"With over 800 systems sold and still in use around the world, we want to ensure that we can provide our customary high-level of technical support to PM1D owners in the years ahead," states Nick Cook, European marketing director for Yamaha Commercial Audio.
"As a result, we will regrettably be forced to cease the manufacture of new PM1Ds when those currently in production are completed."
Introduced in 1999, the PM1D revolutionised the live concert and theatre industries. Despite products by other manufacturers following in its footsteps, the PM1D has maintained its position as the console of choice for many of the audio industry's leading professionals.
"For some time there has been speculation in the pro audio world about what Yamaha may be doing in the way of new product," adds Nick.
"Therefore, to coincide with the start of PLASA09 and the necessary announcement of the future discontinuation of PM1D, we have issued a White Paper to inform the market that we are already hard at work advancing the next-generation digital system solution."
Yamaha's White Paper describes a future flagship digital networked audio system that incorporates routing, mixing and DSP and openly interfaces with existing audio and networking formats. "PM1D was responsible for massively moving the commercial audio market forward and, as we begin this next era of Yamaha's unrivalled digital audio expertise, we will continue to provide our customers with products that meet the constantly changing demands of the market," Nick concludes.
The White Paper can be read in full at LSIOnline here.
(Lee Baldock)
