Fragen & Antworten zum: Programmable Mixer 01


Why the Amazing Price?
Straightforward specifications, construction, and new DSP chips all helped to achieve this price. Specifications and reliability have not been compromised in any way.

Who's the Main Target User?
Small and medium size SR. Although, many ProMix 01 features will appeal to big SR users as well. Other targets are: MIDI studios, theaters, clubs, theme parks, churches, and post production.

What Are the Sales Points?

Is ProMix 01 Supplied with Good User Documentation?
Yes, very good. It should be, the same guy that wrote the DMC1000 and DMP9 manuals is writing it. So he should know how to explain Yamaha digital mixers by now.
Actually, the ProMix 01 user documentation will be easy-to-use and will allow users to locate and digest information quickly and easily. We are trying a number of new documentation techniques to ensure this.

How Do You Start Mixing?
Gain, pad, on/off, and fader operation is essentially the same as that of an analog mixer. It's easy to get started.

Out of 16 Inputs, Why Are Only 8 XLR?
Only eight XLRs are fitted from a cost saving point of view. However, input channels 9 to 16, which use 1/4" balanced (TRS) phone jacks, are electrically the same as inputs 1 to 16. So they too can be used as microphone inputs, if required.
By the way, the Mackie CR1604 has only six XLR inputs.

Can It Be Used for Recording?
ProMix 01 is not a recording mixer. However, it does have analog RCA/phono and digital RCA/phono recording outputs (REC OUT). In addition, SEND3 and SEND4 can be used with an external patchbay for tracking to a multitrack recorder.

How Many AUX's?
There are four auxiliary sends. SEND1 and SEND2 feed the internal effects. SEND3 and SEND4 are for use with external devices. They can also be used as a stereo pair. This should be adequate for small to medium size SR and installation.

Can It Be Used for Applications That Require 4 Buses?
Yes. With the ST bus, SEND3 bus, and SEND4 bus, four-bus applications are possible. SEND3 and SEND4 can also be used as a stereo pair.

Can GAIN Settings Be Stored?
No. This would have been too expensive to implement.

Is There a Stereo Send?
Yes. SEND3 and SEND4 can be used as a stereo pair. This is set on the UTILITY LCD function and is stored as part of a mix scene. SEND3 and SEND4 can be used to feed external stereo effects or for stereo foldback.

Is There Stereo Grouping?
Yes. Adjacent input channels can be operated as stereo pairs. This is set on the PAIR LCD function.

Is There a HELP Button?
No. However, ProMix 01 is extremely easy to use, especially for users moving up from analog mixers. Ease-of-use is helped by the large backlit graphic LCD display.

Do the Inputs Have a HPF?
No. HPF are not implemented.
One of the three EQ bands could have been sacrificed for use as a HPF. But in that case, full three-band EQ would not have been available, which is not good.
The Low EQ can to a certain degree be used to achieve HPF results.

How Many Memories Are There?

What Are the External Memory Options?
Using MIDI Bulk Dump, all ProMix 01 data can be saved to computer or MIDI data filer.

Is It Rack Mountable?
Yes. Rack-mount ears are available as an option. ProMix 01 requires 11U of rack space, plus some space at the top of the unit for the connections.

Is There a BNC Connector for a Lamp?
No. This is to keep the design simple and eliminate special part usage. Most users can arrange there own lighting, if required.

What Options Are Available?
Wood side panels.
Rack-mount ears.

ProMix 01 Appearance
For cost saving reasons, ProMix 01 does not have any decorative parts. Although, optional wood side panels are available.

Button Printing
Function button names are printed above the buttons. So when a button is pressed its name is not obscured.

Operation

Can It Be Operated by Unexperienced Users?
Yes. Basic mix operation using faders and ON/OFF is possible. In simple theater, theme park, church, and hall applications, the non-experienced user can change mix scenes just by recalling scene memories.

It Looks Difficult to Use, Is It?
No. Once the input level has been set using the GAIN control and PAD switch, mix operation simply involves using the faders and ON/OFF switches and recalling mix scenes.
Apart from the digital REC OUT, all connections are analog, so the user doesn't have to consider different digital formats, wordclocks, etc.
The large LCD display makes for easy-to-use operation. EQ shapes can be confirmed visually. Many functions, such as scene memories, internal effects, on-board dynamics processors, and MIDI control, are just not available on analog mixers.

