Setting up EQ, compression, and other parameters for a mix from scratch can be a daunting task, so Yamaha has provided an extensive selection of presets in a range of "libraries" that can simply be selected and used unmodified, or edited to suit specific requirements. Libraries are provided for effects, compression, gating, EQ, I/O patching, and more. Of course, your own setups can be added to the libraries for instant recall whenever they are needed.

The DM2000 has eight independent internal 32bit/96-kHz multi-effect processors that can be patched into any of the console's input, stereo, mix, or matrix channels, and returned to any channel. An extensive range of detailed effect parameters are adjustable via easy-to-use graphic on-screen controls.

A comprehensive selection of reverb, delay, modulation, combination effects, and range of newly developed effects including multiband dynamics are provided so that unless a mix calls for a specific external effects processor, you won't need any external processing at all. And, like most other parameter groups, an extensive preset "library" is provided for fast, easy setup. Of course, you can add your own setups to the library for instant recall whenever needed. In addition to stereo effects, the DM2000 features a number of preset effects specifically designed for surround applications. Up to eight stereo or surround effects can be used simultaneously.

(Note: Some surround effects use as many as four processors).

All 96 input channels on the DM2000 feature flexible, independent compression and gating/ducking processors for dynamics control. The 4-band parameter channel equalizers also offer extra versatility with switchable "type I" or "type II" EQ algorithms to deliver the type of EQ response you prefer. Even the channel delay goes beyond the norm, with a maximum delay of 453 milliseconds.

The DM2000 provides six 31-band graphic equalizers that can be patched into any of the eight busses, 12 aux sends, four stereo matrixes or the main left and right output busses. The graphic equalizers will be particularly valuable for SR applications. Each equalizer features both a graphic slider and response graph display.

Several patch displays allow the system's inputs, inserts, and outputs to be patched to appropriate built-in inputs and outputs as well as I/O added via the rear-panel expansion slots. You can also assign channel names for easy identification. Centralized control means you'll never have to run around to physically re-patch cables whenever you need to reconfigure the system, and patch setups you might want to use again can be stored in the patch library for instant recall at any time.

In surround mode the DM2000 will comfortably handle 3-1(LCRS) and 5.1, surround monitoring without any external equipment or the need to reassign channels for surround use. In addition to graphic monitor configuration displays, the DM2000 also provides multi-channel surround pan/position displays so you can see where multiple channels sit in the surround mix at a glance. The joystick provided for surround panning in the console's SELECTED CHANNEL control section has high 128 x 128 step resolution for exceptionally smooth control, and a divergence parameter can be used to adjust the hard/phantom center ratio for each channel. Matrix mixing and bus-to-stereo functions can be used to provide a 5.1 to 3-1(LCRS) downmix or 5.1 to stereo downmix while you are working on the 5.1 mix. Furthermore, the 3-1(LCRS) output can be fed to a 2-track master recorder via a Dolby Surround encoder, and then back to the console via a decoder to allow instant real-time comparison between the pre-encode and post-decode sound. Additional facilities provided by the monitor processing section include individual bus (speaker) muting and attenuation, overall level control for all monitor outputs, stem mix monitoring via independent source selection capability for each expansion slot, bass management for subwoofer delivery, and independent delays for precision speaker tuning.

When you purchase a DM2000, you also get a sophisticated DAW control surface in the bargain! The DM2000 has actually been designed to provide seamless control of computer-based digital audio workstation software such as DigiDesign's ProTools™. In addition to a number of controllers specifically included for this purpose, the DM2000 faders, channel switches, encoders, and other controls can be used to directly control the corresponding DAW parameters. You also have extensive control over plug-in effects. Total transport and automation control are provided as well. Although the DM2000 is directly compatible with current ProTools software, and support for Steinberg's Nuendo™ DAW software is on the way, any other MIDI-controllable DAW can be accommodated by appropriate assignment of the consoles MIDI messages.

Any parameter that can be controlled via the DM2000's physical interface can also be controlled via the LCD panel. But there are many features and functions that are only accessible via the LCD. Most of these are the set-it-and-forget-it type, so you can do all actual mixing from the control surface. Some examples would be word clock or MIDI setup. There are also a number of convenient functions that you might use more often, such as an oscillator with sine as well as pink noise and burst noise output, or channel pairing and fader grouping. The point is that it's all there. Whatever you need for the most advanced, highest quality sound production, the DM2000 has it, or can be expanded to provide it.