The Yamaha YDP2006 Digital Parametric Equaliser marked a significant step forward in digital equalisation technology when it was released, offering a combination of precision, flexibility, and user-friendly operation in a compact rack unit. Designed with Yamaha’s advanced digital signal processing expertise, the Yamaha YDP2006 provided exceptionally accurate and stable equalisation, tailored to meet the high expectations of professional studio and live sound engineers.
At its core, the Yamaha YDP2006 featured a stereo 6-band parametric equaliser, supplemented by high-pass and low-pass filters and four independently tunable notch filters. When switched to mono operation, the unit expanded its capabilities dramatically, doubling to 12 parametric bands and 8 notch filters. Each band could be adjusted with up to 12dB of cut or boost, giving users fine control over the frequency spectrum for tone shaping or corrective equalisation.
The front panel was designed to mimic the intuitive workflow of traditional analogue equalisers, using rotary encoders to emulate the familiar feel of physical knobs. A multifunction LCD display provided clear visual feedback, showing parameter adjustments in either graphical or numeric form, depending on user preference. This made navigating the unit’s capabilities efficient and precise, even in fast-paced environments.
Beyond its real-time editing functionality, the Yamaha YDP2006 also incorporated powerful digital memory features, allowing users to store and instantly recall up to 40 preset configurations. This was particularly useful for studios or live engineers working in multiple venues or with varied programme material, eliminating the need to manually reconfigure the unit for each session.
Connectivity and control options were forward-thinking for the era. In addition to full MIDI implementation, the Yamaha YDP2006 supported Yamaha’s Y-485 interface, enabling high-speed data exchange and remote operation in larger system configurations, all without tying up additional MIDI channels.
With its 20-bit internal processing, the Yamaha YDP2006 delivered outstanding audio performance while providing digital conveniences that were ahead of its time. Its combination of high-resolution filtering, recallable presets, and versatile control options made it a favourite among early adopters of digital outboard processing and remains a respected unit in many legacy systems today.
Features
- Outstanding audio quality: 110dB dynamic range, frequency response from 20Hz to 20kHz, and total harmonic distortion of less than 0.007%, thanks to premium 20-bit A/D and D/A converters running at 44.1kHz.
- Flexible EQ modes: Offers stereo 6-band parametric EQ or mono 12-band parametric EQ, each with ±12dB gain control and Q values adjustable from 0.5 to 10.
- High-pass, low-pass, and notch filters: Includes independent HPF and LPF on both channels in stereo mode, plus four notch filters per channel. Mono mode expands to eight notch filters. Graphic and numeric displays allow intuitive control.
- 40 user memories: Store and recall up to 40 EQ presets using front panel keys, MIDI, or the Y-485 bus. Includes memory protection to prevent accidental overwriting.
- Independent channel delay: Adjustable delay per channel from 0 to 714 milliseconds in fine increments for time alignment and compensation tasks.
- User-friendly interface: Graphic LCD shows EQ curves and parameters clearly. Three dedicated rotary encoders allow fast, intuitive editing of frequency, gain, and Q. Includes parameter copy function for efficient programming.
- Balanced analogue I/O: Equipped with electronically balanced XLR inputs and outputs, along with independent input and output level selectors for -20dB or +4dB operation.
- Expandable network control: Link up to 31 units using the Y-485 control bus. Control all parameters from a single YDP2006 or a computer using Yamaha QS1 software. Long-distance cable runs supported.
- Full MIDI functionality: Recall presets and control parameters via MIDI. Includes bulk dump support for backing up all memory to external MIDI devices.
- Additional functions:
- Parameter linking for simultaneous control of stereo channels
- Input attenuation in the digital domain
- Emphasis ON/OFF switch