Yamaha Nuage NCS500-FD

Any standard 24” LCD monitor display* can be used to provide a smooth visual extension of the physical Nuage fader channel strips right into the Nuendo mixer window. The continuity between control surface and display achieved by the Extensive Console View concept keeps all controls and parameters in context so the operator can intuitively reach for the right fader, button, or knob while concentrating fully on the job at hand. 16 channels can be controlled at once with two encoders per channel, or all encoders can be mapped to one or two highlighted channels in the Channel Setting Mode.

* Monitor display(s) are not included and must be supplied by the user.

In addition to a linear fader, each of the 16 channel strips provided on each Nuage Fader unit includes two rotary encoders –"knobs"– that are touch sensitive and also include an integral push button. Each knob can control a number of parameters in a number of ways. Normally the knobs function within their own channel strip, allowing hands on control of 16 separate channels at a time. But in the Channel Setting Mode all 32 knobs are mapped to just one channel, allowing detailed control of multiple parameters for that channel, or the knobs can be assigned to two channels in 16-knob groups. All this versatility means the Nuage Fader unit will mesh effectively with just about any workflow, and even inspire new and improved ways of getting things done!

Now that everyone is thoroughly familiar with computer trackpads, the Nuage Touch Slider will be easy. Simply slide a finger along the horizontal Touch Slider strip to shift Nuendo channels left or right in relation to the Nuage Fader channel strips, use flick gestures to quickly shift a larger range of channels, or use the "Bank Flick" feature to flick channels in groups of eight. There are also customizable channel layouts that bring important channels to the surface with just one button press. Lock your stem or master busses to the surface to access them at any time.

Nuendo channel names appear in the corresponding Nuage Fader channel name displays, and the colors of the illuminated knob surrounds and the bars below the channel name displays match the colors of the Nuendo channel type icons, so the operator can confirm channel relationships at a glance.

In addition to straightforward mixing and parameter tweaking, a powerful DAW like Nuendo allows a multitude of switching and selection operations that, if not comprehensively organized, can disrupt an otherwise smooth workflow. The Nuage Fader unit utility control section keeps everything neatly organized for easy, confusion-free access. CHANNEL VIEW controls switch between mixer channel displays, SECTION CONTROL controls allow convenient channel strip section switching, and DAW SELECT controls switch between multiple DAWs connected to the Nuage system.

The compact, rack-mount compatible dimensions of Nuage components are an advantage to begin with, but thoughtful features like producer desk surfaces and a keyboard space built into the console palm rest take space utilization efficiency to the next level. Like many of the productivity features implemented in the Nuage system, the space-saving aspects are based on invaluable feedback from professionals in the field.