Developed partly in response to "the remarkable uptake" of Yamaha's SB168-ES EtherSound stage box, M7CL-48ES replaces the 48 internal mic pre-amps with two EtherSound ports. This keeps the three MY card slots free for other uses - for example allowing connection of multitrack recording equipment.
Also included is a third port, which allows permanent connection of the console to a computer while using EtherSound in 'ring' mode.
To make setup quick and easy, the M7CL-48ES auto-configures its connection to the SB168-ES stage box, obviating the need to use ES Monitor software to establish the link.
The upgraded, Version 3, software - which will be offered as a free upgrade to all existing M7CL users - provides a range of enhancements, including Sends On Fader for M7CL V3 Editor. Operated independently of the console. this allows, for example, a monitor engineer to use a tablet PC to remotely adjust the send level of a wedge monitor in front of an onstage performer. Direct access of Sends on Fader from the M7CL knobs is also now possible in Sends on Fader mode.
Other key improvements include enhanced VCM effects with a more straightforward user interface, and a number of new parameters for Recall Safe. ST IN 1-4 (OMNI IN 1-8) can now be used for talkback, and there are new default settings for Rack 5-8, Output Patch and User Defined Keys.
"The M7CL's success has meant it has become a very familiar console to users around the globe and it has forged a very strong partnership with the SB168-ES EtherSound stage box in many rental inventories," says Nick Cook, European marketing director for Yamaha Commercial Audio.
"By introducing the M7CL-48ES, Yamaha is now offering another variant of the M7CL hardware which incorporates EtherSound as standard, but still maintains the intuitive operational platform which many engineers know instinctively and have come to rely on as their weapon of choice," adds Cook.
The M7CL-48ES and Version 3 software will both be available from Spring 2010.
(Jim Evans)
