Yamaha 02R digital mixing console.

[VTypeV4]

As suggested, an external clock is probably the best solution with that many devices. Having said that, when I had the dual 02R live setup, I daisy chained one 02R into the other, into my 828 finally into an ADA8000 to no ill affect.

I can't say that I buy the whole 'it sounds better with an external clock' thing either - I've tried the wordclock both ways 02R>828 and 828>02R and I couldn't hear any difference. I also tried it at the studio with the DM2000 and dual 828 units but again, it made no difference.

Configuration wise, I'd have it so the 02R is very much at the centre - my little home studio requires virtually no re-configuration whether I'm recording or mixing. Between the analog and ADAT I/O and using the S/Pdif as a return, it's a great solution.

My home config:

Out..

Control Room > Main monitors
Studio Output > Secondary monitors
Slot 1 ADAT Direct Out 1-8 > ADAT A in 828
2-Track S/Pdif Out > S/Pdif in 828

In..

Slot 1 ADAT in < 828 ADAT A Out
Slot 2 ADAT in < 828 ADAT B Out
Ch 9-16 in < 828 1-8 Analogue Out
Ch 7-8 in < 828 Main L-R Out
Ch 1-6 in < Instrument / Mic
TC Unity A external ADAT in < TC Unity B Out

Internal..

Aux 1 > TC Unity A FX Unit 1
Aux 2 > TC Unity A FX Unit 2
Aux 3 > Spare Out
Aux 4 > Spare Out
Aux 5 > TC Unity B FX Unit 1
Aux 6 > TC Unity B FX Unit 2
Aux 7 > Internal Yamaha SPX FX Unit 1
Aux 8 > Internal Yamaha SPX FX Unit 2
Stereo Ch 17-18 > Subgroup 1-2
Stereo Ch 19-20 > Subgroup 3-4
Stereo Ch 21-22 > Subgroup 5-6
Stereo Ch 23-24 > Subgroup 7-8

[forumuser805990]

Understood, thank you Matt

You are the font of knowledge when it comes to this unit so I hope you don't mind me picking your brains!
I am aware of not falling into the audiofool category, things like whether BNC expensive cables beat lower price ones is there an audible difference, whether I need a power conditioner and all that jazz and if a clock will actually help my 44.1 K 16 bit system which is lofi compared todays 96k and so on, so any helpful advice is gold.
i like 16bit!

I guess from a digital point of view most of my analogue is going to go into digital then finally firewire which is another thing I have seen conflicting reports about whether it is better than ADAT optical etc, then theres the question of latency. Again, don't want to fall into the audiofool scenario and overthink things too much time drags on.

Ultimately I just really wanna get on and make some tunes!
But by the same token I want everything set up right so the workflow is simple and fast.
I think I'll get it all set up first, test out then see if there are any glaring issues and go from there.

Cheers

[VTypeV4]

I like 'audiofool' - I'm sure we all know or at least have come into contact with some of those!

If you're sticking with your 828 unit(s) then you're tied in to F/W between the interface and computer anyways so I wouldn't worry about that stage adding any additional latency. I expect the software and hardware compensate for this anyway. Yamaha did do F/W 1394 cards in CD8 format but I've literally seen them for sale (used) once and have never come across any in real life so you're almost certainly best working with your MOTU interface(s).

As for ADAT cards in the 02R, there's very little (<1.5ms in to out) latency from memory - I don't have the manuals in front of me to confirm that figure. I certainly can't 'feel' any percievable delay when I play bass or synth through the 02R and it's all in time when it lands in Pro Tools so I wouldn't worry. Other than a metronome from PT, I direct monitor from the console and again, I've not run into any timing issues.

Hope all that helps.

[engineire]

Would there be a Yamaha tutorial on how to use the 02496 hardware channel inserts with outboard gear for processing ADAT channels 25 to 48 if possible?

