Yamaha 02R digital mixing console.

[Failed Muso]

I'm also curious about computer connectivity. I've seen references to the 02R being able to communicate with a computer application but can't find any specifics about it. Can anyone elaborate?

[VTypeV4]

There was some software that was designed to control the 02R but I've never found the Yamaha files - least of all used them, sadly. There was a third party version that I do have a copy (on floppy!) of but it wouldn't work even on Win XP.

Studio manager that I use with the DM2000 is really good for making a template - it's a shame the older stuff won't connect with it.

[Failed Muso]

There was some software that was designed to control the 02R but I've never found the Yamaha files - least of all used them, sadly. There was a third party version that I do have a copy (on floppy!) of but it wouldn't work even on Win XP.

Studio manager that I use with the DM2000 is really good for making a template - it's a shame the older stuff won't connect with it.

Ah well, thanks for the info. Was just curious.

Any idea about my diagnostics mode issue? (see above)

[VTypeV4]

Sorry, no - I've never really used the diagnostic page. For me they've either worked, gone truly bananas or won't even power up so never needed diagnostics.

As far as I'm aware, the later OS were simply tweaked to handle the Unity cards with no real changes (that I know to at least) to the rest of the exiting platform.

[VTypeV4]

Given this is an often 'stumbled upon' thread, I thought I'd post that mine are still going in 2022. This is home / ex ITV example being used to mix a live album due for release in April..

02R in 22A by VTypeV4, on Flickr

02R in 22B by VTypeV4, on Flickr

How many are still using theirs in 2022?

[Bme]

@theRealDJGibs: I can provide your missing code.
Please give me the exact texts of all the screens when you enter the ST command in the "TC unity card utility page".
And I like to have a clear picture of the component side of your card so I can read the little stickers.
I'm 100% sure I can help you.

[Bme]

They're in the rear panel. No need to take the lid off, just remove the panel and they're on the right hand side..

Excellent! That saved me a load of bother Thank you!

2.16TC chips fitted and everything seems to be fully operational.

However, I wanted to run the diagnostics but I can't seem to invoke the test system as outlined in the service manual. It tells me to hold down the STEREO SEL button and CURSOR > button together and power the device on. I get the pop up that says "DIAGNOSTICS? CANCEL EXECUTE" but when I select EXECUTE and hit enter, the system just seems to ignore it. Any suggestions? Did they change something in the 2.16 OS?

I've tried a system init. and that hasn't helped.

I can confirm that when you have SW 2.16 the diagnosis page is not avaliable anymore. The memory space is needed for the TC unity functionality.
I was thinking of making a piggy back : two times two IC's above and switch them with a switch.

[mainegrw]

Hello all,
New member here, I joined the forum today because I have found myself the owner of a Yamaha 02R, and was looking for some help sorting out a couple issues with it, forgive me if this isn't the right place to ask.

I scooped up the console from Facebook Marketplace from an older gentleman who bought it from a local music shop, but judging by the info written on the cover of the manual, I believe the original owners were a local college nearby. The console is a Version 2, and came with the meter bridge as well as two CD8-AD slot cards installed, with a few physical condition issues: the meter bridge connector on the bridge side was physically broken, but easily repaired, and one of the CD8-AD slot cards has some damage on it. I suspect the console took a hit at some point. The enter button was also broken, but I was able to find a new key cap online and replaced it last night.

As for the good: she boots up and seems to run fine, the battery is good according to the utility check, and all the faders seem to move alright, albeit a couple are a little sticky, I think some Deoxit might do them some good. I have the console tied to two M-Audio BX5 monitors on my desk curre tly via XLR through the main outputs, and the audio sounds really good, like better than the Presonus Studiolive 24.4.2 I also have. I feel right at home on this console, she's very close functionally the the LS9s and M7CLs I used to run when I was doing audio full-time.

