Yamaha AW4416HDCD Hard Disk Recorder w/CD Burner

No longer available at zZounds
44 input channels, 20 mix buses. 16- or 24-bit recording (uncompressed). Now with 20GB hard drive.

Here it is at last. This is your digital dream studio in one totally integrated, totally professional unit. With the Yamaha AW4416 Professional Audio Workstation you can record, edit, mix, and master to CD without any external equipment other than your microphones and/or line sources and a monitor system (headphones will do in a pinch).

Of course, you can easily expand the AW4416 to meet even the grandest production requirements with a range of optional I/O interface cards that provide direct connectivity with all types of digital and analog gear. And, whether you choose to record in 16-bit or 24-bit format, the sound quality you'll achieve is on a par with the finest professional digital recording gear available anywhere. In terms of sound quality, features, operation, and seamless integration, the Yamaha AW4416 Professional Audio Workstation is simply the only choice if you're serious about your recordings.

The Mixer
44 input channels, 20 mix buses

Motor faders and full mix automation

Advanced channel functions (inherited from the industry-leading O2R Digital Mixer)

2 powerful effect processors

The Hard-Disk Recorder
16- or 24-bit recording (uncompressed)

Up to 130 tracks (16 tracks x 8 virtual tracks + Stereo Track)

Precision editing and location

Accepts a wide range of 2.5 in. IDE hard disk drives - up to 64 gigabytes

* To prepare a hard disk drive yourself, use a model in the compatibility list available at the Yamaha Pro Audio website.

Sampling Pads
8 sampling read more pads for real-time playback of samples from hard disk, external audio sources, WAV files on CDs, or external SCSI devices

2 pad banks (A and B) for assignment to up to 16 samples

8-note polyphony with up to 90-seconds sample time

CD-RW Mastering and Data Storage
CD-R or CD-RW drive

Master your own audio CDs without ever leaving the digital domain

Convenient, reliable data storage and retrieval

Directly load audio and other data from CD-ROMs

* To prepare CD-R/RW drive yourself, use a model in the compatibility list available at the Yamaha Pro Audio website.

O2R Technology and Features Taken to the Next Level
A Direct Descendant of the O2Rá plus some, the Yamaha O2R Digital Mixing Console has become the de-facto standard in all areas of sound recording and production. The AW4416 gives you all of the O2R's quality and features - and more - in an integrated audio workstation. Internal processing is 32-bit (except for the EQ stages, which use 54-bit processing) for extraordinary resolution and reproduction realism. And, of course, the very latest refinements in digital audio technology have been added to bring you stunning sonic quality throughout.

Large-Console Input and Output Capability
For its size the AW4416 offers a surprisingly large complement of input channels and output buses. Out-of-the-box you have 8 analog inputs plus digital stereo inputs. Then, with optional I/O interface cards you can add up to 16 more analog or digital channels. Add the 16 playback channels from the hard-disk recorder, in addition to effect returns, and you have a total of 44 input channels to handle even large recording projects. On the output side you have 8 group buses, 8 auxiliary buses, a stereo bus, and stereo solo bus for a total of 20 outputs which offer plenty of flexibility to handle just about any application.

Powerful EQ and Dynamics on All Channels
With the exception of the 2 stereo effect returns, main stereo outputs, and the remaining 40 input channels all feature the same powerful 4-band full-parametric equalizer and dynamics processing as the O2R. The effect returns offer 4-band parametric EQ without dynamics processing.

Full Mix Automation
Faders, pan, EQ, and more: the AW4416 offers full automation for precision mix control. 17 x 60-mm motor faders provide an accurate visual level reference, and there's never any need to match "dumb" faders to the actual mix levels. Add scene memories and a number of recallable parameter libraries for automation and convenience that only a state-of-the-art digital workstation can provide.

Beyond the O2R
In addition to a number of refinements that you won't see but might hear, the AW4416 features 2 brand new multi-effect processors offering ambience effects such as reverb and delay, modulation effects including flanging, chorus, pitch change, and rotary-speaker simulation, and even a number of guitar-oriented effects like distortion and an amp simulator (they've even added a hi-Z input specially for guitar). The effects can be used in send/return mode or inserted into any of the input channels and the stereo bus. Furthermore, all AD and DA converters are top-quality 24-bit types for unsurpassed overall sound quality, and a "virtual patchbay" offers unprecedented flexibility in routing mixer inputs and outputs.