I’m not referring to standard input channels 1 - 16 but the digital ADAT light pipe recorded channels coming from a DAW with light pipe interfaces.
I am able to get this to work with channels 1-16 when bringing any source into those channels so the insert cable being used is ok.

[forumuser805990]

I like 'audiofool' - I'm sure we all know or at least have come into contact with some of those!

If you're sticking with your 828 unit(s) then you're tied in to F/W between the interface and computer anyways so I wouldn't worry about that stage adding any additional latency. I expect the software and hardware compensate for this anyway. Yamaha did do F/W 1394 cards in CD8 format but I've literally seen them for sale (used) once and have never come across any in real life so you're almost certainly best working with your MOTU interface(s).

As for ADAT cards in the 02R, there's very little (<1.5ms in to out) latency from memory - I don't have the manuals in front of me to confirm that figure. I certainly can't 'feel' any percievable delay when I play bass or synth through the 02R and it's all in time when it lands in Pro Tools so I wouldn't worry. Other than a metronome from PT, I direct monitor from the console and again, I've not run into any timing issues.

Hope all that helps.

That's very useful cheers Matt.
I got the spelling wrong it's 'audiophool' as in audiophile which always makes me chuckle.
Anyhow, I'm sure I'll have some more questions to follow.

[VTypeV4]

Would there be a Yamaha tutorial on how to use the 02496 hardware channel inserts with outboard gear for processing ADAT channels 25 to 48 if possible?

I’m not referring to standard input channels 1 - 16 but the digital ADAT light pipe recorded channels coming from a DAW with light pipe interfaces.
I am able to get this to work with channels 1-16 when bringing any source into those channels so the insert cable being used is ok.

I'm reasonably sure you're unable to do the above, sadly. Those analogue inserts are for the analogue input stages only as they're before any of the digital conversion. It's possible to do a soft patch insert per channel but only with the internal processing which might be useful especially if your 02R96 (or DM1/2000) has the Waves card(s). This isn't really possible on the original 02R either.

That's very useful cheers Matt.
I got the spelling wrong it's 'audiophool' as in audiophile which always makes me chuckle.
Anyhow, I'm sure I'll have some more questions to follow.

Even better!

02R Live 24 by VTypeV4, on Flickr

2024 and the live one is still earning it's crust. It's getting a little bit tired with a few dodgy pots and encoders but it's still going. In fact, my entire day has been 02R based as I ran a tuition session on the one at the studio earlier, too.

[Revelation Sound]

The Behringer Wing might be a great replacement. I personally still like digital mixers vs controllers and plug ins and the effects on the Wing are pretty good and it also works as a decent DAW Controller. Having everything under one hood can be a nice thing. You don't need converters, plug ins, or mic pre's. Everything is in it and the quality (after purchasing Midas) seems to have gone up.

[VTypeV4]

The Behringer Wing might be a great replacement. I personally still like digital mixers vs controllers and plug ins and the effects on the Wing are pretty good and it also works as a decent DAW Controller. Having everything under one hood can be a nice thing. You don't need converters, plug ins, or mic pre's. Everything is in it and the quality (after purchasing Midas) seems to have gone up.

I've used a few examples whilst on tour and I agree, they are a great tool with all the toys built in. Most seem to have replaced M/X32 in their various shapes and sizes. A&H SQ is the closest current competitor and is also a fantastic machine although I think having to buy the plugins in addition to the cost of the console is a little naughty..

[VTypeV4]

02R DM1000 SMX by VTypeV4, on Flickr

My home 02R at work yesterday - I was exporting some piano and synth loops so it was just on monitoring duties really so not using a great deal of it's processing capabilities. Thankfully, I do have a live album project on the go that does.

02R DM1000 SMX by VTypeV4, on Flickr

[bill-gill]

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!!

I imagine I’m way too late to express any interest here?

