Yamaha Professional Audio has leveraged ISE 2026 to underline a clear strategic direction across immersive audio and commercial installation, consolidating long-standing research, newly unified branding and a significantly expanded product ecosystem into a cohesive professional audio narrative. Central to this was the rebranding of its AFC Enhance and AFC Image technologies as Sound xR Enhance and Sound xR Image, positioning them as part of Yamaha’s scalable Sound xR immersive audio technologies and making it easier for both investors and end users to navigate the company’s broad portfolio of immersive solutions.

With immersive audio research dating back to 1969 and the launch of Active Field Control (AFC) technology in 1985, Yamaha has long focused on improving acoustics without the need for mechanical alterations to spaces. AFC Enhance provided sound field control as a cost-effective alternative to architectural modification, while the later introduction of the object-based AFC Image technology addressed the growing need to position sound precisely within three-dimensional space. Bringing these complementary technologies together as Sound xR Enhance and Sound xR Image aligns them with the Sound xR brand launched last year by Yamaha alongside group companies NEXO and Steinberg, built around the concept of ‘Immersive Experiences for Everyone’ and encompassing solutions such as the Sound xR Core virtual spatial audio processing engine for headphones.

“Bringing all of our immersive technologies under the Sound xR banner creates an immediately recognisable brand, which highlights the universal high quality, versatility and ease of use,” says Thomas Hemery, Senior General Manager of Yamaha’s Professional Solutions Division. “Yamaha technology has already helped to improve the acoustics of over 200 venues worldwide, including culturally significant buildings like The Grand Theatre in Warsaw. Meanwhile Sound xR solutions are being used to captivate creators and audiences with their musical expression and ease of use.”

Alongside its immersive audio focus, Yamaha also unveiled its enhanced Commercial Installation Solutions (CIS) ecosystem at ISE 2026, expanding its offering with new digital signal processors, power amplifiers, control devices and software updates designed to simplify the integration, configuration and management of complex audio systems. Targeted at applications ranging from hotels and restaurants to retail environments, corporate spaces and educational institutions, the revised CIS portfolio is built around reliability, flexibility and long-term adaptability.

The new lineup includes the DME5 and DME3 digital signal processors, which join the established DME series as 1U units delivering high quality 96kHz audio processing, Dante and analogue I/O, and seamless connectivity with Yamaha digital mixers. Both processors feature four channels of flexible I/O assignable as inputs or outputs, offering extensive configuration flexibility, while dual USB ports support background music playback and PC connectivity for web conferencing. Yamaha also introduced eight new XMS series power amplifiers in 1U and 2U formats, providing power sharing across four output channels with onboard DSP for speaker processing, delay and matrix routing, and a built-in speaker processor to optimise output settings for safe and reliable operation.

Control and system management were further strengthened with the MCP2 wall mount controller and the TCD10 touchscreen control device. The MCP2 supports up to 64 devices, while the TCD10 offers secure control via power over Ethernet (PoE) and flexible mounting options. Integrated with Yamaha’s ProVisionaire system design and control software, both controllers are capable of managing third-party devices such as lighting and projectors, enabling unified AV control across entire spaces.

ProVisionaire Design and ProVisionaire Control PLUS were also updated to Version 3.0, expanding support for a wider range of products and system components. A new Conductor feature allows DME5 or DME3 processors to coordinate multiple Yamaha devices, simplifying system integration and streamlining day-to-day operation across complex installations.

“The scalable architecture and flexible control options of our revised CIS ecosystem ensures venues can adapt to evolving needs and technologies,” says Thomas Hemery. “This means a reliable and future-proof investment, which supports long-term value and operational peace of mind, even as requirements change over time.”

The DME5, DME3, MCP2 and ProVisionaire V3.0 software are scheduled to be available in Spring 2026, with XMS amplifiers and the TCD10 controller following in the summer, alongside a further major ProVisionaire Design and ProVisionaire Control PLUS update. Yamaha, Steinberg and NEXO showcased these developments at ISE 2026 at Fira de Barcelona, reinforcing how immersive audio innovation and integrated installation ecosystems are increasingly converging within Yamaha’s professional audio strategy.