Yamaha IM8 series consoles

[Gracetech]

Well the cat is out of the bag and the new IM8 consoles are headed to the states. If you've been waiting for a new analog console you may want to check this guy out.

The IM8 console comes in different frame sizes. They include their simplistic one knob compressor on each input channel. The really big thing i think churches will like is the ability to record and playback audio through USB to a attached computer. Check one out when they start filtering to your area.

http://www.yamahaproaudio.com/produc...im8/index.html

crt

[ABTarasoff]

I covet the mixer. Our church owns a Yamaha MG32/14FX but would sacrifice the effects and allow us to channel more Aux's to those who only need specific vocal/instrumentation.
I rather have direct outs to record unto a PC and later edit the recording. I confess, IM8x32 is one I have been looking for in mixer consoles.

[Cotton]

Hi, sorry for the bit of thread mining...

Has anyone used / got one of these IM8 consoles? What did you think?

Justin.

[Gracetech]

Thread mining is totally allowed here.

I've gotten to use a IM8/32 and while it's a great console most people end up wanting to go with a digital console if they are already going to spend that much money. Honestly i think it's a great transitional board for those in the analog world to get a taste for what digital can do for you. I think it's a very niche setup but it seems to be getting thrown in quite a few installs so i hear.

If you need alot of flexibility but you are not ready to give up on analog yet and you don't have a lot of money to play with then this is your ticket. The sound quality is right on par with Yamaha's midline of equipment and it never hurts to have 8 auxes and 4 matrixes lying around. Oh and the best part that most will find is the dumb down Compression. It allows you to have compression on every channel but you don't have to think about all the settings just twist one knob. I myself would be driven nuts by this but if your comming from no compression to this then it might be the best transition to start understanding what it does.

crt

[rois]

Anyone used it for recording? it seems like it allows only live to 2 tracks recording, is that right? or is it multi-tracking?

I am currently using an analog "phonics" 24 channel (bought 2nd hand) and looking at upgrading to IM8 but it is new in my part of the world and was wondering if it would be worth "upgrading"?

[Gracetech]

Yes, it's only 2 track.

Compared to a phonics board i would consider it a upgrade but enough to justify the cost would be up to you. You didn't say which Phonics board you had so i don't know if you will be gaining more auxes or more eq control or such. The Phonics boards are quite comparable to Yamaha's at times it looks like Phonics is copying Yamaha.

crt

[rois]

Its an old phonics board (can't remember the model off head) with 6 auxes, 4 groups and similar eq's etc. The few +ve points I can see from the IM8 that would justify it would be the built-in compressor, mute grouping, individual channel/aux/group meter and the recording via usb to a pc though unfortunately its only 2 tracks and not multi-tracking.

[Gracetech]

That's a close call as to how "worth it" it is. I've been bit by the digital bug and try not to go back when i can help it.

i do have to say that for a single knob compression it is really versatile.

crt