PM5000

The PM5000 takes the legendary sound quality of the PM-series consoles to a new level. To achieve this unprecedented quality Yamaha engineers focused on pushing the three main ingredients of sound quality to their limits: reproduction accuracy, signal-to-noise ratio, and crosstalk. This required some in-depth research into circuit topology, parts selection, and grounding, as well as redevelopment of the critical microphone preamplifier, equalizer, and VCA circuits. The result is that the PM5000 is simply the ultimate analog console, delivering sound that sets a towering new standard.

The PM5000's mono input channels include a phantom power switch, 26-dB pad, 50-dB continuous trim, phase switch, 12-dB/octave variable-frequency HPF, four-band fully-parametric EQ with shelving mode switchable for the HI and LOW bands, EQ on/off switch, and insert I/O patch points that can be switched to pre-EQ or post-EQ. LCR panning using the console's mono bus for the center channel is also provided. A CSR (Center-Side Ratio) control can be used to adjust the proportion between hard and phantom centers for LCR panning. Stereo input modules don't include LCR panning, but include an L+R switch in addition to the other functions listed above.

Making a significant departure from conventional console bus setups, the PM5000 provides 35 buses configured as 12 stereo auxiliary buses, eight group/auxiliary buses, a stereo bus, and a mono (center) bus. The group/auxiliary buses can be switched between group and auxiliary operation in two-bus groups. This structure allows the PM5000 to function as a front-of-house console with 12 stereo auxiliary buses and 8 group buses, or as a monitor console with 32 auxiliary buses (12 stereo and 8 mono). When used as group buses, the group/auxiliary buses can be switched to post-pan or pre-pan operation. The L+R switches allow the stereo auxiliary buses to be used as mono auxiliary buses as required.

In addition to an ample supply of buses, the PM5000 features 12 VCA groups. The VCA groups can be cascade-connected to another PM5000, or to a PM4000 or PM3500 for convenient system expansion.* 12 matrix channels (4 stereo and 8 mono) can be used with all 35 buses, providing a total of 16 individual matrix outputs that will fulfill the multi-output requirements of even large-scale concert systems. * VCA groups 1 through 8 can be cascaded with a PM4000 or PM3500.

The PM5000 is available in three configurations: the PM5000-52C with 52 channels (48 mono + 4 stereo) and a center-master layout, or the PM5000-36 and PM5000-28 with 36 (32 mono + 4 stereo) and 28 (24 mono + 4 stereo) channels, respectively, and a right-master layout.

The PM5000's dedicated PW5000 power supply unit includes a transformer-based supply with more than enough capacity to drive the console's audio circuitry, and an independent switching power supply for the digital control circuitry and relays. Significantly enhanced drive capacity means that the power supply remains stable and reliable over a wide range of temperatures, and a low-speed fan keeps the power circuitry within thermal specifications even under difficult ambient conditions. Redundant failsafe power supply operation is supported without the need for a separate switching unit.

In spite of its large capacity and many control functions, the PM5000's panel layout and color scheme make it remarkably easy and intuitive to operate. The basic color scheme is carried over from the previous PM-series models, so engineers who have worked with other PM consoles will feel right at home. The finest details of control "feel" - right down to knob diameter and knurling - have been refined for positive, stress-free operation.

A Variable Summing Gain control is provided just before the master fader of each bus, providing an effective means to reduce overload at the summing amplifier prior to the master fader without having to reduce the levels of individual input faders or preamplifier gain controls. The Variable Summing Gain control can be adjusted to provide from 0 (bypass) to 20-dB of attenuation at the summing amp, allowing other level settings to be maintained for maximum mix flexibility as well as sound quality.

Although the PM5000 is an analog console and all audio is handled in the analog domain, scene storage and recall is handled digitally for up-to-date convenience in today's complex entertainment applications. Up to 990 scenes contain a comprehensive range of on/off settings, assignments, and fader levels (refer to the table, below). Motor faders, illuminated switches and LED indicators make the recalled settings visually obvious. A recall safe function, developed on the basis of experience with the acclaimed digital PM1D console, is another feature that contributes to the PM5000's practicality and reliability. Recall safe and fader safe keys are located beside the faders for easy access and visual confirmation of safe status. Scene data and basic console settings can be stored to compact Flash memory media for convenient data storage and portability.