Does It Offer Simple Operation?
Yes. Once the input level has been set using the GAIN control and PAD switch, mix operation simply involves using the faders and ON/OFF switches.
EQ and Pan are controlled using LCD functions. Although there are no dedicated controls like an analog mixer, parameter values and the EQ shape can be confirmed visually on the large LCD, something not possible on analog mixers.
Some of the rarely used functions may take a little time to access, when compared to an analog mixer. However, scene memories make it possible to recall all mix settings instantly. This is a very powerful "total mixer" function for a mixer in this price range.

How Do the Multifunction Faders Operate?
Essentially, the input channel faders work as conventional mixer faders unless the SEND1, SEND2, SEND3, or SEND4 LCD function is displayed (i.e. one of the SEND buttons has been pressed). In this case they work as input channel to auxiliary send level controls. This is indicated by a flashing fader icon on the LCD.

How Do You Return the Faders to Their Normal Operating Mode?
Press any LCD function button other than [SEND1], [SEND2], [SEND3], or [SEND4].

What About the LCD Display?
The large backlit graphic 240 x 64 dot LCD display means that mix settings and graphic display of EQ curves can be seen clearly, even outdoors.
The LCD contrast control is located next to the LCD for easy access.
In some cases, displaying an EQ curve may take a little time. However, since the actual parameter value is set immediately, this does not present a problem.

How Does the Dual Pan Work?
Adjacent channels can be configured as stereo pairs. This is set on the PAIR LCD function. For stereo pair channels, a dual-concentric type pan control is shown on the LCD. Each channel can be panned individually or ganged. The stereo source can be re-localized as required.

How Does the CUE Work?
There are three CUE modes: LAST CUE, MIX, and ST FIX.
In LAST CUE mode, the currently selected channel is monitored pre-fader.
In MIX mode, and with the CUE LCD function selected, any number of channels can be selected and monitored pre-fader.
In ST FIX mode, the stereo bus is monitored.
When the GROUP LCD function is selected, a post-fader mix consisting of all the channels in the selected group can be monitored, regardless of the current CUE mode.

How Are the Compressors Patched?
The three assignable compressors can be patched into input channels, aux sends, and the stereo output. Pre-fader and post-fader patch points are available for the aux sends and stereo output.
Although there are three stereo compressors, they cannot be used as six mono compressors. Furthermore, you cannot patch more than one compressor into the same channel.

How Do You Set the Send Master Level?
SEND3 and SEND4 levels are controlled using the RTN/SEND fader. However, since this fader performs four jobs, you must make sure that you set it to SEND3 or SEND4 as required. Current operation is indicated by the highlighted arrow at the right side of the LCD. There are four options: RTN1, RTN2, SEND3, and SEND4. Use the RTN/SEND [SEL] button to select them.

How to Read the Meter Level?
0dB on the meter corresponds to +4dBm.

How Is the Library Used?
EQ settings can be copied from the Library to any EQ. And EQ settings can be copied between channels via the Library. Users can obtain professional EQ settings from the preset EQ library. The preset EQ settings are a good place to start when applying EQ and they also form a useful reference. The library also contains user locations for storing EQ settings. Unlike scene memories that store all mix settings, the Library allows users to store EQ settings independently.

How Is the [ENTER] Button Used?
This button works in a number of ways, depending on the selected LCD function. In some cases it is used to enter/confirm settings made using the PARAMETER wheel. In situations where there are only two options (i.e. EQ on/off, Effect on/off), it is used to set parameters directly.

How to Use MIDI?
ProMix 01 can be controlled via computers and MIDI sequencers. A MIDI Local OFF mode allows ProMix 01 to control other MIDI devices without affecting its own settings (i.e. its controls cause MIDI messages to be sent).

How Do You Name Channels?
An scribble strip area is marked between the faders and [ON] buttons.

Technical Questions

What Is the Sampling Frequency?
48 kHz. For excellent sonic performance.

Is There a Multiple Grouping Function for One Specific Fader?
No. There is no master fader among grouped faders. Any fader in a group can be master.
If a fader is included in two groups, its movements will be erratic and jumpy as faders from each group are moved.
For PM3000/4000 VCA faders, the group master fader can be reserved and controlled independently. So if a fader is in two groups, there is no problem.

