The TF series offers "advanced features and renowned Yamaha reliability at an exceptional price point". With key features aimed at new users and experienced professionals alike, the TF series offers the kind of facilities and performance enjoyed by large-scale productions for even the most modest sound reinforcement applications, says the company.
The TF series comprises three compact Yamaha digital mixing consoles. The TF5, TF3 and TF1 respectively feature 33, 25 or 17 motor faders along with 32, 24 or 16 rear-panel analogue inputs, which feature recallable Yamaha D-PRE preamplifiers for the first time in a digital console. This facility provides greatly improved support for live music and events where full setup changes need to be made on the fly.
There are a total of 48 inputs on the TF5 and TF3, with 40 on the TF1, including dual stereo analogue/USB digital inputs and dual returns. Advanced live recording features include up to 34 x 34 channel recording and playback via USB 2.0 and 2 x 2 with a USB storage device. All of this, plus seamless operation with high-performance I/O racks, makes the TF series an outstanding choice for a wide range of applications.
TouchFlow Operation is a new approach to console operation that combines elements of Yamaha's highly regarded user interfaces with an advanced touch panel system, allowing users to respond to the music and artists on stage with speed and freedom.
Also provided is a range of input and output channel presets created in cooperation with leading microphone manufacturers such as Audio-Technica, Sennheiser and Shure, as well as respected engineers. The input channel presets are made to match a range of musical instruments and voices, covering parameters such as head amp (HA) gain, EQ, dynamics and much more, right down to details like channel name and colour. Output channel presets include parameters optimised for in-ear monitors (IEM) and Yamaha powered speakers, with variations to match different environments and room sizes. This is a huge advantage for novice users, while experienced engineers will appreciate the enhanced speed and efficiency of operation.
In addition, separate software applications allow wireless mixing, personal monitor mixing and offline setup with TF series consoles. The TF Editor, TF StageMix and MonitorMix applications feature user interfaces that seamlessly extend the console's own on any compatible device.
"Yamaha consoles have always been designed in cooperation with leading engineers from around the world to ensure maximum quality and ease of use," says Yamaha PA department manager Ken Hiraoka. "The TF series takes another leap forward with a new concept in console operation that will allow experienced engineers as well as newcomers to the field to achieve the desired results quickly and easily."
The TF series is scheduled to begin shipping in spring 2015. The Tio1608-D and NY64-D are scheduled to follow in spring 2016.
(Jim Evans)
