in the Effect Rack can be replaced by graphic EQ units as needed.

2-channel Graphic Equalizer Rack

The CL consoles also feature a GEQ rack that allows graphic EQ to be inserted into the output buses as required for room equalization and other functions. Up to 16 31-band GEQ units can be mounted in the rack for simultaneous use, and those GEQ units can be individually switched to Flex15GEQ mode, effectively providing two EQ channels that allow up to 15 bands to be used at a time. With a full rack of GEQ units all functioning in Flex15GEQ mode, you have a total of 32 GEQ channels for extensive equalization capacity.

Seamless Integration with Nuendo Live for Serious Multitrack Recording

The Nuendo Live DAW application has been specifically designed for live multitrack recording, providing comprehensive control and overview for smooth operation under the most demanding live situations. An extension plug-in provides seamless integration with CL console features, such as channel names, markers, transport control, and more.

- Dante Virtual Soundcard

Dante Virtual Soundcard driver software enables direct multitrack recording to a Windows or Mac based DAW without the need for an audio interface between the console and computer. A high-performance DAW application such as Steinberg Nuendo Live can be used to record up to 64 tracks with studio quality and editing capabilities.

- Virtual Sound Check

DAW playback can be instantly patched to the CL console’s input channels so that multitrack recordings can be used for “virtual” sound checks when the performers aren’t available. Recordings of the previous day’s performance can be used for sound check on the following day!

Convenient 2-track Recording to USB Memory

2-track recording in mp3 format couldn’t be easier. Simply plug a USB memory into the USB connector on the front panel of the console and start recording. No other equipment is required. Of course playback from the USB memory is possible as well, making it a convenient source for BGM or sound effects.

New Remote Control Freedom

With the CL StageMix application, an iPad becomes a wireless remote controller that can be used to set up and operate CL consoles from anywhere on stage or in the audience seating area. There’s even a built-in iPad stay on the CL5 and CL3 panels, providing a convenient mount for an iPad to be used for additional control functionality. There’s also the CL Editor application for computers running Windows or Mac operating systems, for both extended online operation and offline setup and editing. In addition to full Selected Channel and Overview display operation, the CL Editor facilitates scene data management, patch list editing, channel name editing, and much more. It’s even possible to use the CL StageMix and CL Editor applications at the same time.

Example Systems:

A Simple Daisy-chain System

Internal port switches allow the CL consoles to be easily set up for daisy-chain or star network configurations. In this example the Console at FOH position is directly connected to the I/O rack at the side of the stage. The network is self-configured. Of course the CL StageMix iPad app can be used even in simple systems like this one, and Dante Virtual Soundcard can be used to enable multitrack recording to a DAW such as Steinberg’s Nuendo.

A Flexible, Redundant Star Network

Star topologies can be configured with gigabit network switches. In this configuration, redundant connections to each device on the network ensure that a malfunction in one cable or network device will not disrupt the entire system. The Gain Compensation feature allows multiple consoles to control analog gain for a single I/O rack, for seamless integration of FOH and monitor operation. Multiple computers can be used for live recording, too.

* CL firmware V1.5 or later is required for Ri8-D analog gain control.

General Specifications

Analog Input Characteristics

*1. Sensitivity is the lowest level that will produce an output of +4dBu(1.23V) or the nominal output level when the unit is set to maximum gain.(all faders and level controls are maximum position.)
*2. XLR-3-31 type connectors are balanced..(1=GND, 2=HOT, 3=COLD)
*3. In these specifications, 0dBu = 0.775 Vrms.
*4. All input AD converters are 24bit linear, 128times oversampling.
*5. +48V DC ( phantom power ) is supplied to OMNI IN (1-8) and TALKBACK XLR type connectors via each individual software controlled switches.

Analog Output Characteristics

*1. XLR-3-32 type connectors are balanced.( 1=GND, 2=HOT, 3=COLD )
*2. PHONES stereo phone jack is unbalanced.( Tip=LEFT, Ring=RIGHT, Sleeve=GND )
*3. In these specifications, 0dBu = 0.775 Vrms.
*4. All output DA converters are 24bit, 128times oversampling.
*5. There are switches inside the body to preset the maximum output level.
*6. The position of the level control is 10dB lowered from Max.

Digital Input & Output Characteristics

Digital Output Characteristics

*1. XLR-3-32 type connectors are balanced. (1=GND, 2=HOT, 3=COLD)

I/O Slot (1-3) Characteristics

Control I/O Characteristics

Each I/O Slot accepts a Mini-YGDAI card. Only Slot1 has a serial interface.

*1. Input pins: Internal TTL-level pull-up resistors provided (47kΩ). Output pins: Open-drain output (Vmax = 12V, max. sink current/pin = 75mA) Power pins: Output voltage Vp = 5V, max. output current Imax = 300mA
*2. Pin 4 = +12V, Pin 3 = GND, lamp rating 5W. Software voltage control.

CL Series Brochure

CL Series Reference Manual

Recommended Accessories

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