Yamaha DM7-EX – 120-Channel Digital Mixing Console with Control Expansion

Product Overview

The Yamaha DM7-EX digital mixer is a full-scale 120-channel live sound mixing console designed for large-scale touring, broadcast production, and permanent installation in performing arts centers and houses of worship. Built on the DM7 platform with a dedicated control expansion unit, the DM7-EX delivers 144-in/144-out Dante networking, redundant built-in power, and a comprehensive DSP suite in a dual-bay configuration. As a Dante-enabled professional digital mixer, it integrates with existing IP audio infrastructure while supporting optional Broadcast and Theatre packages for specialized workflow requirements. For production teams managing complex multi-bus environments, the DM7-EX provides the channel count, routing flexibility, and control surface area needed for high-stakes live events.

Product Description

The DM7-EX pairs the DM7 main frame with a dedicated expansion bay, bringing the total fader count to 24 channel faders plus 4 master faders across a single unified surface. Three integrated touchscreens — two 12.1-inch multi-touch displays and one 7-inch multi-touch display — provide direct access to channel parameters, routing, and scene management without requiring an external computer at front-of-house. Analog connectivity includes 32 balanced inputs and 16 balanced outputs onboard, with a PY slot for third-party card expansion and dual AES/EBU ports (with sample rate conversion) handling up to 4 channels each.

The console's 48 Mix buses, 12 Matrix buses, 2 stereo buses, and 1 mono bus give engineers the flexibility to manage complex monitor mixes, matrix distribution, and broadcast feeds simultaneously. The built-in Dan Dugan automixer handles up to 64 channels, making the DM7-EX a practical choice for conference productions, panel discussions, and broadcast news environments where automatic gain control reduces operator workload. Scene memory holds up to 500 snapshots, and the 24 DCA groups (with output DCA support) and 12 mute groups give engineers structured control over complex show files.

DSP resources are divided across three dedicated racks: 64 Premium Rack slots for Portico, Neve, SSL, and other licensed processors; 16 Effect Rack slots for reverb, delay, and modulation; and 32 EQ Rack slots for additional dynamic and spectral processing. USB Type-C audio I/O supports 18-in/18-out recording and playback directly from a connected workstation. The DM7-EX ships with dual built-in redundant power supplies using V-Lock AC connectors, ensuring continuous operation during a primary power failure — a standard requirement for broadcast and large-venue deployments.

Remote control and monitoring are supported via DM7 Editor (Windows/Mac), DM7 StageMix for iPad-based monitor mixing, MonitorMix for performer self-mixing via iOS/Android, and ProVisionaire Control/Touch for custom control panel design. The GPI interface (5 in / 5 out) enables integration with GPIO-based show control systems. Word Clock I/O ensures the console can act as master or slave in any digital audio network requiring sample-accurate synchronization.

Key Features

• 120 Mono Input Channels — Provides the channel count needed for large-scale touring, complex theatrical productions, and multi-zone broadcast environments.
• Dual 12.1" + One 7" Multi-Touch Displays — Three integrated touchscreens allow direct parameter control without relying on external software or secondary monitors at the mix position.
• 144-In / 144-Out Dante Networking (Primary + Secondary) — Full redundant Dante implementation supports large IP audio networks with automatic failover on the secondary Dante port.
• 48 Mix + 12 Matrix + 2 Stereo + 1 Mono Buses — Comprehensive bus architecture handles simultaneous monitor, FOH, matrix, and broadcast feeds from a single console.
• Dan Dugan Automixer (Up to 64 Channels) — Integrated automatic mic mixing reduces operator workload in speech-heavy applications such as panels, conferences, and broadcast talk formats.
• 64 Premium Rack DSP Resources — Licensed emulations of Neve, SSL, Portico, and other processing chains are available natively without external hardware inserts.
• Dual Redundant Built-In Power Supplies — V-Lock AC connectors and dual PSUs meet broadcast-grade reliability requirements and eliminate single points of failure in mission-critical deployments.
• 500 Scene Memories — Stores full console snapshots for rapid show-to-show transitions or recall during multi-act events and touring productions.
• 24 DCA Groups with Output DCA Support — Enables structured VCA-style control over large channel counts, including output bus grouping for efficient mix management.
• AES/EBU I/O with Sample Rate Conversion — Two AES/EBU inputs and two outputs (4ch each) with built-in SRC simplify integration with broadcast infrastructure running at different sample rates.
• PY Expansion Slot — Accepts Yamaha PY-series cards for analog, MADI, Dante, and other I/O expansion to meet site-specific connectivity requirements.
• Optional Broadcast and Theatre Packages — Software unlocks add workflow-specific features for broadcast production environments and theatrical applications including scene-based automation.

