Report from 2008 CMA Music Festival

A report from 2008 CMA Music Festival is uploaded to the yamahaca.com.

I and Jose were there last year. It was a great big show.
This year, some of other Yamaha guys went there to support our products for the show.
Hey, Mike, you were there, weren't you? How was the show?

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10,000 hits

The Trainers On The Road reached a hit count of 10,000 tonight. (It was me.....)
I just wanted to thank everyone who has attended our class, sent a picture to us, checked out the blog, and shared their input and thoughts. Please continue to send me your comments, and keep checking out what is going on here to the trainers...

(Actually, the blog has more access via RSS feed or e-mail subscription. On that side, it has had more than 13,000 views by now. Thanks!)

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Monitor Mix on LS9

How do I setup my LS9 as a monitor console? Where is monitor output and a monitor level master fader?

This is similar to the setup for M7CL but some different features are available on your LS9.

1. TO PATCH MONITOR OUT (p.146 LS9 Owner's Manual)
The default patch does not include an XLR output for cue/monitor signals. To patch the monitor bus to an omni out;

1. In the DISPLAY ACCESS section, press the [MONITOR] key repeatedly to access the MONITOR screen.
2. Move the cursor to the port select box L located below the L level meter, and press the [ENTER] key.
3. Chose your output (OMNI 1 for example) and close the OUTPUT PORT SELECT popup window.
4. If you want to monitor in mono turn the MONO MONITOR button on to combine signals from ST IN channels and hear signals panned to the right.
5. If you want to monitor in stereo repeat steps 2-3 for the R side.

2. CUE LEVEL ON A FADER

Some stage monitor engineers like to have fader control of their Cue listening level.
LS9 has two ways to have the level control on a fader.

With the custom fader layer (p.92 LS9 Owner's Manual):

1. In the DISPLAY ACCESS section, press the [SETUP] key repeatedly to access the USER SETUP screen.
2. Move the cursor to the CUSTOM FADER LAYER popup button in the screen, and press the [ENTER] key.
3. Move the cursor to the channel module select field ("32" for example), use the dial or the [DEC]/[INC] keys to select the MONITOR to that field, and press the [ENTER] key.
4. Press the LAYER [CUSTOM FADER] key in the LAYER section to recall the custom fader layer you’ve created.
5. The fader 32 is now a level control for the Monitor/Cue output.

With the user defined key (p.196 LS9 Owner's Manual):

1. In the DISPLAY ACCESS section, press the [SETUP] key repeatedly to access the USER SETUP screen.
2. Move the cursor to the USER DEFINED KEYS popup button, and press the [ENTER] key.
3. Move the cursor to the button for the user defined key whose function you want to assign ("11" for example), and press the [ENTER] key.
4. Select MONITOR for the function and MASTER FADER for the parameter 1.
5. Press the user defined key 11 to turn the mode on and use the master fader to control the monitor level, and the ON key to switch the monitor output on/off. (LED=lit: Monitor level, LED=dark: Stereo/Mix Master)

3. MIX CUE AND MIX MASTER LEVEL CONTROL
When the SENDS ON FADER mode is activated, the master fader and the ON key control the related Mix master level and on/off. Also the CUE key engages the Mix master to the Cue bus.

Note
The Monitor Master fader mode with the user defined key has priority over assigning function to the master fader by the SENDS ON FADER. For that reason, the master fader assigned to Monitor Master fader mode stays as is even if SENDS ON FADER mode is activated.

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New poll placed (Fireworks!)

What is the best Independence Day fireworks?

Also, please leave your comment about the best fireworks display in Orange County, CA for me to go to see.
Thanks!

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Pan the input to the stereo Mixes

How do I pan the input signal to send to the stereo Mixes?

(PM1D, PM5D, M7CL, and LS9) At the Selected Channel area, Mix Send controls for the stereo Mixes are "Pan" (odd) and "Level" (even).

(PM5D V2) When "FLIP" mode is engaged to the input faders and "PAN" key at the encoder mode is pressed, the Channel Encoders are pan controls for the stereo Mixes from the input channels.

The function assigned to the controls in the mode: (Owner's Manual p.49)
Encoder -- Pan of the signal sent from channels (of the currently selected layer) to paired MIX buses (invalid if MIX channels are not paired)
ENCODER [ON] key -- Channel (currently selected layer) on/off
Fader -- Send level from channel (currently selected layer) to MIX bus
CH [ON] key -- On/off status of signal sent from channel (currently selected layer) to MIX bus

(DM/0): It will be set only with the screen.

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Flattening PEQ

Is there a short-cut for flattening PEQ?

With the following short-cuts, gain parameter will be set to 0dB and its frequency and Q value will stay as is.

(PM1D) Please use a [FLAT] button in the EQ screen. (no hardware short-cut)

(PM5D) Press and hold down UPPER and LOWER keys.

