Published on 15th September, 2026.
Yamaha announced its new DM5 series of professional digital mixers, alongside a lineup of new utility I/O devices, devised with the concept of forward thinking - helping users to not only build systems for today’s applications, but the expandability for what they will need tomorrow.
Designed for small to mid-sized live sound, corporate events, houses of worship, theatre and broadcast applications, the DM5 series is available in two models, DM5 and DM5 Compact, which pack the DM7 series workflow and user experience into an even more compact design. Launched alongside three new R series Utility I/O Devices, the new PY-DSP processing card and Dugan Automixer license, the DM5 series includes innovative new features to help sound engineers work as freely and flexibly as possible, both now and into the future.
The DM5 features twin fader bays and screens with 32 analogue inputs, 16 analogue outputs, and can process 60 input channels in a footprint of W826 x H235 x D441mm (32.5 x 9.25 x 17.4”), while the DM5 Compact has 16 analogue inputs, 16 analogue outputs and can process 48 input channels. Featuring a single fader bay and screen, its chassis measures the same height and depth as the DM5, but is just 446mm (17.6”) wide.
Both models feature up to 64 in/out of industry-standard Dante networking at 96 kHz, along with 24 mix busses, 12 matrices, two stereo busses and 12 DCAs. There are also 18 channels of USB I/O, plus an RJ45 connector for mixer control and Bluetooth for audio playback.
A World First
In a world first for digital mixers, the DM5 series’ 338mm (13.3”) main screen includes innovative glass keys, which act as tactile switches, while displaying status with dynamic labelling which changes depending on the state of the mixer. They allow operators to access more functions without increasing panel complexity, creating a cleaner, more adaptable user interface that evolves with the workflow and application.
A further, customisable 109mm (4.3”) touchscreen for user defined keys is provided, while four user defined rotary controls are located beside the main screen for even more flexibility. A new Dynamic Mode automatically follows selections in the selected channel view and assigns the relevant function parameters.
Another advance for Yamaha compact consoles is four selectable viewing angles for the main display. Whether operating under difficult lighting conditions, from a seated or standing position, engineers can easily adjust the display for optimised viewing.
Yamaha’s Assist functions also help reduce setup time by supporting a range of tasks, allowing engineers to spend less time on repetitive preparation and more time focusing on creative decisions.
Optional Feature Packages
The DM5 series has extensive customisation options, including additional feature packages which can be accessed by activating a purchased license within the mixer. There are now two packages available for both the DM5 and DM7 series, plus an additional one for the DM5.
The Broadcast Package adds seven essential broadcast functions, including Mix Minus and Audio Follow Video, while the Theatre Package brings immersive control functions along with four bank EQ/DYN, an Actor Library, and other functions that are useful for musical and theatre applications.
With 12 channels of Dugan auto mixing included as standard with the DM5 series, the additional Dugan automixer license increases the auto mixing channels to 40 (DM5 Compact) or 60 (DM5), providing huge flexibility for large scale conferencing events.
In most regions, these package licenses are managed via Yamaha’s PV Portal app, which allows a single license to be activated and deactivated for use across multiple DM5 series and DM7 consoles, saving money by not needing to purchase the same package for each one.***
New Utility I/O Devices
Launched alongside the DM5 series are three new utility I/O units, which have been added to Yamaha’s renowned R series lineup. All are fully compatible with the DM5, DM7 and DM3 series, as well as Yamaha’s flagship RIVAGE PM series digital mixing systems.
The RUio1608SB-D is a compact stagebox-type I/O unit, featuring 16 analogue inputs, eight analogue outputs and industry-standard primary and secondary Dante ports. Featuring rugged rubber protectors for reliable onstage use and a carrying bar, an optional rackmount kit is available.
The RUio0804-D is a compact, 1U I/O rack featuring eight analogue inputs and four analogue outputs, alongside primary and secondary Dante ports, ideal for adding limited extra I/O for a wide range of applications.
Meanwhile, the unique RUio16FLX-D’s 16 channels of can be flexibly configured in pairs as analogue mic/line inputs, analogue outputs or AES/EBU outs - of course also with Dante I/O - making it the perfect I/O device for fully scalable audio installations in a host of different applications.
Beyond the new RUio models, the DM5 series is compatible with all generations of Yamaha R series I/O racks, allowing users to make the most of existing investments, while choosing the ideal combination of console and I/O for any application. From compact utility I/O to large scale stage racks, users can build scalable systems tailored to their specific requirements.