[VTypeV4]

02R pre Qu by VTypeV4, on Flickr

It's official, the days of this particular 02R running FOH are numbered. Recently, the venue won a grant to make a number of all-round improvements with some pennies ear-marked for a console upgrade. Whilst it's not yet arrived, an A&H Qu32 will soon replace the high-mileage Yamaha.

I was given the alternative option of a full-fat X32 but thought the Qu is (arguably, at least) the better quality product plus it suits me and the needs of the venue. In an ideal world, I'd have chosen an SQ although the reality was, it was just a bit too far to reach. I've plenty of good experience with the Qu range so we'll see how it goes once it arrives and is all plumbed in.

The other two examples will of course soldier on although neither have a particularly tough life these days.

[forumuser805990]

Been a while!
Life has been getting in the way of the music what with the day job and family etc.
On the plus side the home set up has been re jigged and is almost ready to plumb things into and out of the O2R.
I reckon I’ll be back in a few weeks with lots of questions Matt (hope you’re well) if you don’t mind
Cheers

[VTypeV4]

That's great - post some pictures when you get chance as it's always good to see another in service. Happy to help where I can.

I've had the opposite situation this week as the 'live' 02R at the Rigger has seen it's last show and has now been removed from service.

In a slightly sideways move, neither a an X32 or Qu32 were purchased in the end - I chose an M32 to replace the 02R instead. Built well and feature laden, hopefully it will provide at least as many years service as the Yamaha did. The Midas had it's first show on Saturday (18/5/24) and worked perfectly - as expected so all I have to do is teach the apprentice how it all works now.

M32 in 02R out 524 by VTypeV4, on Flickr

It felt a little sad removing the Yamaha as it marks the end of an era - 02R's have been used at the Rigger for the best part of ten years which is longer than any other console that's been in service at the venue during the last 25 years.

[Drew Stephenson]

Out of curiousity, what made you plump for the M32 over the other two?

[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!!

I imagine I’m way too late to express any interest here?

I missed this, really sorry dude!
Sadly yeah the offer only lasted a couple of days.
Cheers.

[forumuser805990]

That's great - post some pictures when you get chance as it's always good to see another in service. Happy to help where I can.

I've had the opposite situation this week as the 'live' 02R at the Rigger has seen it's last show and has now been removed from service.

In a slightly sideways move, neither a an X32 or Qu32 were purchased in the end - I chose an M32 to replace the 02R instead. Built well and feature laden, hopefully it will provide at least as many years service as the Yamaha did. The Midas had it's first show on Saturday (18/5/24) and worked perfectly - as expected so all I have to do is teach the apprentice how it all works now.

M32 in 02R out 524 by VTypeV4, on Flickr

It felt a little sad removing the Yamaha as it marks the end of an era - 02R's have been used at the Rigger for the best part of ten years which is longer than any other console that's been in service at the venue during the last 25 years.

End of and era!
Will you keep or sell the O2R that’s the question
I will definitely get some photos sorted Matt. Cheers!

[VTypeV4]

Out of curiousity, what made you plump for the M32 over the other two?

I felt the M32 had the best of all worlds. It has the better build quality of the A&H with some of the clever and well thought platform features of the Behringer. The whole 'Midas pre-amp' thing is an added bonus.

In terms of price, the Qu32 and M32 were almost identical so if the budget would extend to the A&H, then surely the M32 would also be a possibility - thankfully, it was.

As I said before, the ideal solution for the place would have been an SQ-6 or 7 or something like a Yamaha QL5 but obviously both of these are quite a bit newer in terms of design and notably more expensive.

End of and era!
Will you keep or sell the O2R that’s the question
I will definitely get some photos sorted Matt. Cheers!

Technically, that one belongs to the venue so it'll probably be stored there for a while - I'll be very surprised if they sell it. Personally, I'll not be selling or taking my other two out of service just yet - although I nearly pulled the trigger on an 02R96 a couple of months back.

[Drew Stephenson]

Out of curiousity, what made you plump for the M32 over the other two?

