Yamaha QL5 Digital Mixing Desk

• Mix channels: 64 mono, 8 stereo.
• Busses: 16 mix, 8 matrix (Input to Matrix supported).
• Local I/O: 32 in, 16 out.
• Fader configuration: 32 + 2 (Master).
• Stainless steel iPad support stays.

The Quintessential Compact

The acclaimed CL series raised live digital mixing console performance to an unprecedented level of refinement with evolved sound quality, operability, and functionality, while maintaining the traditional values that have made Yamaha digital mixers industry standards. Core features and performance inherited directly from the CL series, including natural sound supported by sonically superb internal processing capabilities, operation that easily adapts to the demands of just about any working environment, and built-in Dante networking that facilitates flexible system configuration, have now been condensed and concentrated into the compact QL series digital mixing consoles. QL series consoles offer all-in-one mixing, processing, and routing capability for small to medium scale live sound, corporate speech events, installations, and much more.

Main Features

Pure, Natural Sound Plus Powerful Built-in Processing for Broad Creative Control

The Yamaha sound begins with reproduction that is faithful to the source. QL series consoles feature circuitry and components that have been designed and selected with the utmost care, achieving outstanding audio purity from input to output. With that solid sonic foundation it becomes possible to take full advantage of built-in premium internal processors such as the Portico 5033/5043 created in cooperation with Rupert Neve, to shape and create as required. For a wide range of speech applications built-in automatic mixing functionality from Dan Dugan Sound Design provides optimum channel balance while allowing the operator to concentrate fully on optimising the overall sound.

Refined Control for Smooth Operation

The ability to respond swiftly and surely to multiple, rapidly changing demands is essential for effective live sound support. QL series consoles feature large touch-panel displays as well as “Touch and Turn” knobs that make up a remarkably smooth, efficient control interface. Attention has also been paid to details such as fader feel and channel name display visibility in order to deliver a sophisticated overall operating experience. Remote control and offline setup capability via an iPad or computer adds even more refinement to an already state-of-the-art operating environment.

Expandable All-in-One Support for Any Application

In addition to ample analog input and output capacity, QL series consoles feature the same Dante audio networking protocol that provides broad connectivity in the CL consoles. There's also an innovative “Port to Port” feature that can patch any input port to any output port so the QL console can function as a remote I/O device for any other QL or CL series console, for example. Other flexibility enhancing features such as 2-track and multitrack recording capability, and dual MY expansion slots that allow processing capability or I/O to be added as required, make the QL consoles suitable for use as central components in an extensive variety of sound applications.

VCM Technology and Rupert Neve

All of the processing capability that was packed into the CL series consoles is provided in the QL consoles as well. Most of those processors are based on Virtual Circuit Modeling (VCM) technology developed by “Dr. K” (Toshifumi Kunimoto) and his team at “K’s lab,” Yamaha’s state-of-the-art digital technology research facility. VCM technology precisely models the circuitry and performance of analog audio devices, right down to the characteristics of individual components such as resistors and capacitors. VCM simulations are so realistic and musical that even the legendary Rupert Neve, a master who built his reputation on analog sound, has given it his approval and collaborated in developing VCM versions of his Portico 5033 and 5043 EQ and compressor, both provided as on-board processors in the QL consoles.

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 QL 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.

Flexible Network Capability in an All-in-one Console

Network capability is essential in today’s live sound applications, and the QL series offers all you need. In addition to their all-in-one capabilities, QL series consoles come with the widely implemented Dante digital audio networking protocol, developed by Audinate, as a standard feature. That means the QL consoles can be combined with other Dante capable devices, such as CL series consoles and R series I/O rack units, to flexibly create systems for applications of just about any scale or complexity.

Redundancy for Reliability

Cables and switches can malfunction, but with Dante’s support for redundant connections a problem on the network won’t stop the show. Redundant primary and secondary connections can be set up in a star network configuration so that problems in any part of the network won’t interrupt the signal flow or bring the entire network down.

Capable Systems with Fewer Devices

The ability to directly connect input ports to output ports without going through mixing channels provides unprecedented freedom for routing signals between the analog, Dante, and MY slot inputs and outputs. For example, a QL console could be used as an I/O device for another QL or CL series console while simultaneously functioning as a monitor console. Not only is just one QL console required for both monitor and I/O use, but analog gains can be remotely controlled from the front-of-house QL or CL console. It’s also possible to mix analog signals received at the console while directly transmitting them to a multitrack recording system via Dante, for example. The possibilities are vast.

I/O Rack Sharing without Gain Complications

When sharing inputs between multiple consoles using Dante networking and Port to Port capability, gain adjustments made from one console could potentially disrupt the mix balance at another. The Gain Compensation function prevents such problems from occurring. Gain compensation is automatically applied at the digital stage so that the total gain sent out via the network remains constant.

Convenient 2-track Recording to USB Flash Drive

A standard USB flash drive plugged into the front-panel USB port serves as media for direct 2-track recording in mp3 format. There’s no need to carry external recording equipment around, and the recording can be handed to performers as soon as the show is finished, for example. Sound files in mp3, AAC, or WMA format saved on the flash drive from a computer or other source can be played back too, for convenient BGM or sound effects without the need for extra playback equipment.

Nuendo Live multi-track live recording software is bundled.

