The Yamaha brand is famous for making musical instruments and gear for a long time. They focus a lot on coming up with new stuff. It sets trends in music and makes other brands copy them. This includes their mixing consoles. Yamaha offers a wide range of mixers for all budgets and needs, whether you want digital, analog, or powered ones. Our aim is to show the top Yamaha mixer models and assist people in picking the right one for them.
Analog Mixers
Yamaha AG06
AG mixers are for folks who post stuff online, host podcasts, or do live broadcasts. The top pick in this lineup is the Yamaha AG06. It’s got six channels and hooks up using USB. Plus, it’s compact and light, measuring 155 × 63 × 202 mm and weighing under a kg. So, it’s super easy to tote around in a bag, perfect for musicians who are always on the go.
The AG06 has six input channels: one for microphones, one for instruments, and four for connecting other devices like phones or laptops. The first two channels have controls for adjusting the volume and strength of the signal, while the third channel only has volume controls. There are also knobs for adjusting the volume of your computer or other devices, as well as the sound level in your monitors and headphones.
Four outputs: stereo output, output to monitors, a pair of headphone outputs. XLR input connectors have D-PRE preamps. The company’s engineers strictly differentiated the use of the first two inputs of the Yamaha AG06: CH1 works with vocals, and CH2 is for the guitar.
Features:
- 6-channel mixer / USB audio interface
- built-in virtual guitar cabinet 2-track audio and 24-bit / 192kHz playback, D-PRE preamps
- LOOPBACK function for going live
Pros: portability, a lot of inputs and outputs, podcasting inputs section, convenient connection of smartphones and tablets
Cons: phantom power (+ 48V) is available on only one channel, inconvenient DSP effects, inconvenient indication of the incoming signal
Yamaha MGP32X
The 32-channel mixing console YAMAHA MGP32X has a host of new interesting features and will be in place for most sound engineers in the studio and on stage. Based on many years of working experience in developing purely new premium analog equipment, YAMAHA experts have developed new Class A mic preamps for expert use in High End recording tools. Using Darlington’s inverse circuitry, the new D-PRE mic preamps provide rich, smooth sound. This gives the YAMAHA MGP32X mixing consoles a great advantage over the consoles in its class. X-Pressive EQ provides analogue authenticity, showing the uniqueness of the expressive sound of classic analog equalization modules.
Features:
- 24 microphone inputs with 48V and HPF phantom power on each channel
- 32 line inputs
- D-PRE preampsX-Pressive EQ equalizer
- 1-knob Comp compressors
Pros: performance, sound reproduction of vintage analog mixers, robust and stylish housing, precise control
Cons: no foot-switch for FX
Yamaha MG10XUF
The Yamaha MG10XUF is a new version of the Yamaha MG series. It has special microphone preamps, better compressors, and a digital processor for effects. It can connect to a computer with a USB cable and has good audio technology. This model also has special amplifiers and digital effects made by Yamaha. These effects can improve the sound of your voice or a live music performance, especially with reverb and delay effects that make the sound seem more natural and spacious.
Features: D-Pre Microphone Preamps
- High-Quality Operational Amplifiers
- Phantom Power and Discrete Decrease Sensitivity
- Built-in SPX Effect Processor
- 24bit / 192kHz USB Audio Interface
Pros: high sound quality, a good set of effects, stylish design
Cons: not for a beginner
Powered Mixers
Yamaha EMX7
The Yamaha EMX7 is great for musicians, artists, and DJs who care a lot about good sound and finding equipment that’s easy to use. It’s the newest version in the EMX series and it’s better than the older ones because it has more channels and a stronger built-in amplifier. It also comes with some cool features like special effects, a tool to reduce annoying feedback noises, an equalizer, and presets designed to work well with different Yamaha speakers.
Features:
- high-performance 2-channel Class D amplifier with overload protection
- 12 input channels (4 mono channels and 4 mono/stereo)
- 3-band equalizer on each input channel
- 9-band graphic equalizer
- presets for working with various Yamaha passive speakers
Pros: high performance and functionality, practical design
Cons: good sound quality, but there are better counterparts in this niche
Yamaha EMX2
The model is a combination of a mixer and an amplifier, which connects speakers. Yamaha EMX2 is one of the best solutions for non-professionals, making it easy and convenient to carry out fairly complex tasks. Also noteworthy is the combination of impressive functionality and portability (as well as low weight). This model is great for sound engineers who spend a lot of time on the road. It is possible to connect up to 4 microphones for playing vocals and musical instruments.
