Yamaha TF1 40-channel Digital Mixer

Yamaha digital consoles have always been designed with input from leading engineers worldwide to ensure that the most efficient, intuitive operation is achieved. The highly regarded Selected Channel and Centralogic™ interfaces attest to the success of that approach. The TF series combines Yamaha know-how with new input from the field and the latest touch-screen technology to deliver an evolved experience in console operation. Smooth setup and operation, practical presets and scenes, refined design, and software applications that integrate seamlessly with the entire system: these elements comprise TouchFlow Operation, a new concept in console interfaces that offers unprecedented comfort and convenience in small consoles, for a wide range of users and applications.

In developing the TF series Yamaha engineers built from their existing base of acclaimed high-end mixer interfaces, adding intuitive control in an interface optimized for the type of touch panel control that has become a familiar feature in a wide range of applications. Allowing most operations to be carried out via the touch panel alone, the innovative TF series interface will quickly become second nature to a broad spectrum of users. Whether you have experience with Yamaha digital consoles, work with other digital consoles, operate analog consoles, or have never operated a mixer before, TF consoles will lead you to the desired results quickly and effortlessly through a smooth, efficient workflow. The availability of physical controls surrounding the touch panel further enhances control versatility and precision.

Refined for the smoothest possible operation via touch-panel control, the TF user interface offers a smooth workflow that can be an advantage in any mixing situation. The display content has been specifically designed for easy, direct accessibility, with a layout that promotes the most natural, efficient mixing. Touch panel operation is as easy as shaping the sound with your fingertips.

When you need extra precision for a fine EQ or other adjustment, the physical Touch & Turn knob is always available right beside the touch panel. There are also four User Defined Knobs below the panel that can be assigned to control compressor threshold, EQ gain, or other parameters you need fast, direct access to while mixing. The knobs always affect the currently selected channel.

Like the CL series consoles, operation is based around Overview and Selected Channel windows. The overview display shows the parameters for eight channels at a time, while the Touch & Turn knob provides direct access to gain, 1-knob EQ™, 1-knob COMP™, gate threshold, effect send level, pan, and other parameters. Touch the highlighted parameter a second time to switch to the Selected Channel display when you need access to detailed parameters for finer control.

Effective gain, compressor, and EQ setup requires a considerable degree of skill and experience. Even veteran engineers need to spend time on these important basic settings. In addition to their intuitive user interfaces, TF consoles include a number of features that contribute to faster, smoother setup of these essential parameters.

An experienced engineer can do a lot with a compressor: bring a guitar to life, add punch to bass, tighten up a snare, and make vocals ride clearly on the mix. The 1-knob COMP can do all of this quickly and easily, without the need to juggle multiple parameters to achieve the desired effect. Originally introduced in Yamaha analog mixers, the 1-knob COMP quickly became a popular and valued feature. It has now been further refined in a digital version that adds new setup ease and efficiency to the TF consoles.

The same concept has been applied in a new 1-knob EQ feature that provides notably improved speed and smooth operation. 1-knob EQ has been painstakingly fine-tuned by Yamaha R&D staff in cooperation with distinguished sound engineers, to ensure that you can achieve outstanding results with minimum effort in the shortest possible time. A Vocal Mode makes it easier than ever to achieve a clear, well defined vocal sound, while an Intensity Mode offers 1-knob “intensity” control over EQ curves you either select from the presets or create from scratch.

But there’s more: the 1-knob COMP and 1-knob EQ are provided on the output channels too, so you can quickly achieve overall output compression or EQ that ideally matches the room and audience size. The output 1-knob EQ has a Loudness Mode in place of the Vocal Mode, effectively increasing the sound pressure level while maintaining optimum sound as you rotate the knob.

Both the 1-knob COMP and 1-knob EQ provide quick access to the full compressor and EQ displays, so you can fine tune settings as required.

Gain is the first adjustment the input signal sees, and the way it is set up influences how subsequent parameters will affect the signal. Yamaha has developed a way to make fast, accurate setup of this important basic parameter easier than ever. The new GainFinder feature facilitates optimum gain setup for individual input signals so that ideal overall operation and signal quality is achieved.

The user only has to set channel gain so that the central green indicator in the level meter remains lit for the longest possible time. Of course the level meters also perform their traditional function, so standard gain setup procedure can be followed if preferred.