Now for the bad: the Aux Sends seem to not be functional, nor the control room and monitor outs. There's audio on the lines but buried beneath a whole lot of hum and noise. I can reroute the Aux Sends to the CD8-AD cards and from there I get a better output, still with a bit of noise, but far less than out of the console directly. I'm wondering if any of you have had similar issues, and if there's something I should be looking at directly as a potential culprit.

I didn't spend much on this console, it was more of an impulse buy than anything at $100 US, but I'd like to tinker with it and see if I can get it working a little better. If anything, she's a neat conversation piece in my office. Thanks for any advice you all can give.

[VTypeV4]

This thread seems to have become the go-to life line for these old things.

Sounds like you might have some electronic issues as the rear panel mounted outputs are quite hot on my examples. -18dBFS on the meter drives everything to just over reference assuming unity gain on my connected devices - I'm reasonably sure the manual quotes +4dBU. The noise floor isn't exceptionaly low on those outs but, at the same time is more than serviceable. Being honest, I've never really compared them via the digital version on the option cards but can't imagine it's a night and day difference.

As you've used LS9 and M7 before (I still love these two consoles, too), the DNA is definitely very similar indeed. Also, much like both of those, a little bit of a template / start scene setup on the 02R can save a good chunk of time.

What the 02R doesn't share with it's newer siblings is the omni outs - aux outs are that by default although they are switchable to the bus outs also but I would think you've already checked that.

The masters for the auxes are buried in the 'meter' page however, from memory, you can control them (on faders rather than the jog wheel) via the 'remote' page. To do this, hold the 'flip' button, select a remote channel (there's 4 available in the top left corner) and scroll through the control templates until you see 'bus / aux masters'. The faders will fly into position and become the controllers for your bus and aux masters. If it has a TC Electronic card, you'll control that from this page too.

Not meaning to insult or assume but lastly, check your pre / post settings as they are switchable per channel plus they're all switchable on / off too - something that seems reasonably unique to the 02R.

As for the CR / Studio outputs, the only things I can think is to check their routing options on the dual row of buttons that run down the right hand side of the console.

Good luck!

[Kalai]

Does anyone know where to get spares for O2R console I am looking for (SMD Din package Ic's) . Please help !
IC PCM 1702U - 8 Nos
IC PCM69AU - 4 Nos
IC YSF210 - 4 Nos
Thank you.

[Bme]

Try eBay.
But I think it is too expensive to replace all the A-D and D-A convertors.
Maybe aliExpress is cheaper.

[VTypeV4]

02R in bits by VTypeV4, on Flickr

A bit of a minor hiccup this week with a rogue 'dimmer' button - frustratingly mid live album mix. Oddly, it'd been previously modded so the actual dimmer switch was removed from the PCB so I have no idea how it was activated..!? Anyways, shorting the location of where the switch should have been seems to have resolved the issue..

02R in bits by VTypeV4, on Flickr

[pstoddart]

Hi BME, have you found a way to generate the licence codes?

[VTypeV4]

02R23StingrayMix by VTypeV4, on Flickr

Mid 2023 and the home 02R (pictured above) is still going well and is currently in use mixing a live recording session. The live one (pictured below) based at the Rigger is still alive and kicking too - it happily did over 12 hours continuous work yesterday without the slightest glitch as part of an all day festival.

XD DM 02R by VTypeV4, on Flickr

The third one hasn't seen much action in the last 12 months as I purchased a DM1000 for live / recording duties. It remains on standby although, ultimately, I'll take it to the studio.

02R23StingrayMixB by VTypeV4, on Flickr

[forumuser805990]