Friendly to Any Audio Format
It seems that the experts can never agree on which format should be the standard for anything. Actually the diversity is healthy, but working with a bunch of equipment with differing formats can be frustrating as well as costly. The AW4416 features "open system," also inherited from the O2R, which allows it to interface with most analog and digital audio formats via a series of optional interface cards. This system gives you maximum connectivity at minimum cost. Yamaha offers a range of Mini YGDAI* cards that make it easy to configure the AW4416 for optimum integration with any studio.

* Yamaha General, Digital Audio Interface

Ample Input Capacity
If you'll be recording with the AW4416 alone, from mostly analog sources, you probably won't even need any additional interface cards. The AW4416 comes equipped with 8 analog microphone/line inputs. All inputs are balanced with TRS phone plugs, while channels 1 and 2 additionally feature XLR type connectors with switchable phantom power, +48v, and insert I/O points for patching in external analog signal processing devices. Channel 8 also features a Hi-Z unbalanced input intended primarily for direct-recording guitar or bass. Digital input capability is provided via a coaxial stereo input. If that's not enough for your recording needs, then you can add up to 16 analog and/or digital inputs via 2 I/O card slots on the rear panel. You can mix and match I/O cards as required, so you could, for example, add 4 high-quality 24-bit analog inputs via a MY4-AD card in one slot, and 8 channels of ADAT optical digital input via a MY8-AT in the remaining slot. The Sampling Pads which can be used for realtime playback and recording of samples effectively provide another 8 inputs, the dual stereo effect returns are another 4, and the hard-disk recorder section has another 16 inputs. That adds up to 44 inputs with full simultaneous mix capability.

Impressive Output Capability
Output capability is just as impressive, with 8 group buses, 8 auxiliary buses, a main stereo bus, and a stereo solo bus. In fact, this is the type of bus complement you'd expect on a fairly large console.

Precise, Professional Mix Functions

Equalization
For precise response-shaping control all input channels, the stereo effect returns, and the main stereo bus feature flexible 4-band full-parametric EQ. "Full-parametric" means that all 4 bands are sweepable from 20Hz to 20kHz with 41-point Q adjustment and a +/-18dB control range. The low and high bands can also function as shelving type EQ with high-pass or low-pass filters. A fast-response graphic display of the EQ curve is shown on the LCD panel for easy, accurate visual confirmation.

Dynamics Processing
Another feature that offers uncompromising sonic control is versatile dynamics processing on all input channels as well as the main stereo bus. You have a choice of 6 dynamics processing modes per channel: compressor, gate, ducking, expander, compressor/limiter/hard-knee expander, and compressor/limiter/soft-knee expander. Key-in capability and stereo linking are also provided. Everything you need for subtle level correction, noise control, or in-your-face punch is right there all in the digital domain.

Effects
If it's effects you need to polish your sound, the AW4416 has them all. Two top-quality multi-effects processors offer reverb, delay, echo, chorus, flanging, symphonic, phasing, auto-pan, tremolo, pitch change, rotary speaker simulation, and more. There's also distortion and amp simulation for guitarists - plus a Hi-Z input so you can record great-sounding guitar overdubs with only the AW4416 (and your guitar, of course). The effects can be inserted into any of the AW4416 channels.

Setup Libraries
Operation of the equalizers, dynamics, and effects is made easy and efficient by the inclusion of "libraries" containing setups that can be recalled in an instant. A range of top-quality presets is provided, as are user areas which can be used to store your own settings. Library setups can be assigned as mix automation events, and an "undo" function saves time and frustration when you want to return to a previous. setting

Internal Digital Patching and Patch Library
Although patch bays and patch cables in general are the key to the versatility of most larger recording systems, they can be confusing and, because signals are routed externally over relatively long distances, they usually compromise the quality of the signal to some degree. The AW4416 features an internal digital patching system which allows inputs and outputs to be assigned as required with ease, with no loss in sound quality. A patch library is also provided so you can quickly recall different patches for different applications.

Fader Grouping
Faders can be assigned to any of 8 groups, so that moving any fader in the group moves all others by the same amount. This function is ideal for controlling the overall level of specific source/instrument groups, rapidly switching between takes, and other operations that can significantly enhance the efficiency of the recording process.

Stereo Pairing
Any pair of adjacent faders can be assigned as a stereo pair to comfortably handle stereo sources. In addition to fader level, pairing can be used to link EQ and other channel parameters. The pan parameters of the paired channels can be linked or not, depending on the application.

Intuitive Operation
Years of experience in building high-performance digital consoles for professional applications has given us the know-how we need to give you the controllability you need. Digital gear tends to be complex, so easy access and operation are essential. In time-critical situations such as recording and live sound, the intuitive, efficient control interface provided by the AW4416 lets creativity take the lead.