The familiar Yamaha scene memory that stores mix settings for instant recall when needed is included as always. There’s also a range of channel presets that have been created in cooperation with leading microphone manufacturers and eminent sound engineers, providing starting points that take you a long way towards achieving great sound.

The channel presets cover parameters such as HA gain, EQ, dynamics, and much more, right down to details like channel name and color. Less time needs to be spent on basic setup so that more time is available for refining the mix and communicating with the performers.

The Yamaha R&D team developed a selection of optimized QuickPro Presets™ for a wide variety of microphones and output equipment by working in collaboration with well-respected engineers and major manufacturers such as Audio-Technica, FitEar, Sennheiser, Shure, Ultimate Ears and Westone Laboratories. With these practical presets even the novice engineer can get very close to the ideal sound, while experienced engineers will appreciate the significant time savings. For input channels we prepared more than 200 presets that range from vocals to drum sets. All the presets were precisely tuned by using a wide range of actual microphones, instruments. For output channels we developed presets for a variety of speaker systems and in-ear monitors such as Ultimate Ears with several variations to match different environments and room sizes. All of these can be used as is when time is tight, but they are also great starting points for manual fine tuning. Setups created from the presets or from scratch can be saved as additional presets too. The 1-knob EQ and 1-knob COMP can be used with QuickPro Presets™ providing a super-streamlined way to tweak your sound. In addition to the onboard presets, new QuickPro Presets™ will be added to the Yamaha Pro Audio website, so be sure to check for updates.

“Each Audio-Technica microphone is painstakingly designed to give a truly accurate reproduction within the application it has been selected for. We strive to provide the best possible tools allowing the user to realise the expression of their work. Collaborating closely with the TF engineers on the instrument specific presets means that we can be sure our microphones deliver their best performance, while leaving the user free to focus on the creativity and character of the production.”

“The presets in the Yamaha TF series digital mixers provide users with an accurate indication of how to set the EQ for a wide variety of instrument/microphone combinations. These preset functions give the sound technician a solid basis to start from. All that is needed is to adapt the EQ-ing to the specific room and the instruments.”

“We’re thrilled to be offering QuickPro presets of our most popular SM, Beta, KSM and PG Alta microphones in the new TF mixer. When you combine Shure’s 90 years of microphone experience with the versatile new TF digital mixer and exceptional Yamaha speakers, these presets allow engineers at any level of experience to leverage our combined technical expertise for quick, simple and effective sound checks and performances that sound amazing. Engineers can focus on mixing great quality audio instead of chasing problems. It’s an incredibly powerful solution.”

“Westone is thrilled and honored to have had the opportunity to work with Yamaha and include the presets for our custom-fit and universal-fit in-ear monitors to the TF Series of mixers. The complete range of Westone products is represented (we couldn’t be more excited) including our ES Series of custom-fit models, and both the UM Series, and the revolutionary AM Series of passive-ambient monitors. The QuickPro presets offered in the Yamaha TF Series allow engineers to quickly and easily set a starting point for their IEM mix.”

The scene memory features banks A and B, each capable of holding up to 100 scenes.

That’s a total of 200 scenes that can be set up and instantly recalled whenever needed.

A number of scenes are pre-programmed to give users a head start: scenes with the 1-knob COMP and 1-knob EQ controls engaged for the easiest possible operation, and scenes with the 1-knob features disabled for experienced engineers who might want to follow an established procedure. The banks are great for organizing different types of scenes: one for scenes categorized by music type, and the other by event type, for example.

The TF series hardware is packed with features that contribute to superior operability and convenience. Faders, knobs, and buttons with outstanding fit and feel work seamlessly with state-of-the-art display technology, including high-visibility channel name and color displays. The touch panel itself offers an ideal blend of comprehensive visual feedback and fast response.

The physical layout of these components brings everything together in a system that offers surprisingly efficient workflow.

Careful analysis of the workflows favored by a large number of engineers has led to a highly efficient panel layout. Rather than simply providing a long list of advanced features, the TF consoles present meaningful features in the most logical and accessible way through an overall design that maximizes visibility and operability.

Two INPUT banks and one OUTPUT bank are provided, and the GROUP bank can be selected by pressing both the INPUT bank buttons simultaneously. The GROUP bank allows the levels of multiple channels to be controlled from a single DCA fader. There’s also a CUSTOM fader bank where you can assign any input, output, and DCA group to any fader.

