YAMAHA DM3

HANDS ON REVIEW

It might be small in size and price tag… but the DM3 is nothing short of a giant leap forward in a highly competitive segment: the small-format audio mixer.

The new DM3. A twenty-two channel powerhouse.

Yamaha has long been known for producing some of the world's highest-quality and longest-lasting audio consoles. Their products are often described as "tank-like" due to their durability and solid construction. The Yamaha DM3, although positioned at an affordable price point, is no exception. This console upholds Yamaha's reputation for creating high-quality, dependable equipment that can withstand the demands of professional use.

Summer Sounds Music Festival in Shorewood, WI.

THE FIDELITY

I had the chance to put the DM3 through its paces at the Summer Sounds music festival in Shorewood, Wisconsin. I was mixing a different local band weekly, from simple trios to a 30+ person big band. Mixing on the console was an absolute delight. I was shocked at how transparent and clean the mixer was. It sounded like a much more expensive console. I had to keep reminding myself this was a sub $2,000 desk.

The entire signal chain provided everything I needed to deliver exceptional results from preamp onward. The DM3's ability to maintain the integrity of the original sound while adding subtle enhancements genuinely set it apart from other consoles I've used at the same price point.

I cannot overstate how shocked I was at the fidelity… this console sounds incredible.

*It didn’t hurt that we were able to use it with a Nexo P+ rig (more on that in a later post)

ease of use

The DM3’s user interface is designed for efficiency and ease of use. The touchscreen display provides a clear and intuitive way to access the console’s numerous features and settings. The layout is logical and well-organized, allowing users to quickly navigate between different functions. I was able to change patching and routing with ease and set up a band in seconds.

The I/O is also a big win. Including Dante networking (if you purchase the Dante version)  further expands the console's capabilities, enabling easy integration into more extensive audio networks and providing the flexibility to handle complex audio setups. This makes the DM3 an excellent choice for venues and installations where scalability and adaptability are crucial.

USB-C FLEXIBILITY

Yamaha should market this feature better. The most significant feature is the USB-C port with a VST Rack Elements software license. This allows you to insert any VST plug-in of your choosing—no external servers or cards are required! Install the software on your laptop, plug it in, and you’re off to the races with some horsepower. This is a game-changer for live audio production. It instantly expands the processing capabilities of this already impressive little console.

Another notable feature of the DM3 is its comprehensive suite of onboard effects and processing tools. Yamaha has included many high-quality effects and tools, such as reverb, delay, and compression, which can be easily accessed and applied to any channel. That in and of itself isn’t ground-breaking, but I was blown away at the quality. Most consoles at this price point feature compressors as well… I sometimes choose to go without.

Nothing in this console felt budget in regard to sound, but instead, the tools provided were very musical. I strongly suspect engineers might have stolen some from the higher-end Yamaha lineup. In short, when it comes to sound, the DM3 lives us to the quality you’d expect from a DM-named console.

remote control

The iPad app for the Yamaha DM3 is another strong point. It provides a quick and intuitive interface that pairs perfectly with the console. I was able to roam the audience areas with ease. This allows for all the standard remote control and adjustments you’d expect, enhancing flexibility during live performances.

There are some areas where the app could be improved. Currently, it cannot edit mute groups, and there is an issue with muting/unmuting groups, where the app sometimes shows channels that are muted by the group when they are unmuted. This, among a few other quirks, was certainly noted. These issues can be attributed to early development bugs, and I expect Yamaha will address them in future updates. *Note that none of these issues were true of the DM3 Mac software, which I also tested.

CONCLUSION

To wrap it up, the Yamaha DM3 gets a strong YES from me. Offering a combination of high-end features and exceptional performance at a shockingly good price… the DM3 stands out in a crowded market. And that’s not easy to do.

It is a no-brainer for so many situations. I see this console being utilized for various applications, especially with the USB-C and Dante (Dante model) capabilities. It is a versatile and powerful tool that offers exceptional sound quality, ease of use, and robust connectivity options. With its comprehensive feature set, reliable performance, and competitive price point, the DM3 stands out as a top choice for audio engineers seeking a high-quality mixing console that can handle the demands of modern audio production. My experience at the Summer Sounds music festival only reinforced my belief in the console's superior capabilities and ability to deliver outstanding audio results.

We will certainly be using this console for many installs and portable solutions in the near future.

KEY PROS

• Insane quality at the price point

• VERY user-friendly yet VERY powerful

• Rugged build quality

• Incredibly portable

• Vast I/O Options

• Plug-in software included!

DOWNSIDES

• Limited channel count *cough, cough… DM5? If you’re listening Yamaha…

• No DCAs (would be a very welcome feature)

• iPad App Needs Improvement

  • Lacks some features (mute group set up, etc)

  • Has some bugs

I hope this review has helped you in your research. If you want to know more, feel free to contact me.

David Price | @davidpriceav