Yamaha n Series

[Blister]

Hey guys,

Anyone know if the N12 can be used purely as an analog mixer? Say I want to use a channel strip and output after preamp/compression/EQ etc... But get out before the A/D converter and run to another converter... Is this possible?

I thought of possibly using the insert i/o jacks, which would normally be used for effects, but am not sure.

I really love the preamps/ morph compressor on the N12, but want to upgrade my AD conversion. I use an Antelope Zodiac+ for D/A, and it's a huge improvement over the n12 - although the N12 definitely holds up very well against the likes of RME/ Lynx/ Apogee IMO.

Cheers!

Jimmy

[adrianww]

You can certainly use the n12 purely as a standalone mixer, but I think the only way to run out to an external multi-channel converter would be to use the insert points. I can't remember offhand but they are probably post-preamp, but pre-EQ or compression.

Conversely, if you only wanted to record one or two channels at a time, I guess you could just use the main stereo out to feed your converter. (Or maybe use the stereo and aux outs to get four channels running to the converter? Probably not ideal though.)

[UberJack]

I just purchased one the other day and have hooked it up to my PC as part of a writing rig. I am running windows 7 32bit on an audio specced Q6600 Quad Core machine and this thing is smokin! I love the sound and the integration is amazing!! No issues re install, and the drivers are absolutely rock solid. Very happy with this product at this stage, i hope all keeps chugging away as the little work horse it is! Gave a whole new lease of life to my old PC.

[Bondsong]

I just looked on the Yamaha synth site for Lion compatablity and it says the N12 is now compatable. When did that happen?

[curteye]

Originally Posted by Bondsong

I just looked on the Yamaha synth site for Lion compatablity and it says the N12 is now compatable. When did that happen?

Aloha B, and be careful. I am still having probs and at this stage I am
down to running 'vanilla'.

OS10.7.3/Cubase 6.0.5/ Steinberg VST Collection/n12.

No other 3rd party gear. And intermittent is still the word.

Still have not successfully figured whats going on.

YMMV
Good luck
{'-'}

[lowerlameland]

Odd but large discovery for me... (and apologies if everyone else knows this already!) I've been switching back and forth between the onboard realtek drivers and Yamaha drivers for listening to mixes through stereo speakers or listening without the board on, etc... I guess most people disable the onboard sound?? Anyway, If I switch Windows audio to the Yamaha drivers, it's sort of like the Yamaha drivers are competing with themselves when the board is running. It's when I accidentally forget to switch the Windows audio default back to the Realtek drivers that has been causing all the clicks, stalls and pops...

So if you're having any problems and you're on a windows machine, try disabling the onboard audio completely OR make sure you're NOT using the Yamaha drivers for Windows system audio. This makes very little sense to me, but it's running perfectly now that I've realized the correlation...

Also, I know Macs are perfect and all (just a little joke!), and I have no idea how they work, but I'm wondering if there's some sort of "system audio" in Macs that might be conflicting with the firewire somehow for some of the Mac problems?? Just a thought... Good luck and as you were.
Bob

PS. I also can't use the N12 with the Nvidea card (clicks and stalls there too), but (ironically?) with the onboard video it's flawless...

[Bondsong]

On my MBP I have no problem switching between audio drivers. When I am using only the laptop its drivers work, when I plug in the TB display it's audio drivers take over and when I turn on my N12 it becomes the default driver. It switches automatically. I like this setup.

[Daedal]

Hi guys, first post here and just wondering if anyone can help me

I have dual boot xp/vista and use cubase on xp for my music. I was getting dropouts during itunes playback in vista as many do when I noticed that on top of having an integrated firewire port near the top of my machine, I also have a pci firewire card installed in my rig. So I decided to switch ports in order to do a little test on the dropouts issue.

Basically the N8 didn't work at all in the new port and on returning the fw lead to the original port and rebooting, nothing happened either.

Several hours of head-scratching later and I have noticed that in vista's device manager it lists "Yamaha Steinberg FW Bus" when the firewire lead is completely disconnected. If I right click then click on "uninstall device", it disappears, but if I then click my computer name and "scan for hardware changes", it appears again, under sound video and game controllers. So it seems that my FW port (which has worked for over a year) thinks the N8 is connected, when it's FW is not plugged in, nor the unit even switched on.

When I do connect and turn the N8 on I get the constant red compressor lights even after numerous resets. Have I somehow completely shafted my computer's firewire just by switching ports...? Any suggestions to try?