When the GROUP fader bank is selected, all faders other than DCA masters 1 through 8 function as Roll-out faders. Selecting one of the DCA groups instantly “rolls out” the input channels belonging to that group to the Roll-out faders. This useful function makes it easy to adjust the level and other parameters of individual channels while using the eight DCA faders for overall mixing.

A display panel located above each channel fader shows the assigned channel name or ID, the port name, and the current fader setting. Phantom power status as well as gate and comp operation can also be displayed. A color bar that shows the assigned channel color makes visual navigation a breeze, and prevents confusion when fader banks are changed or scenes are recalled.

The TF5 has 33 motor faders, the TF3 has 25, and the TF1 has 17.

All rear-panel inputs have individual faders so their status can be verified at a glance and they can be directly and immediately accessed for control.

The SENDS ON FADER buttons instantly bring the specified AUX or FX bus levels up on the faders for easy verification and adjustment. When a SENDS ON FADER button is engaged the MASTER fader acts as the master for the corresponding bus, so AUX levels can be checked and controlled without having to switch fader banks.

The upper section of the panel is designed to double as a rest for an iPad, set list, score, memos, and/or other small items. The panel consists of three angled sections that give the operator maximum visibility and access.

– USER DEFINED KNOBS section: Frequently used parameters such as compressor threshold and EQ gain, for example, can be assigned for direct, instant access when needed.

– USER DEFINED KEYS section: Assign mixer settings that you use often to these six buttons for instant access, such as direct one-touch recall of specified scenes.

– MUTE section: Multiple inputs or effects can be muted with a single operation.

– FX section: A dedicated channel offers easy effect ON/OFF switching, cue monitor ON/OFF switching, level adjustment, and effect parameter editing.

– ST IN section: In addition to allowing digital playback from an iPad or iPhone or recording/playback with a USB device, you have fingertip control of BGM playback and other audio files.

Separate software applications that allow wireless mixing, personal monitor mixing, or offline setup of digital live mixing consoles have become fairly common.

The TF series goes a step further with three dedicated apps – TF Editor, TF StageMix, and MonitorMix – that feature user interfaces that seamlessly extend the console’s own on any device.

The TF Editor application for Windows and Mac computers provides a complete interface for offline editing and setup of TF consoles, with scene and preset management capabilities plus convenient keyboard entry of channel names.

In addition to being able to set up the console offline at any convenient location and time, the TF Editor can be used online at the same time as the TF StageMix and MonitorMix applications. A Windows 8 PC with a multi-touch screen can use the same gestures as on the console itself. And if using Wi-Fi, a PC can function as a convenient remote-mixing device. Up to three devices running TF Editor or StageMix can be connected at the same time.

TF StageMix is an iPad application that provides wireless control of TF series consoles, allowing remote mixing from audience seating, in front of floor monitors, or any other listening position. It can also be used at the console as an extension of the console’s own interface. The TF StageMix interface is designed for similar operation and flow to the console display, making it easier than ever to refine the mix from any location.

The MonitorMix application for the TF Series allows individual wireless AUX mixing from up to 10 iPhone, iPad or iPod touch devices simultaneously. Each performer can have convenient control over the AUX buses assigned to them, without having to deal with complex settings or parameters. They can also create personal Group settings for even easier adjustment: all levels on just one fader, for example. Since up to three devices running TF Editor or StageMix and up to 10 devices running MonitorMix can be connected at the same time, even large bands can have the personal control they need, reducing demands on the sound engineer.

Faithful reproduction of the on-stage sound is the foundation, then creativity can take over.

Yamaha’s unswerving approach to live sound reinforcement is alive and well in the TF series.

The input stage of any console has a notable effect on its sonic character.

The TF consoles feature acclaimed D-PRE™ microphone preamplifiers that not only deliver outstanding quality, but are recallable as well. Circuitry and individual components have been reassessed and redesigned where necessary to achieve extraordinarily pure, natural sound. That solid sonic foundation is backed up by an updated selection of high-performance processors and effects. Input and output channel processors such as EQ, gates, and compressors are complemented by eight processors that provide a broad spectrum of creative capabilities.

