Seria QL
General Specification
What are the differences between QL5 and QL1?
The number of local analog I/O (QL5: 32in/16out, QL1: 16in/8out), Input channels (QL5: 64+8st, QL1: 32+8st), Dante channels (QL5: 64in/64out, QL1: 32in/32out), and faders (QL5: 32+2, QL1: 16+2) vary depending on each model, but the other basic specifications including output channel count are consistent, so you get the same capabilities and performance whichever model you choose for your application. This also means consistent performance and operation in systems that implement multiple consoles.
Can Mix buses be increased to more than 16?
Yes, 8 Matrix buses can also be used for routing from input channels, so Mix buses can be expanded up to 24.
How many Dante devices can be mounted? How many R series units can be controlled?
Up to 24 Dante devices can be mounted for audio routing, and up to 8 units of R series HAs can be controlled from one console.
How many QL consoles can be used to control R series units in the same Dante network?
4 QL consoles. Any additional QL consoles in the network must have their CONSOLE ID set to “OFF”.
Can QL and CL series consoles be used in the same system, to control the same R series devices?
Yes, but each CONSOLE ID number must be unique. That means 4 consoles totally can be used to control R series devices. (2x QL on stage + 2x CL at FoH, for example).
Can different types of I/O racks be mixed in a system?
Yes of course. You can combine not only Rio3224-D and Rio1608-D which provide a number of inputs and outputs, but also Ri8-D for input-only portable racks and Ro8-D for output-only amp racks.
How many consoles can share HA with Gain Compensation?
Up to 4 CL/QL consoles can share the HA control of I/O racks with Gain Compensation. Audio signal can be shared among more than 4 Dante devices.
What are the CL/QL series Gain Compensation algorithm and the benefit?
Compensation gain is applied at the digital stage of I/O racks and QL internal headamps, and can work to compensate the analog gain changes by moving in the opposite direction, which allows multiple CL/QL consoles to take the compensated (stable) input signals. The compensated signal is also delivered to other Dante devices such as computer and other consoles equipped with Dante, because the gain is compensated at the headamp digital stage of I/O rack or QL, not in the console.
What is the “Port to port” function?
"Port to port" is the ability to directly patch input ports to output ports without going through mixing channels, which provides freedom for routing signals between the analog, Dante, and MY slot inputs and outputs.
What is the use case of “Port to port”?
For example,
- A QL console could be used as a remote I/O device for another QL or CL series console while simultaneously functioning as a monitor console. So the I/O of the monitor console can be used as a stage-box and splitter for the front-of-house console, while analog gains can be remotely controlled from the front-of-house QL or CL console.
- You can mix analog signals received at the console while directly transmitting them (pre- or post-fader) to a multi-track recording system via Dante.
- It’s also possible to use MY8-LAKE Contour mode (crossover) and directly route the outputs to Dante ports without consuming any channels or buses.
How many channels of built-in Dugan automixing are available?
An 8ch or 16ch Dugan Automixer can be mounted on GEQ rack and inserted into any channels. The control panel is also available on the QL touch screen. If you need more automix channels, use optional Dugan-MY16 cards, but please note that the automix groups cannot be linked between the built-in Automixer and the cards.
Is Cascade function available in order to increase Input channel mixing capacity?
Yes. Using the Mini-YGDAI slots or Dante port (QL-QL only), you can configure the bus cascade connection. The cascade link communication is also available through MIDI or Slot1.
When cascading two CL/QL Series consoles, how can I connect them and make the word clock settings?
They can be cascaded via MY cards such as MY16-AE and Dante-MY16-AUD, or Dante ports on the QL console. For details on the connections and clock settings, please refer to the slide show below.
What is Premium Rack? What is VCM technology?
Premium Rack is a rack to mount 8 units of special EQ and comp such as Rupert Neve Designs Portico EQ/comp. VCM (Virtual Circuitry Modeling) technology is a Yamaha’s innovative modeling technology which involves a technique to model the analogue circuitry on a component level and faithfully reproduces even the saturated sound and non-linear characteristics of analog devices. The accurately-modeled EQ and dynamics of Premium Rack and Effect Rack employ the VCM technology.
How many GEQ is available?
8 units of 31-band GEQs are available in GEQ Rack, but if you choose Flex15GEQ instead, you can use up to 16 units of Flex15GEQ which allows you to adjust up to 15 bands per unit. Additionally, 8 Effects units can be converted into GEQ (31-band or Flex15), which means you can insert up to 32 GEQs into all the output buses.
