|
|
Failed to execute CGI : Win32 Error Code = 3 |
| Free from a music retailer near you. |
 |
Yamaha 01X |
The Yamaha promote the Yamaha 01X Digital Mixing Studio as "the only one of its kind: complete convergence, total integration, intelligent networking." What is the 01X? Well, according to Yamaha it is a state-of-the-art digital mixer that "combines the functions of several key studio components, including digital mixing console, DAW control surface, digital audio/MIDI interface and multi-effects processor — all in one compact, affordable and easy-to-use unit." The main features of the 01X highlight a 28-channel digital mixer with high quality preamps, eight balanced analog mic/line inputs (two phantom powered XLR inputs and six TRS inputs), and a stereo S/PDIF digital input, expandable to a total of 24 discrete input and 24 direct output channels via optional mLAN I/O interfaces — mLAN representing Yamaha’s high-speed data transfer protocol allowing for many channels of digital audio, MIDI and sync information to be sent over a standard Firewire (IEEE 1394) cable. The 01X can further be used in conjunction with a computer as a 24-bit/96kHz analog-to-digital audio converter and two-port MIDI interface (32 MIDI channels) via a single Firewire connection, allowing for eight channels of simultaneous direct-to-disk recording (24 channels with mLAN options) with what Yamaha promises to be ‘zero latency’. Physical faders, knobs and buttons on the 01X can also be assigned to control functions on DAW applications such as Cubase SX, Nuendo, Logic, Sonar and Digital Performer, with tasks assignable ranging from mixing and plug-in editing to transport control. 4-band parametric EQ and full dynamics processing, including compression, gating, limiting and ducking is available on all 24 inputs, as well as the stereo master outputs. The recommended system requirements being either an Intel Pentium 2.2 GHz computer or a G4/G3 900MHz computer both with at least 512MB RAM.
Even a simple comparison test reveals just how excellent the 01X is. Forgetting about the special extras, this is an amazingly well designed and great sounding mixing console. A dry and flat Shure SM58 signal was not just so much cleaner and fatter than my analog Mackie 32 x 8 x 2 8-Bus Mixing Console, but rounder, crisper and with beautiful bottom ends. You could even hear an improvement on the dirtiest synth on the planet (Yamaha DX7) — the ‘right’ frequencies enhanced, resulting in very slick results. And the fact that a manufacturer is now incorporating DAW control surface, digital audio/MIDI interface and multi-effects processor features on what is essentially already a great mixing console is just fantastic. I must admit that the digital console world that had previously left me somewhat unconvinced has now won over a new convert. Getting a digital display of fader movement is actually very exciting, and hearing state-of-the-art audio an even bigger buzz. All in all, I was very impressed by the Yamaha 01X Digital Mixing Studio. The RRP of the 01X is $3,995.