The Yamaha TF-5 is the largest model in the TF series: The console comes with 32 analogue inputs (jack/XLR combo sockets), which are equipped with Yamaha D-PRE preamps with recall capability. The TF-5 can also be expanded using an optional Dante card, which enables up to 48 mix channels. The 16 Omni outputs can be used in conjunction with the 20 internal busses for comprehensive monitoring, multiple speaker sets, or outboard equipment. In terms of internal effects, each channel has its own dedicated EQ, gate, and compressor, alongside eight additional FX processors (two function as global sends) based on Yamaha's successful SPX effects. An internal USB audio interface enables up to 34 channels to be streamed in both directions, and also allows both multitrack recordings and virtual sound checks.
With their TouchFlow user interface – which is what TF stands for – the digital mixers in Yamaha's TF series are all about perfecting the user's workflow and delivering optimum results in the shortest possible time, which is achieved with the help of a host of intelligent features. The central element of the Yamaha TF-5's clearly laid-out control panel is a 7" touchscreen that recognises multi-touch gestures, which in combination with the device's numerous encoders – some of which can be freely assigned – enables both intuitive and precise operation. The QuickPro presets are a special feature of the TF series, containing as they do settings for common combinations of microphones and instruments. Together with features such as the GainFinder for accelerated levelling and the single-knob EQ and single-knob COMP, very little effort is required to create a functional basis for an outstanding live sound.
The TouchFlow interface and the other intelligent features of the Yamaha TF series enable the consoles to be set up quickly, making them ideal for musicians who'd prefer to avoid a deep dive into the details of sound engineering. TouchFlow makes it possible, for example, to select a QuickPro preset for a singer's Shure SM58 or for a guitar amp's Sennheiser e609, and then move straight on to adjusting the intensity of the EQ curve via the single-knob EQ. Similarly, the single-knob COMP is able to configure several parameters of a compressor simultaneously. Even experienced sound engineers will appreciate the time this tool will save in many situations – and quite apart from all the extras, the Yamaha TF-5 is easy to use as a traditional digital console.
For decades, Yamaha has been one of the world's best-known manufacturers of musical instruments and audio technology. The Japanese company's long history began at the end of the 19th century with the harmonium. The product range has constantly expanded since then, which has made Yamaha one of the few manufacturers today to offer almost the entire range of existing musical instruments: From upright and grand pianos to guitars, wind instruments, and bowed string instruments and from drums and percussion to electronic keyboards and synthesizers. Yamaha is also a major force in the field of audio engineering as a manufacturer of mixing consoles, amplifiers, PA systems, and more. Yamaha's guiding principle is to combine traditional craftsmanship with state-of-the-art technology.
Thanks to its expandability via an optional Dante card – giving it up to 48 channels – the Yamaha TF-5 can also be used for larger, more complicated live shows. An ideal partner in the Dante network is the Yamaha Tio 1608-D stagebox, which adds a further 16 analogue inputs and eight analogue outputs to the system and thus fully exploits the possible number of channels. The various remote control options available thanks to the numerous apps for Mac, PC, and iOS devices are particularly helpful for larger events. As soon as the Yamaha TF-5 is connected to a WLAN router via its network port, the functionality of the touchscreen can be transferred to an iPad for editing. In addition, up to ten musicians can log into the system to control their monitor mix from the stage.
QuickPro presets
The QuickPro presets were developed in collaboration with the microphone manufacturers Sennheiser, Shure, and Audio Technica and are collated in the system according to instrument type. The complex presets contain parameters for HA gain, EQ, and compressor and even include settings for channel names and colour coding. The presets also interact the operation of the simplified single-knob EQ and single-knob COMP: For example, when working with the vocal preset of a Shure SM58 or Sennheiser e835, the single-knob EQ specifically targets these devices' most characteristic points in the frequency spectrum and generates a combination of boosts and cuts with an adaptable intensity. In addition, there is a category of presets for output channels configured for various Yamaha active loudspeakers in rooms of different sizes and for a number of different in-ear headphone models.