Yamaha CL5 Mixing Console w/ RIO3224 I/O Rack

Yamaha CL5 Mixing Console w/ RIO3224-D I/O Rack.

This mixer may show signs of heavy wear but is in good working condition. Includes a road case for the mixer and a RIO3224-D I/O rack.

A refined interface that seamlessly integrates faders with touch-panel operation, pure natural sound, an extensive range of effects for creative sound shaping, and Dante audio networking for expandability define the CL series digital mixing consoles. The CL5 is built for demanding live sound, broadcast, and installed-audio workflows where fast access, deep routing, and reliable networking matter. With 72 mono and 8 stereo input channels, it is well suited for larger stages, multi-mic events, and productions that require consistent scene-based operation.

Control Surface and Workflow

The CL5 uses Yamaha’s Centralogic user interface with a large touch-panel display and selected channel controls to keep key functions close at hand. The fader layout is designed for efficient operation across high channel counts: 16 faders in the left section, 8 faders in the Centralogic section, 8 faders in the right section, plus a 2-fader master section. A built-in meter bridge supports quick level checks at a glance, and a stainless steel stay provides physical support for iPad use during remote control and offline editing.

Mixing, Routing, and Processing

For routing flexibility, the console provides 24 mix buses and 8 matrix buses (Input to Matrix supported), making it easier to build multiple monitor mixes, zones, or broadcast feeds from a single desk. The built-in Dugan automixer helps maintain consistent balance across multiple microphones, which is especially useful for panels, corporate events, houses of worship, and talk-heavy productions.

Processing is handled through Yamaha’s virtual rack system. The virtual “Premium Rack” includes VCM models of the renowned RND Portico 5033 equalizer and Portico 5043 compressor/limiter, plus other VCM equalizers, compressors, and studio-quality effects. The virtual “Effect Rack” allows simultaneous use of up to 8 effects from a selection of 46 ambience effects and 8 insertion effects. The virtual “GEQ Rack” allows graphic EQ or 8-band PEQ to be inserted into the output buses as required for room equalization and other functions.

Dante Networking and System Expansion

Bulit-in Dante networking allows for flexible system expansion with R series I/O racks or other external equipment, supporting up to 24 R series I/O rack units connected to each console. “Gain Compensation” allows multiple consoles to share and control the same I/O unit, which can be helpful in split-console scenarios such as FOH and monitor desks sharing a stage rack. For recording and playback, the CL5 supports direct 2-track recording to standard USB flash drives, or multitrack recording to a DAW via Dante, and multitrack recordings can be used for “virtual sound checks” when performers aren’t available.

Connectivity, Compatibility, and Expansion Slots

In addition to the RIO3224-D, the console includes local I/O (8 in, 8 out) for convenient analog connections at the surface. Three Mini-YGDAI card slots provide easy I/O expansion as well as extra processing capabilities. QL series compatibility provides data exchange capability between CL and QL consoles.

Physical Specifications

• Dimensions (W x H x D): 1053mm x 299mm x 667mm (41.5" x 11.8" x 26.3")
• Net Weight: 36kg (79.4lbs)