Why do the headamp gain values differ from those of the other consoles such as M7CL and PM5D?
CL/QL series indicates the actual amplification factor (level ratio of input to output) instead of the former input sensitivity (input signal level required to obtain the nominal output). This is to match with the indication for the newly-introduced digital gain.
Setup / Operation
Do I have to use a computer to setup routing between console and I/O racks?
No. Setup can be done without a computer unless any Dante devices other than CL/QL consoles and R series units are connected. It is also capable of detecting and patching XMV-D series and NEXO NXAMP (with NXDT104 card attached) power amps etc. If you want to configure an advanced system with other Dante devices, Dante Controller on a computer will be necessary.
Do I have to use network switches in order to connect console and I/O racks?
No and yes. QL consoles and R series units are equipped with a built-in switch which allows you to connect these devices in a daisy-chain without external network switches. This mode is called “Daisy Chain mode”. There is another mode called “Redundant mode”, which is a star connection with switches. This mode provides network redundancy and expandability of the system configuration.
Can systems be expanded not only with consoles and I/O racks, but also with signal processors or power amps?
Yes. Dante-MY16-AUD card can be inserted into Yamaha signal processors DME64N/24N and power amp TXn series, which can join to the same Dante network with setup by QL or Dante Controller.
How is redundancy in terms of power supply, network and DSP processing?
PW800W can NOT be used as a redundant power supply. Dante network can be configured with redundancy of Primary and Secondary connections in Redundant mode. DSP engine does not have any redundant function: two consoles can be used on the same network for that purpose.
What do I have to take care of when connecting multiple CL/QL consoles in a system?
You need to assign a different Console ID (1-4) to each console for identification. If you will share a single set of I/O racks with multiple consoles, be sure that With Recall is disabled on all but one console. This will be the console that recalls the required headamp settings with each Scene memory.
How can I load a console file from a guest engineer on my QL console without affecting the Dante setup and I/O rack patches?
Turn off "With Dante Setup and I/O Device" before loading console files (.CLF). This setting is found at the bottom of the SAVE/LOAD page.
Remote control from PC and iPad
Are QL Editor on computer and QL StageMix on iPad available?
Yes. QL Editor runs on Windows and Mac, and QL StageMix on iPad is available. A single QL StageMix on iPad and a single QL Editor on computer can be used online at the same time.
Can I use QL Editor offline to set up the routing between the QL and I/O racks beforehand?
Unfortunately not: QL Editor can only make patching within the console. The QL console is always required to route between the QL and I/O racks. On the QL console, you can route I/O racks offline even when the devices are not connected.
Shure Wireless Receiver Support
Which models of Shure wireless receivers are supported for the control and monitor from the CL/QL series console?
Shure ULXD4D and ULXD4Q Dante models as well as ULXD4, QLXD4, and AXT400 non-Dante models are supported. Be sure to update the Shure firmware (receivers and microphones) to the respective supported versions as well as the CL/QL firmware to V4.1 or later for the remote capability.
Which parameters of Shure wireless receiver can be controlled or monitored from the CL/QL series?
Control parameters: receiver gain, channel name, mute (except for QLXD4), identify, transmitter gain (AXT400 only) Monitoring parameters: audio level, battery status, RF frequency & level, diversity.
How many units of Shure wireless receivers can be controlled/monitored from the CL/QL series?
Up to 24 units of Shure receivers can be controlled and monitored from one console. The receivers need unique ID numbers, though these numbers may be duplicated with Yamaha devices.
The first 24 units of Shure receivers that are discovered by the console can be controlled. If 25 or more units are connected in network, the 25th and later devices will not be controllable.
Can the Shure remote control run on the Dante redundant network?
Only the Dante Primary port works for the remote control, even if the Shure receivers are Dante models. Therefore, the Secondary port does not handle the remote signals even if the Dante redundant network is configured for audio redundancy. Please also be sure to select the SWITCHED or REDUNDANT mode on the Shure receivers (SPLIT mode is not supported).
I cannot control Shure wireless receivers from CL/QL series although they are properly wired. What should be checked?
Please refer to the respective video or documentation guide for the setup.
If audio is working well but the console is still unable to control the Shure receivers:
- Check the IP address used by the Shure receivers: DEVICE UTILITIES->NETWORK->SHURE CONTROL->NETWORK. Mode should usually be “Automatic”.
- Check the device firmware is up to date (v4.1 or newer for CL/QL, v1.7.34 or newer for ULXD4, v1.1.15 or newer for QLXD4, 1.16.11 or newer for AXT400).
