Yamaha has announced that its new TF series digital consoles are now shipping. Concurrent with their availability, Yamaha debuts the TF StageMix, a free iPad app that provides wireless remote control of TF digital mixing console functions via a simple, intuitive graphical interface.
The software makes setups faster and lets engineers adjust monitor mixes from the vantage point of the performers onstage or the listener out in the audience using a simple touch interface that directly controls mixing parameters, including channel strip, noise gate, compression and EQ.
With the launch of its new TF series, Yamaha continues to enhance the capabilities of digital mixers, offering advanced features and renowned Yamaha reliability at an exceptional price point to an even wider range of users. Aimed at new users and experienced professionals looking to get working faster than ever, the TF series brings time saving performance capabilities, such as fast, accurate gain setup, single step compression and EQ, and microphone specific presets to even the most modest sound reinforcement applications.
The TF series (which stands for TouchFlow Operation™) comprises three compact, performance-packed digital mixing consoles, the TF5, TF3 and TF1, which feature 33, 25, or 17 motor faders, respectively, along with 32, 24, or 16 rear-panel analog inputs. Each console includes recallable Yamaha D-PRE™ preamplifiers for the first time in a digital console, which facilitates support for live music and events where full setup changes need to be made on the fly.
There are a total of 48 inputs on the TF5 and TF3, with 40 on the TF1, including dual stereo analog/USB digital inputs and dual returns. Advanced live recording features include up to 34 x 34 channel recording and playback via USB 2.0 and 2 x 2 with a USB storage device. All of this, plus seamless operation with high-performance I/O racks, makes the TF series an outstanding choice for a wide range of applications.
TouchFlow Operation is a new approach to console control that combines elements of Yamaha’s well-regarded user interfaces with an advanced touch panel system, allowing sound engineers to respond to the music and artists on stage with unprecedented speed and freedom. Experienced engineers and newcomers alike will find it easier than ever to achieve the ideal mix.
A number of TF series features also contribute to faster, smoother setup. 1-knob COMP™ and 1-knob EQ™ features make it easy to dial in the ideal sound via a single rotary control on inputs for adjusting individual sources and on outputs for overall sound control. The innovative GainFinder™ feature facilitates optimum gain setup for individual input signals, making ideal overall signal quality easily achievable.
The TF mixers also provide a range of input and output channel presets created in cooperation and consultation with leading microphone manufacturers Shure, Sennheiser and Audio-Technica, as well as accomplished engineers. The input channel presets are made to match a span of musical instruments and voices, covering parameters such as head amp gain, EQ, dynamics and much more, right down to details like channel name and color. Output channel presets include parameters optimized for in-ear monitors and Yamaha powered speakers, with variations to match different environments and room sizes.
The TF5, TF3 and TF1 are now shipping, priced at MSRP $4,200 USD, $3,500 USD and $2,950 USD, repsectively. TF Firmware V1.10 or later is required to use the TF StageMix.
