Yamaha QL Series QL5

Description

Features
Specifications

It All Begins with Natural Sound

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.

Every Component Contributes to Superior Sonic Precision

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.

Keeping the Legacy Alive

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.

VCM Technology and Rupert Neve

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.

Revolutionary Dan Dugan Automatic Mixer Built In

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: just insert the processor into up to 16 channels for automatically optimized microphone gain distribution. Gain control is smooth and natural, as though experienced human operators were doing the mix. The system also effectively reduces feedback and comb filter issues. For speech applications, especially non-scripted situations, this allows the operator to concentrate on details other than fader operation for consistently high-quality mixes.

Refined Interface for Intuitive Control

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.

Straightforward “Touch and Turn” Operation

Touch and Turn operation, introduced in the CL series, has been enthusiastically adopted by sound engineers everywhere. The QL series offers the same operational advantage: touch the parameter you want to control on the screen, then rotate the Touch and Turn knob that is below and to the right of the screen to adjust as required. The color displayed below the knob changes to match that of the selected parameter, for quick confirmation and error-free control. It’s simple, responsive, and very intuitive.

The Yamaha Selected Channel System

The Yamaha Selected Channel interface provides a comprehensive overview of available channel parameters with direct selection capability via its large touch-panel display. The display is the same type that was provided on the CL series consoles, offering high visibility and smooth response for stress free operation. Hands-on control via dedicated physical controllers as well as an innovative Touch and Turn knob provides speedy access to essential QL console parameters for a fast, efficient workflow.

Advanced Features Backed by Efficient Design

You can have features galore, but if they’re not well integrated into a smoothly operating system that provides easy access, their value will be greatly reduced. Design of the QL series faders and knobs extends to the finest details of form and materials. High visibility channel name displays and colors add to overall operation ease and efficiency as well. The interface is the vital connection between console and engineer, and we have treated it with appropriate care and respect.

Faders Designed for Fit, Feel, and Visual Feedback

The operator’s sonic intent is conveyed to the console primarily through the faders. Inheriting the sports car bucket seat styling of the CL series faders, the QL faders provide comfortable, sure operation regardless of where you finger rests on the knob. Even the fader knob materials have been selected for optimum feel. The sides of the knobs are specially sculpted to allow the fader scale on the panel to be easily seen from just about any angle.

Selected Channel Controls for Direct, Instant Access

The main Selected Channel parameters are assigned to the knobs located to the right of the display for immediate access at any time. In addition to User Defined Keys to which parameters can be freely assigned, another traditional Yamaha digital mixing console feature, the QL consoles also have on-screen User Defined Knobs that provide the same assignable freedom for variable parameters. In combination, the User Defined Knobs and User Defined Keys can significantly enhance operation speed and efficiency.

Comprehensive Fader Bank Section

All analog inputs are assigned to one Fader Bank, while other input and output channels are accessed by switching banks. Four Custom Fader Banks are also provided, and these allow the user to set up any combination of channels required for maximum efficiency in any application. Custom Fader setups can also be stored with scenes and instantly recalled when needed.

High Visibility Channel Names and Colors

Miniature display panels above each channel fader show the channel name as well as fader setting. There’s also a color bar that glows in eight colors, matching the channel colors shown in the main touch-panel display for easy visual identification. The eight colors plus “black” provide a total of nine color groupings. These high-visibility displays offer excellent legibility in bright outdoor lighting as well in dim indoor settings.

Flexible Network Capability in an All-in-one Console

Network capability is essential in today’s live sound applications, and the QL series offers all you need. In addition to their all-in-one capabilities, QL series consoles come with the widely implemented Dante digital audio networking protocol, developed by Audinate, as a standard feature. That means the QL consoles can be combined with other Dante capable devices, such as CL series consoles and R series I/O rack units, to flexibly create systems for applications of just about any scale or complexity.

One Console May Be All You Need

Each QL series console provides extensive built-in input and output capacity that can handle a variety of applications without the need for stage boxes or other external equipment (32 inputs and 16 outputs on the QL5, and 16 ins and 8 outs on the QL1). For many jobs all you need is one console, and that means vastly superior portability as well as speedy setup.

Superior Dante Networking Built In

Precision synchronization technology achieves low latency and low jitter as well as high sample accuracy in a network that is fast and simple to set up. Individual IDs assigned to each device on a Dante network allow automatic device detection as well as easy patching. Speedy setup leaves more time for the all-important job of setting up the mix.

