Yamaha MG10XU 10-Input Stereo Mixer with Effects
The Yamaha MG10XU is a versatile and high-quality 10-input stereo mixer that caters to musicians, podcasters, and audio engineers alike. With its compact design, impressive feature set, and user-friendly interface, this mixer has become a favorite among both beginners and seasoned professionals. Let’s delve into the specifications, performance, pros and cons, and overall usability of this mixer.
Specifications Overview
- Item Weight: 7.72 pounds
- Product Dimensions: 15.75 x 5.2 x 14.17 inches
- Item Model Number: MG10XU
- Date First Available: February 12, 2014
- Hardware Interface: USB
- Power Source: Corded Electric
- Features:
- 10 channels (including 6 mic inputs)
- USB connectivity for easy integration with computers
- SPX digital effects for enhanced sound
- Studio-grade discrete Class A D-PRE amps
- 3-band EQ and high-pass filters
- 1-knob compressors for easy sound shaping
- Rugged and durable metal chassis
Performance
The MG10XU stands out with its studio-grade D-PRE preamps, which utilize an inverted Darlington circuit design. This feature provides exceptional sound quality, delivering a rich, natural bass and crystal-clear highs. Users have reported a significant improvement in audio quality when using this mixer, especially for live performances and recordings.
The 3-band EQ and high-pass filters allow for maximum control over the audio signal, enabling musicians to eliminate unwanted noise effectively. This ensures that the final mix is cleaner and more polished, essential for any audio application. Additionally, the one-knob compressors add versatility, allowing for quick adjustments that can enhance the dynamics of instruments and vocals alike.
User Experience
Setting up the Yamaha MG10XU is straightforward, with a plug-and-play design that is compatible with various operating systems, including Mac and Windows. Users have praised its intuitive interface, which, despite the many knobs and buttons, is easy to navigate once familiarized. The mixer’s lightweight and compact size make it portable, perfect for gigs, rehearsals, or studio sessions.
One of the key features that users appreciate is the USB interface, which enables seamless integration with recording software like GarageBand, making it an excellent choice for home studios and podcasting setups. The ability to utilize SPX digital effects enhances the overall sound quality, making performances more dynamic and engaging.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Exceptional Sound Quality: Users report a significant improvement in audio clarity and depth, thanks to the high-quality preamps.
- Versatile Digital Effects: The SPX effects enhance the audio experience, making the mixer suitable for various genres and applications.
- Easy to Use: Despite its complexity, the layout is intuitive, allowing for quick adjustments even during live performances.
- Durable Build: The rugged metal chassis ensures that the mixer can withstand the rigors of transport and use in different environments.
- Affordable Price Point: Compared to other mixers with similar features, the MG10XU provides excellent value for money.
Cons:
- Limited Mic Inputs: With only 6 mic inputs, larger setups may require additional mixers or creative solutions, such as using overhead mics for drums.
- Stereo Output Limitation: The final mix is output in stereo only, which may not suit all recording needs, especially for those looking to capture multi-track recordings.
- Learning Curve: Although straightforward, the numerous features can be overwhelming for first-time users.
Conclusion
The Yamaha MG10XU 10-Input Stereo Mixer with Effects is an outstanding choice for anyone seeking a reliable, high-quality mixer that delivers exceptional sound. Its blend of user-friendly design, robust features, and portability makes it ideal for live performances, studio recordings, and everything in between. Whether you’re a drummer looking to mic your kit or a band needing a reliable mixer for gigs, the MG10XU is a worthy investment.
Rating: ★★★★½ (4.5/5)
This rating reflects the mixer’s impressive sound quality, usability, and value for money, while considering its minor limitations in input capacity and output options. Overall, the Yamaha MG10XU stands out as one of the best mixers in its category, making it a highly recommended choice for both amateur and professional audio applications.
Atmosphere mx –
Incredible mixer! I noticed a huge difference in audio quality right away. Unmatched quality. Excellent product!
Billy Bones –
This mixer is top-notch in quality and sound, and it’s very straightforward to set up and use. I initially purchased the 10-channel model to link my media sources (iTunes/Apple Music) to my existing amplifier for drum practice. Once I received it, I connected a few low-quality microphones to my kick and snare drum, and wow! It truly brought my drums to life. I was so impressed that I immediately upgraded to the 12-channel version to mic the rest of my 8-piece drum set and record my sessions.
