The Overview display – the console’s default display – gives you a standard view of the 8 channels selected via the Centralogic™ navigation keys. These keys, arranged in an exact replica of the 8-channel channel groups on the console, let you instantly bring any group of 8 channels to the central controls with a single button-press. You can then touch any row of controls on the display screen to focus on them – pan, or bus send, for example – and adjust via the corresponding multi-function encoders immediately below the display. You should be able to perform a basic mix on the M7CL without even having to open the manual.

To adjust pan for a channel, for example, simply press the channel’s [SEL] key and rotate the console’s physical PAN control. The same applies to preamp gain, dynamics, high-pass filter, EQ, and bus send control. Adjustments are clearly shown on the display as you make them, as is the status of all mix parameters for the currently selected channel. You can zoom in on any of the on-screen parameters for in-depth control by simply touching the parameter on the screen. When you’re focused on a parameter the multi-function encoders below the display screen adjust the corresponding parameters in the display.

The M7CL’s extraordinarily intuitive control interface receives a lot of attention, but the sound of these fine consoles is outstanding as well. After all, it really is all about the sound.

Adjusts gain of the console’s class-leading input-channel head amplifiers over a 72-dB range. HA gain is recallable like almost all of the console’s other settings. Touch the HA section of the display to access the +48V phantom power and phase settings.

DYNAMICS 1 adjusts gate threshold level for input channels, or compressor threshold level for mix, matrix, or stereo/mono channels. DYNAMICS 2 adjusts compressor threshold level for input channels. In either case the actual parameter controlled depends on the selected dynamics processor type – gates, compressors, expanders, and even de-essers for advanced vocal processing. Although initially set up for gate + compressor processing, you can also use dual compressors.

This very versatile 4-band parametric EQ section affords extraordinary equalization control and quality for all inputs and buses. Switchable Type I and Type II EQ algorithms let you choose the type of EQ response that best suits the application.

There will undoubtedly be times when you’ll want to link a pair of faders to handle stereo signals, or perhaps even link more channels for simultaneous operation. The M7CL lets you link as many channels together as you like, and even deselect parameters that you don't want to be linked. You can even create links with offsets in level.

Send controls for the 16 mix buses and 8 matrices that can be used as auxiliary, monitor, effect send, or group controls depending on whether the AUX SEND (VARI) pre-attenuator or pre/post-fader mode or the GROUP (FIXED) mode is selected. There’s also an INPUT TO MATRIX mode that lets you send the input channel signals directly to the matrix.

Yamaha digital effects are highly regarded in the professional sound field for a very good reason: they are simply the best. Whether you need to add a touch of reverb or manipulate a sound for other-worldly effect, the M7CL offers everything built in and ready to roll. The M7CL also comes with Yamaha's superlative REV-X package for some of the best ambience effects available anywhere, and a selection of VCM effects that deliver truly musical analog compression, saturation, and EQ.

Just touch the RACK button on the M7CL display, and the virtual effect and EQ rack pops right up for instant, easy access. A few quick touches on the screen and you can easily patch effects or graphic EQ into any channel and output. Another touch or two and you can get right inside the effects for detailed editing. The M7CL lets you use up to 8 signal processors simultaneously – normally that’s up to 4 effects and 4 graphic EQ units. But since the effect units can also function as graphic EQs, you can use more EQ units if you don’t need all 4 effects. Built-in effects range from ambience and echo to modulation and distortion, plus Yamaha’s superlative REV-X package for some of the most natural-sounding ambience effects available anywhere. The standard 31-band graphic EQ modules are directly adjustable via physical controllers, and Flex15GEQ modules allow GEQ to be applied to up to 16 channels at once! More effect and GEQ details are provided on the following page.

M7CL brings a selection of previously optional VCM effects to the platform, providing truly musical performance and subtleties that simple digital simulations cannot even approach. 

These compressor and EQ effects, now standard features of all M7CL consoles, faithfully capture the unique sound and saturation of analog circuitry with VCM technology that actually models individual analog circuit components, right down to the last resistor and capacitor. All VCM effects are sonically fine-tuned by leading engineers, and feature carefully selected parameters that can be precisely controlled via a simple, refined interface. 

Compressor 276 
Recreate the fast response, frequency characteristics, and tube-amp saturation of the most in-demand analog compressors for studio use. 
Compressor 260 
Features faithful modeling of the solid-state VCA and RMS detection circuitry of the late 70's for live sound reinforcement applications. 
Equalizer 601 
Delivers the unique characteristics of 70's analog EQ circuitry, featuring comprehensive graphical editing capability. 
OpenDeck 
VCM technology recreates classic tape compression and saturation with extraordinary realism.

