Yamaha Introduces AW16G Audio Workstation

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Yamaha Professional Audio offers its workstation technology to the musician in an ultra-compact, user-friendly package with the Summer NAMM debut of the AW16G Professional Audio Workstation. Loaded with all the tools necessary for "A to Z" music production--from recording to high quality track mixing through CD burning--the AW16G is equally at home in a personal studio, a live recording, or as the front end to a computer-based system. The unit carries an MSRP of $1,299 and is scheduled for delivery in August.

The portable (16.75" L x 12.5" W x 4" D) AW16G records up to eight simultaneous tracks of 16-bit, CD-quality digital audio without data compression. Each track features up to eight virtual tracks and records directly to the internal 20 GB IDE hard drive. In addition, up to 16 tracks may be exported all at once as WAV files to CD ROM for detailed editing on a personal computer.

An onboard CD-RW drive is installed in a front-mounted port for easy accessibility. All data recorded on the AW16G is compatible with the Yamaha AW4416 and AW2816 platforms, so tracks can be shared easily.

The AW16G also functions as a 36-channel digital mixer and features: eight 24-bit mic/line inputs (XLR with +48V phantom power and a high impedance input that will accept a guitar or other instrument directly); two effects busses and two aux sends plus stereo, with four channels of effects return. An 8-channel, 4-pad Quick Loop Sampler, containing 250 preset phrase samples and high-quality drum samples, will capture up to 16 samples for a total of 47 seconds. With the innovative Sound Clip function, users can instantly capture and loop vocal or guitar phrases--an ideal function for learning solos or vocal lines.

A total of 16 tracks may be played back simultaneously. All channels contain digital attenuators, 4-band parametric EQ, dynamics, and channel split knobs. A 240 x 64 backlit LCD display and Quick Navigation button shows graphic representations and provides easy access to all functions.

"The real hallmarks of the AW16G are professional quality recordings, portability and the ability to control external computer-based recording devices," states Wayne Hrabak, marketing manager, Yamaha Professional Audio "The AW16G puts Yamaha's digital audio workstation technology within reach of the musician or home recordist who might think that the AW4416 or AW2816 are a bit overpowered for their needs."

Two stereo digital multi effects AW4416-type processors may be routed to any bus or input channel directly, or re-routed during recording to create layered effects. These effects include a 35-preset library specifically designed for the acoustic and electric guitar, bass and vocals, and include five speaker simulation programs. A 13-preset library of effects is designated for accurate mastering.

The AW16G contains a selection of MIDI remote control templates for the industry's most popular computer-based sequencers and synthesizer products. Templates include Cakewalk SONAR, E-Magic LOGIC, Steinberg's Cubase, Digidesign Pro Tools, Steinberg's Nuendo, and the Yamaha Motif Music Production Synthesizer. An optical I/O will allow direct digital connections to a synthesizer, MD player or DAT.

"The AW16G is really the complete package for musicians who want to make high quality demos, do a 'mobile' recording, or just have a great workstation to supplement their PC," adds John Schauer, product manager, Yamaha Professional Audio.