Yamaha Forms Commercial Audio Systems Division

Furthering its commitment to the expanding commercial audio market, Yamaha Corporation of America announces the formation of the Commercial Audio Systems Division, effective April 1, 2002. Spearheaded by newly-named general manager Larry Italia, the division will report directly to Mick Umemura, president of Yamaha Corporation of America, and will dedicate itself solely to the high end commercial recording, production, sound reinforcement/installed sound, broadcast and tour sound markets.

"We believe that the time is right for Yamaha to intensify its focus on the commercial audio market where we will demonstrate our increased commitment through product development and full utilization of our technological resources, states Umemura. "I am personally very excited at the formation of this new division and pleased that we are now positioned to better serve this segment of the industry."

Yamaha Commercial Audio internally split off from the Professional Audio Department in April of 1999, forming a dedicated dealer network and a separate sales and support team. The new division will continue to address all areas of the market through a dedicated force of high end dealers. Internal expansion is now under way in the sales, marketing, administration, order entry and customer service departments.

Professional audio products sold through MI music store channels remain the responsibility of Wayne Hrabak, marketing manager, Professional Audio Department, Pro Audio & Combo Division.

"The intent of the Commercial Audio Systems Division is to keep an even sharper focus on the needs of its dealers and customers," states Larry Italia, general manager, Yamaha Commercial Audio Systems Division. "The commercial market is the largest segment within the audio industry, and by operating as a separate division, Yamaha will further strengthen its growth while better servicing our dealers, contractors, consultants, sound designers, and end users."

The division will continue to utilize the core technologies developed by Yamaha Japan in the areas of DSP, digital mixing consoles and networking. Products sold through the Commercial Audio Systems Division include, but are not limited to, the PM1D digital mixing system, M and GA Series consoles, the new DM2000 digital production console, mLAN networking systems, DME32 digital mixing system, C and X Series amplifiers, and the SREV1 digital reverb.