The DM5 digital mixing consoles took centre stage during Yamaha's hands-on sessions at AES Show Nashville 2026. The company also addressed the management of complex audio systems, asymmetrical loudspeaker dispersion and the use of processors to optimise live mixes.

The six sessions combined technical training with hands-on demonstrations covering mixing console operation, audio system control and their application in professional live sound environments.

Hands-on training with the new DM5 digital mixing consoles

The programme included three sessions titled Discover DM5!, focusing on signal architecture, workflow design, processing capabilities and integration options for the new series of digital mixing consoles.

Through hands-on demonstrations, Yamaha engineers explained how to make the most of the platform's features to streamline mixing operations and facilitate integration into different live production environments.

In addition to the sessions dedicated to the DM5 Series, the company covered other technical aspects of sound reinforcement, including simplifying audio control systems, managing acoustic coverage and using processing tools to improve mixing results.

Understanding the tools is only the beginning; knowing how to apply them is what makes the difference in a mix. These workshops give attendees a chance to hear the results, explore the workflow and build skills they can take into their next production, said Chip Allen, Field Marketing Engineer III at Yamaha Pro Audio.

Simplifying audio control and managing complex systems

One of the sessions focused on simplifying audio control in installations and productions that require the management of multiple devices and functions.

Under the title Simplifying Audio Control, the workshop explored different strategies to reduce operational complexity without compromising system capabilities. Topics included scalable system architecture, intuitive interfaces and the integration of remote control and automation functions.

The session also addressed the importance of operator training and establishing procedures that ensure reliable, repeatable results, regardless of the user or event.

Asymmetrical loudspeaker dispersion and coverage

The programme included a session focused on the design and application of loudspeaker systems with asymmetrical dispersion, an approach that allows sound coverage to be adapted to venue characteristics and audience distribution.

The workshop examined the relationship between coverage geometry, loudspeaker directivity, positioning and the requirements of different audience areas.

These factors were explored in terms of their influence on intelligibility, coverage consistency and deployment efficiency in live sound reinforcement systems.

Audio processors and plugins applied to mixing

The final session of the programme, titled Audio Plugins and Processors: What Do They Really Do?, focused on the operation of the processing tools available on Yamaha mixing consoles.

Through hands-on demonstrations, the session examined the effects of equalisation, dynamics processing, delay and reverb, along with other functions commonly used in professional audio mixing.

The content focused on demonstrating how adjustments to different parameters can influence intelligibility, headroom, tonal balance and mix translation across different sound systems.

Yamaha thus concluded its educational programme at AES Show Nashville 2026, combining an in-depth exploration of its new DM5 digital mixing consoles with practical aspects of audio system design, control and processing for live productions.

Image credits: © Yamaha