Digital Mixing Console Yamaha RIVAGE PM7 CSD-R7

Perfecting the Art of Live Sound

Yamaha’s first professional live sound console, the PM200, was released more than 40 years ago. The PM series has provided fertile ground from which numerous sound reinforcement milestones have grown ever since. Many of those innovations have become benchmarks that professionals depend on to this day. The RIVAGE PM10 launched a new generation of PM consoles that have already become standards in large-scale live sound applications because of their unequalled sound, operation, functionality, reliability, expandability, and more. Now the RIVAGE PM7 digital mixing system expands the digital mixing options available for an even broader range of applications.

A RIVAGE PM7 system is based around the CSD-R7 Digital Mixing Console with built-in signal processing for mixing and effects. Other required components are one or more I/O racks for input and output, and a dedicated interface card for network connectivity. The RIVAGE PM7 system’s CSD-R7 Digital Mixing Console is the same size as the RIVAGE PM10 system CS-R10 Control Surface and has the same control layout. With built-in DSP it offers similarly high standards of operation and workflow efficiency in a relatively compact, portable system.

The Yamaha “PM brand” continues to bring true innovation to the developing live sound scene.

The CSD-R7 Digital Mixing Console is the core component of any RIVAGE PM7 system, with 96 kHz processing, 120 monaural inputs, and a versatile complement of mixing busses (60 MIX, 24 MATRIX, and 2 STEREO). The console has three 12-faders bays for flexible setup and configuration, and dual power supply units are built in for enhanced reliability.

• Display: 15" touch panel x 2
• Faders: 38 (12+12+12+2)
• Selected Channel section: comprehensive channel parameters
• Custom Fader banks: 6 x 2 on each bay
• User Defined keys: 12 x 4 banks
• User Defined knobs: 4 x 4 banks
• Touch and Turn knobs: 2
• Analog I/O: 8 in/8 out
• Slot: 3 HY slots, 2 MY slots
• AES/EBU: 4 in/4 out (with SRC)
• Ports: GPI (8 in/8 out), Word Clock In/Out, MIDI In/Out, 5 USB (1 for 2-track recording), Video Out (DVI-D), TC In
• Power supply: Dual redundant power supply built-in
• Dimensions (WxHxD): 1,549x417x848mm (61.0"x16.4"x33.4")
• Net Weight: 94 kg (207 lbs)

The RIVAGE PM Sound Is the Music Itself

The ideal starting point for creative audio engineering is transparent, uncolored sound. All Yamaha mixers are built on that philosophy, with the goal of allowing engineers to capture the on-stage sound accurately, without coloration, and then add creative touches as required. Yamaha’s unwavering adherence to this concept continues in the RIVAGE PM7.

Two I/O Rack Categories to Ideally Capture the On-stage Sound

Yamaha offers two types of high-performance I/O Rack units for RIVAGE PM7 input and output, each providing compatibility with a different audio network.

One is the TWINLANe network, using optical cable to simultaneously carry up to 400 audio channels. Combinations of the RPio622 and/or RPio222 I/O racks and HY256-TL or HY256-TL-SMF audio interface cards allow input via Hybrid Microphone Preamplifiers with analog input stages that take the Yamaha “natural sound” concept to new heights, as well as digital sections with immaculate VCM-technology models of Rupert Neve Designs transformer and SILK processing circuitry that offer outstanding musicality and atmosphere.

Then there’s the Dante audio network from Audinate, already standard in CL and QL series digital consoles as well as a range of other Yamaha pro audio products. Dante-equipped Rio3224-D2 and Rio1608-D2 I/O Racks and the HY144-D audio interface card can be combined to provide natural sound input at full RIVAGE PM series quality.

Cleanly and accurately captured on-stage sound provides a perfect foundation for creative processing.

Rupert Neve Quality for All Engineers (RPio622 & RPio222)

Fitted with RY-ML-SILK analog input cards the RPio622 and RPio222 I/O racks offer outstanding emulations of the transformer circuitry and SILK processing featured in microphone preamplifiers from Rupert Neve Designs, immaculately modeled using Yamaha VCM (Virtual Circuitry Modeling) technology.

Recording engineers value Rupert Neve microphone preamps for their appealing natural compression and saturation. SILK processing can take that seductive sonic foundation to new levels with added power and flair. Sounds that tend to get lost in the mix are given new life and luster with a lush analog-like core.

The SILK processing function provided in the RY16-ML-SILK audio interface card Hybrid Microphone Preamplifiers offers two variations: “RED” for sparkling energy, and “BLUE” for solidity and power. There’s also a continuously variable “TEXTURE” knob that musically shapes the harmonic components to best suit the source. The benefits of SILK processing are also evident in the way channel EQ and reverb plug-ins affect the sound.

