Roland O.H.R.C.A. Live Mixing Console - M-5000

A variety of intuitive features in direct response to sound engineers requests

Three inputs can be set for each input channel of the console: primary input (IN), alternate (ALT) and track input (TR). For example, assigning the main vocal mic to "IN" and a backup mic to "ALT" allows for instant switch-over on the CH EDIT screen in the event of a mic failure. "TR" assignment is also available for backup audio as well as recording or virtual rehearsal/playback from a Roland R-1000. This is convenient if running recorded rehearsal content and also being able to easily patch in a previously captured track. Along with individual settings at the CH EDIT window, the system also supports global switching via scene setups.

Input and output channels can be set as either mono or stereo in the channel edit mode. Channels used for stereo can be made stereo pairs for input, not just adjacent channels.

The two Dynamics blocks can be used simultaneously enabling, for example, a compressor at an earlier stage and de-esser at a later stage. The sequence of the Dynamics and EQ sections can also be reordered.

Input channels, AUX, Matrix, Group, and Main Out are switchable between mono and stereo, The signal flow for each is provided with high and low-pass filters, two independent Dynamics sections (with Compressor, Gate, Expander, Ducker, and Limiter selectable for each), a 4-band fully-parametric equalizer, and signal delay. Full-featured audio processing is performed not just at the input stage, but at the output stage as well. Effect insertion points can be set both before and after the Dynamics and EQ blocks.

The Channel Link function permits freely linking parameters for multiple channels. Channels are linked by going to the CHANNEL LINK window and selecting a LINK group, then successively registering each channel by pressing the SEL button above its fader, making it possible to change the parameters to be edited all at once. Linkable channel parameters can be registered for each Group enabling operations such as individually linking EQ, Dynamics, and other parameters or selecting ALL to sync all parameters allowing setup of parameters for multiple channels in a single operation.

GAIN / FILTER / DYN1 / DYN2 / EQ / DELAY / DIRECT / SENDS / ROUTE / PAN / MUTE / FADER

As with the Input channel, the Main Out bus has two Dynamics and EQ blocks that can be switched in and out. Effect insertions are settable as well. In addition, 5.1 surround, LCR, and LR can be selected as output destinations and simultaneous stereo downmix output is possible when in 5.1-channel mode. The 5.1 output also supports surround panning, and when using LCR output, LCR PAN can be used to set the output balance for left, center, and right.

As with Main Out, monitor output is provided on two types of buses: Monitor 1, which supports 5.1-channel surround, and stereo-compatible Monitor 2. For 5.1-channel monitoring, individual delay and an Alignment function allowing level adjustment are built in for LCR, LEF, Ls, and Rs. Moreover, Monitor 1 and 2 each have an Insert circuit. A flat monitor environment can be created by assigning graphic equalizers to monitors.

The M-5000 is equipped with a Sub-Group bus for using POST Fader to send signals from the desired channels. As on the other output buses, Dynamics, EQ, Delay and Insert Effects can be used to adjust the sound.

The M-5000 features a Mix-Minus (minus one) function, indispensable to recording and relay feeds. The required number of outputs from this can be set as desired.

The M-5000 includes 24 DCAs. These are useful when globally controlling a large number of input channels, such as a string section or drums.

Eight sets of MUTE groups are available. Registering these in the user-assignable area makes it easy to turn muting on and off at the single touch of a control.

The M-5000 features a total of eight stereo multi effects for input and output. These can be inserted and used at any desired point in input channels, AUX's, Matrices, Groups, and Main Outputs. The multi-effects include Digital Reverb, Delay, Multi-band Compressor, and Dynamic EQ, and are modeled on leading Roland effect processors that include: the SRV-2000, SDE-3000, SDD-320, RE-201, CE-1, SPH-323 and SBF-325. In addition, Distortion and Delay (digital and analog) modeled on BOSS compact pedals are also included.

The monitor feed is provided with two stereo solo buses. For example, Solo 1 can be used for stage monitor speakers, and Solo 2 can be used for in-ear monitors. Solo 1, Solo 2, or Solo 1+2 is selectable. The headphones bus can also select either Monitor 1 and 2 to use as the source for monitoring and features a dedicated delay as well. This allows for sound alignment with FOH or other configurations.

Pressing and holding the Solo In Place button for at least two seconds activates the function. Switching on a solo on an input channel during Solo In Place mutes the other input channels and outputs only the solo-on input channel to the routing destination.

32 graphic and parametric equalizers

Graphic equalizers and parametric equalizers are independent of the multi-effects. Up to 32 graphic and parametric equalizers can be used simultaneously. As with the Channel Link function for inputs, the setting of graphic and parametric equalizers can be changed at the same time.

Two 31-band audio analyzers are provided for the console and dedicated RCS. Each can be assigned not only to the desired bus output, but to inputs as well.

OHRCA features a slave mode in addition to a master mode. This makes two-way transmission of audio input and output possible between two OHRCA consoles, M-480, M-300, M-200i, or other V-Mixers. Settings allow input to the master console using output from a slave deck, or vice versa.

Three Talkback systems are provided as output destinations making communication possible between three locations, such as FOH and the monitor position as well as between FOH and a relay vehicle. During talkback return, the desired TALK switch can be made to flash to indicate the call source. In addition, the amount of volume reduction performed by the Monitor Dimmer function during talkback can be adjusted individually for Monitor 1 and Monitor 2.

For the monitor engineer using M-48 Personal Mixers, the M-5000 offers an Engineer's Monitor function that mirrors the musician's M-48 enabling the engineer to check the mix and hear exactly what the musician is hearing. The M-5000 allows selection of the REAC A or B port for the monitor feed, and an M-48 unit can be connected directly to the M-5000's backup port which is equipped with Embedded Power.