Channel View
The Channel View function lets you see all parameters for the selected channel in one display screen. Parameters except for EQ dynamics, and effects can also be directly edited via the Channel View display. There's even a "Channel Library" that lets you store complete channel setups for instant recall: think about how much time you spend setting up a channel to compensate for microphone or pickup coloration, for example, then think about how easy life will be when you can simply recall a channel setup that you've already created.

Virtual Control Section
The AW4416 features a "Virtual Control Section" and large backlit 320 x 240-dot LCD panel that make centralized operation of the many channels and functions provided quick and easy. Pan and EQ parameters can be directly adjusted via analog-type rotary controls. And the LCD responds instantly when any virtual control is operated, instantly showing the related functions and parameters. But if you prefer the cursor-and-dial approach, that's available, too. The AW4416 lets you work the way you're most comfortable.

Smooth Motor Fader Operation
In discussing operating feel we can't leave out the AW4416 faders. The 17 x 60-millimeter motor faders provided have been painstakingly designed and manufactured to provide the seemingly contradictory benefits of precision motorized operation, accurate level control, and smooth manual feel.

Digital and Analog Outputs
Both digital (coaxial S/PDIF) and analog (phono jack) outputs are provided for the main stereo bus. Assignable analog "OMNI" outputs are also provided for extra output flexibility.

Stereo Dynamics
Dynamics processing is provided on the main stereo outputs as well as the individual input channels so you can easily apply overall or "mastering" compression to the final stereo mix.

Flexible Solo Monitoring
During recording the solo monitor signals are routed to the monitor outputs only, while during mixdown the solo signals are automatically re-routed to the main outputs. You can select pre-fader or post-pan solo monitoring, and in addition to additive soloing a "last solo" mode is provided for single-channel monitoring. A "solo safe" mode is provided for all input channels during mixdown, so you can easily set up "wet monitoring" via the effect returns.

MTC or MIDI Clock Automation
In addition to completely self-contained automation of all faders and mix parameters, automation can be synchronized to an external MIDI Time Code source (30, 30-drop, 25, or 24 frames per second) or MIDI clock signal without the need for any extra interfaces or converters. The AW4416 can also generate MIDI Time Code for synchronization with other equipment.

Absolute and Relative Online Editing
Full dynamic automation applies to faders, channel on/off switching, pan, and EQ. "Absolute" on-line editing records actual fader movement in real time, while a "relative" mode makes it easy to trim previously recorded fader data. Other convenient automation features include a fader "return time" parameter, and a hold function that prevents the faders from moving until the recorded data does.

Scene Memory Automation
The AW4416 scene (snapshot) memory also provides versatile automation capability. Individual fader times can be programmed for each scene memory (up to 96 scenes per song), and scenes can be assigned as automation events for automatic recall during mixdown. Offline editing allows precise frame-accurate adjustment of scene memory, EQ, effect, channel library recall, and channel on/off switching. There's even a "Fader Recall Safe" function that allows individual faders to be disengaged from scene recall operations for manual override.

MIDI and To Host Terminals for External Control
MIDI In, Out, And Thru connectors and a To Host connector allow MIDI control with appropriately equipped external equipment. MIDI program change numbers can be used to remotely recall AW4416 scene memories. It is also possible to use an external MIDI sequencer to automate scene changes on the AW4416.

High Performance 24-bit AD/DA On All Analog I/O
All analog inputs on the AW4416 feature high-resolution linear 24-bit 64x oversampling AD converters for accurate signal conversion without the digital "harshness" that is a sign of inferior converters. The analog outputs feature linear 24-bit 8x oversampling DA converters achieving outstanding sound quality and a dynamic range of 104dB on the stereo outputs.

Up to 64-gigabyte 2.5 in. IDE Hard Disk Drives
The AW4416 comes with one 12-gigabyte hard disk drive that should be more than enough for most recording needs. If you need more recording capacity, the AW4416 will accept up to 64-gigabyte 2.5 in. IDE hard disk drives. With optional HDD adapters you can have 2 or more drives ready to be conveniently swapped or moved to a different AW4416, essentially functioning as removable media for maximum data portability. A single song can occupy up to 6.4 gigabytes of hard-disk space, and a single disk can hold up to 30,000 songs.

* To prepare a hard disk drive yourself, use a model in the compatibility list available at web site.

