Yamaha LS9-16 Digital Sound Console Step by Step Guide

This guide is to aid users of the Yamaha LS9-16 channel digital console for a quick start.

Breakdown of Specs

• Input Jacks XLR-3-31 Female x16 / -62dBu -+ dBu.
• Omni Out Jacks XLR-3-32 Male x8/ Matrix/Mix output level +4 dBu.
• Slots x1 = mini YGDAI (each card holds 16 channels. Sold separately).
• Network connector = Windows PC Via a CAT 3 (transfer rate 10Mbps) or CAT5 (Max 100 Mbps) Ethernet cable.
• Word clock in/out connectors.
• 2TR Out Digital Jack.
• 2TR In Digital Jack.
• MIDI In/Out.
• AC Connector.
• Power Switch.
• Ground Screw.
• Cooling Vent.
• Phones Level Control.
• Phones Out.

Functions of the LS9
This section is a brief breakdown of the devices functions; what are they, what are they used for & how to use them. Some of the functions are similar to other sound desks so explanations of depth are not required. Any queries of functions that aren’t explained in this guide can be searched for in the Yamaha LS9 manual: http://www.yamaha.co.jp/manual/english/result.php?WORD=ls9&div=pa

Breakdown

Channel Mode Section

This section of the desk controls the main parameters of the input/outout channels along with any monitor outputs too. In conjunction with this, the LAYER section is used to select channels that will be used for this section.

Functions of this section

• ‘SEL’ Key
This key is to highlight what channel is to be operated.
• ‘Cue’ Key
This selects the channel to be cue-monitored.
• Meter LEDs
This displays the audio signal level of the input/output channels.
• ‘On’ Key
Basically switches the chosen channel from being on to off. However when the device is in SENDS ON FADER mode, this function changes the send level from one channel to the highlighted mix bus (or if working from a mix channel, the signal will be send to the matrix bus section of the desk).
• Fader/Encoder
This controls the signal level of the channel in which is being used. From input channels to output channels, that selected channel’s signal will be control by its fader. Again this controls send level in the SENDS ON FADER section (or mix channel to matrix bus) like the ‘On’ key feature.

Stereo Input Section

This section operates the Stereo In channels 1-4. This section runs similar to the Channel Mode Section but with the added control of the L (left) and R (right) channels when the SEL key is pressed. The sections controls run it encoder than its fader to adjust levels.

Stereo Master Section

This section controls the STEREO channel.

Functions of this section

• ‘SEL’ Key
This operates the L & R channel with the selected stereo channel.
• ‘Cue’ Key
Again, the ‘Cue’ monitors the stereo channel displaying the LED lit when in use (like section 1).
• ‘On’ Key
Same feature from section one, the channel will be switched on/off when activated. The same rules apply for the SENDS ON FADERS & MIX/MATRIX channel modes. When in using this function in the SENDS ON FADER mode, the LAYER function needs to be consider (refer to page BLAH! For more information).
• Fader
Controls the signal In/Outputs in the stereo channels. Again like section 1’s information on faders, the same rules apply for SENDS ON FADERS & MIX/MATRIX buses. Please refer to page BLAH for LAYER options.

Tip
Turn on MONITOR ON MASTER FADER located in the USER DEFINED KEY SETUP screen to turn on/off the monitor & its levels.

User Defined Keys Sections

This section will perform the functions that are already programmed on the console. There are 1- 12 of the keys and each are programmed to complete the tasked assigned to them. Programmes available to use on the desk, range from switching scenes to controlling talkback.

Operations of the LS9

This section will use a step-by-step guide to help users have basic control along with additional information when using the LS9 console.

Home Key

AS the LS9 console is a digital mixing desk, the display screen is one of the important fetcures of the desk as it exhibits what the user is operating on the desk. This can be confused to users who have mainly worked on analogue due to the many buttons for applications rather than the actual physical devices being able to operate from. The LS9 has a feature called ‘Home Key’. This is simple what the name says as it when pressed it will return the user back to the start menu. From here users can then explore into other features.

As from the image, the user is presented with the main features of the desk. The channel level function are controlled by the faders & the ‘Home’ key will flash when the screen displays any other page than the assigened channels one. This will make sure the user will notice that the page now control will not be the one that is being displayed.

Fader Layer

This section allows the user to switch from different combinations of channels to be controlled so input/output channels & monitor levels. To activate this feature, press the buttons of what channels the user wants to switch. Buttons are labelled with what function is what.

Selected Channel

With this, users can use the encoders and keys of the selected channel to operate the mix parameters (like EQ, Pan & Dynamics). Users must follow the next few steps in order to use the console in its most effective way;

 The selected fader layer needs to be selected in the LAYER section.
 Use the SEL keys in the channel mode section along with Stereo & ST IN sections to choose want channel the user wants to operate.
 Turn encoders of the Selected Channel section to edit the wanted limitation – this will edit the EQ section of the desk.

Selecting Functions

Using the keys of the displayed access section, users can other functions which aren’t mix parameters. By pressing one of the keys from the Display Access section, the section image display will be seen on the main screen. Sometimes users may need to open and operate more than one page. In this case, by using the button Scene Memory this will recall all saved pages from the consoles memory.
Remember users MUST save all editing changes when working on the LS9 in order to be able to recall the changes on other pages/features.

The Display Screen
This section will explain the different sections on the home screen that lead into different functions.

The Virtual Rack
The virtual rack just like a physical rack users would be familiar with analogue desks. With the LS9 it uses its 8-unit ‘virtual rack’ instead of external devices. Rack numbers 1 – 4 can be loaded with a 31-band or a 15-band graphic EQ unit along with rack numbers 5-8 be loaded with GEQ or SPX effect units.

Editing & Selecting

This part is to aid users to edit channels with the Virtual Rack/Effects. If users use the cursor to select the Virtual Rack GEQ/Effects display then press the Enter key, they will be presented by a pop-up window displaying these features. To then select opinions on the screen Move the cursor to the parameter you want to edit and use the dial or INC/DEC keys to edit it as required.

GEQ Selection & Editing
By using the cursor with the GEQ unit in the Virtual Rack GEQ/Effect and pressing Enter, the GEQ window will open. The faders will be assigned to this effect.

Saving & Recalling Scenes
The console lets users to save mix settings, inputs/outputs and port patching settings along with other settings that have been used and created on the desk. There are 299 places for the ‘scenes’ with scene 000 being the LS9’s default setting & read only setting. The rest of the scene memory can be used to create/write new settings and saved to a unique buffer memory that will keep the information saved even if a sudden power failure occurs.

Recall
This quick guide will aid the user to use the recall feature.
 Recall scene 000 by pressing INC/DEC keys or use the dial to display “000” in the display - Press Enter.
 Press Enter for a second time to confirm the scene.
 Once LS9 has been reset, editing can commence.
 Remember to Save the scene before moving on.