XP won't recognise the N8 either

[lowerlameland]

Any luck yet? Did you try a completely fresh uninstall/put card in slot that had more success/reinstall? Or take out the card and only use the onboard firewire? I dunno...

And did you try leaving windows sounds on the mb driver and only using the yamaha drivers for the n8? That was my problem that I mentioned up there... Just a thought. Good luck!!

[curteye]

Aloha guys,

I am using an iMac with OS 10.7.3

1-When in the Finder if I open the n12 driver software app
and then touch the 'Identify' button. the Cubase Ready light
will flash nine (9) times.

2-However when I do the same thing while using Cubase 6.0.4 (or .5)
The ready light will flash only eight (8) times.

3-This happens with both my iMac and Macbook.

4-Is this normal behavior?

TIA (thanks in advance)
{'-'}

[lowerlameland]

Win7 64 light comes on once and stays on, if that helps. It's been rock solid for a while now once I realized that I had to turn off the wireless networking AND the wireless adapter...

Unrelated, just curious if anyone else has tried a pro preamp and compared? I borrowed a Chandler TG2 from a friend was was absolutely blown away by the sound. On acoustic, electric, bass, vocals, drums, everything it absolutely blew away the N12 pres. The bass DI was possibly the nicest bass sound I've ever heard...

I ran the Chandler into the inserts on the N12... So what I'm wondering is does this mean possibly that the converters on the N series are somehow quite a bit better than the preamps? OR will better converters add another layer of amazing to the sound? I'm still enjoying the N12, but now I'm starting to covet more expensive pres, dammit!

Also, the N12 reverb, compressors and preamps were usable no matter which insert I used, so to bypass all that I had to turn them to min. I thought one of the inserts was post everything?? That appears to be incorrect, unless I did something wrong...

[frets249]

Hey lowerlameland, i too use a few pro pre-amps and compressors with my n12 which are better but they cost as much as the n12 so we have to be realistic with what we expect from the n12, it is still a very capable affordable unit.
The inserts all come after the pre-amp so it will have no effect, however the EQ & compressors will so yes just set them to off (as they are digital) if you don't want to use them, have a look at the Block Diagram page 64 to get an idea of the signal flow through the n12 it really helps if you understand it. hope it helps
Frets

[lowerlameland]

Thanks for that! I swear the preamps changed things too?? But you're probably right about that too. But I've given the damned amazing thing back, so have nothing to check it with at the moment. I don't really need more than 8 pres, but I think I might just have to get at least 2 nice channels for a record I'll be doing with friends in the summer. It's perfect for now for learning what I'm doing and my crappy songs! Thanks again!

[dint10]

Originally Posted by N12Tech

Hi Everyone,

Sorry for not contacting everyone sooner but with many projects in the works time has been limited. So for driver issues in Win 7 and 10.7xx, here are couple solutions.

First for Win7:

Download the driver for the MR816 on the Steinberg site. Just install the driver from the driver folder in the MR816 Tools download(32bit or 64bit depending on the system) then install the extensions and S.S.D.M. from the N Tools download. This may resolve issues with dropouts and connectivity depending on the system and firewire controller. The TI firewire controller is recommended.

If anyone has any questions on how to perform the tips above let me know.

Here are the download links for the MR816 and the N console.

MR816 CSX/X

Drivers and Software | Downloads | YamahaSynth.com

N12 Tech

I have downloaded the driver for the MR816. However, I am unclear about the extensions and S.S.D.M. from the N Tools download? What are these? Where do I get them exactly?

Also - what is a T1 firewire controller? Thank very much.

[thesteam]

Originally Posted by dint10

I have downloaded the driver for the MR816. However, I am unclear about the extensions and S.S.D.M. from the N Tools download? What are these? Where do I get them exactly?

Also - what is a T1 firewire controller? Thank very much.

the T1 firewire controller... it actually says T I as in eye...

stands for Texas Instruments, I believe.

[andrew caramia]

Originally Posted by Daedal

Hi guys, first post here and just wondering if anyone can help me

I have dual boot xp/vista and use cubase on xp for my music. I was getting dropouts during itunes playback in vista as many do when I noticed that on top of having an integrated firewire port near the top of my machine, I also have a pci firewire card installed in my rig. So I decided to switch ports in order to do a little test on the dropouts issue.