Hello!
Newbie here joined a while ago but lurked until now.
I think have to post a couple of times before I’m allowed free reign as I think this is my first post.
Firstly can I say thanks for this magnificent thread on the 02R, it’s really an eye opener for sure. So much great help and advise leaves me felling safe in the knowledge that at least some kind of help is available for these things which leads me on to the reason for my post.
I’ve been offered one of these for cheap, it has the TC card and a CD8- AE card, a cascade card CD8-CS? and the ADAT optical in/out card.
Not sure which version of the machine it is or the operating system?
It has some damage to the pots a couple missing above the faders but nothing bad I think one pot has snapped off so needs a screwdriver to turn it.
Apart from that I’ve also been offered a Motu 2408 mkII with the PCI 324 card as well.
So, my question is probably going to open up a Pandora’s box of logistics but I currently run Logic 8 on a power Mac tower (intel) pc from around 2008/9 which I’ve been using without issues since I had it back in around 2010.
When I started i didn’t have much hardware but over the years I’ve accumulated an Akai S5000 fully maxed, a Roland VP9000 maxed out with memory and outputs, an EMU 5000, Akai SX3000L about 5 old synths (Roland, Korg, Yamaha etc) a couple of drum machines, Joe meek brick pre amp (one of 50 apparently) a Joe meek SC2 one of the early V1.07 jobs, a couple of sound modules (JV2080 expanded with a couple of cards) and a few bits of outboard FX mainly Lexicon, and use all of these plus live instrumentation from time to time. Phew…
I’m currently using my old Apogee duet as my audio interface recording into Logic.
As you can imagine printing takes into logic can be a bit slow and even though I’m using Midi to control a lot of the hardware it’s a really cumbersome way of making music, so my question is really as I make mostly electronic based music - drum and bass, house, ambient etc etc, would the Yamaha and the interfaces work with my set up, do I need drivers for the Motu of would the PCI card work with my Mac running digital from the yamaha via ADAT outs into the Motu and then into the Mac via the PCI card so I can stay directly in the digital domain?
And as most of my music is sampler driven, would this set up be ideal for that?
I also have an old 2009 MacBook with 17 inch screen that runs Logic 8 so I can do all the midi stuff with the sampler/s synths etc on that and send those through into the Yamaha then into the Mac tower and use that just as a digital recorder while staying in the digital domain?
How would that work? Would I have to record just the main output of the Motu (being fed by the 02R) into Logic via digital outs to the PCI card or does the PCI card take multiple inputs into tracks into Logic? Do I also need drivers for the Motu and are they all still available?
Also I noticed that there are software upgrade chips for the Yamaha 02R, I’m assuming it would be a good idea to look at those as well?
I don’t have anyone near me to check this thing over for me professionally so it’s all a bit confusing!!
Any help would be greatly appreciated.
I saw in some YouTube documentaries that people like LTJ Bukem and Blame used these desks almost exclusively and made many of their records on them so they can’t be that bad.
I currently have a soundcraft spirit folio sixteen track analogue desk with a humming power supply that’s unusable.
Would this solution be a good way of working for me and my type of music?
Sorry for the mega long post and multiple questions guys/gals.
Many thanks
Gareth

Edit: I forgot to add the Mac power pc tower is OSX 9. something. So I’m not sure to pull the trigger until. I know it should all work together….
Also, not expecting a fast reply but if anyone can answer a yes/no so I can arrange pick up etc would be sooooo cool!
Cheers

[forumuser805990]

Another thought is the possibility that this will be a effective and cheap way to mix and record to Logic and end up solving all my recording/mixing issues (without having to rely on an analogue mixer and much more expensive multi analogue input digital audio interface) when I can stay in the digital domain and record as well for peanuts?

[VTypeV4]

Hi Gareth, sorry for the slow reply..

Sounds like you've got some pretty cool stuff there, especially the Joe Meek gear - I'd love some of that at my studio.

I couldn't comment on the compatibility of your Mac with the MOTU 2408 / PCI card, that's something you may have to check with MOTU themselves or there may well be a thread on this forum somewhere? Assuming the Mac / MOTU will work together, you will alomst certainly need the drivers - my 828 Hybrid units needed the appropriate O/S specific drivers to work with my i7 based El Capitain / Logic Pro X iMac.

On the MOTU / Yamaha side of things, I can see no reason why you couldn't happily stay almost exclusively ADAT with both recording in, mixing and printing out of the desk. With my home setup, I use a single 02R, a single MOTU 828 Mk3 run from a Win 7 PC. I only use 8 inputs at home but often use the console for mixes recorded elsewhere for up to 26 channels OTB. Up until recently, I used an 02R for live recording duties, too - up to 24 channels although it's since been superceded by a more compact Yamaha DM1000.

