Yamaha's new n12 is a marvel of modernrecording technology. Not only is it a full-function mixer, but it's also anintegrated interface for Cubase. Onboard there are eight pristine Yamahapreamps, 3-band EQ, morph-able compressor, and a FireWire connection to thecomputer. The audio passes through the n12 - which allows you to manipulatesignal as you would on a conventional mixer including setting up monitor mixesfor the performers - and then straight into Cubase. The n12 is the future ofaudio interfaces!

Yamahan12 at a Glance:

ü SwitchablePhantom Power

ü DirectConnect to a Wide Range of Sources

ü Hi-ZInput for Direct Guitar or Bass Recording

ü EffectiveMusical EQ

ü High-resolutionRev-X Reverb

ü Dimmerand Mute Switches

ü SourceSelect and Level Control

ü SurroundMonitoring and Bass Management

ü SoloLevel Control

ü Talkbackwith Built-in Microphone

ü OneFunction per Control

ü 24-bit,96-kHz Digital Quality

SwitchablePhantom Power

Ifyou're serious about your sound - especially for vocals or acoustic instruments- you'll undoubtedly want to use studio-quality phantom-powered condensermicrophones for the extended range and natural reproduction they provide. Then8 and n12 are fully compatible, with switchable built-in phantom power.

DirectConnect to a Wide Range of Sources

Then-series consoles provide both balanced XLR connectors and balanced TRS phonejacks on all mono input channels for direct connectivity with the widest possiblerange of input sources. The stereo inputs have both unbalanced RCA pin jack andphone jack pairs. All mono inputs also feature TRS insert jacks that can beused to insert external signal processors into the signal path of thecorresponding channel.

Hi-ZInput for Direct Guitar or Bass Recording

Not allguitar and bass recording situations required amps, microphones, and asoundproof studio. You can conveniently connect an electric guitar or bassdirectly to the "B" input of channel 4 on the n8 or channel 8 on then12 and engage the input Hi-Z switch for optimum matching and sound.

EffectiveMusical EQ

Likecompression, artful EQ can dramatically enhance a mix in many ways. Then-series equalizers have been created through an extensive study of the mostmusical and desirable consoles used by leading artists and engineers throughoutthe world. They offer a finely-balanced and dynamic relationship between EQcurve, frequency ranges, and other factors that give you truly musical control.3-band equalizers with sweepable midrange on each channel deliver totallysatisfying, potent EQ control that can take your music to a higher level.

High-resolutionRev-X Reverb

Yamaha'sRev-X digital reverb algorithm is renowned for its high resolution andextraordinarily natural sound. The n-series consoles offer this leadingtechnology built in. You have a choice of hall, room, and plate reverbsimulations with reverb time and level control. This superlative reverbprocessor can be used for wet monitoring while recording as well as for addingambience during final mixdown.

Dimmerand Mute Switches

Thesehandy functions are normally only found on large studio consoles, but you'll beglad Yamaha has included them on the n8 and n12. As you'd expect, the muteswitch mutes or un-mutes the console's output, while the dimmer switch reducesthe output to a level that is still audible but allows conversation or phonecalls. The advantage of the dimmer switch is that you can simply tap it asecond time and be precisely back at optimum monitoring level without having toreset faders or level controls.

SourceSelect and Level Control

The n8has source selectors for DAW (the stereo output from the DAW running on yourcomputer), ST (the console's stereo bus), AUX (the console's auxiliary bus),and 2TR (the console's 2-track inputs), while the n12 additionally features a"5.1" source selector for surround monitoring. The console's surroundmonitoring capabilities are impressive, with bass management, down-mixing, andother features you'd normally only find on high-end professional gear. You caneven use the console for top-quality surround playback from pre-recordedsources such as DVDs and computer sources, giving you a chance to hear how topengineers approach surround production on your own monitor speakers. Butalthough they provide professional capabilities, the n-series mixers makegeneral monitoring hassle-free: simply select the signal you want to monitorand spin the big CONTROL ROOM LEVEL knob to set the ideal monitoring level.

SurroundMonitoring and Bass Management

The n12features three pairs of speaker outputs that can be used for full 5.1 surroundmonitoring: front left and right, center and subwoofer, and rear left andright. If you don't need surround capability the outputs can simply be used toswitch between different stereo pairs for comparison. When the 5.1 mode isselected all three output pairs are active, with the speaker selectorsfunctioning as temporary mute switches. Bass management is also implemented foroptimum matching between the full-range speakers and subwoofer. A down mixswitch that lets you instantly collapse the 5.1 outputs to stereo.

SoloLevel Control

Soloswitches on every input channel let you monitor a single channel or any groupof channels within a mix without having to change settings on any of the otherchannels. The n-series consoles even provide a pre-fader listen switch forpre-fader solo monitoring, and a solo level control that lets you adjust thesolo monitoring level as required. This is another feature usually only foundon large, expensive consoles.

Talkbackwith Built-in Microphone

Anothern12-specific feature is a built-in talkback microphone and talkback switch withlevel control for efficient engineer-artist communication. When talkback isengaged the dimmer is also engaged automatically.

OneFunction per Control

Anotherreason the n8 and n12 are eminently predictable and easy to use is that nothingis hidden below the surface. There are no layers, no multi-functions controls... there isn't even an LCD display. Each and every knob, switch, and faderdoes exactly what it says it does, and nothing else. Stated another way, thatmeans you always know what you're doing, and there are no surprises to delayyour progress.

24-bit,96-kHz Digital Quality

Whatyou won't see but will definitely hear is the superb audio quality delivered bythe digital technology inside. 24-bit 96-kHz processing is the de-factostandard for professional audio, and that's what's happening inside the n8 andn12 chassis. The extraordinary Sweet Spot Morphing Compressors, channelequalizers, and Rev-X reverb processor are all made possible bystate-of-the-art Yamaha digital technology too.

Yamahan12 Features:

ü 12-ch/2-bus

ü 8mic pres

ü 11faders/100mm

ü 1aux send

ü 24-bit/96kHz

ü Channels1-8: XLR/TRS jacks with Inserts and +48V Phantom Power; Channel 8 supports Hi-Zinput (switchable)

ü Channels9-12: Unbalanced Phone jacks /RCA jacks

ü 2Track In: RCA jacks

ü Stereoout: TRS/RCA jacks L/R

ü ControlRoom out A/B/C: TRS jacks L/R

ü Auxout 1/2: TRS jacks

ü 2xIEEE1394 (FireWire)

ü MIDII/O

ü Footswitchinput

ü CubaseAI4 Software included