Basically the N8 didn't work at all in the new port and on returning the fw lead to the original port and rebooting, nothing happened either.

Several hours of head-scratching later and I have noticed that in vista's device manager it lists "Yamaha Steinberg FW Bus" when the firewire lead is completely disconnected. If I right click then click on "uninstall device", it disappears, but if I then click my computer name and "scan for hardware changes", it appears again, under sound video and game controllers. So it seems that my FW port (which has worked for over a year) thinks the N8 is connected, when it's FW is not plugged in, nor the unit even switched on.

When I do connect and turn the N8 on I get the constant red compressor lights even after numerous resets. Have I somehow completely shafted my computer's firewire just by switching ports...? Any suggestions to try?

XP won't recognise the N8 either

best tip i can give you is: get off your butt and get windows7 (full version, not the update), buy a 'pci-e' firewire card (rather than pci- has more bandwidth) with the 'TI' chipset (siig cards are good, but any generic fw400 card with that chipset is fine), disable any other onboard mobo sound in your bios (also uninstall that software) and do a clean install (reformat your pc). a major thing is to try not to use cracked/pirate software (solved a lot of my problems in a flash). a n12 reset and firmware update wouldnt hurt either. and set your fw settings to 'large' in the yamaha software tool.

[Delbut]

Hi guys. Newbie here. Wondered if anyone could give a bit of advice.

I'm currently using a built-for-purpose carillon PC running XP with Cubase Studio4 DAW. Which i've had for about 6 years. The N12 was added about 2 years ago for my audio interface and love how easy it is to use. (although i'm only using it in it's very basic function of input and out put -i'm not mixing through it or playing midi through it just yet).

long story short -my PC has now comitted suicide -i've already had to renew memory and it's died again 2 weeks later. I have some options but due to cash restraints they are limited but the info i need may be here?

Eventually, I would like to upgrade to Cubase 6 which needs to run on windows 7 ( i think). question: Will the N12 run on windows 7? And Will the N12 work with Cubase 6? And when I say work I mean work without me having to do much technical shit? Will I need to update the drivers?

My other question (sorry) is in the meantime, as I can't afford to do it all at once, could I get a new machine and install XP instead of Windows 7 and still use the same firewire card? Maybe too many questions here but any advice would be welcome.

Thanks

[adrianww]

The n12 definitely works under Win7 and with Cubase 6 - I've got that setup here and it's fine.

[andrew caramia]

Originally Posted by Delbut

Hi guys. Newbie here. Wondered if anyone could give a bit of advice.

I'm currently using a built-for-purpose carillon PC running XP with Cubase Studio4 DAW. Which i've had for about 6 years. The N12 was added about 2 years ago for my audio interface and love how easy it is to use. (although i'm only using it in it's very basic function of input and out put -i'm not mixing through it or playing midi through it just yet).

long story short -my PC has now comitted suicide -i've already had to renew memory and it's died again 2 weeks later. I have some options but due to cash restraints they are limited but the info i need may be here?

Eventually, I would like to upgrade to Cubase 6 which needs to run on windows 7 ( i think). question: Will the N12 run on windows 7? And Will the N12 work with Cubase 6? And when I say work I mean work without me having to do much technical shit? Will I need to update the drivers?

My other question (sorry) is in the meantime, as I can't afford to do it all at once, could I get a new machine and install XP instead of Windows 7 and still use the same firewire card? Maybe too many questions here but any advice would be welcome.

Thanks

yes it'll work fine with win7 and cubase6. infact, i think its even better. just get the new drivers (also do a firmware update and hard reset) and try to get a motherboard that already has built in firewire with the TI chipset like some of the intel and gigabyte boards. works great for me. if you cant find a mobo with a ti fw port, get a "PCI-E" fw400 card, again with the TI chipset- has a bit more bandwidth than pci and can be found for about $30- eBay Australia: Buy new & used fashion, electronics & home d?r
although siig fw cards are highly recommended, cost a little more but worth the trouble.
also, set your firewire to "large" in the yamaha software tool.
sure itll work with xp fine, but why bother when you can buy a copy of windows7 professional 64bit (recommended) thats an OEM copy for about $100? check ebay (beware of fakes- get it from an authourized seller) or your local pc component geek store.
this might all sound a bit complicated, but its not really. with a bit of setting up you will be very happy!

[Delbut]

Fantastic. Thanks for the tips people.