As you've done some research already, you already know these mixers are hardly in their first flourishes of youth plus some of their limitations in terms of routing and physical analogue outputs can also be mildly frustrating. That said, they're still very capable and (IMO at least) sound great too - there's a few live albums I mixed on the 02R that are out there.

The added bonus of a TC Unity card expands their usefulness hugely offering far more than the standard built in Yamaha FX processors. The desk you're proposing to purchase probably has the most up to date version of the O/S - the final version is 2.16 designed to work with the TC card. I've literally never had an 02R crash although I've had a TC card failure a few years back.

Integrating existing hardware such as your Lexicon FX units would probably be a good idea with the 02R becoming the centre of your I/O - you might even be able to leave it all plugged in and just tweak the card patching as required.

As a final note, I love these old things as they've probably done more to sustain and further my career than any other individual bit of kit so it's easy for me wax lyrical about them. Just remember how old they are and that they come with compromises before you commit but as long as you're aware of that, the 02R is still a fantastic tool.

Peak signal 02R 23 by VTypeV4, on Flickr

Hope that helps, Matt

[VTypeV4]

Jazz Plates O2R by VTypeV4, on Flickr

My original 02R that was purchased around ten years ago still in service at the studio. Whilst the DM2000 (just out of shot on the right) does most of the heavy lifting these days along with the two A&H analogue consoles, the 02R is incorporated into the setup as part of the 'old studio' setup predating the iMac, DM2000 and before our move to Sun Street.

[forumuser805990]

Hi Matt
Thanks for that brilliant advice, I did start another thread over here -
https://www.soundonsound.com/forum/view ... R&start=24
and I’ve just put an update in there today which I think I’ve got the solution for my home set up which is very similar to your recommendations!
If you could have a quick look to make sure I’m not missing anything that would be perfect thank you
I apologise for setting up a separate thread as I needed to get a scoot on as the owner of the 02R wanted a quick decision to me taking it so needed answers quickly.
I’d have preferred to keep it all here. Sorry!
Anyway, if my solution works I’ll keep coming back with updates as to how it’s working and any further tips and advice. It’s really been a revelation to me how I can now re energise my whole music making process and make it easier and more fun, quicker and more intuitive by using an old vintage digital mixing desk!!

I’d have never considered it a few years back and these desks are so ridiculously cheap at the moment and with the multiple kinds of output cards it opens up so many options.
Wonderful stuff.
Now I have to get it all set up…

[forumuser805990]

Ok, so update time.
Now I’ve got this thing home I’ve managed to have a good look at it and clean it up a bit as it was pretty dirty cosmetically which I think is just down to the fact it’s been stored somewhere for years.
So after a good deep clean and open up so I could clean out the inside and outside it’s come up looking like new.
Physically the machine looks hardly used and there’s no damage visually. Nice.
The ADAT lightpipe card is installed and I got the TC unity card with it, but it’s not installed which I thought was odd.
Turns out there’s a reason for this and the console still has the old software EPROMs installed (first version) looks like the owner swapped the old eproms back and took out the TC Unity card! Weird.
The battery was almost dead so they be replaced that and all is good.
So it looks like I need the v 2.16 EPROMs to work with the TC Unity card and this will only effectively work with the two updated EPROMs.
Secondly I’m going to do a factory reset to wipe all the user scenes and start fresh.
Next I was looking at the RAM memory which can be expanded from 512mb with two memory chips.
I had a look online to see what chips are needed for this but it was a bit confusing as I’m not really sure if I have the correct chip number (BS62LV4006 in DIP32) if anyone knows any help would be great thank you!
So my shopping list is 2x EPROMs and 2x memory chips so far…
Other than that this thing looks really good, haven’t tried to run any gear through it yet just haven’t had the time.
I’ll do that this next week hopefully.
Another point is that this thing isn’t light, I’m tall and reasonably fit but it had me huffing and puffing! The thing is built like a bloody tank.
Which I like because the build quality of the unit is incredible.
I think this things going to last me years.
Expansion card wise I might go for the analogue 8in/8out card as a spare set of inputs if I need to hook up a drum machine and run the individual hit outs rather than the main outs to give more control for example.
I can’t see myself using more than 8 digital outs from the 02R ADAT lightpipe for home recording (unless I fancy buying another coupe of cheap Motu 828 mk2’s to give me full 24 track digital into the computer.
I was told that the FireWire connection from the 828 would give me all the channels I need into Logic (not sure if that’s correct or not as I haven’t tried that yet) without the need for a PCIe digital input card (I was initially looking at the RME raydat card)
So that’s the update, I’ll keep posting and get some pics up of progress as well.
One thing I would like is a meter bridge. Seems like the things are like gold dust!! If anyone hears of one for sale in the U.K. pleas shout.
I’ve tried all the usual outlets with little or no joy or they’re way too expensive.
I’m trying to do this all on a budget as I ain’t made of cash just a poor hobbling musician!

