Correction

To readers of the Trainers on the road.

The previous post was corrected in the last paragraph. Please see the web site and check it.

"The only exceptions are the DM1000, DM2000, and 02R. On these units, the unity point is found at -18dBFS -14dBFS."


The unity point we are talking here is the internal signal level of consoles when the consoles output +4dBu (0VU). This is the reference level of most equipment we use. Which means, when you see -20dBFS on your output meter of your M7CL, the console outputs signal of +4dBu.

Signal Level Management on Digital Consoles -- Part 1

One of the most common problems that we encounter during our seminars is lack of proper signal level between the input and output stages. Some engineers don't provide enough head amp level at the input stage and as a result, there is not enough level sent to the various monitor mixes and effects. Others provide too much gain at the inputs and end up clipping the signal before it hits the output stage. In the days of analog consoles, it was OK to push the meters into the red. In fact, some consoles sounded BETTER that way. But in the digital world, red on the meters is usually really bad. Why? Well, digital distortion isn't all warm and fuzzy like the good ole' analog distortion we love to hear. Digital distortion is really degrade the quality of the output signal and it usually sounds bad…very bad!

Over the next few weeks, we will have some short posts regarding signal flow on digital consoles. Please feel free to comment.

The most popular request in our class

A request we have in every class is "SENDS on FADER in Studio Manager".

Yes, we knew you wanted to request this at the class.
We have been talked about this with Yamaha Japan for a long time. Honestly, we don't know if it will happen or not. But anyway we will keep discussing about this and other requests from you with them closely.

Should I update my console?

We are doing PM1D school here in New York.
Around 20 people were enjoying the 1st day of it.

This morning, Jose and I had to visit a venue to update a PM1D system. It had version conflict between the console and the other components. The update took us around 20 minutes. Then, we came back to the hotel to continue our seminar.


There is sometimes an argument about updating system software.
Our recommendation is always "When you use a digital console, please make sure if it has the latest system software". But you might say "I would like to avoid to install the latest one because it is so new and no proof in the market".

It is true. But three month later, there's many reasons to update your console.
- Someone in the market has tested the new software (<-"Hito-bashira" in Japanese)
- If there's an issue with it, you should see a minor version-up in the meantime
- If the version-up is major (1st digit:ex. 1.xx -> 2.xx), you will get many new functions requested
- If the version-up is minor (2nd digit:ex. 1.1x -> 1.2x), you will get a few new functions and more reliable software
- If the version-up is very minor (3rd digit:ex. 1.21 -> 1.22), you will get more reliable software
So, the minor version-up generally gives you more reliable system.

Of course, if the system is working stably enough and you are running a tour, there's no reason to update the system now. But after closing the tour, let's think about updating the system. And if you have two or more systems, please make sure all of them has the same version. Otherwise, you may have a problem like the one we had this morning.


I don't say you should update your system now. But please check its update history from the website. You might find an useful new function in the list which would be worth consideration.

By the way, please don't update your console 10 minutes before the show!