Just did a small tour with 'The Northern Pikes' http://www.thepikes.com and I must say that the new YAMAHA PM5 is a killer console... this was the first time that I had my monitor mix on auto recall... as a performer, this rocks ! No longer does a stage act have to be a slave to the other acts mix.

I've got to say the sound is not the best of the best to me with the digital console mixes I've heard live. But, it's better than 80 percent of the analog mixes. And, as you say, the opening acts don't suffer. In fact, I'd say the opening acts with digital sound better easily than the opening acts with analog. I'm sure when the acts that I really admire for their live sound adopt digital that I'll change my tune and say it kicks butt on everything.

The board I've heard live is the DM2000. I want one of the house but I don't think it's going to happen unless Mr. Yamaha finds out I'm his long lost cousin or something.

The PM5 is a great sounding console...mic pres seem superior than the old PM series... very analog sounding to my ears. It better be good sounding for 64'000 $CAD... and no need for outboard gear, makes for easy and quick set-ups on the road... monitor mixes had all the same bells and whistles that the FOH had as well. The local venue had two of theses boards for the stage and house.