I felt the M32 had the best of all worlds. It has the better build quality of the A&H with some of the clever and well thought platform features of the Behringer. The whole 'Midas pre-amp' thing is an added bonus.

Thank you

[VTypeV4]

It seems we had a bit of a false start with the M32. It did one gig then refused to start ever again so the Yamaha was put straight back in to service for a few shows. Of course, it worked without fault or issue - as ever. The faulty M32 was returned (under warranty) sometime last week with a fresh Midas box arriving at the venue yesterday. You can see the new, new desk under test in the background.

TOH M32 O2R by VTypeV4, on Flickr

As for what was wrong with the other, we never found out although judging by the widom of the interwebs, it was some sort of PSU fault. I assume it'll be repaired then re-sold as B-stock, possibly?

TOH M32 O2R by VTypeV4, on Flickr

Awaiting it's first show this coming Saturday.

[forumuser805990]

Hope that new console is working well Matt.
Reassuring to see the built like a tank O2R is so reliable.

It’s been hectic the last couple of months, had little time to mess around with the studio due to other commitments.

I am just getting in to routing the signals from my analogue rack into the O2R and have a couple of Motu 828 mk2’s I would like to use as with the digital outputs of the ADAT cards.

Firstly what light pipe cables do I need, are they TOSlink?
Secondly how will I route the analogue inputs to the digital outs on the two ADAT cards (2x 8 channels at 44.1) I’ve found the page in the O2R but can’t seem to set the routing?

I guess I need a step by step guide as the manual is little help.
Once I’ve done that I can take the signals from the 828s back into my computer via USB for digital recording into logic where I hope I can record and treat each track individually with whatever I want after printing into logic.

And I will get pics of the set up sorted as soon as…

Thanks in advance.

[VTypeV4]

1718531595345 by VTypeV4, on Flickr

My 'original' 02R pictured at the studio the other day - I'd just finished a tuition session on it.

And yes, the second M32 is settling in nicely, thanks.

As for cables, any optical ADAT / TOSLink cable will work fine. I usually just buy the cheapest ones I can find as the cheap-ish ones I bought ten years ago when I was just getting the original live recording setup going are still working fine.

The routing is pretty straight forward if I recall correctly. Make sure your ADAT cards are in the bottom two slots (1 & 2) then you'll be able to use the OUT as direct outs from channels 1-16. They tap pre fader, post fader or post fader, EQ, dynamics etc although it's easy to check the status of them in the setup menu. As far as I remember, you can only use channels 1-16 for direct outs - neither 'stereo channels' 17-24 or the second layer (tape) can be assigned this way. On the console surface where the subgroup / stereo assign buttons are is also 'direct' - this switches the direct out on for the selcted channel.

Your ADAT IN (from your interfaces - assuming you've routed channels via Logic) will then appear on the 'TAPE' inputs. You'll be able to do some OTB mixes this way and then send it all back into Logic via the S/Pdif output on the 02R.

Hope that helps.

[forumuser805990]

Brilliant
Thanks Matt I will give that a go, just need to connect the light pipe cables and good to go.
Have some time this weekend hopefully.

[VTypeV4]

Squier 02r 24 by VTypeV4, on Flickr

The studio based (and my original) one doing just a little bit of work this week. It was being used to have look at a live recording from a while back.

[imad3310]

Hello to the Yamaha 02R users.

I have acquired a TC Unity card.

Dealer: CF17
M2000-DC: BE0A
Finalizer: BF2D
Serial Number: 6002250

I need help with the license code.

Thanks for help.

[VTypeV4]

Hello to the Yamaha 02R users.

I have acquired a TC Unity card.

Dealer: CF17
M2000-DC: BE0A
Finalizer: BF2D
Serial Number: 6002250

I need help with the license code.

Thanks for help.

We never cracked the coding with these, sadly. There is a forum member here that may chime in as he managed to re-code the specific chip but that's about as far as it ever got.

Good luck.