Yamaha Commercial Audio Systems Inc. is launching the Yamaha Ri8-D ($1,900 MSRP) and Ro8-D ($1,700 MSRP) input and output rackmount units for Live Sound, which the same Dante audio network protocol as that found in the new CL Series digital audio consoles. The single-rackspace units provide additional options for flexible system design and implementation, while maintaining the excellent sound quality found in the CL Series and Rio3224-D and Rio1608-D I/O racks.
Both sound quality and system layout flexibility were enhanced in the CL Series by separating I/O hardware from the mixing console. The new Ri8-D and Ro8-D take that freedom one step further with the number of inputs and outputs available wherever they are required for sound reinforcement installation and I/O distribution.
Yamaha states that in addition to working with CL Series components, using Dante-MY16-AUD card(s) with the new Rio units and a Yamaha PM5D will create a 96kHz system. The new Rio units can also be used with M7CL and LS9 Digital Consoles, DME64N Digital Mix Engines, and other compatible Yamaha products such as NEXO NXAmps using an NXDT104 card, further enhancing the Dante networking experience. The Ri8-D head amplifiers can even be controlled directly from the interface of the M7CL, LS9, or other compatible console.
The Ri8-D and Ro8-D can be used in any combination with the Rio3224-D and Rio1608-D.
Yamaha expects to ship the Ri8-D and Ro8-D in spring 2013.
