The FADER MODE keys allow the DM2000's faders to be instantaneously switched between fader and auxiliary/matrix level control, while the ENCODER MODE keys assign the console's rotary encoders for pan, send level, and other assignable control functions. This flexible system lets you set up the controls for the most efficient operation according to the signal flow and mixing task at hand.

The DISPLAY ACCESS keys determine which type of data will be shown on the DM2000's LCD panel: digital inputs and outputs, channel parameters, utility functions … a total of 12 selectable categories are provided here, in addition to the DISPLAY keys provided for each of the DM2000's control sections. This approach minimizes the need to scroll through on-screen lists when you need access to a particular type of data. Below the DISPLAY ACCESS keys are a group of EFFECTS/PLUG-IN keys that can be used to instantly bring the parameters for any of the eight simultaneously-assignable effects to the display. Editing and selection of on-screen parameters is easy, too, via encoders located immediately below the display.

The SELECTED CHANNEL controls form the largest single control group on the DM2000 panel - and with good reason. Here's where you're likely to be spending most of your time, setting up channel EQ, dynamics, panning or surround positioning, matrix send levels, and more. The SELECTED CHANNEL controls are, as the name implies, the hands on channel controls for the currently selected input and output channel, with analog-style buttons and knobs for direct, easy access to every single parameter.

Need to adjust the high-mid frequency a little? Just grab the HIGH-MID encoder and turn. And while we're on the subject of EQ, note that individual numeric displays are provided for each of the four EQ bands, displaying precise frequency and dB values immediately below the encoders so you don't have to refer to the LCD display. The SELECTED CHANNEL section also offers a number of extra functions - such as the ability to copy and paste settings from one channel to another - to make life in the digital domain easier than ever. All of the sub-sections within the SELECTED CHANNEL section also feature DISPLAY keys that instantly bring the corresponding parameters up on the LCD display.

Whether you use the DM2000 in a single room or in a full-blown studio layout with isolated studio and control room, it provides all the monitor routing and control you'll probably ever need. You have separate, multiple source selectors for the studio and control room sends, solo capability with "SOLO CONTRAST" control, separate source selectors and level control for surround monitoring, MONO folddown, a DIMMER switch, small monitor selector, and a TALKBACK section complete with slate capability. The DM2000 also offers advanced surround monitoring capability - see the "Surround Monitoring" section for more information.

Although simple and concise, the DM2000's SCENE MEMORY section will undoubtedly see a lot of use. It's here that you can store all console parameters as a new scene, or instantly recall previously-stored scenes. A numeric display right next to the STORE, RECALL, and UP/DOWN keys shows the current scene number - 01 through 99. Additional scene memories can be managed via memory cards or a computer running the supplied Studio Manager software. Like most other control sections, a DISPLAY key brings all scene parameters up on the LCD display panel.

Automated mixdown has become a major part of modern production. That's why most automix functions have been made directly accessible from the DM2000 console rather than being relegated to hard-to-find display screens. Without even looking at the display you can write and enable automation for the console's faders, channel on/off switching, panning, surround positioning, aux levels and on/off switching, and EQ. Writing automation requires as much concentration as real-time mixdown, and by providing a comprehensive AUTOMIX section Yamaha have made the job considerably easier.

These 16 keys can be assigned to control any functions you choose. You could, for example, individually mute surround monitor speakers, directly recall scene memories, etc. When the ProTools Remote Layer mode is selected, the USER DEFINED KEYS are automatically assigned to ProTools control functions by default.

Since the DM2000 will almost certainly be used with some sort of multitrack recorder - tape, hard-disk, or DAW - it has been provided with a comprehensive range of facilities for external machine control. Both Sony 9-pin (P2) and MMC protocols are supported, and control can be switched between MTR and master target machines. The DM2000's machine control features are divided into three main sections, as summarized below:

The 24 channel strips on the DM2000 panel provide access to the most essential operations for the corresponding channels. Depending on the currently selected layer, the channel strips will control channels 1 through 24, 25 through 48, 49 through 72, or 73 through 96. Also the channel faders and encoders will function according to the settings in the FADER MODE and ENCODER MODE sections. In addition to a fader and rotary encoder, each channel strip includes a channel ON/OFF key, a SOLO key, and AUTO key to turn mix automation on or off for that channel, and a SEL key which assigns the channel as the console's "Selected Channel". Detailed control for the currently selected channel - dynamics, EQ, buss assignment, panning and surround positioning, aux/matrix sends, delay, and phase/insert - is available via the SELECTED CHANNEL controls.