Features: 10 channels, 4 phantom powered XLR mic inputs, 1-Knob Master EQ control, Four Yamaha branded reverbs with four effects each – Room, Hall, Plate and Echo, Three-position EQ knob, Feedback Suppressor Feedback Suppressor
Pros: portability, built-in amplifier, flexible switching capabilities
Cons: monitor section requires powered monitors
Yamaha EMX5016CF
Yamaha EMX5016CF is a compact mixer + amplifier, has the functional characteristics that provide the best quality sound required in a live sound environment. Yoy can use it on large venues both indoors and outdoors.
The mixer has 16 input channels: 8 mono mic/line inputs plus 4 stereo pairs that function as mono mic or stereo line inputs. Such a system allows you to connect a larger number of microphones or line signal sources if necessary. Each microphone channel has a 3-band graphic equalizer.
The mixer capabilities are greatly expanded by a large number of additional input and output connectors, and it is possible to connect additional devices or integrate the mixer into large installation systems. And although the Yamaha EMX5016CF has all the necessary built-in effects, the presence of AUX and EFFECT connectors allows you to route the signal to external processing or monitoring systems.
Features: 8 mono and 4 stereo input channels, 2×500 W power amplifier (4 Ohms), 4 AUX lines on each channel, 2 SPX effects processors (32 bit with 16 programs), compressor for mono channels
Pros: high power output, versatility, portability, wide functionality
Cons: lower reverb quality compared to stand-alone devices
Yamaha EMX5014C
YAMAHA EMX5014C is an amplifier mixing console that combines the mixer, amplifier, graphic equalizer and digital effects in a compact and mobile device. There is no need for complicated setup and hundreds of wires. The user just need to plug and play! The whole system is optimized, so getting great sound in any environment is very simple. Excellent sound thanks to painstaking design and choice of components. Active mixing consoles of the EMX series are equipped with a forced-air cooling system that increases its reliability and maximum power even in difficult conditions.
Features: Output power: 500W + 500W / 4 Ohm, 350W + 350W / 8 Ohm, 14 channels, effects processor SPX 32 bit, compressor on mono channels, FCL system for searching and removing feedback
Pros: favorable price, outstanding effects, thoughtful design, wide functionality
Cons: relatively unstable channels
Digital mixer
Yamaha RIVAGE PM7
RIVAGE PM7 digital mixing console is based on the popular CSD-R7. It is probably the best Yamaha digital mixer, and it features an integrated DSP processor and also includes rack I / O modules, a network card, and the CSD-R7 console. The sound level meets the standards of the flagship Yamaha RIVAGE PM10 system at the same time. The consoles of the RIVAGE PM series have the function of automatically mixing the microphone signal.
RIVAGE PM7 is equipped with 120 input channels, 60 mix buses, 24 matrices and a set of 48 plug-ins for realizing any sound tasks. To control river modules, the CSD-R7 console can work with several types of audio networks simultaneously. The device can be connected via the TWINLANe optical network and used with 256 audio channels simultaneously. It is also possible to work with 5.1 sound and broadcast monitoring. The CSD-R7 console is equipped with a large number of assignable buttons, touch controls and 3 groups of 12 faders that work together with 2 large touch screens located on the top panel.
Features: 120 input mixer channels, 24 matrices, 8 analog XLR inputs/outputs, buses: 60 mix, 2 stereo, 2 cue, 1 mono
Pros: sound is close to the best analog mixers, wide functionality, and flexibility of settings, a number of effects
Cons: price, for professional use only
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Yamaha RIVAGE PM10
RIVAGE PM10 is Yamaha’s innovative development in its niche. This is a large-format and wide-functional digital mixing system, which has the status of the flagship product of the company. The Yamaha RIVAGE PM10 includes a CS-R10 control panel, equipped with two 15-inch touchscreens, has 38 faders and 48 user-definable buttons, as well as 16 encoders. There is also a DSP-unit DSP-R10, which has two slots for MY-boards and four for boards of the HY line. Also worth mentioning is the RPio622 Patch Box, the three available types of RY Patch Cards, the HY256-TL Patch Card with TWINLANe, and the HY144-D Patch Card with Dante.