The TF series consoles feature new recallable versions of Yamaha’s acclaimed D-PRE microphone preamplifier. The preamplifiers, or head amplifiers in any console play a significant role in defining the sound of the final mix, so Yamaha engineers spared no effort in developing and refining the D-PRE design to ensure that every nuance and subtlety of the original signal is effectively captured. The circuit is based on a discrete inverted Darlington pair configuration that achieves clean, precise amplification with consistently low noise and distortion at all signal levels. While some microphone preamps are built specifically to impart a unique character of their own, the D-PRE preamplifier has been painstakingly designed with a flat, wide frequency response that retains the tone and nuance of the original sound so that the essence of the performer’s art is captured intact.

In addition to EQ and two dynamics processors on each channel, the TF consoles offer eight powerful processors for wide-ranging sonic control. The globally accessible FX 1 and 2 feature the same type of SPX processors that have become standards in recording and live sound applications, offering 17 programs ranging from reverb and delay through modulation effects such as flanger and chorus to 3-band multiband compression. The panel EDIT key opens the effect parameter display where detailed parameters such as reverb time and delay feedback can be adjusted as required.

The remaining six processors are available in the AUX 9/10~19/20 master channels.

All effects other than reverb are provided.* Multiband compression is ideal for in-ear monitor level control, delay can be used for speaker alignment, and much more. And since these AUX buses can be sent to the main stereo bus, the effects can be used to supplement the available input channel processing when FX 1 and 2 aren’t quite enough.

The AUX 1~8 buses and main output channels include the same 4-band parametric EQ as provided on the input channels, plus 31-band Flex12 GEQ. Both types of EQ are invaluable for optimizing speaker response and eliminating feedback.

* Reverb is available for AUX 9/10 and 11/12.

Live recording capability is becoming increasingly important in live sound systems. From simple 2-track recording and playback using a USB storage device* to all-out multitrack recording with a computer based DAW (Digital Audio Workstation), the TF series is ready to roll. TF consoles come supplied with Steinberg’s Nuendo Live DAW application, providing an easy way to simultaneously record up to 16 tracks to a computer connected to the console via USB 2.0.

For more complex recording requirements an optional DAW such as Steinberg’s Nuendo Live application allows up to 34 tracks to be recorded simultaneously.

MP3 and WAV files can be played back from USB storage devices, and audio from an iPhone or iPad can be played back via a direct digital connection.

When playing back from a DAW, analog input or DAW input can be individually selected for each channel so that pre-recorded material can be mixed with live input for virtual sound checks or rehearsals.

Of course BGM and sound effects can be played back too.

*Please refer to www.yamahaproaudio.com for compatible hard disks.

The natural, musical sound that was a key element of the TF Series design policy is carried on without compromise in the Tio1608-D I/O Rack (details on following page). Mechanical construction, circuit board layout, power supply, grounding, and parts selection have all been executed with meticulous attention to detail and quality, and exhaustive performance and listening tests were carried out at each stage of development. For networking the same Dante protocol implemented in higher end Yamaha digital consoles is used for precise synchronization, low latency, low jitter, and high sample accuracy.

In addition to superior performance, a Tio1608-D stage box system can be set up in just three easy steps.

The Tio1608-D is a Dante equipped I/O rack with 16 microphone/line inputs and 8 line outputs. The Tio1608-D preamplifiers can be remotely controlled from a TF series console. Connection from an on-stage Tio1608-D to a TF console at the mixing position only requires a CAT5e LAN cable for high-quality low-latency audio transfer. No bulky, heavy multi-cables and connector boxes are required. What’s more, basic patches are pre-programmed for fast, easy setup. Up to three Tio1608-D units can be connected simultaneously, providing a high-performance, high capacity stage box system with as many as 48 inputs and 24 outputs. The network connections can be daisy-chained when Tio1608-D units are used with a TF series console, eliminating the need for network switches.

*Tio1608-D is scheduled to begin shipping in Spring 2016.

The NY64-D is an I/O expansion card for TF series consoles that allows transmission and reception of up to 128 channels (64 in/64 out) of uncompressed 48 kHz 24 bit digital audio data via a Dante™ audio network.

Used in conjunction with the Tio1608-D I/O it becomes possible to create a versatile stage box system with up to 48 inputs and 24 outputs.

*NY64-D is scheduled to begin shipping in Spring 2016.

The RK5014 Rack Mount Kit (14U) can be used to mount the TF1 console in a standard 19-inch EIA equipment rack of the type commonly used in live sound, studio, and installed applications.