What Is the Sonic Quality?
All inputs use 20-bit 64-times oversampling A/D converters. The stereo output uses a 20-bit 8-times oversampling D/A converter. And the monitor and aux send outputs use 18-bit 8-times oversampling D/A converters.
Once past the initial A/D conversion, all processing (EQ, effects, compressor, mixing) is performed in the digital realm. Accordingly, there is no signal degradation.

What DSP Chips Are Used?
ProMix 01 utilizes new Yamaha DSP chips, which has been developed especially for audio processing. Essentially, they contains two DSPs and EQs of a previous Yamaha chip with new dynamics processing functions (internal bus is processed at 24-bit and EQ at 36-bit).

What AD/DA Converters Are Used?
Input channels and stereo input channel: 20-bit 64-times oversampling.
Stereo output: 20-bit 8-times oversampling.
Monitor and send outputs: 18-bit 8-times oversampling.

What's the Maximum I/O level?
Maximum output level is 24dBm. Nominal operating level is 4dBm. So the headroom is 20dB.

What's the Fader Drive Belt Made From?
The fader drive belt is made from Kebler fiber reinforced polyurethane (famous reinforced plastic originally developed by Du Pont). This is the same material used for car engine timing belts.

How Good Are the Internal Effects?
ProMix 01 uses a new Yamaha chip for internal effects. Processing capability is similar to an SPX90, but the sound is much better. In addition, effect parameters have been selected in collaboration with professional sound engineers from around the world.

How Good Are the Compressors?
Three assignable COMP's include compression, limit, gate, and duck functions. They can be patched into input channels, aux sends, and the stereo output. The key, or trigger source can be set to any COMP patch point.
Dynamics processing is performed by a new DSP chip that is designed specifically for audio data processing. It has compression functions already built-in.

What Is the S/N?
The dynamic range is greater than 100dB (105dB typical). This is close to that of analog mixers. All post A/D converter processing (EQ, effects, compressor, mixing) is performed in the digital realm. So bus interference noise (i.e. hum in analog mixers) is completely avoided.
When all channels are off, or channel faders set to their minimum positions, and the ST OUT fader set to maximum, ProMix 01 is exceedingly quiet and the noise level is much lower than that of an analog mixer.

Why Is EQ 'Q' Indicated in Octaves?
Until now, Yamaha mixers have stated an EQ's 'Q' factor as a decimal value. This is how 'Q' factor values are handled in electronic engineering. When the 'Q' is increased, the EQ bandwidth narrows, and when it's decreased, the bandwidth widens.
Octave 1/6 1/4 1/3 1/2 3/4 1 3/2 2 3
Q 8.65 5.76 4.32 2.87 1.9 1.41 0.92 0.67 0.4
From a musical point of view, this is not an entirely intuitive system. That is why ProMix 01 'Q' values are stated in octaves. By the way, Midas XL3 and Gamble mixers express 'Q' in octaves.

Is There a Delay Between Input and Output?
A/D conversion takes 1.5 ms and D/A conversion takes 1.3 ms. This is due mainly to the digital filtering process (i.e. oversampling). Including other internal processing, the total delay is about 3 ms. Compressor patching may also increase the delay. So realistically it's about 3 to 3.5 ms. This corresponds to between 1 meter and 1.2 meter in distance.

How Long Does it Take to Recall a Mix Scene?
Obviously, this depends on how many parameter changes are involved. The minimum is 27 ms, the maximum, 1.5 sec.
If the effects are unchanged, it's between 27ms and 950 ms (average is 300 ms). Particularly effects settings take time when an effect is changed to a reverb program.

What Is the Digital Outputs Channel Status?

What Is the DSP Processing Resolution?
EQ processing is 36 bit. All other processing, 24 bit.

What Do You Do zo initialize the mixer?
Power off.
ProMix 01 can be initialized (i.e. reset to factory settings) by pressing the [STORE] and [INC+] buttons while powering on. Before initializing, you may want to save your scene memory and set up memory data via MIDI Bulk Dump.

Are There Any Notes for Multiple Operation?
The total signal delay through a ProMix 01 is 3 ms, so parallel as opposed to serial connection is better.

Other Questions

There Is No Analog Volume Control for the Stereo Output
Ideally, the mixer output level should be kept as high as possible in order to maximize D/A converter performance and for a good S/N with the next audio device, which is normally a power amplifier. In this case the power amplifier's level controls can be used to control the level. If the power amplifier doesn't have level controls, as an alternative, the analog REC OUT connection can be used, which is 14dB below the XLR STEREO OUT.