Redundancy for Reliability

Cables and switches can malfunction, but with Dante’s support for redundant connections a problem on the network won’t stop the show. Redundant primary and secondary connections can be set up in a star network configuration so that problems in any part of the network won’t interrupt the signal flow or bring the entire network down.

“Port to Port” Enhances System Versatility

“Port to Port” is a new Yamaha feature that allows QL series console inputs and outputs to be put to use as elements of a larger system, providing unprecedented capabilities for interconnecting front-of-house and monitor consoles, and much more. Gain Compensation enhances the versatility of this feature even more.

Capable Systems with Fewer Devices

The ability to directly connect input ports to output ports without going through mixing channels provides unprecedented freedom for routing signals between the analog, Dante, and MY slot inputs and outputs. For example, a QL console could be used as an I/O device for another QL or CL series console while simultaneously functioning as a monitor console. Not only is just one QL console required for both monitor and I/O use, but analog gains can be remotely controlled from the front-of-house QL or CL console. It’s also possible to mix analog signals received at the console while directly transmitting them to a multitrack recording system via Dante, for example. The possibilities are vast.

I/O Rack Sharing without Gain Complications

When sharing inputs between multiple consoles using Dante networking and Port to Port capability, gain adjustments made from one console could potentially disrupt the mix balance at another. The Gain Compensation function prevents such problems from occurring. Gain compensation is automatically applied at the digital stage so that the total gain sent out via the network remains constant.

Everything You Need for Creative Engineering

QL series console include a virtual processing rack that lets the operator approach selecting and patching internal processors in a way that’s similar to working with external rack-mounted devices. All of the high-quality processors that received rave reviews in the CL series are provided in the QL series consoles as well. Top-quality sound-shaping tools for creative engineering are ready and accessible whenever they’re needed.

General Specifications

Sampling frequency rate	Internal	44.1kHz / 48kHz
	External	44.1kHz: +4.1667%, +0.1%, -0.1%, -4.0% (±200ppm), 48kHz: +4.1667%, +0.1%, -0.1%, -4.0% (±200ppm)
Signal delay		Less than 2.5ms, INPUT to OMNI OUT, Fs= 48kHz
Fader		100mm motorized, Resolution=1024steps, +10dB to –138dB, –∞dB all faders
Total harmonic distortion		Less than 0.05% 20Hz-20kHz@+4dBu into 600Ω, INPUT to OMNI OUT, Input Gain= Min.
Frequency response		+0.5, -1.5dB 20Hz-20kHz, refer to +4dBu output @1kHz, INPUT to OMNI OUT
Dynamic range		112dB typ.: DA Converter / 108dB typ.: INPUT to OMNI OUT, Input Gain = Min.
Hum & noise level	Equivalent input noise	-128dBu typ., Equivalent Input Noise, Input Gain=Max
	Residual output noise	-88dBu, Residual output noise, ST master off
Crosstalk		-100dB*1, adjacent INPUT/OMNI OUT channels, Input Gain = Min.
Power requirements		100-240V 50/60Hz
Power consumption		200W
Dimensions	W	828mm(32.6in)
	H	272mm(10.7in)
	D	563mm(22.2in)
Net weight		21.8kg(48.1lb)
Accessories		Owner’s Manual, dust cover, power cord, DVS license sheet, Nuendo Live
Options		Mini-YGDAI cards *2 , Gooseneck Lamp LA1L
Others		Operating temperature range: 0 – 40℃, Storage temperature range: -20 – 60℃