In addition to the master stereo fader with its own ON, SEL and AUTO keys, the master section includes keys for input channel layer selection (Master Layer 1-24, 25-48, 49-72, 73-96) as well as selectors for four remote control layers.

When it does become necessary to get into detailed numeric parameter editing, the DM2000 makes the task as easy as possible. Large cursor, INC/DEC, and enter keys are complemented by a data entry dial that lets you spin in values quickly and easily. The data entry dial also doubles as a shuttle/scrub dial for recorder or DAW control. A PC-compatible computer keyboard can also be directly connected to the rear-panel keyboard connector for extra data entry ease and convenience.

No digital console is completely free of analog circuitry, and any analog that does exist must be of the highest quality so as not to negate the performance potential of the digital system. The DM2000 features 24 high-performance head amplifiers for microphone or line input that deliver a pristine signal to the console's precision 24-bit/96 kHz A/D converters. These head amplifiers are the result of extensive development and field testing, and deliver transparent performance that rivals - and in many cases exceeds - that of the most expensive component microphone preamplifiers. 48-volt phantom power for condenser microphones is individually switchable for each input, trim controls and pad switches facilitate optimum level matching with the source, and switchable inserts make it easy switch external analog processing gear into or out of the pre-A/D signal path.

The MB2000 Peak Meter Bridge is a complete level-monitoring station for the DM2000. 48 12-segment level meters can be used individually or in pairs to display pre-EQ, pre-fader, or post-fader input channel signal levels. The same meters can also display levels on the console's eight buses, 12 auxiliary sends, and four stereo matrix buses. A separate 32-segment stereo meter is provided for the main stereo program. The MB2000 also features a time-code display for complete, centralized visual monitoring.

A quick look at the rear panel should tell you that the DM2000 is designed for serious production. Balanced XLR and TRS connectors are provided for all 24 inputs, and rather than the common single TRS jacks for unbalanced insert send and return, each input channel features independent balanced send and return jacks (insert switches are provided on the console). Then there are balanced analog studio, stereo, control room, and monitor outputs as well as eight balanced "omni" bus outputs. Two analog 2-track inputs are also provided - one balanced and one unbalanced. Other connectors. Digital I/O is provided via digital 2-track inputs and outputs featuring both AES/EBU and coaxial connectors.

On-board sample rate conversion allows CD players and other digital sources connected to the digital input to be monitored or routed to an input channel without having to be synchronized to the system clock. A wide range of synchronization and control options are available via word clock inputs and outputs, SMPTE and MTC time code inputs, MIDI connectors, a keyboard connector, and both serial and USB "to host" connectors. Cascade in and output connectors allow two DM2000 consoles to be cascaded to provide up to 192 channels. Even the cooling fan is specially designed for ultra-quiet operation so that machine noise doesn't interfere with critical monitoring or recording operations.

Automix and scene recall capability are important features that can dramatically streamline the production process, but data portability via compact SmartMedia* memory cards takes this convenience to a new level. All automix and scene data can be saved to memory cards and transferred and simply archived or transferred to another DM2000. A mix you make in one studio can, for example, be instantly replicated in another so you don't have to spend time manually setting up parameters to achieve the same results.

* SmartMedia is a registered trademark of the Toshiba Corporation.

Almost a complete virtual mixer, this display shows the primary DM2000 channel parameters "in-line", as they would appear on an analog console. This is a comprehensive overview designed for fast, efficient editing of the most essential mix elements.

This display includes all the basic setup parameters for the DM2000. Here's where you'll define your production "environment".

Similar to the SELECTED CHANNEL section on the DM2000 console, this display includes all parameters for the currently selected channel: level, buss assignments, sends, gate, compressor, equalization, delay, and more.

When you add several Mini-YGDAI expansion cards to the DM2000 to create the input/output configuration you need, input and output patching can become an issue. The Patch Editor display makes patch assignments easy with an easy-to-use matrix type visual interface.

In addition to offering superb quality, the DM2000's internal effects include an extensive range of editable parameters so the effects can be precisely customized for your requirements. The Effect Editor brings all related parameters for the selected effect together in a comprehensive display to make detailed editing easier than ever.

When the console is being used in surround mode the Surround Editor display can facilitate surround positioning of individual tracks.

The DM2000's dynamics, EQ, and effect libraries are an extraordinarily convenient tool for managing frequently-used setups. The Studio Manager Memory Management display makes operation easier than ever.

Here you can set up any of the DM2000's six graphic equalizers via a fully graphic interface that displays both the virtual graphic equalizer sliders and the resulting response graph.

Displays current SMPTE time code in hours, minutes, seconds, and frames.