Scene Memory Operation Looks Difficult
There are dedicated buttons for selecting, storing, and recalling mix scenes. And mix scenes can be titled for easy identification. Scene memory operation is straightforward.

Why Isn't There a MIDI THRU?
For cost saving, the MIDI THRU connection has been omitted. However, the MIDI Echo Back function means that the MIDI OUT can be used in essentially the same way.

EQ Curve Drawing Time
In some cases, displaying an EQ curve may take a little time. However, since the actual parameter value is immediately set internally, this does not present a problem. Actual adjustments to the EQ circuits are completed before the displayed value is changed.

How Does Reliability Compare to Analog Mixers?
It's difficult to compare digital and analog mixers. Although, if we compare with an analog mixer that has the same specifications as ProMix 01 (not that there is one for the price), then simply because ProMix 01 achieves the same thing with much fewer parts, it must by the law of averages be more reliable.

Why Isn't There a Digital Cascade?
· Cost saving: From the hardware point of view, PLL circuit and I/O connection can be eliminated. From the software point of view, support for the different sampling frequencies and emphasis monitoring is eliminated.
· Operation: The user does not need to consider wordclocks and other sometimes confusing digital techniques. The stereo input channel or any input channel can be used for mixer cascading.

Is There Any Scan Noise or Hum Noise?
Once past the initial A/D conversion, all processing (EQ, effects, compressor, mixing) is performed in the digital realm. Accordingly, there is no signal degradation.

Computer Control

Is There Any Supporting Software?
Major music software manufacturers, such as Emagic, MOTU, Steinberg, and Opcode, are starting to support ProMix 01.

Is There Any Demo Software?
An interactive demonstration for Macintosh and Windows is being produced. It contains function information and demonstrates two applications, which are live performance and MIDI studio.

Technical Data

EQ Library Preset Settings
The 30 preset EQ settings in the library have been created in collaboration with professional sound engineers from around the world.

What Is the Fader Resolution, Interpolation, and Stroke?
Fader resolution is 7 bit (128 step).
Achieved interpolation is 12 bit (4096 steps).
DMC1000 achieved interpolation is 16 bit. 12-bit interpolation applies to the 16 inputs, ST IN, RTN/SEND, and ST OUT faders. SEND and PAN levels, however, are not interpolated. So when a continuous sine wave is input, the noncontinuous point can be heard. However, this does not affect most music sources.
Fader stroke is 60 mm motorized fader.
Nominal position is 6dB below the maximum fader position.
Fader dynamic range is ­66dB to +6dB.
Infinity is one step below ­66dB.

The fader curve is similar to PM4000 (Yamaha flagship console) from +6dB to ­20dB, but below ­20dB the curve drops rather suddenly. This is due to physical reasons (i.e. 60 mm fader length).

What's the Fader Drive Method and Durability?
The fader is driven by a timing belt and motor.
The timing belt is made from forced plastic. A pinion type drive is used.
Durability is 100,000 forward and backward movements.

What About the Input and Output Connections?
XLR-type input connectors are made by Neutrik.
Non-latching XLR's are used for cost saving.
By the way, Mackie and RAMSA mixers do not have latching XLR's.
All channel inputs are balanced, including CH9 to CH16 with 1/4" (TRS) phone jacks.
Digital Cascade I/O is not implemented.

For multiple ProMix 01 applications, the stereo bus is cascaded using analog connections. This means that the user does not have to consider wordclock, master, slave, frequency, Emphasis, PLL, etc. In addition, a cost saving is made by eliminating the connector and electronic hardware.

Stereo Output Level
When the XLR STEREO OUT is used with an unbalanced connector, the maximum output level is reduced by 6dB. In this case, users should be aware that signal clipping for this output occurs when the 12dB LED lights up, which is 6dB before the CLIP LED.
When the analog REC OUT is used with an unbalanced connector, however, the signal clip is the same as it for the XLR STEREO OUT used with a balanced connector. Since this maintains metering compatibility, we recommend that the user uses the REC OUT connector for unbalanced connections.

Output Dither Is Not Implemented
Essentially, dither is a trade-off between S/N and THD. Its effectiveness depends on the source material and the user's ability to set it up correctly.
When deciding whether or not to implement dither, we were concerned whether users would be able to use it effectively without misunderstanding. Since one of ProMix 01's key points is it's ease of use, we decided not to implement dither.


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