Any of the 31 bands on the graphic equalizer modules can be directly controlled via the Centralogic™ faders. Other convenient control features include the ability to instantly reset any band to nominal simply by pressing the appropriate [ON] key.

Any of the 31 bands on the graphic equalizer modules can be directly controlled via the Centralogic™ faders. Other convenient control features include the ability to instantly reset any band to nominal simply by pressing the appropriate [ON] key.

A streamlined, efficient workflow is essential to delivering the best sound under any conditions. M7CL consoles give you the tools you need to make the most of any situation.

The 8 Centralogic™ faders are of the same type as the primary channel faders. Simply press the appropriate Centralogic™ navigation key to bring control of any group of 8 input channel faders to the Centralogic™ controls and Overview display. The multi-function encoders at the top of each Centralogic™ control strip are used to control the parameters you “focus” on by touching the appropriate area of the Overview display.

The 12 User Defined Keys can be assigned to perform a range of handy functions. You could assign one for tap-tempo input of delay times, others to jump to specific display screens, to control specified mute groups, or to activate talkback, for example. An innovative User Defined Key function is “Set by SEL”, with which the channel [SEL] keys perform a range of alternate functions if pressed while the assigned User Defined Key is held: reset the defaults for that channel, turn phantom power on or off, set the channel fader to nominal … and more.

Channel names and icons appear at the top and bottom of every channel in the Overview display, and by simply touching one you can select one of the preset names provided or enter your own via the convenient onscreen keyboard. There’s even an excellent selection of icons you can choose from for easy visual identification of the source type.

The levels of channels assigned to a DCA group are controlled from one of the console’s DCA faders in the Centralogic™ control area. Any number of channel faders can be assigned to any of the console’s 8 DCA faders. Mute grouping is another feature that can be a great advantage in live sound applications. Any number of channels can be muted or unmuted via assigned User Defined Keys. Up to 8 mute groups can be specified.

The M7CL-32 and M7CL-48 rear panels have individual balanced inputs for each of the console’s input channels. All outputs (except insert-outs) can be patched to the 16 OMNI OUT connectors. All you have to do is plug in your sources and output system and you’re ready to mix. If you need a different routing arrangement re-routing is easily accomplished via the M7CL’s straightforward digital patching interface.

When working on a monitor mix, touch the Sends on Fader button on the display to instantly assign the selected mix bus sends to the faders so you can visually confirm send levels and adjust them with full-length fader precision. Sends on Fader works for the matrix sends as well. In addition, press a Mix Send knob in the Sends on Fader mode to select the corresponding mix bus for speedy access to mix send levels. If you currently use User Defined Keys to jump to Sends on Faders, this feature will free up precious User Defined Keys for even faster operation.

You have a choice of controlling Monitor/Cue level using either the Mono or Stereo fader and the Monitor Level encoder. For many engineers the fader provides better visual level indication, for more precise, comfortable adjustment.

Each of the M7CL mix buses can be quickly assigned for mono or stereo operation. Pre-EQ send is also available, and this can be an advantage when using the mix buses to feed an in-ear monitor system, for example.

Digital technology is impressive, but is only meaningful if applied with focus and care. 
Yamaha delivers maximum digital value with features that really make a difference.

A “scene” is a complete snapshot of all the console’s settings, and the M7CL lets you store up to 300 complete scenes for instant recall whenever they’re needed. This makes it a snap to reset the entire console for band changes, for example. You could also store basic setups for different types of shows, then recall and tweak the settings as required.

Global Paste allows simultaneous editing of parameters on multiple scenes, eliminating the need to recall and edit individual scenes. If you need to make last minute changes to HA or EQ settings in all scenes because a fill-in musician is bringing different instruments to a particular show, for example, Global Paste will have the job done in no time.

Recall focus lets you specify the parameters to be recalled with each scene, while recall safe allows you to specify parameters that are not to be recalled with any scene. You can use recall safe, for example, to prevent any scene recall operation from changing a critical overall EQ setting, or use recall focus to prevent the vocal channel fader setting from being changed by recall of a specific scene.

The Channel Library is a memory bank that stores channel parameter settings such as dynamics and EQ. Store your most frequently used parameter settings for fast, efficient setup.

In many applications it is desirable to prevent unauthorized access to the console, or restrict access to a limited set of functions. The M7CL’s access management features can be a significant advantage for overall system administration.

User access can be controlled via USB memory keys with passwords. The administrator can assign specific functions to each unique key, so the user only has to log onto the console with the USB key containing the password to begin operation at the assigned level.

Standard USB memory sticks can be plugged into the M7CL USB port for convenient storage and recall of a range of data: scenes, patches, user libraries, channel names, preferences … essentially all system data. In addition to providing a secure backup, this makes it easy to transfer data between the console and the M7CL Editor application running on your personal computer, or directly between