(M7CL) Press both GAIN and Q knobs of a band that you'd like to flatten.

(LS9) Press both HIGH and LOW keys.

(DM2000 and 02r96) Press and hold down FREQUENCY/Q knob of a band that you'd like to flatten.
(DM1000 and 01v96) Press and hold down band key that you'd like to flatten.

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Monitor Mix on M7CL

How do I setup my M7CL as a monitor console? Where is monitor output and a monitor level master fader?

Please refer to M7CL Short-cut list.
The following is from the document.

1. TO PATCH MONITOR OUT
The default patch does not include an XLR output for cue/monitor signals. To patch the monitor bus to an omni out;
1. Press the Headphone Icon in the function access panel.
2. Open the MONITOR pop-up by pressing the grey tab to the left of the screen.
3. Press the grey square under the L meter to see the OUTPUT PORT SELECT for Monitor L pop-up and chose your output (OMNI 1 for example).
4. If you want to monitor in mono press MONO MONITOR to combine signals from ST IN channels and hear signals panned to the right.
5. If you want to monitor in stereo repeat steps 1-3 for the R side.

2. CUE LEVEL ON A FADER
Some stage monitor engineers like to have fader control of their Cue listening level. There is no software short-cut for doing this and to achieve this you need a MY card (eg MY8-AE) and break-out cable. Here is a way to configure this on M7CL:
1. In the MONITOR screen MONITOR pop-up, patch the
Monitor out L and R to a Slot outputs, eg Slot 1-1 and Slot 1-2.
2. Physically connect Slot 1-1 output to Slot 1-1 input and Slot 1-2 output to Slot 1-2 input using your breakout cable.
3. Patch the Insert return of the STEREO Master to Slot 1-1 and Slot 1-2. (Select STEREO> “push-click” any encoder> touch INSERT grey square.)
4. Switch on the INSERT for the STEREO masters, and check the INSERT POINT is PRE ATT if you want to use channel EQ.
5. Connect the wedge amp or in-ear pack to OMNI 15(L) and OMNI 16(R) in the default routing or patch the STEREO outputs to your chosen output.

NOTE
Do not cue the STEREO channel, or a feedback loop will be created.
Remember to set the MONITOR LEVEL rotary knob to 10 as the audio still passes through this.

CUE LEVEL ON FADER; AN ALTERNATIVE
If you don’t have access to a suitable MY card you can patch the monitor output to an OMNI out and then bring that back into a spare input channel routed to the MONO master. However remember that this “economy method” introduces an extra DA and AD conversion and routes the signal through an unnecessary HA stage so there will be quality and latency issues that could effect precise monitoring.

NOTE
If you want to use this method for stereo monitoring using the STEREO master fader remember you must unassign all the input channels routed to the STEREO by default.

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Keep On Truckin!

This is Jack and Jack is the MAN! Jack and his 53 foot trailer hauled our gear from Buena Park to Dallas; Dallas to New York; New York to Atlantic City; Atlantic City to Tyson's Corner, VA; Tyson's Corner to Minneapolis; and Minneapolis and Vegas! By the time we get back to Buena Park, Jack will have driven over 6,324 miles!!!! (and you thought you had a tough commute).

It didn't matter if it was raining, windy, or sunny. Jack was always waiting for us when we arrived, ready to load up when we were, and he never....ever made fun of Jose's Pack. ;) Now you know why he's the man. Thanks for all your help Jack. See you again soon!

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PM5DEX is now released

At InfoComm08, Yamaha introduced PM5DEX.
We gave a new name for a system of PM5D and DSP5D.

Also a booklet about PM5D V2 features is available from the web site. I believe most of PM5D are already updated to V2.20 and you are using those functions. But please check it and get better ideas of Virtual Soundcheck function, new security functions, improvements for operations of the system.

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At InfoComm/NSCA 2008

Now we are back to Las Vegas and waiting for you coming to InfoComm/NSCA.

Yes, we are ready.

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Looking forward to seeing you at InforComm/NSCA in Las Vegas

We will be in Las Vegas next week for InfoComm/NSCA. Yamaha has two booths for consoles and speakers.

If you are coming to the show, please visit "C5628 Technologies for Worship Expo". We will be there for Digital Console Workshop with M7CL.
See you there!

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M7CL School in Minneapolis -- June 13, 2008

Thank you for coming to the class today.
It was the last class of this seminar tour! Now, we are going back home! ... for this weekend. Then, we are flying to Las Vegas for InfoComm.

It was a great week for us to see many good people here.
See you next time!

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YCJ Staff visits the YCATS team in Minneapolis

The picture above shows Jose, Mr. Nao Kohyama, Mr. Hiroshi Hamamatsu and me in front of the M7CL at our seminar in Minneapolis. Posing in front of the M7CL was the perfect choice, as both of these guys were involved in the development of the console. Thats right Minneapolis, the guys who helped build one of your favorite consoles were there and available to answer your questions.