Technical Specification

Mixing Capacity	Input Mixing Channels	64 mono + 8 stereo
	Mix Buses	16
	Matrices	8 (Input to Matrix supported)
	Stereo Bus	1
	Mono	1
	Cue	1 (Second Cue Bus supported in QL V4.0 or later)
Local Connectors	Analog Inputs	32
	Analog Outputs	16
	MY Slots	2
	Dante I/O	Primary / Secondary
	Digital Out	1 (AES/EBU)
	GPI	5 in / 5 out
	Word Clock I/O	Yes
	MIDI I/O	In / Out
	External Redundant PSU	No
	Meter Bridge	No
	Ethernet	Yes
	AC Inlet	V-Lock Type
Scene Memory	Number of Scenes	300
	Recall Safe	Yes
	Focus Recall	Yes
	Fade Time	Yes (0s ~ 60s)
	Preview	Yes
	Selective Load / Save	Yes
	Tactile Control Keys	No (on-screen)
Input Channel Functions	Gain Compensation	Yes
	Digital Gain	Yes (-96dB ~ +24dB)
	ATT	-96dB ~ 0dB
	HPF	20Hz ~ 600Hz, -6 or -12dB/oct Selectable
	PEQ	4 Band Full PEQ_x000D_ (RTA overlay support in QL V3.0 or later, New EQ Algorithms support in QL V4.0 or later)
	Dynamics 1	Gate / Ducking / Compressor / Expander (Key-in Filter on the Compressor and Expander in QL V4.0 or later)
	Dynamics 2	Compressor / Compander-H / Compander-S / De-esser
	Input Delay	Yes (0ms ~ 1000ms, frame delay support in QL V3.0 or later)
	Pan	CENTER NOMINAL or LR NOMINAL for monaural input channels in QL V3.1 or later_x000D_ L-MONO, R-MONO or LR-MONO for stereo input channels in QL V3.1 or later
	DCA Group	16 (Output DCA support in QL V3.0 or later)
	MUTE Group	8
	Number of Inserts	2
	Direct Out	Yes
Output Channel Functions	PEQ	4 Band Full PEQ_x000D_ (RTA overlay support in QL V3.0 or later, New EQ Algorithms support in QL V4.0 or later)
	Dynamics 1	Compressor / Expander / Compander-H / Compander-S
	MUTE Group	8
	Number of Inserts	2
Premium Rack	Number of Premium Racks	8
Premium Rack	Mountable Device	RND Portico5033 / RND Portico5043 / U76 / Opt-2A / EQ-1A / Dynamic EQ / Buss Comp 369 (QL V3.0 or later) / MBC4 (QL V4.0 or later)
Effect Rack	Number of Effect Racks	8
	Number of Effect Programs	54
	Mountable Device	Effect / 31BandGEQ / Flex15GEQ / 8Band PEQ (QL V3.0 or later)
GEQ Rack	Number of GEQ Racks	8
GEQ Rack	Mountable Device	31BandGEQ / Flex15GEQ / Dugan Automixer / 8Band PEQ (CL V3.0 or later)_x000D_ (RTA overlay support in QL V3.0 or later, GEQ gain control from the TOUCH AND TURN knob in QL V4.0 or later)
Dante	Number of I/O Channels	64 in / 64 out
	Number of I/O devices that can be discovered from the console *1	127
	Number of I/O devices that can be mounted	24
	Number of I/O devices with HA remote control *2	8
	Dante Patch from Console	Yes
Recording	USB Memory Recording	Yes
Recording	DVS Recording	Yes (DVS and Nuendo Live bundled)
Broadcast Functions	5.1 Surround Panning	Yes (QL V3.0 or later)
	Surround Monitor	Yes (QL V3.0 or later)
	Mix Minus	Yes (QL V3.0 or later)
	L-Mono / R-Mono / LR-Mono	Yes (QL V3.0 or later)
Monitor	Solo Mode	Yes (QL V4.0 or later)
	Second Cue Bus_x000D_ (allows the MATRIX 7/8 to be used as a CUE B bus)	Yes (QL V4.0 or later)
	Oscillator	Sine Wave 1ch / Sine Wave 2ch (QL V3.0 or later) / Pink Noise / Burst Noise
Other Functions	Port to Port	Yes
	RTA	Yes (QL V3.0 or later)
	Output Port Delay	Yes (0ms ~ 1000ms, frame delay support in QL V3.0)
	Cascade	Yes
	User Level	Yes
	Help File	Yes
	Channel Link	Yes (Output Channel Link support in QL V3.0 or later)
	Channel Copy/Move	Yes
	Control & Monitoring for Digital Wireless Receivers	Shure ULXD4D/ULXD4Q (QL V4.0 or later)
User Interface	Display	10 inch Touch Panel
	Centralogic Section	No
	Faders	32 + 2
	Selected Channel Encoders	Gain, HPF, PEQ (controls for a selected band), Dynamics 1/2(Threshold only), Pan
	Channel Encoder	No
	Channel Name / Color Display	Yes
	Custom Fader Banks	Yes (customized for all faders in a lump, MASTER fader of FADER BANK A in QL V4.0 or later)
	User Defined Keys	12 (x 4 banks in QL V3.0 or later)
	User Defined Knobs	4 (on-screen)
	Touch and Turn Knob	Yes
	Monitor Level Knob	Yes (on-screen)
	Wooden Arm Rest	No
	iPad Stay	Yes
	Rack-mounting	No
Software	Editor	QL Editor (Win/Mac, CSV files import/export in QL Editor V4.0.0 or later)
	StageMix	QL StageMix (iPad app)
	MonitorMix	Yes (QL V4.00 or later)
	Console File Converter	Yes (Win/Mac)