As a result of orbital Sound's recent integration of Yamaha's PM1D digital mixing console into it's extensive hire stock, the desk is currently in use on 'FACE' - a musical adapatation of Phil Whitchurch's novel, staged at The Queens Theatre, Hornchurch, and directed by Bob Carlton and Matt Devitt.

The PM1D was specified by freelance sound designer Alan 'Whiz' Mathieson to accommodate over 60 inputs based around the show's 10 cast members, who all play different musical instruments, at different times during the show. Mathieson has abviously enjoyed the experience, enthusiastically commenting: "I don't ever want to work with a regular console ever again...it sounds bloody brilliant."

Sound Operator Nik Dudley was impressed with the new software upgrades and further explained: "As the show contains over 20 songs, we allocated at least one scene memory for each song. About 40 scene memories are used throughout which was easily facilitated with the beta software of v1.2 which allows different parameters, i.e. EQ, fader, gain, mix in Recall Safe mode. This speeded up the programming enormously and gives us greater control and creative freedom during every performance."

Orbital has workied closely with the Yamaha R&D teams bith in the U.K and Japan to initiate certain software developments which have further enhanced the PM1D's performance as an exeptional FOH workhorse. Already recognised for its digital clarity, ease of use and as a highly creative tool, the PM1D is now even faster to programme and offers greater control by way of its up-graded version 1.2 software.

Mike Case, head of Yamaha Commercial Audio, explained: "Following the experience gained in the recent RCS's 'The Lion, The Witch & The Wardrobe', many of the suggestions made by both sound designer, Scott Myers and Orbital have been incorporated in this latest upgrade of software which includes parameter recall safe mode, allowing isolation of channel functions from scene automation. it is a credit to everybody involved, especially to the software engineers, that we have delivered exactly what our customer required, in a matter of months."

With the PM1D now available for general hire use, Orbital is offereing in-depth training days enabling interested parties to learn first hand about the PM1D from its inspired users.