Thanks again to Nao and Hiroshi for joining us in Minneapolis. We'll see you again soon!

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M7CL Training Seminar -- July 12, 2008

The sun was back out for the first day of M7CL Seminars in Minneapolis. The room was filled with people, questions, and tips for all! Thank you to all of you for coming out and joining us. We look forward to seeing you again in the future.

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PC software for AD8HR remote

ES-Monitor and DME Designer can control AD8HR/AD824 HA Gain from your PC. But it need EtherSound device or DME to do it.

Audio Service has a program for it. "Remotesoftware for Yamaha AD8HR/AD824"
This could be another option for this.

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Paul from Visual Horizon Communications

On July 9th, the YCATS team had the opportunity to visit with the guys at Visual Horizon Communications in Saint Paul, MN. Paul and Brad were kind enough to show us around the facilities and demonstrate how they have been using their PM5D, DCU5D, and DSP5D at their events. The picture on the right shows Jose, Paul and me in the VHC warehouse along with the PM5D and DSP5D.

The picture below shows the DCU5D in the back of the case. What you don't see is the VHC branded cover that protects the unit...very nice! These guys are definitely ahead of the game.

Thanks again for the hospitality guys. We'll work on hosting a seminar in Hawaii for ya! ;-)

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DME frimware V3.09 released

DME got firmware update to V3.09.
This is compatible with DME Designer V3.0.0 or later.

New Features

• The PM5D console can now communicate with the group master DME whose ID is not limited to only 2 but also allows other numbers, when remotely controlling the DME units from the PM5D (DME Control function). In this case, however, the PM5D firmware must be V2.20 or later.
• The screen image appearing when the DME64N/24N starts up can now be replaced with a graphic file of your choice in the following way. This function allows you to display a desired startup screen-for example, one that includes your facility's name and logo.
  
  Preparing the graphic data
  Create the desired graphic data at a size of 160 x 48 dots in black-and-white bitmap format (extension .bmp) and save it as a file with the name "opening.bmp."
  
  Replacing the graphic data
  Transmit the graphic file ("opening.bmp") to the DME unit using the DME File Storage function from the DME Designer. This image will be displayed at the startup screen from the next time when the DME starts up.
  
  Other information
  To restore the default startup screen, create a dummy file and change the name to "blank.bmp." and storage it in the same way as above. The default startup screen will be displayed from the next time when the DME starts up.
  The file transmitted to the DME unit using the DME File Storage function will be automatically erased after completing the internal configuration. This means the file is not stored on the DME unit.
  Compatible graphic files are limited to black-and-white bitmap format at a size of 160 x 48. Other graphic files cannot be displayed.
  The "Copyright" indication at the bottom of the screen cannot be erased.
  Only the DME64N/24N is compatible with this function. The ICP1 is incompatible.

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PM5D Scene Management/Expansion...July 11

Here we are in our second day of seminars here in Minneapolis.
We had to take the picture indoors because the weather was extremely bad outside.

Thanks everyone for coming out and spend the day. Thanks for all the questions and suggestions.

Hope we will get together again soon.

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PM5D Operational Training Seminar -- July 10, 2008

The YCATS Team is in Minneapolis, MN conducting the latest round of PM5D Operational Training Seminars. Once again the house was packed! Thanks again to all those who attended. We look forward to seeing you again in the future.

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10+ popular posts - May 08

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4. M7CL School in New York -- May 23, 2008
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6. Port number for DME-N Network Driver
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Japanese guys got a lot of views!!
and few more...

11. 0.2M Earthquake Hits Dallas Seminar
12. M7CL seminar, Dallas 5/9/08
13. Bob getting the job done
14. The most popular request in our class
15. PM5D Advanced School in New York -- May…
16. Compatibility between the firmware and …
17. PM5D School in New York -- May 20, 2008
18. M7CL in NYC...May 22,2008
19. Jeff Thomas Jr. from LA
20. Patch ES network audio virtually

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Would you like a tour of Yamaha factory in Japan?

Yamaha Japan released a video of factory tour and other contents about quality control.

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YCATS has left Tyson's Corner, VA

The YCATS team would like to say thanks to the crew at McLean Bible Church (above) for all of your help this past week. You and your teammates have built a top notch facility and every detail is a great reflection of the quality staff. We hope to see you again!

We'd also like to say thanks to Ultimate Events Catering Company. The variety and selection of food was awesome. The crew was very professional and helpful. We look forward to working with you again!

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In Minneaplois this week.

We are in Minneapolis this week.
It was a beautiful day here today. Our load-in was smooth and easy. (Thank you, Jake, for your help!)