Among other features of the new items, it is necessary to note the completely new hybrid microphone preamps that provide natural and clear sound in accordance with the proprietary philosophy of “Natural Sound.” Additionally, noteworthy is the Silk exclusive processing function, which offers switchable “Red” and “Blue” modes along with a “Texture” knob. This knob aids in shaping the sound at the input stage, adding either “shine” or density as needed.
Features: hybrid mic preamps, Silk processing function, 4-band parametric equalizer on input channels, two virtual instruments for dynamic sound processing
Pros: high-quality sound, extremely wide functionality
Cons: price, for professional use only
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Yamaha CL5
CL5 digital mixer is a professional-oriented console manufactured by Yamaha. This model belongs to the top devices in its category, they possess the most advanced technologies with the ability to update and reference sound quality. The main features include a software mechanism that provides the sound engineer with the ability to customize a unique sound. You should also take into account one of the best mixing digital console control and menu navigation interfaces in the industry, many sound processing functions (24 BUS buses, 8 studio plug-ins, 46 effects), a convenient control interface with a large touch screen, analog ports (8 inputs and 8 outputs XLR), wireless control using a computer or tablet.
Features: contra logic interface, NXDT104 Dante automatic error recognition and correction system, amplification compensation function, automatic mixing, a set of studio plug-ins, 46 studio stereo effects, quick output of information about all parameters for used groups and channels
Pros: colossal scale of user capabilities, convenient automatic functions for studio and stage activities, attention to detail
Cons: single defects in the functioning of individual functions and effects are possible
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Yamaha QL5
The QL series was originally focused on compactness with a wide range of professional capabilities. QL5 is the best line mixer, which combines in one device all the means of mixing, processing and routing signals necessary for small and medium-sized live sound systems, speech broadcast systems at corporate events, installations and much more. The model has 64 mono and 8 stereo mixing channels, as well as 16 mixing and 8 matrix output buses, 32 inputs / 16 outputs. The device can be mounted in a hardware rack. This digital console maintains high purity of audio signals throughout the signal path and provides a reliable sound foundation for the full use of first-class embedded processors.
Features: large touch screen with excellent viewing angle and visibility during the day, touch-and-turn control with customizable control channels, integrated Dante network with primary / secondary ports for backup or serial circuit 2 MY card slots for additional I / O expansion or processing
Pros: high degree of reliability, a wide range of user capabilities, fairly intuitive controls
Cons: limited selected channel controls
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Yamaha TF5
The Yamaha TF5 digital mixer is a state-of-the-art device that combines advanced technology, user-friendly controls, and stylish design. It has 32 channels for microphones or instruments, with high-quality preamps called D-PRE, and 16 outputs for connecting equipment. You can control sound levels with 100 mm motorized faders, organize channels into 8 groups, and use 20 auxiliary buses for additional audio routing. The mixer also features a large touch screen and physical controls for easy operation. Plus, you can expand its capabilities by adding NY64-D cards. One standout feature is its QuickPro Presets, which are pre-configured settings for popular microphone brands like Audio-Technica, Sennheiser, and Shure. These presets help optimize sound quality and save time during setup.
The innovative GainFinder function of this digital tool provides an opportunity to set the needed signal gain level for each channel easily and quickly, which is very important when working at live concerts. This Yamaha digital mixer is equipped with a built-in USB interface with support for multi-track recording of audio material on a PC and a digital signal processor.
Features: TouchFlow Operation, 1-knob Comp and 1-knob EQ for perfect sound, GainFinder setting optimal gain levels for individual input signals, parametric equalizer and dynamic processing for each channel
Pros: Intuitive user interface, wide range of user options, stage functions of automatic tuning
Cons: no internal routing (aux to XLR), periodic delays are possible
Yamaha PM5D
PM5D is Yamaha’s professional line mixer. This is the representative of the top-end series of mixing consoles, which have the most advanced technologies with the ability to upgrade and reference sound quality. The advantage of this model in the analog circuit of the processing of incoming signals, as in classical mixers. Each signal has inserted in / out, which can be used for different inserts and clean outputs. Among the key technologies, it is worth noting high-performance preamps, special connectors for direct connection Insert in / direct out (a digital switching circuit allows you to assign them to any direct inputs/outputs), a set of studio plug-ins that can be set simultaneously on 8 AUX, and 8 effects processors also available.
