Yamaha TF3 Ditigal Mixer - 24 Channels

The "TF3" refers to the Yamaha TF3 Digital Mixing Console, which is the mid-sized model in Yamaha's popular TF series of digital mixers. Like the TF1, it emphasizes "TouchFlow Operation" for intuitive control via a large touchscreen, but it offers more physical inputs and faders, making it suitable for larger applications.

Here's a detailed breakdown of its key features and specifications, highlighting its differences from the TF1:

Core Specifications:

• Channels:

  • 24 analog input channels (mono) + 2 stereo input channels + 22 digital return channels (USB/Dante, expandable).

  • The TF3 has a total mixing capacity of 48 input mixing channels (40 mono + 2 stereo + 2 returns), allowing for a significantly larger show than the TF1.

• Faders: Features 25 motorized faders (24 channel faders + 1 master fader). This provides more hands-on control compared to the TF1's 17 faders.

• Buses: 20 Mix Buses (8 mono/stereo Mix + 6 Matrix + 1 Stereo + 1 Sub). (Same as TF1)

• DCA Groups: 8 DCA groups. (Same as TF1)

Input/Output (I/O):

• Analog Inputs:

  • 24 XLR/TRS Combo jacks (Mic/Line inputs), featuring Yamaha's acclaimed D-PRE microphone preamps, known for their transparent and musical sound. This is 8 more than the TF1.

  • 2 Stereo Analog Inputs (RCA Pin jacks).

• Analog Outputs:

  • 16 XLR Analog Omni Outputs (configurable for mixes, matrix, stereo, etc.). (Same as TF1)

• Digital I/O:

  • USB 2.0 (USB to Host): For multi-track recording (34x34 channels) and playback (via DAW or Steinberg Nuendo Live).

  • Optional expansion slot for NY64-D Dante I/O Card: Allows for 64-in/64-out Dante network audio, enabling connection to R Series I/O racks (e.g., Tio1608-D) and expanded channel count. (Same as TF1)

TouchFlow Operation & Interface:

• Large Touch Panel: Central to the mixer's operation is a large, high-resolution multi-touch display, enabling intuitive navigation, mixing, and control via touch gestures (pinch, swipe). (Same as TF1)

• Touch & Turn Knob: A physical "Touch & Turn" knob for fine adjustments of parameters selected on the touch screen. (Same as TF1)

• GainFinder: A feature that helps set optimum input gain quickly and accurately. (Same as TF1)

• 1-knob COMP & 1-knob EQ: Simplified, effective controls for compression and equalization, making it easy for even novice users to achieve great sound. More detailed controls are also available for experienced users. (Same as TF1)

Processing & Effects:

• Powerful DSP: Comprehensive digital processing on all channels, including gates, compressors, 4-band parametric EQ, and more.

• FX Processors: Two dedicated multi-effects processors (SPX II effects) with 19 different effects types (reverb, delay, modulation, etc.). (Same as TF1)

• GEQ: 15-band graphic EQ on main outputs and mix buses. (Same as TF1)

Key Features for Live Sound:

• Scene Memory: Allows saving and recalling complete mixer setups, essential for quick changes between songs, acts, or venues. (Same as TF1)

• User Defined Keys: Programmable buttons for quick access to frequently used functions. (Same as TF1)

• User Defined Knobs: Assignable knobs for custom control. (Same as TF1)

• DCA Groups: For easy control of multiple channels simultaneously. (Same as TF1)

• Yamaha D-PRE Preamps: High-quality microphone preamps ensure excellent signal integrity from the source. (Same as TF1)

Software & Network Integration:

• TF Editor (PC/Mac): Software for offline setup, online control, and archiving. (Same as TF1)

• StageMix (iPad): An iPad app for remote control of the mixer, allowing engineers to mix from anywhere in the venue. (Same as TF1)

• MonitorMix (iPhone/iPod Touch): Personal monitor mixing app for musicians to control their own wedge mixes. (Same as TF1)

• QuickPro Presets: A library of optimized channel presets for various instruments and microphones, developed in collaboration with leading manufacturers. (Same as TF1)

Physical Design:

• Larger Footprint: The TF3 is physically larger and heavier than the TF1 due to its increased fader count and input channels. It is generally not rack-mountable without optional kits or specialized cases.

• Robust Build: Durable construction suitable for the demands of live performance.

In essence, the Yamaha TF3 offers the same powerful and intuitive "TouchFlow Operation" and high-quality processing as the TF1, but scales up the physical input count and motorized faders to accommodate larger productions and more complex setups.