Yamaha announces its DM5 series of professional digital mixers, alongside a range of new utility input and output devices. These products have been developed with a forward-thinking concept, helping users create systems that meet both current and future needs.
Designed for small to mid-sized live sound, corporate events, houses of worship, theatre and broadcast applications, the DM5 series is available in two models: DM5 and DM5 Compact. Both bring the DM7 series workflow and user experience to an even more compact design.
The DM5 series is launched alongside three new R series utility I/O devices, the PY-DSP processing card and a Dugan Automixer licence. It also includes new features designed to help sound engineers work with maximum freedom and flexibility, both now and in the future.
The DM5 features two fader bays and two screens, 32 analogue inputs and 16 analogue outputs. It can process 60 input channels and measures 826 mm wide, 235 mm high and 441 mm deep.
Meanwhile, the DM5 Compact features 16 analogue inputs, 16 analogue outputs and the capacity to process 48 input channels. It has a single fader bay and screen. Its chassis has the same height and depth as the DM5, but is only 446 mm wide.
Both models support up to 64 channels of input and output via industry-standard Dante networking at 96 kHz, along with 24 mix buses, 12 matrices, two stereo buses and 12 DCAs. They also include 18 channels of USB I/O, an RJ45 connector for mixer control and Bluetooth connectivity for audio playback.
Processing
Alongside an extensive dynamics processing library, each channel features four types of EQ with a real-time analyser. The onboard 16-slot effects rack includes a selection of 43 versatile, high-quality effects, including eight types of delay and extremely natural-sounding reverbs.
Both models also include a PY series card slot, which can be used to add further processing or expand the inputs and outputs. Optional cards include the new PY-DSP, which adds 32 instances of Yamaha’s Premium Effects.
Other PY series cards include the PY64-D, which adds 64 Dante I/O channels; the PY64-MD, supporting 64 channels of MADI I/O; and the PY8-AE, equipped with a 25-pin D-sub connector for eight channels of AES/EBU I/O. All cards include sample rate converters.
The PY-MIDI-GPI adds MIDI/GPI control via five-pin DIN and 15-pin D-sub connectors, while the WSG-PY64, manufactured by Waves Audio Ltd, connects to its SoundGrid system.
Glass keys: a world first
In a world first for digital mixers, the DM5 series’ 338 mm main screen incorporates innovative glass keys. These act as tactile switches and display their status through dynamic labelling that changes according to the mixer’s configuration.
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The keys allow operators to access a greater number of functions without increasing panel complexity. The result is a cleaner, more adaptable interface that can evolve according to the workflow and application.
The console also features an additional, customisable 109 mm touchscreen for user-defined keys. Four configurable rotary controls are positioned beside the main screen for greater flexibility.
The new Dynamic Mode automatically follows selections made in the selected channel view and assigns the relevant parameters to each function.
Another new feature for Yamaha compact consoles is the ability to choose from four viewing angles for the main screen. Whether working under difficult lighting conditions or from a seated or standing position, engineers can easily adjust the display for optimal visibility.
Yamaha’s Assist functions also help reduce setup time by supporting a range of tasks. This allows engineers to spend less time on repetitive preparation and focus more on creative decisions.
Optional feature packages
The DM5 series offers extensive customisation options, including several additional feature packages which can be accessed by activating a purchased licence within the mixer. There are currently two packages available for both the DM5 and DM7 series, plus an additional one exclusively for the DM5.
The Broadcast Package adds seven essential broadcast functions, including Mix Minus and Audio Follow Video. The Theatre Package includes immersive control functions, four banks of EQ/DYN, an Actor Library and other tools useful for musical and theatre applications.
The DM5 series includes 12 channels of Dugan automatic mixing as standard. The additional Dugan Automixer licence increases this capacity to 40 channels on the DM5 Compact and 60 channels on the DM5, providing great flexibility for large-scale conferences.
In most regions, licences for these packages are managed through Yamaha’s PV Portal app. This allows a single licence to be activated and deactivated for use across multiple DM5 and DM7 series consoles, avoiding the need to purchase the same package for each unit.
New utility I/O devices
Three new utility input and output devices are being launched alongside the DM5 series, joining Yamaha’s renowned R series. All are fully compatible with the DM5, DM7 and DM3 series, as well as Yamaha’s flagship RIVAGE PM digital mixing systems.
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The RUio1608SB-D is a compact stagebox-type I/O unit featuring 16 analogue inputs, eight analogue outputs and industry-standard primary and secondary Dante ports. It also includes rugged rubber protectors for reliable onstage use and a carrying bar. An optional rackmount kit is also available.
The RUio0804-D is a compact 1U rackmount I/O unit featuring eight analogue inputs, four analogue outputs and primary and secondary Dante ports. It is ideal for adding a limited number of extra inputs and outputs across a wide variety of applications.
Meanwhile, the 16 channels of the exclusive RUio16FLX-D can be flexibly configured in pairs as analogue microphone or line inputs, analogue outputs or AES/EBU outputs. It also features Dante I/O. These capabilities make it an ideal input and output device for fully scalable audio installations across many types of applications.
In addition to supporting the new RUio models, DM5 series consoles can be used with every generation of Yamaha R series I/O racks. This protects existing investments and allows users to choose the most suitable combination of console and input and output devices for each application.
From compact utility devices to large stage racks, users can create scalable systems tailored to their specific needs.
New software
The new DM Editor application for Windows and Mac allows projects to be configured and edited offline, as well as managing online backups. Both the DM5 and DM7 series work with this application and use mutually compatible console files to simplify data exchange.
Meanwhile, the updated DM StageMix and MonitorMix applications make it easy to control the system remotely from anywhere in the venue. ProVisionaire Control Plus also provides a flexible and customisable control platform.
The DM5 series is based on Yamaha’s philosophy that great sound begins with transparency. Its extensive channel processing, versatile tools and customisable user experience provide sound engineers with the resources needed to turn that transparent foundation into a sound that faithfully reflects their artistic vision, both now and in the future.
The DM5 series brings the proven workflow of the DM7 series to a more accessible platform and offers users more choices than ever. Thanks also to the flexibility of the Yamaha ecosystem, users can choose the most suitable system for each application and maintain a consistent workflow. We believe this will help audio professionals focus on what matters most: creating the best possible sound for every event, explains Motome Tanaka, Senior General Manager of Yamaha’s Professional Solutions Division.