Features: High-performance preamps, Insert in / direct out, DSP7 integrated circuit, VCM processors, Yamaha analog circuitry from the legendary PM series, one of the best control and menu navigation interfaces of the mixing console;
Pros: User convenience, stability
Cons: a device for skillful professionals only
Yamaha DM2000VCM
Yamaha DM 2000 VCM is the top professional digital console that fully meets the requirements of the present day. An important feature is a flexible integration with Nuendo and Pro Tools, the ability to multi-channel digital broadcasting (including via the Internet). Versatility creates a large number of analog plug-ins, REV-X reverb processors and various high-tech user elements. It is worth noting that this Yamaha digital mixer was marked by compliance with the THX pm3 surround sound standard as the very first of all. This is a proven solution for true sound professionals.
Features: High-fidelity 24-bit / 96 kHz sound, outstanding functionality for working with channels, great I / O expansion options, an upgraded sound environment control environment with the option of dedicated bass control, the ability to work with Nuendo or Pro Tools
Pros: software integration features, flexible user functionality, high sound quality
Cons: professionally-oriented equipment only
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Yamaha 02R96VCM
The YAMAHA 02R96VCM line mixer is a completely redesigned original 02R model that has received DM2000 mixer level sound quality as well as a full suite of advanced features and specifications. The second version has not only advanced audio processing options, but full compatibility with additional effects. Yamaha 02R96VCM digital mixer supports 24/96 format. Due to the unique combination of low cost and functionality, it is suitable for small studios, radio stations, theater halls. This mixer includes 56 inputs for connecting signal sources.
Each input is equipped with a parametric equalizer, gate, and compressor. The device also has 18 tires (8 tires of additional equipment, 8 mixer buses, and a stereo bus). This console has four built-in multi-effects processors, thanks to which the user can open the whole variety of high-quality sound. At your disposal will be a multi-band compressor, modulation of new versions and a reverb. It is possible to use special expansion slots for connecting mini-cards of the YGDAI series.
Features: 40 channels, 12 mic/line XLR / Jack inputs + 4 line Jack inputs, 4 effects processors, surround panning, dynamic processing in each channel
Pros: the convenience of work, the flexibility of functional equipment, good sound quality
Cons: relatively sophisticated interface
Yamaha 01V96
Yamaha 01V96 line mixer does not lose the flagship models in terms of capabilities, but due to the small size and convenient format, it becomes indispensable in the studio. 24 inputs, 12 of which are mic, can be expanded up to 40, 8 digital inputs, AD / CA conversion 24bit / 96kHz.
High-quality effects allow not only frequency, phase and amplitude operations, but also dynamic processing. And all this in one device and the user gets rid of many additional devices. The large LCD display provides all the necessary information. 01V96 has the ability to perform surround panning in 6.1 formats and it is equipped with a memory for 99 scenes.
Features: 99 memory scenes, 120 libraries (44 + 76 user), compressor (36 + 92), gate (4 + 124), equalizer (40 + 160), channel allocation (2 + 64), Analog inputs: Ch. 1-12 Balanced XLR, Ch.13-16 Balanced 1/4 TRS Jack, Ch. Insert 1-12, 2TR In, Analog Outputs: Stereo Out, Omni Out 1-4, Monitor Out, Ch. Insert, 2TR Out, Phones
Pros: Ease of use, high sound quality, stylish appearance
Cons: few microphone channels
Conclusion
Yamaha is rightfully one of the leaders in the niche of digital, analog and powered mixing consoles. Their range fills the needs of all categories of potential users. All models represent an adequate ratio of price and quality, and very expensive models are characterized by uniquely limitless functionality. In general, Yamaha products should occupy one of the first places in the search and selection of a high-quality mixing console for various purposes.
Yamaha mixers blend innovation, reliability, and sound quality seamlessly. Whether you’re a beginner podcaster or a seasoned sound engineer, there’s a Yamaha mixer tailored to your needs. With models ranging from portable analog AG06 to top-of-the-line digital RIVAGE PM7, Yamaha caters to every niche. Their commitment to sound excellence and versatility shines through in each product, earning them a top spot in the mixing console market. So, if you’re in search of a reliable mixer that delivers on both performance and value, look no further than Yamaha. Your sound deserves nothing less!