Description
Technical
Specifications
Processing
| DSP engine | Moteur numérique 28 bits interne |
|---|---|
| Max sample rate | 48,000 kHz |
| Bit depth | 20 bits |
| Processing resolution | 28 bits |
| Architecture | Ensemble hybride tout-numérique : console de mixage numérique automatisée + enregistreur 8 pistes 20 bits sur cartouche propriétaire dans un même meuble. |
Surface
| Motorized faders | No |
|---|---|
| Screens | 1 |
| Touchscreen | No |
Recording
| Onboard recording | Yes |
|---|---|
| Tracks | 8 pistes numériques 20 bits sur bande 8 mm propriétaire M20P (tête S-DAT stationnaire). 22 min à 44,1 kHz / 20 min à 48 kHz par cartouche. |
Networking
| Networking & protocols | AES/EBU |
|---|---|
| Redundant PSU | No |
| Redundant networking | No |
Other
| Sample Rate | Base interne 44,1 kHz ; horloge externe de 44,1 kHz (-10 %) à 48 kHz (+6 %). |
|---|---|
| Bits | 20 bits sur bande, revendiqué en première mondiale à l'époque ; 28 bits de traitement interne. |
| Automation | Automation totale synchronisée au timecode (faders, on/off, pan, EQ) ; modes RECMIX : All Rec, Sync Dub, Ping-Pong, Punch In, Track Edit, Mixdown. |
| Expansion | Extensible via l'unité compagnon DRU8 (rack enregistreur 8 pistes seul, 3U) pour atteindre 16 ou 24 pistes tout en conservant l'automation et les effets du DMR8. |
| Firmware | Firmware system V.3.0 documenté par un Owner's Manual dédié ; disponible sur Internet Archive. |
| Price | Prix de lancement estimé autour de 50 000 USD pour l'ensemble complet (source forum, à vérifier). |
Software
- DMR8 System Software V.3.0DMR8 V.3.0 system firmware, documented by a dedicated V.3.0 Owner's Manual and supplement. Extends the automation, locator and RECMIX modes (All Rec, Sync Dub, Ping-Pong, Punch In, Track Edit, Mixdown).
Accessories
Other
- Yamaha DRU8
Standalone 8-track digital recorder unit (3U rack, no console section) that chains to the DMR8 to reach 16 or 24 tracks while keeping the DMR8 automation and effects.
- Cartouche M20P
Proprietary 8 mm tape cartridge for the DMR8/DRU8 duo: 22 min at 44.1 kHz / 20-bit or 20 min at 48 kHz / 20-bit, with a sync track kept separate from audio.
Editorial & artists
Our take
History & design
The Yamaha DMR8 (1990) combines an automated digital mixing console and an 8-track 20-bit digital recorder in one frame, using proprietary 8 mm tape (M20P cartridge, stationary S-DAT head). A single cartridge stores 22 minutes at 44.1 kHz or 20 minutes at 48 kHz, with a sync track independent of the audio.
Internally the DMR8 processes in 28 bits and delivers full timecode-driven automation (faders, on/off, pan, EQ). Its RECMIX modes (All Rec, Sync Dub, Ping-Pong, Punch In, Track Edit, Mixdown) organise the record/edit/mixdown flow. It scales through the DRU8 (standalone 3U 8-track recorder rack) to reach 16 or 24 tracks while keeping the DMR8's automation and effects. The V.3.0 firmware is the documented reference revision (dedicated Owner's Manual on Internet Archive).
Links
- Manufacturer Yamaha - Digital Mixer History (fiche DMR8 1990) usa.yamaha.com
- Manufacturer Yamaha - 30th Anniversary Mixers : 1990 / DMR8 yamaha.com
- Manufacturer Yamaha Commercial Audio - cartouches M20P (specs 20 bits 44.1/48 kHz) facebook.com
- Press article FOH Magazine - Yamaha Celebrates 30 Years of Digital Mixers fohonline.com
- Press article ProSoundWeb - 30 years of Yamaha digital mixing prosoundweb.com
- Forum Gearspace - 'They once ruled the world' (témoignages DMR8/DRU8) gearspace.com
- Archive Internet Archive - DMR8 V.3.0 Owner's Manual archive.org
Related consoles
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Documents are archived locally for preservation. Source credited. Takedown requests: [email protected]