[VTypeV4]

Excellent, you got it home and fired up! We love pictures.

Looks like you've learned that these things are a little larger and significantly heavier than they ever seem in pictures too - mine never seem either until I have to move them which is why I went to the DM1000 for location work.

As for the EPROM chips for V2.16, they're still available on eBay for around £20. It's been a while since I bought any but they arrived quickly and worked without issue.

CD8 cards are much cheaper than they used to be so finding ADAT or analogue variants shouldn't be too tricky or expensive although you should be aware, the 8 in / 8 out are double height and take two slots. Personally, I'd plump for a MK3 version of the MOTU 828 so you can do 16 channels I/O via ADAT. Whilst we're on the subject of MOTU, connecting it via FW is a no brainer as I believe a single MK3 or two MK2 units will exceed your proposed requirements. Also, the direct outs on the Yamaha only work on channels 1-16, not the second 'tape' layer.

Keep looking for a meterbridge as they make the console so much better to use.

Lastly, I find using the 'stereo' channels as audio subgroups for an extra layer of EQ, level and compression very useful, especially if you're doing an OTB mixdown.

[forumuser805990]

Thanks for those tips Matt, really appreciated.
I imagine that I’m probably going to be asking you a few questions from now on, so apologies in advance!
I did see somewhere on EBay that had the EPROMs for another 20 quid plus postage.
Not sure about the memory chips though, looks like they’re not that expensive either but need to make sure to get the right ones.
Cheers for the tip with the Motu 828 mk3, I looked at them but they were a lot more expensive second hand than the mk2 which I paid 30 quid for mine a couple of weeks ago and it was almost new. If I can get a mk3 for 50 quid I’ll definitely go that route.
Also if I can get another ADAT card for the yamaha for cheap, again around 70 quid max I will do.
The tc unity card has the finaliser but it’s not ‘initiated’ as it doesn’t have the license number, the effects block is working fine.
Any ideas on how I could get the finaliser activated without any codes?
I definitely will keep an eye out for a meter bridge, they do turn up.
I’m looking forward to trying it out in the next couple of weeks, been so busy with the day job I’ve not had any time spare to sit down and go through it.

[forumuser805990]

Excellent, you got it home and fired up! We love pictures.
Lastly, I find using the 'stereo' channels as audio subgroups for an extra layer of EQ, level and compression very useful, especially if you're doing an OTB mixdown.

Thats great advice Matt thank you!
I’ll be looking for any routing tips soon once I’ve start plugging things in and working out how best to plug stuff in whether to use my patchbay or go straight into the 02R with the machines.

[forumuser805990]

I’ve just been offered an alesis HD24 ADAT with two hard drives and caddies, flight case and remote for 45 quid
I don’t need it!!

[VTypeV4]

See how you go with it but they're certainly worth getting to know - some functions and facilities aren't always obvious or in seemingly unrelated menus.

Good luck and hope you find a workable system with it.

Don't forget those pictures!