Yamaha MG12XU Mixer Set with Headphones

D-PRE (Discrete Class-A Microphone Preamps)

Preamps are the starting point for great sound. If their quality is lacking, you won’t get a truly excellent mix no matter how hard the engineer works. In other words: the tone of the mix is defined here, and an early decision is already made about how well it will be able to sound. MG Series consoles feature Yamaha’s studio-grade, discrete Class-A preamps. They use an inverted Darlington configuration that, thanks to a dual-transistor cascade, delivers more drive at lower impedance. D-PRE amps produce fat, natural-sounding bass and silky highs with very low tendency to distort.

Thanks to their wide, very balanced frequency response, the preamps handle all imaginable signal sources without overemphasizing any part of the spectrum. This clean sonic foundation saves you time and effort because extensive EQ corrections or other tone-shaping to rescue the mix become unnecessary.

Operational Amplifiers for Top-Quality Sound

The preamp determines sound quality, while the operational amplifier ICs are among the most important components inside the preamp. The MG Series uses new, very high-quality custom MG01 operational amplifiers that we developed in close collaboration directly with the semiconductor manufacturer. While many op-amps are optimized for circuit design and efficiency—both positive traits—Yamaha prioritized sonic quality, so an off-the-shelf chip was not an option.

The MG01 op amps feature redesigned circuits where internal components and wiring are perfectly matched. And of course very good materials in their purest form—such as disks of ultra-pure silicon and copper wiring—were used so every single component of the chip contributes to exceptional resolution.

Switchable Phantom Power and Pad Switch

With switchable phantom power, MG Series consoles accept condenser microphones and all their advantages over dynamic mics—extended frequency response, much higher dynamics and improved sonic quality. The input channels with pad switches accept both mic and line level sources. The PAD button lets you attenuate high-level input signals—useful, for example, for mic’d instruments during a concert that might otherwise cause clipping and seriously damage the mix.

One-Button Compressors

Compression plays a central role in almost every studio production or live sound setup. By cleverly limiting the dynamics of audio signals with compression, you can create basslines with more punch, tighter snares, more present vocals or bigger live guitar walls. But mastering the complexity of even simply designed hardware compressors can take countless hours. Yamaha’s innovative One-Button compressors let you optimally set the compressor with just a single knob.

EQ and High-Pass Filter

There’s nothing better than a reliable equalizer when you need nuanced tonal shaping. The MG Series benefits from Yamaha’s unparalleled experience in building audio gear. All mono channels feature excellent 3-band EQs for precise control over the sound. Additional high-pass filters remove unwanted handling noise and other low-frequency disturbances, resulting in a noticeably clearer and cleaner mix.

AUX / Effect Sends / Groups

The MG Series mixers provide AUX sends to expand your PA or studio setup. These can be used to add external effects, route outputs to external recording devices or feed a monitoring system. The main mix also has dedicated send controls. The MG06 / 06X and MG10 / 10XU models only feature a single stereo mix bus. Other models include one or two stereo group buses and corresponding outputs for convenient channel grouping. Next to each channel fader you’ll find switches for clear group assignment.

Numerous Input and Output Connections

All models have high-quality, balanced Neutrik XLR connectors on the mono channels. The stereo channels also feature XLR jacks. The mono inputs are combo jacks and accept both MIC and LINE levels. Two of the stereo inputs include one XLR connector and two TRS jacks. The XLR accepts MIC-level signals while the two TRS jacks are for LINE-level signals. You can feed either mono or stereo line signals (except on the 10-channel model). The behavior of the other two stereo channels varies by model: on the 20-channel model the XLR accepts MIC-level signals while two RCA jacks accept mono or stereo LINE-level signals.

On the 16- and 12-channel models, two TRS jacks accept stereo LINE-level signals. Each stereo channel also includes 2TR RCA jacks that act as independent inputs for external sources like CD players. The 10-channel model has an additional stereo channel with a pair of TRS jacks for LINE signals. On XU models, any signal arriving via USB can be assigned to one of the stereo channels. In addition to the main stereo outputs (XLR L/R, TRS L/R), MG Series consoles offer numerous output connectors for groups (TRS), AUX/FX (TRS), monitor (TRS L/R) and headphones (stereo TRS). The mix outputs can be used for monitoring or mastering tasks.

Internal SPX Digital Effects

Effects add polish and professionalism to any application with or without music. The MG-X/-XU models include Yamaha’s world-renowned SPX multi-effect processor, delivering 24 editable, high-grade digital effects perfect for enhancing the mix. You can add just the right amount of depth to a speech or give a live performance a fresh sense of space. In particular, the excellent reverbs and delays can realistically and naturally enhance the spatial quality of the mix. The optional footswitch FC5 can be used to toggle the effects on and off (MG10XU / 12XU / 16XU / 20XU).

Metal Chassis

The MG Series is built to last and features a solid, powder-coated metal chassis of outstanding manufacturing quality. Its shape optimizes internal convection cooling, and the power supply is cleanly separated from the analog circuits inside—preventing unwanted noise and positively affecting component longevity. Forces like pressure or pull on the controls are absorbed by the sturdy chassis instead of the PCB or electronic components, improving reliability and lifespan across the MG Series.

Internal Universal Power Supply

Thanks to the highly efficient internal universal power supply, you can use the MG Series anywhere in the world without worry—even where the mains voltage fluctuates. The internal supply also simplifies rack mounting the console in permanent installations because you don’t need a bulky external power adapter or extra peripherals. (* MG12 / 16 / 20 / 12XU / 16XU / 20XU)

USB Audio Interface With 2 In and 2 Out at 24-Bit/192 kHz

MG Series mixers have digital connections so digital material can be played back directly through the console. USB supports not only PCs but also Apple devices like iPhone and iPad (2 and newer with Apple’s "Lightning to USB Camera" adapter). The USB protocol uses asynchronous data transfer. Audio data receives very precise timing from the MG console, ensuring recording and playback of excellent quality.

Comfortable Stereo Headphones

The KH-238 delivers a full, balanced sound with rich bass and clear highs. It offers substantial volume while still providing clean, precise stereo imaging. The softly padded, wide headband is length-adjustable. The extension provides 12 steps per side for an optimal fit. For added comfort the ear cups rotate on two axes. The thick, soft padding of the circumaural ear cups also provides good external noise isolation. The in-line volume control on the cable is always at hand and makes the headphones easy to use with a PC or MP3 player. The 3.5 mm stereo jack provides excellent transmission and a 6.3 mm (1/4") stereo adapter is included in the scope of delivery.