Yamaha MMP1: A New Standard in Studio Monitor Control

Yamaha is pleased to announce the upcoming release of the MMP1 Studio Monitor Management System with advanced audio routing capability and features ideally suited to configuring and managing monitor environments for next-generation studios.

Monitoring is a vitally important element of the production environment, and it directly affects the quality of the final product. The advent of immersive audio formats has raised the bar higher than ever, increasing the capability for precise sound field reproduction while bringing up new monitoring challenges. The MMP1 Studio Monitor Management System flexibly adapts to the diversity and complexity of monitor and communication needs in the most efficient way. Much more than a monitor controller, it is a comprehensive package of essential studio functionality that offers optimum support for in-the-box mixing workflows.

The MMP1 features a 40 x 36 matrix(*1) for monitor source mixing that supports formats from stereo to immersive audio, including Dolby Atmos. Eight stereo cues and flexible talkback allow easy communication between multiple artists and directors.

The monitor matrix is followed by a 32 x 32 speaker management matrix(*2) with crossover filters for bass management on all channels, allowing much greater freedom for speaker layout than the common practice of providing a limited selection of preset patterns. Precision FIR bass management filters are provided in addition to IIR types, making it possible to maintain flat phase characteristics between channels for optimum sonic clarity and imaging. Time alignment delay and EQ are included too, for comprehensive speaker output control. In addition to eight analog and sixteen AES/EBU inputs and outputs, built-in Dante audio networking provides extra I/O expansion and system scalability.

Because a studio’s monitoring environment is critical to final quality, reproduction fidelity and spatial precision must be as close to perfect as possible. Meticulous attention has been paid to selecting each and every component for the MMP1, as well as to even the smallest circuit design details. Repeated testing and evaluation by “golden-eared” designers ensures optimum tuning of the entire system. The overall result is unprecedented sonic quality.

Eight channel strips are included, each with four selectable EQ types (Precise, Aggressive, Smooth, and Legacy) that offer a comprehensive range of response shaping options, plus a number of analog vintage effects modeled at the component level using acclaimed Yamaha VCM technology for professional grade processing capability.

Commentary (cough) functionality is also provided, allowing microphones to be muted from external controllers connected via a GPI interface, with current status monitoring available via the MMP1 Controller app.

Two software applications contribute to stress-free MMP1 setup and operation. The MMP1 Editor for Windows and Mac computers provides all-function access for everything from system design through file management to day-to-day operation. A setup wizard makes setup fast, easy, and precise. When the system is up and running the MMP1 Controller app for iPad offers convenient, intuitive control of essential parameters.

The powerful matrix mixers, functionality, flexible signal routing, and stunning sonic quality provided by the MMP1 make it easy to set up ideal monitor environments for a diverse range of applications.

The Yamaha MMP1 is scheduled for release in the fourth quarter of 2017.

*1: 32 inputs + 8 DSP channel inputs x 32 outputs + stereo downmix outputs + stereo headphone outputs @ 44.1, 48, 88.2, and 96 kHz. 20 x 20 channels @ 176.4 kHz and 192 kHz.

*2: 32 x 32 channels @ 44.1, 48, 88.2, and 96 kHz. 16 x 16 channels @ 176.4 kHz and 192 kHz.