Yamaha Announces the ZG01 042 and ZG01 153, Special Limited Models of the ZG01 Released in Collaboration with the "NieR:Automata Ver 1.1a" Anime
Sep 19, 2023, Shizuoka, Japan
Yamaha is pleased to announce the creation of a special limited model of the ZG01 game streaming audio mixer created as a collaboration with the "NieR:Automata Ver 1.1a" anime. Two limited edition models will be available in two color schemes replicating those of the support units called “Pods” that accompany the main characters 2B and 9S in the anime.
- ZG01 042: Pod 042 – An aircraft with a white-based color scheme that accompanies 2B.
- ZG01 153: Pod 153 – An aircraft with a black-based color scheme that accompanies 9S.
About the Anime "NieR:Automata Ver 1.1a":
The anime "NieR:Automata Ver 1.1a" is based on the popular action RPG game "NieR:Automata Ver 1.1a" produced by Square Enix and developed by Platinum Games, which was released on February 23, 2017, with over 7.5 million units shipped and downloaded worldwide. The anime was produced by Aniplex and A-1 Pictures and began broadcasting in January 2023. After the broadcast of episode 12, the final episode of the first season, it was announced that a second season would be produced, which attracted even more attention.
Unique Features of the Collaboration Models:
- Product body design
- Product packaging box design
- Design of the included start guide
- Dedicated ZG Controller application design (Windows/Mac compatible)
About ZG01 – Game Streaming Audio Mixer:
Leveraging extensive knowledge and expertise accrued over decades of developing advanced sound processing and acoustic technologies, Yamaha developed the ZG01 to deliver a uniquely immersive audio experience to gamers. This new audio mixer allows users to tailor game audio, their voice, and the voice of a chat partner to their own playback environment using the intuitive controller and specialized audio effects for each, while providing the ideal audio to both their chat partner and the streaming audience.
The ZG01 game streaming mixer features physical controls that have been designed specifically for gameplay, voice chat, and game streaming, to provide simple and intuitive management of all audio signals. The ZG01 is equipped with an HDMI port for connecting consumer game consoles, as well as other ports necessary for building a more extensive gaming sound environment that requires a minimum of connectivity and setup. When users install the dedicated driver into their computer, the ZG01 is recognized as two virtual devices, making it possible to send and receive two audio channels for different purposes.
The ZG01’s ZG Sound Processing incorporates Yamaha’s proprietary ViReal™ 3D audio technology for headphones, delivering a uniquely powerful immersive gaming experience. There are three main features: ZG SURROUND, FOCUS MODE/EQ, and 3D CHAT SPACE. ZG SURROUND provides the full depth of a game’s multi-channel surround sound via USB/HDMI input when using stereo headphones. The authentic surround sound reproduction is converted by ViReal™ technology. FOCUS MODE/EQ can suppress the sound of the gamers’ own character or emphasize the environmental sounds of the game audio. This allows users to enhance sound search support for competitive first-person shooting games, and to fully enjoy the spectacular sounds of the game. Settings can be configured to suit a variety of game titles, scenes, and playing styles. 3D CHAT SPACE makes users feel as if they are playing a game in the same room as their friends. By placing the other party's voice in a virtual 3D-space, it also avoids overlap between game audio and voice chat, letting users hear each audio source clearly.
Users can even stream the same immersive audio experience to their viewers that are tuning in with stereo headphones.
“The ZG01 represents Yamaha’s first full-fledged entry into the gaming market. The incorporation of Yamaha's accumulated experience developing immersive audio technologies like ViReal™ and Active Field Control (AFC) gives the ZG01 a significant advantage in delivering a more realistic and authentic experience,” says Shunichi Kamiya, General Manager of Contents Sharing & Communication Groups of Yamaha’s Creator & Consumer Audio Division. “The design of this special collaboration model reflects the profound story and atmosphere of the original anime, making it an attractive product to which anyone can become attached. We hope that the ZG01 will help both NieR fans and people who love anime, games, and streaming in general to enjoy these pastimes even more.."