16 Tracks x 8 Virtual Tracks, Uncompressed 24-bit Linear Recording
While compression is fine where media space is an issue, there's nothing like uncompressed 24-bit linear recording to reproduce the full impact and nuance of a performance. The choice is yours: choose 16-bit or 24-bit recording at 44.1 or 48 kHz for each individual song. The AW4416 hard-disk recorder provides 16 tracks x 8 virtual tracks for a total of 128 tracks, plus a stereo track that is the ideal place to store a mix prior to mastering it to CD. When recording in 16-bit mode you can simultaneously record up to 8 tracks while playing back 16 tracks, and in the 24-bit mode the maximum number of simultaneous record/play tracks is 16.

Non-destructive Edit and Versatile Locate Functions
The AW4416 provides a wealth of editing functions that can be applied to songs, tracks, parts, and regions. Editing is non-destructive with up to 15 undo/redo operations. In addition to copy, move, insert, and delete edit operations, the AW4416 provides 50 - 200% time compression and expansion as well as a 2-octave pitch change range. Locating points for editing is no problem, either: you have direct Top, End, RTZ, A, B, Last Rec In, Last Rec Out, and Roll Back keys as well as up to 99 assignable locate points per song which can be specified in time or measure numbers.

Auto Punch-In/Out
Auto punch-in and punch-in points can be precisely set wherever needed, and an optional footswitch (FC5) lets you punch in and out while operating the controls or playing an instrument.

Song, Track, and Region Naming
For easy identification songs, tracks, and regions can be assigned individual names. Comments can also be saved with each song so you won't forget the details. The AW4416 even has a built-in calendar that makes it easy to record and manage production times dates.

Disk Optimization
As work on a project progresses, the data on the disk can become fragmented, slowing down access times and making inefficient use of disk space. A built-in optimization function solves this problem, quickly restoring your hard disk to top condition.

Quick Record Function
A "Quick Record" function automatically sets up 8 tracks (or up to 16 when optional I/O cards are installed) for recording when starting work on a new song. Tempo mapping and a built in synchronized metronome are also provided to ease the recording process.

16-voice, 8-note Polyphonic Sampling Pads
The AW4416 features 8 Sampling Pads below the LCD panel, switchable in 2 banks for a total of 16 samples, which can be used to trigger samples in real time during playback or while recording. The samples themselves can be sound files on the internal hard disk, or WAV files from the CD-R/W drive or an external SCSI storage device.

The samples can be 16-bit or 24-bit at 44.1 or 48 kHz, with a total of 90 seconds sample playback time for all pads (when using 16-bit/44.1 kHz samples). Up to 8 samples can be played simultaneously. Odd- and even-numbered pads can be assigned as stereo pads for stereo sample playback. Furthermore, the outputs from the Sampling Pads can be assigned to input channels 1 through 24 or returns 1 and 2 via the AW4416 input patching function. Of course, the pads can also be assigned to the hard-disk recorder tracks to allow direct recording of the sampled sounds. Sampling Pad playback can be automated via a "trigger list" which also allows precise editing of playback timing. This feature takes the creative capabilities of the "audio workstation" to a new level.

Easy, Open, Expansion
Easy, intuitive operation via a well-designed control panel with jog/shuttle dials. A 9-pin connector is also provided for mouse connection

High-visibility backlit LCD display panel and 3-color fluorescent display for fast, easy parameter and status access

Two option I/O slots allow easy installation of optional I/O cards for full compatibility with ADAT, TASCAM, AES/EBU and a range of analog equipment (up to 16 additional channels)

"To Host" connector allows easy, direct connection to a wide range of computers MIDI synchronization with sequencing software and other applications

SCSI-2 connector for easy connection of external SCSI storage devices for data backup and loading

Professional Word Clock terminals for precise word-clock sync in a wide range of applications

MTC and well as MIDI clock synchronization, plus MMC control capability
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General Specifications
Frequency Response: 20 Hz - 20kHz (0+1/-3dB, Omni Out)
Total Harmonic Distortion: Less than 0.02% (@ 1kHz, Omni Out)
Dynamic Range: 104dB (typical)

HD Recorder
Internal: (HDD) 2.5" IDE (one unit included in the product package)
Internal Tracks: 130 (16 tracks x 8 virtual tracks, STEREO tracks)
Simultaneous Record/Play Tracks: 16-bit mode 8/16, 24-bit mode 8/16,All Rec mode 16
Recording Resolution: 16-bit, 24-bit / 44.1kHz, 48kHz
Max. HDD Capacity: 64 GB
Max. No. of Songs: 30,000 songs
Max Capacity of 1 Song: 6.4 GB (12,000 regions)

