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| Yamaha TF1 console is a combination of fast, intuitive control surface, comprehensive facilities and high quality sound |
Yamaha’s TF digital mixing console range has already gained many admirers for its unique combination of fast, intuitive control surface, comprehensive facilities and high quality sound, all delivered at an exceptional price point. Proof that the highest profile organisations recognise its many advantages has recently been seen in English National Opera’s investment in a TF1.
The TF range is designed to ensure that high quality mixes can be quickly produced by any engineer, whatever their level of experience. But this doesn’t mean it’s destined only to be a fixture of education and local venues - it offers many advantages to all sound providers, as English National Opera (ENO) Head of Sound Jacey Linton explains.
“We do many events, from full opera productions to dance shows, talks, parties and so on. These take place in our main house at the London Coliseum, but also in other locations.” he says. “We have bigger consoles in the main house, like Yamaha CLs, but I needed a compact, portable desk which could deliver high quality mixes for these other events.”
Jacey looked at a number of options with ENO’s audio supplier LMC Audio Systems but, when he became aware of the TF series launch last April, his mind was made up. “Once I heard Yamaha were bringing out a compact digital desk with 16 outputs priced at below £2000, it was a no brainer,” he says.
“Yamaha is a manufacturer I know, trust and the TF1 is a solution that I knew could be used in many situations, thanks to its size and onboard processing. But, once I got further into the specifications, I realised that it would be a good small desk to use on rehearsals outside of the main building. Having the 16 outputs to feed a small PA and quick access to all the tools on the inputs, as well as knowing that being by Yamaha it would sound good and be reliable, made the choice very easy.”
User-friendly console
Supplied by LMC, the TF1 soon proved how user friendly it is. “Straight out of the box it was really easy to use,” says Jacey. “It feels like Yamaha has designed the TF series to be easy for a ‘new age’ of user, the ones who are coming from the world of virtual mixing, iPads and so on. I think it’s a really good thing, as it has meant I can leave up and coming techs with the desk and know they will just get on with it.”
The console has already been in use on a number of events, both in the Coliseum and at other venues. A major production was the Ardani 25 Dance Gala, which took place on 17th-18th July and saw the TF1 used in the main house to mix the music - live and playback - for an all-star line-up of contemporary dancers, including Natalia Osipova, Edward Watson, Ivan Vasiliev and Marcelo Gomes.
It was also used for a showcase by the D&B Academy of Performing Arts at the Shaw Theatre in St Pancras. Featuring 20 young performers sharing 10 wireless microphone packs, plus playback, Jacey was impressed at the TF1’s ability to give a small show a thoroughly professional air.
Impressive sound quality
“I found the touchscreen functions really useful for changing the audio processing on the fly between singers as they swapped radio packs,” he says. “The sound quality was impressive, overall for such a compact and cost-effective product it was fantastic to work with.”
Sam Simon-Norris, Technical Sales Supervisor at LMC Audio, adds, “The release of the TF series has allowed users from all backgrounds to invest in a brand which is renowned for reliability, but which, despite its modest price tag, does not hold back on the features! “For ENO, the TF fits perfectly - compact footprint, simple yet stylish design and workflow and above all the absolute security that, no matter what the gig, the desk will stand up and perform every time.”