Pros: The setup is incredibly easy—just plug and play with my MacBook via USB for both playback (Apple Music) and recording (GarageBand), and the sound quality is impressive even with five budget microphones (two overheads, kick, hi-hat, and snare). The built-in effects enhance the overall sound experience, making it an excellent choice for live performances.
Cons: It has only 6 mic inputs and 6 balanced RCA-1/4″ phono jacks, which meant I couldn’t mic all my additional toms (I had to use overhead mics for those and the cymbals). Plus, the “final mix” is processed on the mixer itself before recording, resulting in a stereo output only (two tracks using left/right from pan knobs on two channels), which limits the adjustments you can make to individual channels/mics after recording.
Because of these limitations and my desire for both live performance and multitrack recording capabilities—along with the need for more mic inputs for the toms—I decided to return this mixer. I’ve looked into the 16 and 20-channel versions by Yamaha, but while they offer more inputs, they still lack the flexibility for post-recording multitrack adjustments.
I’m now considering an audio interface from PreSonus or Focusrite for recording and potentially connecting it to the 6 or 10-channel Yamaha MG**XU for live practice. This mixer is great, and I’m sorry to part with it. I would highly recommend it for anyone who doesn’t require excessive mic inputs with multitrack processing after recording.
Maria Puga Flores –
This console offers great features, allowing for the equalization of bass and treble frequencies, along with multiple inputs to connect tracks and sequences. I use it for practicing with my 5-string bass. It’s both practical and stylish, providing excellent sound with Tascam TH-MX2 headphones. The price on Amazon is the lowest for online purchases, while physical stores charge double. An outstanding console for rehearsing and enjoying music.
Maria Puga Flores –
The size is perfect—not too large or too small. So far, everything is going well. I was initially uncertain since it’s an imported product, but it arrived ahead of schedule.
Francisco –
Beautiful sound quality; the devices work well in the church. Thank you, Yamaha, I highly recommend them!
Matt P. –
I considered several mixers before settling on this one, and I’m glad I did. I wanted a reliable mixer that sounded excellent and offered a solid feature set. Here’s why I think this mixer stands out:
1) It’s Yamaha, known for their reliability. I own several Yamaha music products, and I’ve never had any issues with them.
2) It includes impressive effects, particularly the mic compressor. This feature enhances versatility, making it ideal for recording as it adds a nice compression to vocals before they reach the AD converter.
3) It doubles as an interface. While I can’t speak much to this aspect since I use a Universal Audio Solo 610 that I love, it’s a useful feature to have.
4) The reverb sounds fantastic, especially Room 1, FX 3. It really helps to blend everything together and create a cohesive sound.
5) The FX send has been incredibly useful for various applications, primarily as an external bus. You can mix in internal effects like reverb while also utilizing the FX send for an external delay unit, returning it to a different channel. Unlike other mixers that limit you to either internal effects or FX sends, this one allows both.
6) It feels sturdy and well-constructed. After over 20 hours of use, I’m pleased with its performance and will provide an update in a few months.
7) Great value. When comparing to other brands like Behringer and Mackie, the choice is clear. Behringer has reliability issues, and while Mackie has good preamps, their effects are lacking. Yamaha, on the other hand, excels overall.
Cons: My only minor complaints are that I wish each channel had three EQ bands and that there was an FX send independent of the internal effects.
miridjp –
I transitioned from a 12-channel Yamaha to this 16-channel model, and I must say I’m very impressed with the aesthetics. However, what truly stands out is the sound quality. I replaced my previous Yamaha mixer only because the external power supply failed after 14 years of reliable service. Now, I’m excited to explore and enjoy the exceptional quality Yamaha offers. My audience will definitely appreciate it.
Diego Rivera –
I initially planned to purchase a Rockville powered mixer, but I chose this Yamaha model instead due to its solid reputation, and I’m glad I did. The quality of this mixer is exceptional for its price and it performs perfectly for our live gigs. We play Mexican music and connect our bass through separate channels to avoid popping sounds from the tweeters. The Yamaha MG16XU is straightforward to use once you grasp how one channel operates, so don’t let the numerous knobs intimidate you. Overall, this is one of the best mixers available for its price.