Typical Applications

• Large-format concert touring and festival production
• Performing arts centers and auditoriums
• Broadcast studios and live television production
• Houses of worship with complex audio distribution requirements
• Government and civic spaces requiring multi-zone audio and logging integration
• Multi-purpose event venues handling conference, theatrical, and live music programming
• University and performing arts education facilities
• Permanent installation in large training and presentation facilities

Technical Specifications

Frequently Asked Questions

What stage boxes and I/O expanders are compatible with the DM7-EX?
The DM7-EX works with Yamaha Rio series stage boxes (Rio3224-D2, Rio1608-D2, and others) over Dante, as well as any Dante-compliant I/O device. The PY expansion slot accepts Yamaha PY-series cards for MADI, analog, and additional Dante I/O. Third-party Dante endpoints from manufacturers such as Audinate, Focusrite Rednet, and others are compatible via standard AES67/Dante routing.

Does the DM7-EX require an external control surface or can it be operated standalone?
The DM7-EX is fully operable as a standalone console using its onboard faders and three integrated touchscreens. External control via DM7 Editor (Windows/Mac) is optional and adds offline programming capability. DM7 StageMix (iPad) and MonitorMix (iOS/Android) can be added for remote monitor mixing without requiring a dedicated hardware monitor engineer position.

What is the difference between the DM7-EX and the standard DM7?
The DM7-EX adds a dedicated control expansion unit that increases the physical fader count and provides an additional 12.1-inch touchscreen. The DM7-EX supports 120 input channels versus the DM7's 72, and uses a dual-bay installation footprint. Core DSP resources, bus architecture, and Dante I/O are identical across both models.

Is the redundant power supply field-serviceable?
The DM7-EX includes dual built-in power supplies with V-Lock AC connectors. In the event of a primary PSU failure, the secondary takes over without interruption. For service or replacement, contact an authorized Yamaha Pro Audio service center — the PSU is an integrated component and not a hot-swap module.

What optional software packages are available and what do they unlock?
Yamaha offers the Broadcast Package and Theatre Package as optional software licenses. The Broadcast Package adds features tailored to on-air and live broadcast workflows. The Theatre Package adds scene-based automation and cue list management features suited to theatrical productions. Both packages are installed as software licenses and do not require additional hardware.

How does the DM7-EX integrate with show control systems?
The DM7-EX includes 5 GPI inputs and 5 GPI outputs for GPIO-based show control integration, enabling trigger-based scene recall and external device control. ProVisionaire Control/Touch allows custom control panels to be built for touchscreen displays or tablets, enabling integration with Q-SYS, Crestron, AMX, and other control platforms via OSC or the ProVisionaire ecosystem.

What is the warranty and support coverage for the DM7-EX in commercial installations?
Yamaha Pro Audio products sold through authorized dealers include a standard manufacturer's warranty. Commercial installation projects may qualify for extended coverage through Yamaha's installation programs. Creation Networks provides pre-sales consultation, system design support, and post-sale technical assistance. Contact creationnetworks.net for project-specific support and warranty details.

Can the DM7-EX be controlled remotely over a network without being physically present at the console?
Yes. DM7 Editor allows full offline and online control from a Windows or Mac computer connected to the same network as the console. DM7 StageMix provides iPad-based control optimized for monitor engineer use at the stage. ProVisionaire Control/Touch supports multi-user control panel environments. All remote control functions operate over standard Ethernet without requiring dedicated control wiring.