- Check the Device ID begins with “Y0**”, where ** is a hexadecimal number between 01 and FF.
- Check the CL/QL SETUP->NETWORK menu. The IP address for MIXER CONTROL must be in a different subnet (number range) to the IP address for DEVICE CONTROL.
- Check if the network switch is using a feature called “IGMP Snooping”. In some rare cases (depending on switch type and device firmware versions) this can block the control data while allowing audio. Test with a different switch, or disable IGMP Snooping if you know how.
- Check if some other consoles or software are already controlling the devices. Control is limited to 4 CL/QL consoles.
- Check if all the IP addresses are in a compatible range.
- Check if the PORT ASSIGN has been made correctly for non-Dante models.
Live recording
What sort of Live Recording solution is available with QL?
Simple 2-track recording using USB key inserted into QL, and full-scale 64-track recording via Dante using DAW software such as Steinberg Nuendo with Dante Virtual Soundcard (DVS) are available. The DVS license is bundled with each QL console, but Nuendo Live is optional.
What is Nuendo Live?
Recording engine is the same as full featured Nuendo, but Nuendo Live is optimized with essential features for live recording purpose so that mixing engineers can handle live recording efficiently and reliably. (e.g. System setup can be completed on one menu screen.) On top of that, there are integrations with QL console thanks to a Console Extension plug-in, such as channel name copy to track, Scene Recall creates new markers and transport control.
What is Dante Virtual Soundcard (DVS)?
DVS is a simple software program that enables the computer network port to act as a Dante audio interface with 64 channels in/out.
Is a DVS license included with QL consoles?
Yes, one DVS license is included with each QL console, Rio3224-D, and Rio1608-D. It is not included with Ri8-D and Ro8-D.
I could not activate my DVS though I've entered the included serial number. How should I do that?
The included serial number with your product is not a license ID but a DVS token. You need to access Audinate's website and use the DVS token to redeem your license ID.
Can I buy DVS as a standalone product?
Yes, you can buy DVS from Audinate web site.
Can I use multiple computers for multi-track recording at a time?
Audio routing is not limited to a single computer, so multiple computers can be used. However, if you will perform recording integrated with the QL console operations using Nuendo Live and Console Extension software, only a single computer can be controlled from a QL console. With four QL consoles connected, each of them can control a different computer.
Can I perform multi-track recording on a desktop PC with Dante Accelerator PCIe card attached instead of DVS?
Yes, you can do that. If you will also integrate the recording with the QL console operations via Console Extension, connect your PC's LAN port to the same network and specify the IP address from the QL console.
Is 2-track recording file path compatible with CL series and LS9?
Yes. You can use the same USB key as your favorite library for these consoles.
Compatibility
Is console data compatible between QL5 and QL1?
Yes. Each console file can be directly loaded into a different model.
Do I need to convert CL series console data for use with QL series?
No. CL series console file (.clf) can be directly loaded into QL consoles, and vice versa.
Can I convert CL/QL series console data to other mixing consoles?
Yes. Yamaha Console File Converter enables bidirectional conversion among PM5D, M7CL, LS9, and CL/QL series.
Can I increase the number of mixing channels if Dante-MY16-AUD cards are inserted into the slots?
It doesn't expand the mixing capability, but allows you to route more channels from the Dante network to your QL console and use them by switching the console patch using scene memories. Normally a QL console can control the headamps of up to eight units of Rio, but it can also control up to four extra units (in case of Ri8-D) from the External HA screen via Slot 1 with Dante-MY16-AUD inserted. Keep in mind, however, these additional Rio units must work in AD8HR mode and cannot provide QL-specific functionality such as Gain Compensation.
Can I use the Gain Compensation function when the CL/QL series are used in conjunction with the existing consoles (e.g. PM5D, M7CL)?
Yes. Existing consoles can receive compensated audio from Rio by the following settings. Note that only CL/QL consoles can adjust HA gain.
1. Insert Dante-MY16-AUD cards to the existing consoles, then connect to the same Dante network as CL/QL series.
2. Activate Rio's Gain Compensation function using CL/QL consoles.
3. Route the audio signals from Rio to Dante-MY16-AUD using Dante Controller.
Are our existing Stage-boxes compatible with QL?
Yes, of course. Stage-box solutions such as SB168-ES and AD8HR+NAI48-ES are compatible with QL consoles via slots, up to 32 channels. (Gain Compensation function is not available with those devices.)