The RIVAGE PM7 makes the coveted Rupert Neve preamplifier sound available to a wider range of engineers who can put it to creative use.

Dan Dugan Automatic Mixer Built In

Through in-depth collaboration with Dan Dugan Sound Design, renowned Dan Dugan automatic microphone mixing with its advanced algorithms is built into the RIVAGE PM series digital mixing systems. Setup is easy: just insert the processor into up to 64 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.

Operation

The mixing console is the engineer’s primary tool. Operability is crucial, particularly in today’s rapidly evolving live sound environment. That is why Yamaha digital live sound consoles are designed to deliver a unique blend of smooth analog-style operation ease with some of the most advanced digital technology and features available. The worldwide acceptance of Yamaha digital mixing consoles is a testament to their success, and the RIVAGE PM7 carries on the tradition. It has the same dimensions and panel layout as the highly acclaimed RIVAGE PM10, offering the same user experience.

With operation and features designed to comprehensively support today’s live sound scene, the RIVAGE PM series allows engineers to focus on the sound and enjoy the creative process.

The Complete Yamaha Selected Channel Interface

A key element of legendary Yamaha digital console operability is the Selected Channel concept, providing direct access to the parameters of any channel selected via a SEL key. The Selected Channel section of the RIVAGE PM7 inherits the full-featured configuration of the RIVAGE PM10, providing direct, fast access to all channel parameters. Encoders, buttons, and indicators in a comprehensive layout make maximum use of the available panel space for comfortable operation in any environment or mixing situation.

Touch Screen and Fader Strips Merge for Intuitive Control

The RIVAGE PM7 control surface features three groups of 12 faders to which channels can be assigned as required. The two leftmost fader groups work with large touch panel displays in the top panel, providing an enhanced version of the Centralogic operating environment. The channel strips extend vertically and virtually seamlessly into the touch panel displays, for lucid, logical control. The ability to manage channels in 12 channel groups provides versatility for just about any workflow.

A Monitor Section to Match Any Job

The monitoring needs of live sound reinforcement can vary considerably from job to job, so a flexible monitor system is essential. The RIVAGE PM7 system has two monitor/cue outputs with independently adjustable output level, and up to eight combinations of monitor sources can be stored for instant recall. The monitor section also offers dedicated delays, plus eight-band parametric EQ. An insert point prior to the EQ stage allows plug-ins to be used in the monitor section as well. The carefully planned and flexible features provided in the RIVAGE PM7 monitor section make it easy to adapt to any monitoring situation.

Convenience Is in the Details

The main encoders on the RIVAGE PM7 panel are surrounded by horseshoe shaped rings of indicators that show the current settings. The horseshoe ring shape is designed to provide optimum visibility when, for example, the encoders are viewed from below, which is often the case with the multifunction encoders at the top of the fader strips. The unique shape ensures that indicators near the 12 o’clock position are not hidden behind the encoder knob.

The fader knob shape, developed through years of designing and refining mixer interfaces, is another important feature. The fader knobs are contoured so that positive, comfortable control is possible no matter where your finger is placed on the knob. This is a feature that can only be truly appreciated through first-hand experience.

Overall, the console is designed with the touch panel displays and Selected Channel section on a prominently raised upper panel that offers optimum visibility from the engineer’s position as well as easy access to all controls. The stage and console are both within view at all times. The touch screens are also located within easy reach for effortless access.

Broadcast Features

The RIVAGE PM7 supports 5.1 channel surround panning and monitoring for broadcast applications, and has two surround buses for efficient international feed production. A broadcast Mix Minus function is provided too, allowing a specified source to be removed from a specified remote feed with just a few steps.

Features

• Ability to mix up to 144 mono input channels and 60 mix buses
• Up to 24 matrices, 2 stereo buses and 1 mono bus for extensive audio routing options
• Built-in HY and MY expansion slots for connecting additional devices and expanding functionality
• Two 15-inch touch screens, adjustable monitor level controls and fader placement for convenient control
• Includes PEQ, GEQ, dynamics, delay and more for professional sound processing
• Built-in network ports for connecting via Ethernet and support for Dante protocols for convenient communication
• Support USB memory recording, DVS recording, and file playback for more flexible use
• Developed applications such as RIVAGE PM Editor and StageMix for easy control and integration with other devices
• Support for 5.1 Surround Panning, Mix Minus and other functions for working with a wide range of audio formats
• Yamaha is known for its high-quality sound technology and reliable construction, which ensures professional sound quality and stable performance in all conditions

User manual