Product: Yamaha MG10Xu Mixing Console
Reviewer: Reza Nasseri
Distributor: http://au.yamaha.com/
Yamaha’s MG10XU is the third incarnation of the hugely popular MG series. This model features10 channels consisting of 4 mono (mic/ line pre’s) and 3 stereo channels. The “XU” refers to “FX” + “USB”, with the unit boasting a powerful SPX processor and a stereo USB send and return of up to 24bit/ 192kHz processing.
The layout is attractive and uncomplicated with 3 band EQ on the mono channels and 2 band EQ on the stereo channels, one knob compression on channels 1 and 2 and phantom power available for all mic pre’s. The addition of RCA inputs on channels 5/6 and 7/8 make it perfect for plugging in an MP3 player, and channel 9/10 serves as either a 1/4” stereo channel or USB return from your computer.
First I tested the unit by plugging in my tried and tested ‘B58, slapping on some ‘phones’ and running through the channel strips. I especially liked the layout of the MG boards, because they illustrate where unity gain lies for every aspect, making it faster to dial in a sweet spot. Plugged in, the “D-Pre’s” were very transparent with a lot of headroom, as was the compression too, which importantly, didn’t alter the tone. The EQ was also very musical without being too wide or savage.
I absolutely loved the SPX processor, which sounded exactly like the beloved SPX 90 and 990’s which can be heard on countless recordings and zillions of live gigs worldwide. The effects though, really hit the ball out of the park. The MG10XU offers all your favourite reverbs and even a reverse gate for huge 80’s drum tones. In addition, there are the delays, chorus, phaser, flanger, tremolo, auto wah, radio voice, distortion and pitch change. New additions like distortion would be very useful in adding more grit to vocals or to thicken up a bass guitar. Even better is the fact you can toggle effects on or off with a footswitch for certain parts of a song or to pause and speak to the audience.
As an audio interface, the unit mixes down to a stereo input and returns on channel 9 and 10. The concept here is pretty simple, yet with the addition of Cubase AI and hardware specific Asio drivers (available at the Yamaha website), it ensures you have all the tools required to start creating world class productions.
Features at a glance:
- 10-Channel Mixing Console
- Max. 4 Mic / 10 Line Inputs (4 mono + 3 stereo)
- 1 Stereo Bus
- 1 AUX (incl. FX)
- “D-PRE” mic preamps with an inverted Darlington circuit
- 1-Knob compressors
- High-grade effects: SPX with 24 programs
- 24-bit / 192kHz 2in / 2out USB Audio functions
- Works with the iPad (2 or later) through the Apple iPad Camera Connection Kit / Lightning to USB Camera Adapter
- Includes Cubase AI DAW software download version
- PAD switch on mono inputs
- +48V phantom power
- XLR balanced outputs
- Metal chassis
- Dimensions(W×H×D): 244 mm x 71 mm x 294 mm (9.6″x 2.8″x 11.6″)
- Net Weight: 2.1 kg (4.63 lbs.)