The Yamaha CL1 is a compact, feature-rich digital mixing console that serves as the entry point to the esteemed CL Series, delivering professional-grade performance in a streamlined and cost-effective package. Engineered for smaller touring systems, fixed installations, corporate venues, and houses of worship, the CL1 incorporates the same core audio technology and network infrastructure as its larger siblings. It is built around a high-resolution 96kHz processing engine and offers flexible I/O expansion through Yamaha's TWINLANe and Dante networking, allowing it to seamlessly connect with a variety of Rio and Dante-capable stage boxes. This design philosophy provides users with a scalable system heart, where the physical mixer can be positioned conveniently at front-of-house or in a control room while all microphone preamps and analog conversions reside on stage, ensuring optimal signal integrity.

The console's surface is intelligently designed for efficiency, featuring a 12.1-inch multi-touch screen that provides deep access to channel parameters, effects, and system setup alongside a set of 16 motorized faders. These faders control a full complement of 48 input channels and 24 mix buses, offering substantial mixing power for its size. The CL1 inherits the series' acclaimed Ruin preamp modeling and Virtual Circuit Modeling (VCM) effects, providing a palette of tonal coloration and classic studio-quality reverbs, delays, and dynamics that elevate the sonic character of any source. Comprehensive processing, including a 31-band graphic EQ on every output, gate, and compressor on every input, is standard, empowering engineers to shape mixes with precision.

Operational stability and seamless integration are hallmarks of the CL1. It offers robust connectivity with built-in 64x64 Dante networking, multiple expansion card slots for additional audio protocols, and a suite of control features including DCA groups, mute groups, and user-defined keys. Its construction is durable yet relatively lightweight, making it suitable for both permanent installation and mobile use. The CL1 represents a complete, professional mixing solution that condenses the power and audio fidelity of larger consoles into a focused and accessible format, making high-end digital mixing practical for a broader range of applications and budgets.