[lowerlameland]

"also, set your firewire to "large" in the yamaha software tool."

Never heard of this one before. Where is this tool and will it increase bandwidth or performance or something? More VSTs or plugs maybe before crapping out? Thanks!

[thesteam]

Originally Posted by lowerlameland

"also, set your firewire to "large" in the yamaha software tool."

Never heard of this one before. Where is this tool and will it increase bandwidth or performance or something? More VSTs or plugs maybe before crapping out? Thanks!

+1

[lowerlameland]

so i'm not the only one who wants a larger firewire... whew!

[andrew caramia]

Originally Posted by lowerlameland

"also, set your firewire to "large" in the yamaha software tool."

Never heard of this one before. Where is this tool and will it increase bandwidth or performance or something? More VSTs or plugs maybe before crapping out? Thanks!

hi again
when you download all the new drivers for the n12, theres a utility tools folder 'win-tools-forn-v260x64'.... inside theres a 'utility' folder and the software tool inside that is called 'ysfwutility'. you select your ieee 1394 buffer size to s400 and 'large' in there.
a hard reset and firmware update is a good idea too. if anyone wants to know how to do this, feel free to ask.
one of the first problems i had with the n12 was with a new pc... it just didnt like that particular brand of hard drive (samsung f11). weird... i had lots of pops, clicks and random dropouts. but when i swapped it for a new western digital black caviar hd, it was all sweet from there (!). other problems came up when i was being cheap- using pirate/cracked software (cubase5 and various plugins downloaded from pirate sites) a reformat with legit music software (retail copy of cubase6 and plugins) fixed that problem too....one thing about the n12 is that its rock solid!!!. if it isnt working the way it should, the COMPUTER is the likely culprit and not the mixer thats for sure.
check out my review of the n12 here-
Yamaha n12 Digital Mixing Studio
yamaha monitors-
yamaha msp7 studio + sw10 vs. yamaha hs80m + hs10w
yamaha analog 8buss-
yamaha RM800 24:8:2 studio mixer
yamaha cans-
yamaha rh10ms
cheers
andrew

[lowerlameland]

Thanks!!! It's amazing that never came up in all the troubleshooting in this thread... I changed the setting, but haven't pushed it really hard yet. 6.5 still running rock solid on win7 64.

[andrew caramia]

also of note is that i have 'firewire daisy chained' a yamaha n12 mixer, mr816csx and mr816x together with cubase6 on my win7 pro 64bit pc (all the units share the same driver!) and it all works rock solid... want spdif, adat and more great pres for your n12? you got it!
you can daisy chain 3 of these units at once in ANY combination. you could even have 3 n12's going if you want to. you can add the cc121 controller to the list too i think.
i found that ANY problems that users had came down to the computer, NOT the yamaha/steinberg gear. anything from -

incorrect setup during driver installation
not doing a hard reset
not updating the firmware
not setting the fw to 'large'/'s400' in the yamaha utilities folder
not using a recommended fw400 port with the recommended TI (texas instuments) chip
the improper use of pirate software/plugins
dodgy computer components
not having a current computer with grunt
not turning your internet off
not using your daw on a internet free computer (recommended but not essential)

the list goes on.... i had the same problems with other brands so it isnt just limited to yamaha/steinberg- dont be scared off by my points here.
from my experience with these units they are flawless and sound fabulous. much better than the overrrated rme gear i used in the past. just a little harder for some people to assimilate with their pc/mac.
the cubase integration is amazing and the cherry on the cake. if you arent a cubase user you just set the integration to 'mackie control' in your favourite daw and you're set to go.

[petepraise]

Hi,
I'm watching some really cool videos from Macprovideo.com on cubase one of which is mastering. The guy is putting a lot of Cubase Mastering plugins on the "Main stereo out" in the cubase mixer. Now, my mind has turned to mush because I can't figure out what output this would be in my mixer as I have all the outs for the N12, and normally use the desk. But I want to try this tutorial the way he is doing it and export from cubase.

I know I'm missing something really simple but an explanation will stop my head exploding . What would be the Main Mix out in the Cubase mixer.
Pleas help!

[Bondsong]

Yes it would be but if you have separate outs going to individual channels in the N12 then you will have to do a mix of your song back into Cubase and then put the plugs on that channel.

You can look in your VST connections to find out what setup you are using.

Frank

[ofie]

anyone thinking of modding?

[Bondsong]

What would you mod?

Frank