In order to take maximum advantage of evolved processing potential to sculpt creative new soundscapes, the engineer must have uncolored, natural sound as a starting point. Yamaha’s unwavering natural sound philosophy is fully implemented in the QL series, resulting in accurate reproduction that is faithful to the source.

Full creative freedom can only be achieved when the sonic foundation is accurate, uncolored, and faithful to the source. The same pure, natural sound that is a highly regarded feature of the CL series is achieved in the compact QL series consoles as well. Every detail, from mechanical construction through port location, power supply, grounding, and individual components has been painstakingly analyzed and brought together in a system that affords extraordinary audio quality. Noise that can affect digital mixer performance in a number of ways has also been thoroughly scrutinized and effectively eliminated. Because it can affect AD/ DA converter performance, system clock jitter has been subject to detailed analysis and optimized by revising the internal FPGA layout and rerouting the clock signal. All of these details combine to realize performance that not only passes the strictest scientific tests, but also satisfies the critical ears of some of the most demanding sound engineers in the business.

When it’s time to build creatively on the uncolored sonic foundation provided by the QL consoles, a selection of powerful processors is ready to refine your sound. Yamaha digital technology accurately reproduces the quality and performance of time-honored analog devices that are renowned for their musical sound, as well as speech mixing technology that revolutionized the industry with unprecedented consistency and clarity. The technology that achieves all of this reflects Yamaha’s respect for the legacy of masters who have given us some of our most valued audio capabilities. It also gives today’s sound engineers the support they need to create for the future.

All of the processing capability that was packed into the CL series consoles is provided in the QL consoles as well. Most of those processors are based on Virtual Circuit Modeling (VCM) technology developed by “Dr. K” (Toshifumi Kunimoto) and his team at “K’s lab,” Yamaha’s stateof-the-art digital technology research facility. VCM technology precisely models the circuitry and performance of analog audio devices, right down to the characteristics of individual components such as resistors and capacitors. VCM simulations are so realistic and musical that even the legendary Rupert Neve, a master who built his reputation on analog sound, has given it his approval and collaborated in developing VCM versions of his Portico 5033 and 5043 EQ and compressor, both provided as on-board processors in the QL consoles.

Thanks to in-depth collaboration with Dan Dugan Sound Design, renowned Dan Dugan automatic microphone mixing with its advanced algorithms is built into the QL series consoles. Setup is easy

The ability to respond swiftly and surely to multiple, rapidly changing demands is essential for effective live sound support. QL series consoles feature large touch-panel displays as well as “Touch and Turn” knobs that make up a remarkably smooth, efficient control interface. Attention has also been paid to details such as fader feel and channel name display visibility in order to deliver a sophisticated overall operating experience. Remote control and offline setup capability via an iPad or computer adds even more refinement to an already state-of-the-art operating environment.

Operators coming from analog or digital consoles will quickly become comfortable with the QL consoles. Years of accumulated knowhow and feedback from users worldwide have been applied in creating an interface that is simple while providing refined operation that responds fully to the demands of a broad spectrum of real-world applications.