The QL series consoles even make live multitrack recording easy. With Dante Virtual Soundcard software it becomes possible to transfer audio directly to a Windows or Mac computer connected to the Dante network. With an appropriate DAW such as Steinberg Nuendo Live (bundled) running on the computer, up to 64 tracks can be recorded simultaneously. In addition to being the best way to create professional quality recordings of live performances, this capability is ideal for creating the tracks needed for virtual sound checks.

Expandable Capacity and Functionality

Console I/O and functions can be customised simply by inserting appropriate Yamaha or third-party expansion cards into the Mini-YGDAI expansion slots provided. QL series consoles feature dual Mini-YGDAI slots that can accept expansion cards selected from a lineup of more than 30 types.

Cascade for Large Systems

Multiple QL consoles can be cascade connected via I/O cards such as the MY16-AE to create systems that offer the high channel capacities required by larger applications. QL consoles can also be cascaded to the other Yamaha digital consoles such as CL series for broad system flexibility

Tight iPad and Computer Integration

With the “QL StageMix” app for iPad it is possible to mix remotely from audience seating or the performer’s positions in front of floor monitors, for example. The QL5 even includes stays that will support an iPad on the left side of its panel, sleekly integrating of the iPad into the QL interface. There’s also the “QL Editor” application for Windows and Mac computers, allowing console parameters to be set up via the computer, on or off line. The QL Editor is a great way to manage scene and patch list data, for example, and keyboard entry capability can be a timesaving advantage for typing channel names, etc. QL StageMix and QL Editor are great time savers, and they can be used simultaneously.

Today’s Mix Data for Tomorrow’s Show

Since QL and CL series mix data are compatible, data created on either type of console can be directly read and used by the other. The time and effort spent setting up mix data for one job can be carried over to other jobs. Moreover, the Yamaha Console File Converter application provides compatibility with PM5D, M7CL, and LS9 consoles as well. All the data you have carefully crafted can be put to good use in future situations.

Features Optimized for Live Sound

300 Scene Memories

Up to 300 complete console setups can be stored as “scenes” and instantly recalled whenever needed. Scene Preview is also supported, and scenes can be individually loaded from or saved to a USB flash drive.

Versatile Input and Output Delays

Up to 1000 ms delay on input channels facilitates precise microphone phase compensation, while up to 1000 ms delay on the output ports is useful for speaker distance compensation and room tuning.

Ample EQ and Dynamics Processing

All channels feature 4-band parametric EQ and two dynamics processors (one dynamic processor on outputs). De-esser can also be selected for band pass type EQ.

16 DCA Groups

16 DCA groups allow flexible grouping of multiple input channels for simultaneous control.

8 Mute Groups

Multiple channels can be assigned to any of 8 mute groups for instant muting or un-muting, with a new Dimmer Level function.

12 User Defined Keys

A large number of console functions including Sends on Fader, Tap Tempo, and Set by Sel can be assigned to 12 User Defined Keys for instant hands-on access.

Multiple User Key Sets

Limited access to CL console functions can be provided for less experienced operators and accident prevention via multiple User Key sets that can be stored in the console itself* as well as on USB memory.

* To be supported in an upcoming firmware update. .

5-in/5-out GPI Interface

A 5-input/5-output GPI interface allows the CL consoles to respond to input from external switches, as well as to transmit on/off status to external devices.

* GPI functionality to be supported in an upcoming firmware update.

• Crosstalk@1kHz : A 22kHz, 30dB/Oct filter is used to measure crosstalk.
• Total Harmonic Distortion : An 80kHz, 18dB/Oct filter is used to measure total harmonic distortion.
• Hum & Noise : An A-Weight filter is used to measure hum & noise.

Analog Input Characteristics

*1. The sensitivity is the input level required for output at +4dBu (1.23V) or at the defined level when all the faders and level
controllers are set to the maximum value.
*2. XLR-3-31 connectors are balanced jacks (1=GND, 2=HOT, 3=COLD).
*3. 0dBu=0.775 Vrms for all specifications.
*4. All the AD converters use 24-bit linear/128-times oversampling.
*5. The INPUT connectors have +48V DC (phantom power) jacks, each of which can be turned on/off individually from the console software.
*6. QL1: INPUT1-16

Analog Output Characteristics

*1. XLR-3-32 connectors are balanced jacks (1=GND, 2=HOT, 3=COLD).
*2. The PHONES connectors for stereo headphones are balanced jacks (Tip=LEFT, Ring=RIGHT, Sleeve= GND).
*3. 0 dBu=0.775 Vrms for all specifications.
*4. All the DA converters use 24-bit linear/128-times oversampling.
*5. The console has an internal switch for toggling the maximum output level.
*6. This is a value measured with the PHONES LEVEL knob set to 10 dB below the maximum position.
*7. QL1: OMNI OUT 1-8

Digital Input/Output Specifications

*1. QL1: 32ch Input/32ch Output@48kHz

Digital Output Specifications

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

I/O SLOT (1-2) Specifications

Each I/O Slot accepts a Mini-YGDAI card.
Only Slot 1 has a serial interface

Control I/O Characteristics

*1. Input pin: TTL level, w/ internal pull-up (47kΩ) Output pin: Open drain output (Vmax=12V, maximum sink current/pin=-75mA) Power supply pin: Output voltage Vp=5V, Max. output current=300mA
*2. 4 pin=+12V, 3 pin=GND, Lamp nominal power: 5W, Brightness (voltage) can be adjusted from the software.

QL Series Brochure

QL Series Owners Manual

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