Locate Point (per song)
Quick Locate: 8 points (SONG TOP, RTZ, SONG END, A, B, LAST REC IN, LAST REC OUT, ROLL BACK)
Mark: 99
Direct Locate: Numeric Keypad
Edit: SONG, TRACK, PART, REGION
Time Compression/Expansion: 50% - 200%
Pitch Change: 1 octaves (Tempo Map related)

Mixer Section
A/D Conversion Rate: 24-bit / 64 x oversampling
D/A Conversion Rate: 24-bit / 128 x oversampling
Sampling Rate: Internal-44.1kHz/48kHz
External-44.1kHz-6% - 48kHz+6%
Internal Processing: 32-bit
Simultaneous Mixing Select Inputs via Patch Bay 24
Inputs: 44 total HD Recorder Playback 16 (stereo x 1 for CD playback)
Internal Effects Return 4 (stereo x 2)
Basses: 20 total Group x 8, Aux 8, Stereo, Solo (stereo x 1)
Channel Functions: Attenuation, Pan, 4-band fully parametric EQ, Phase, Dynamics, Insert, Delay, Channel ON/OFF
Effect Return: Attenuation
Channel: Pan
4-band fully parametric EQ
Insert
Delay
Channel ON/OFF
Faders: 17 (60mm motor drive)
Memory: Scene memory 96 per song, Patch Library, Channel Library, EQ Library, Dynamic Library, Effect Library, Automix
Internal Multi-Effects: 2 Processors (dedicated to Aux 7/8 busses or insertion to any input channel or stereo buss)

Sampling Pad Section
Playback: Mono x 8 voices
Trigger Pad: 8 x A/B bank
Max. Playback Time: Approx. 90-sec. Total (16-bit/44.1kHz)
Sequencer Function: 16 tracks
Audio File Assign: HD recorder, external input, WAV file

CD-RW Section
Playback Audio CD, make Audio CD
Save backup HDD data/Load backup data from CD-ROM to HDD
Read CD-ROM
Compatible drive unit YAMAHA CRW8824S,etc.

Others
Undo/Redo: Up to 16 times
Metronome function: tempo - mappable
Midi: MTC, MMC, MIDI Program Change, MIDI Clock
Word Clock: IN/OUT
SCSI: For backup of Internal data (Max. 64 GB)
Display: 320 x 240 dot backlit LCD, 3-color FL display
Power Requirements: 120 V
Power Consumption: 80 W
Dimensions (W x D x H): 558 x 460 x 148mm
Weight (excluding options): 26 lbs.

Accessories:
Removable adapter for 2.5 in. (ADP25H)
20GB 2.5" Hard Disk Drive

For support or warranty questions, please contact the manufacturer:
Phone: 714-522-9011
Web: https://usa.yamaha.com/support

Reviewers gave this product an overall rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars. (223 ratings)
Submitted May 1, 2003 by a customer from aol.com

"Amazingly awsome. Can't go wrong for the price."

Overall: 4.5 out of 5 stars
(see rating details)
One tip for everyone wo owns one. After EVERYproject you do, defrag. your drive and optimize the song you were working on. This will save you HD space and keep your Aw4416 bug free and as stable as a rock.

Sound
Um, where should I start. Bought this BEAST for $1500. It took me a good month to wrap my head around all the amazing features and now it is all great studio time when working with singers, guitarists, and my own Trance and House music. Everyone says this thing sounds amazing, even my tone deaf freinds. The sound quality is truly great for this price and concidering you have dynamics AND eq on EACH channel along with two effects blocks, how could you go wrong?

Features
The only reason why I give features a ten is because the damn thing should be priced at least $2500. But no, it is priced a grand less than that. Heh, how could you go wrong? Editing could DEFINATLY be better though. Slowly but surely Yamaha will prevail, I have a feeling.

Quality
Of the utmost quality. The faders, buttons, and knobs are all of professional grade quality. No flimsy breakable buttons or knobs here.

Value
Enough said above about the value of this monster. You get what you pay for right? Not in this case, you get MORE than what you pay for.

Manufacturer Support
Never had to use th support but I candefintl say I never recieved my OS update read more that I requested BUT, they did send me the 10 free CDr's that they promised for registering it. Can't go wrong on that deal. Just download OS2 and burn it to CD, took me about 20 min. to update mine.

Musical Style:
Produce Melodic, Progressive, and Hard Trance and Deep and Progressive House. I record and engineer anything that comes my way.
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