Yamaha Corporation has announced a strategic partnership with Rupert Neve Designs, based on both parties involvement with Virtual Circuitry Modelling (VCM) Technology. Here's what they have to say in their press release...

VCM is an exclusive Yamaha digital technology, enabling engineers to achieve remarkable sonic performance by modelling the individual characteristics of many of the components which contribute to the final sound of original analogue circuitry.

VCM recreates the sound and characteristics of several classic compression and EQ units and tape machines from the 1970s, which are available on most current Yamaha digital mixers. It was developed by an engineering group led by Mr. Kunimoto, a senior engineer who developed the first physical modelling synthesisers, the VL1 and VP1.

Not only do VCM models capture the unique saturation of analogue circuitry, they have also been fine-tuned by leading engineers and feature an intuitive interface that makes it easier than ever to create the ideal sound. Subtle saturation effects have been painstakingly modelled to bring the warmth and richness of the original analogue gear back to life in a stable, easy-to-operate digital format.

Rupert Neve has embraced Yamaha VCM as the first digital technology that can accurately reproduce his renowned analogue sound. It reinforces Yamaha's conviction that digital audio can sound as pleasing as analogue.

"With the VCM technology, we're able to pick up the amazing quality of musicality and accuracy that was inherent in the original Rupert Neve Designs Portico modules," he says.
"Yamaha engineers are to be congratulated on having successfully emulated that musical sound from my designs. It's a real pleasure to work with people who are dedicated, knowledgeable and able to perceive what I'm trying to convey."

"Rupert Neve has become synonymous with what is regarded as a classic sound in our industry," says Nick Cook, European Marketing Director of Yamaha Commercial Audio Europe. "We are very pleased that he feels our VCM Technology accurately represents his sound and believe that this will be the first of many joint efforts between the two companies."