Yamaha M916 "Japa-Neve" Vintage Recording Console | Fully Restored & Recapped | 16 CAPI/API-Style Transformer-Balanced Direct Outs - Headbangers Mod. | External Rackmount Power Supply

This Yamaha M916 has undergone a complete electronic restoration and modernization with one goal in mind: transforming a vintage recording console into a reliable professional studio workhorse while preserving the sound, routing flexibility and character that made these desks very desirable in the first place.

The console is in good cosmetic condition for its age and in excellent functional condition.

Complete Electronic Restoration

Every electrolytic capacitor throughout the console and power supply has been replaced.

Upgrades include:

• Low-ESR Japanese Nichicon capacitors throughout
• Nichicon Muse bipolar capacitors used wherever bipolar capacitors were originally specified
• Film capacitor upgrades in the EQ sections
• All controls cleaned and serviced
• All switches cleaned and exercised
• All connectors cleaned and serviced
• All channels tested and verified operational
• All VU meter lamps replaced

The result is improved reliability, lower noise floor, tighter low-frequency performance and many years of expected service life.

External Yamaha Power Supply Conversion

The original Yamaha power supply has been removed from the mixer chassis and installed into a dedicated 5U rackmount enclosure.

Benefits include:

• Reduced heat inside the console
• Reduced hum and magnetic field interference near audio circuitry
• Easier servicing and maintenance
• Improved long-term reliability
• Reduced weight inside the mixer frame (well... before the addition of 16 output transformers)

The PSU features front-panel status indicators for every rail:

• +25VDC
• -25VDC
• +14VDC
• -14VDC
• +10VDC
• Phantom Power

The power supply connects to the console through a shielded 10-foot military-grade Amphenol snake assembly. Slightly overkill but that's what was available.

Direct Out

The most significant upgrade performed on this console : 16 Transformer-Balanced Direct Outputs

Each channel now features its own dedicated transformer-balanced direct output utilizing a CAPI vintage API-Style output transformer.

The EA2623 was designed by Ed Anderson as a faithful recreation of the output transformers found in vintage 1970s API recording consoles. These transformers were used throughout classic API desks in direct outputs, preamp outputs, summing amplifiers, cue modules, echo sends and numerous other signal paths that helped define the sound of countless records.

Each direct output is:

• Post-EQ
• Post-fader
• Transformer-balanced
• Transformer-isolated

This provides excellent compatibility with modern audio interfaces, converters, tape machines and outboard equipment while preserving the sonic integrity of the original signal path.

Special attention was given to transformer loading and termination to ensure proper operation and optimal frequency response.

The available internal space created by relocating the power supply is now occupied by sixteen dedicated CAPI output transformers, one per channel.

M2 Row Repurposed as Direct Outputs

Rather than compromise the structural integrity of the chassis by drilling sixteen additional XLR output connectors into the wood frame, the entire M2 connector row has been repurposed as the direct output section.

Configuration is therefore:

• M1 = Channel Inputs
• M2 = Transformer-Balanced Direct Outputs

This creates an extremely clean installation while maintaining the original appearance of the console.

Sixteen male-to-male XLR adapters are included with the mixer.From a top-down view, this makes input and output identification immediate and intuitive.

Classic Yamaha Recording Architecture

The M916 remains one of Yamaha's most capable inline recording consoles from this era.

Features include:

• 16 Input Channels
• Microphone and Line Inputs
• Left / Right Stereo Buss
• Dedicated Foldback Buss
• Dedicated Echo Buss
• MTRX Routing System
• Solo Monitoring Functions
• Cue Monitoring Facilities

Equalizer Section

The Yamaha M916 features a highly flexible recording-oriented equalizer section that offers significantly more tonal shaping capability than many vintage consoles of its era.

Each channel includes:

• High Frequency EQ (±15dB)
• Sweepable Mid Frequency EQ (±15dB)
• Variable Mid Frequency Control (700Hz to 6kHz)
• Low Frequency EQ (±15dB)
• Selectable Low Frequency Center Points (100Hz or 250Hz)
• Switchable 80Hz High-Pass Filter

The sweepable midrange section is particularly useful for shaping vocals, guitars, keyboards and drums, allowing precise control over the most critical frequencies in a mix.

Film capacitor upgrades have been installed throughout the EQ circuitry to improve long-term stability and consistency while preserving the original Yamaha character.

Tamura Transformer Outputs

The original Yamaha Tamura transformers remain in service on the master sections.

Transformer-balanced outputs include:

• Left Output
• Right Output
• MTRX Outputs
• Foldback Outputs
• Echo Outputs

Tamura transformers are widely respected and remain a significant part of the sonic identity of vintage Yamaha recording consoles.

Op Amps

In an era where countless recordings pass through the same collection of pristine converters, transparent preamps and software emulations, the M916 remains refreshingly unapologetic. Its original Yamaha gain stages and EQ circuitry contribute a sense of weight, texture and musicality that is difficult to quantify but immediately recognizable. Rather than replacing these circuits with modern components in pursuit of marginally better specifications, the restoration focused on preserving the character that gives the console its voice. Measurements may impress on a spec sheet, but personality is what ends up on a record.

Phantom Power

As with many vintage Yamaha consoles of this era, phantom voltage measures slightly below modern nominal 48V specifications while remaining fully functional with the overwhelming majority of condenser microphones.

Console Dimensions:

28 cm × 75 cm × 82 cm

11" × 29.5" × 32.3"

Weight:

92 lbs / 41.7 kg

Shipping & Pickup

Available options include:

• Local pickup
• Meet-up delivery
• Personal delivery
• Freight shipping

In-person transactions are preferred and I am willing to travel significant distances for the right buyer. The included road case will be used for freight shipments whenever applicable. Should shipping be required, the console will be professionally packed and fully insured for its full value.

This M916 represents hundreds of hours of restoration work and was built to serve as a professional recording console for years to come. Additional photographs are available on the Herscheid & The Headbangers website and as always I will be happy to answer any questions regarding the restoration work, modifications, functionality, shipping arrangements or provide additional photos upon request.