We went to a restaurant near here, "Chino Latino" for dinner. It was a very interesting space. Actually it was a huge restaurant and a lot of good food and drinks!
We ate:
TEMPURA SHRIMP LOLLIPOPS,
LAMMA ISLAND SALTY SQUID,
PHILIPPINE PAELLA,
CUBAN PORK ROAST CRISIS,
THE THREE WAY: ANY 3 SIDES
(CRISPY FRIED PLANTAINS,
SESAME PAKE NOODLES,
FRIED RICE WITH GUACAMOLE),
CHOCOLATE FLANDANGO

All was interestingly good food. If you feel "Fried rice with Guacamole" sounds odd, you need to try it. You will know what the "Fried rice with Guacamole" tastes like.

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M7CL School in Tysons Corner -- June 6, 2008

Thank you for coming to the class last Friday!

Leland made his seminar debut in thas morning finally! He did a good job.
How was the class for you all?

Thank you, again.

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M7CL Virginia...June 5,2008

As you can see we had a nice group in Virginia. Different people from VA, DC and MD came to hang out with us.

M7CL always brings people looking for different applications, from a Church application to and Install and PA.

It is always nice to come back to places and see old friends and also meet new ones.
See you soon.

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PM5D Scene Management and Expansion Seminar -- June 4, 2008

What was once known as the PM5D Advanced Seminar is now called the PM5D Scene Managment and Expansion Seminar. In this class, you'll learn how to use Studio Manager to handle festivals, increase the number of graphic eq's with a DME, and expand the inputs using the DSP5D.

Thanks to all those who attended Day 2 in Virginia. We look forward to seeing you again!

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Mono Fader as Mix16 Master Fader

I'm using MIX16 as sub woofer send. Can I use MONO fader for its master level control?

A similar trick as "CUE LEVEL ON A FADER" on page 5 of M7CL Short-Cut List can be used.

There is no software short-cut for doing this and to achieve this you need a MY card (eg MY8-AE installed to Slot 1) and break-out cable. (This gives you input delay, too!)
Here is a way to configure this on M7CL:

1. In the Selected Channel screen of MIX16, patch the MIX16 output to a Slot outputs, eg Slot 1-1. (Select MIX16> “push-click” any encoder> touch PATCH grey square.)

2. Physically connect Slot 1-1 output to Slot 1-1 input using your breakout cable.

3. Patch the Insert return of the MONO Master to Slot 1-1 (Select MONO> “push-click” any encoder> touch INSERT grey square.)

4. Switch on the INSERT for the MONO masters, and check the INSERT POINT is PRE ATT if you want to use both of the channel EQ on MIX16 and MONO.

5. Patch the Output port of the MONO Master to OMNI14 (Select MONO> “push-click” any encoder> touch INSERT grey square.)

6. Connect the Sub amp to OMNI 14.

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DME got an update to V3.08 (Updated)

Engineers found a issue with the firmware V3.08. Fixed version will be released next week. Please wait for it. (June 6, 2008)


DME firmware V3.08 and DME Designer V3.0.1 are released last night.

If you are using PM5D's DME REMOTE function, there's more flexibility in IP address setting now. Also you can load a picture for startup screen of DME.
Both of the firmware and the Designer software got several bug fixes.

They are compatible with the last firmware and the Designer.

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No pictures please...No pictures!!!

When I interviewed for the YCATS position, they told me about the hard work, they told me about the amount of travel....but they forgot to mention the paparazzi. Apparently, our seminars our so popular, we travel with our own photographer. Now I know how the celebs feel.

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PM5D Operational Training Seminar -- Tyson's Corner, VA

The PM5D School is in a new city and has a new name! What was once known as the PM5D Basic Seminar is now known as the PM5D Operational Training Seminar. Its a longer name, but a better description of what you'll learn in the class. Many thanks to all those who attended. We look forward to seeing you again in the future.

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Meet John Conard...District Manager in CA & HI

"Canario" as I call him is our district manager for California and Hawaii.
We actually get to spend a lot of time with him because he is also based out of California.
We get to see him often at the office or when we have seminars at the office.
He loves to take pictures and he also know how to look good in one.

See you soon John.

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Big Ben

Only six votes, so far...
Anyway, I think no one doubts that the product is most used word clock generator in US.
Any other thought?

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Atlantic City Seminar -- May 28th, 2008

Thank you for coming to the seminar last week.
I'm sorry for uploading the picture late.

We had the same format of the seminar as the last day and there was a lot of information in the condensed six hours seminar for M7CL and PM5D.

To get more details of the system, please find a next available seminar close to you and come to it. We will have more time to discuss about the system.

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Quick Start Guide for M7CL

There are pdf files of M7CL Quick Start Guide. Please download from our download page for your reference. If you have a CD-ROM we gave you at the class, the documents are on it.

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