User Manual

Multichannel Monitoring Tutorial Booklet (M2TB) rev. 3.5.2

Masataka Nakahara : SONA Corporation

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Foreword

Surround sound has evolved into more than the experience heard in cinemas. Through the introduction of

the DVD, it has invaded most every aspect of our lives — our homes, our cars, and even our workplaces.

We now lis ten to multi-channel audio delivered via television programs, video games, and even by the

music of our favorite bands. With the introduction of the DM2000, DM1000, and O2R96 Digital

Consoles, Yamaha provides a platform that includes complete surround sound mixing and monitoring

capabilities for studios of all types. These consoles offer a vast array of features and functions that enable

the user to create a world of multi-channel content.

Masataka Nakahara (the celebrated acoustician/studio designer and the author of this booklet) and SONA

Corporation have designed and supported numerous THX

pm3 Certified Studios. As the THX pm3

representatives in Japan, they continually inform and educate studios owners in the calibration and design

of studio playback systems. During the development of these consoles, Mr. Nakahara offered his years of

experience to assist in the design of the surround monitoring capabilities. In conjunction with THX

engineers, the release of the Version2 software expands their features even further. This THX pm3

Approved revision includes the addition of THX presets for film, DVD, and music mixing. These are the

same settings used in THX certified studios.

Studios have a long track record in mixing mono and stereo content, but for some industry professionals,

multi-channel mixing is relatively new. There are more channels, more equipment, and more techniques

to be learned. How do you set up your studio? Do I use bass management? There are many questions to

be answered. This booklet offers an excellent compilation of the knowledge required to construct a

properly configured surround playback environment. Much of this document shares the same principles

as THX pm3 program. We are proud of our association with Yamaha, Mr. Nakahara, and SONA

Corporation and their efforts to create a manual to help guide the user. It is my sincere wish that engineers

carefully read this guidebook in order to obtain an accurate understanding of the surround monitoring

functionality provided by the Yamaha digital consoles. Here are the tools. Now, it's up to you to create the

perfect mix.

Steven P. Martz

THX Ltd.