I have had quite a bit of experience with the various medium sized digital consoles. and as part of how I work, I use the iPad apps to either run around the room, or set stage levels.
I thought that I could leave you with a summary of my favourite features of the apps and leave you to comment on your own.
Here is the first part of the series…
Yamaha’s StageMix – LS9 / M7CL / QL Series/ CL Series
I use Yamaha desks far more often than any other desk. I really like the stability and the consistency through the range. Each of the apps for these desks are basically the same, so once you have got around it once, there isn’t a new learning curve to take! The recently released TF Series does have a different app, based on the same thing, when I get my hands on one, i’ll write up about it!
I love that you can access any of the channels easily by clicking on the appropriate fader group across the top of the screen, along with their meters.
Also having the Fx + Outputs only a page away has been a real lifesaver!
The EQ/Dynamics/Pan Info-graphs just above the faders are my favourite design, they allow you to quickly gauge what each channel is doing and access of the actual parts are just a click away.
Recently Yamaha has released an update to the app, allowing you to get an RTA alongside your Graphic / Para EQ. This is a good improvement to an already great app, and defiantly will become very valuable.
One thing that I don’t really like about the Yamaha desks is the backwards mute button (On).. as i’m used to Red Lights = Muted, so it took a fair while to get used to Red Lights = Live channel!
This is the fader groups, it has the same look when doing aux/monitor sends, allowing a consistent feel throughout.
As you can see here, I am using an LS9-32 to run Monitors, I had 10 packs of In Ears, plus 2 wedge feeds across the front. I used the iPad to go out from behind the desk and set levels with each of the musicians after setting a rough mix. This really helped to build good relations with them and allowed me to check that they were all happy, as line of sight was difficult because of the screen.
As you can see from this picture, i’m using the iPad to control FOH, as the Desk is staying nice and dry on stage. I didn’t have any issues with dropout as the router was high enough and close to the front of the stage. My experience is that the higher the router is and (obviously) closer to the iPad the better chance you have of stability. (I now carry a 20m Ethernet cable with my router just incase!)
Till next time, be safe, be seen. Wear a Hi-Vis at all times!
Dan Bamber Audio 