Description
The M-5000 is Roland's flagship live console, launched in 2014 to succeed the M-480. Its big idea is the O.H.R.C.A. architecture: instead of a fixed structure (so many channels, so many buses), the user freely allocates up to 128 audio paths across inputs, buses, matrices and groups to suit the show. From my engineer's seat that is a genuine shift in logic: you size the console around the event, not the other way round. Add native 96 kHz, 72-bit summing and multi-protocol openness (REAC, Dante, MADI, AES, SoundGrid) and you get a smarter, more affordable machine than its rivals of the time.
Technical
Specifications
Inputs / Outputs
| Mic inputs | 16 |
|---|---|
| Total outputs | 16 |
| Inputs / outputs | Up to ~300 inputs / ~296 outputs managed via patchbays depending on configuration |
Processing
| Max sample rate | 96 kHz |
|---|---|
| Bit depth | 24 bits |
| Processing resolution | 72 bits |
| Architecture | O.H.R.C.A. — configurable topology, up to 128 channels/buses freely allocated (input channels, mix buses, matrices, groups) |
| Sample rate | Native 96 kHz |
| Audio performance | 72-bit linear summing |
Surface
| Motorized faders | Yes |
|---|---|
| Screens | 1 |
| Touchscreen | Yes |
| Control surface | Large colour touchscreen, motorised faders, user-assignable area (physical fader count to be verified) |
Recording
| Onboard recording | No |
|---|
Networking
| Networking & protocols | Network / Dante / MADI / AES/EBU / SoundGrid / USB |
|---|---|
| Redundant PSU | Yes |
| Redundant networking | No |
| Audio networking | Proprietary REAC transport; Dante, MADI, Waves SoundGrid, AES/EBU, SDI, SFP, DVI expansion cards |
Physical
| Width | 934 mm |
|---|---|
| Depth | 725 mm |
| Height | 346 mm |
| Weight | 36 kg |
Power
| Power draw | 180 W |
|---|
Other
| Variants and configurations | Compact version M-5000C (2016) |
|---|
Strip & details
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Rotate your phone to landscape for a better view of the strip.
Rotate your phone to landscape for a better view of the strip.
Rotate your phone to landscape for a better view of the strip.
Rotate your phone to landscape for a better view of the strip.
Rotate your phone to landscape for a better view of the strip.
Software
M-5000 Remote Control (RCS)Official remote-control software for the M-5000: offline setup, control and monitoring of the console from a computer or tablet.Download
M-5000 Remote v1.0.1Download
Other screenshots
Editorial & artists
Our take
History & design
The Roland M-5000 is a live digital mixing console introduced in 2014 by Roland Professional A/V, succeeding the M-480 in the V-Mixer range. It is built on the O.H.R.C.A. ("Open High Resolution Configurable Architecture", pronounced "orca") platform, which drops the fixed channel/bus structure of traditional consoles: the user freely allocates up to 128 channels and buses (input channels, mix buses, matrices, groups) depending on the application — FOH, monitors, broadcast or theatre.
The system runs natively at 96 kHz with 72-bit linear summing and built-in mic preamps. Input/output is handled through patchbays managing up to roughly 300 inputs and 296 outputs depending on configuration. Transport between surface and stageboxes uses Roland's proprietary REAC (Roland Ethernet Audio Communication) protocol, complemented by optional expansion cards: Dante, MADI, Waves SoundGrid, AES/EBU, SDI, SFP and DVI.
The surface combines a large colour touchscreen, motorised faders and a user-assignable area. A compact version, the M-5000C, followed in 2016.
Links
Related consoles
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