Yamaha 02R Version 2.0 Software Upgrade Due Out This Summer
July 11, 1997
After enjoying another year of continued success in both the recording and post production markets with the 02R Digital Recording Console, Yamaha Corporation of America, Professional Audio Products Department, announces summer delivery of 02R Version 2.0 software. The new software includes several key features that specifically meet the needs of the post production market, in addition to providing upgraded capabilities for the recording market-at a cost of less than $200.
Although the 02R has already seen extensive use in a variety of applications, Version 2.0 software gives the console even more flexibility. Now, any current 02R owner can take advantage of post production capabilities that previously were available only in much more expensive consoles, and new buyers are able to purchase an even more powerful mixer.
Significant upgrades with Version 2.0 software include: six-channel discrete surround sound capabilities on every input, digital aux sends available via Yamaha digital I/O cards, input cross-patching, and the ability to process output buses through dynamics, EQ and routing matrixes. With Version 2.0 software, the Yamaha 02R will be able to control external devices including other mixers, tape and DAW transports, and outboard effect processors-an essential feature for post work.
The console automation has also been significantly upgraded with new operation and mix editing capabilities. The software provides touch-sensitive fader emulation, which allows channel editing during automation, simply by moving the fader. In addition, mix events can now be identified and dropped in to a time code list on-the-fly-allowing later assignment of automation events to those addresses. With Version 2.0 software, auto-mix functions may now be cut, pasted and offset. It also provides the ability to record 24-bit data from the 02R on a standard 16-bit tape or hard-disk recorder, using a smart-bit allocation scheme.
"Since we began shipping, the 02R has been wildly successful in the recording community and pulled into the post community for its strong features," states Peter Chaikin, Product Manager, Recording Products. "Version 2.0 software will make the 02R even more powerful for the recording market while providing strongly requested features for post customers."
Over the past year, the 02R has become a staple in both the recording and post markets, with employment in major studios such as Emerald Sound, Bad Animals and Todd A-O. It has also become the centerpiece for many high-profile project studios, like those of Boyz II Men, David Bryan and Mark Portmann. Frank Filipetti, recording engineer and producer, used the 02R tracking the latest James Taylor release, in an improvised studio in Martha's Vineyard, MA. "It's incredibly flexible," he said, "and probably my first choice for location recording. I certainly wouldn't hesitate using it again in a similar situation." In addition to its uses in production, the Yamaha 02R was recently requested for the national tour of Kiss of the Spider Woman-marking the console's debut in a live sound environment.
Chaikin states that existing 02R customers can receive the upgrade by installing a new ROM chip into their 02R. Installation can be easily accomplished by dealers or local Yamaha service centers, with instructions provided by Yamaha. An addendum to the owner's manual is also included. The software upgrade will be ready for delivery by the end of August. All new 02R consoles shipped after that date will contain the new software.
The Yamaha 02R Digital Recording Console architecture consists of 40 inputs (24 analog and 16 digital), 8 digital bus outputs, 16 digital direct outputs and 8 aux sends. The 02R offers features that were previously only available in high-end digital console systems costing hundreds of thousands of dollars, like unprecedented real-time automation with snapshot memory and instant reset of all console parameters including control of its internal compressors and effects. Every channel includes 4-band true parametric EQ, and a limiter/compressor/gate is available on every input channel and every output bus. Two internal digital effect processors and two stereo effect returns are also featured. For more information, visit their web site at www.yamaha.com. |
