The compact mixing desks in Yamaha's MG series have been immensely popular for many years now, and both their high manufacturing quality and the impressive sound quality they deliver - on a par with much higher-priced alternatives - are a testament to the manufacturer's wealth of experience in the field of professional consoles. The MG series is now in its third generation and packs an even more extensive range of features into its compact models. In addition to its already extensive connectivity and onboard effects unit, the MG16 XU thus now also provides the option of connecting a computer via USB cable and using the mixer as a two-in/two-out audio interface.
The MG16 XU packs eight mono channels with jack/XLR combo sockets, which in addition to their high-quality microphone preamps are also equipped with a switchable high-pass filter, a three-band EQ with a semi-parametric mid band, and an intuitive one-knob compressor, into its compact metal housing. Channels 9/10 and 11/12 can each be used as mic inputs via the XLR sockets or as stereo inputs thanks to the two 6.35mm jack sockets provided, and the switchable phantom power feature means that condenser microphones and active DI boxes can be connected to all of the Yamaha MG16XU's ten inputs. The mixer additionally features two stereo channels for line-level signals, each of which features both jack and RCA connections. When the MG16XU is used as a USB interface, channel 15/16 can also be used as an input for the computer signals.
In developing the MG16 XU mixing desk, Yamaha's focus was clearly on solo artists and small bands, whose requirements account for a number of specific features included here. The mixer's internal effects unit provides 24 high-quality programmes that cover both various modulation and reverb effects as well as a range of special effect types, and the effects return can also be muted using an external footswitch. What is more, two sub-groups and three additional AUX channels are provided, e.g. for creating monitor mixes, and corresponding stereo master outputs are also on board in both XLR and 6.35mm jack formats, making the Yamaha MG16XU a solution with impressive connectivity.
For decades, Yamaha has been one of the world’s best-known manufacturers of musical instruments and audio technology. The Japanese company’s long history began at the end of the 19th century with the harmonium. The product range has constantly expanded since then, which has made Yamaha one of the few manufacturers today to offer almost the entire range of existing musical instruments: From upright and grand pianos to guitars, wind instruments, and bowed string instruments and from drums and percussion to electronic keyboards and synthesizers. Yamaha is also a major force in the field of audio engineering as a manufacturer of mixing consoles, amplifiers, PA systems, and more. Yamaha's guiding principle is to combine traditional craftsmanship with state-of-the-art technology.
In addition to live applications, the Yamaha MG16XU is also suitable for use in basic recording environments and for users making their first forays into the world of online streaming. The integrated USB interface operates with a resolution of up to 192kHz/24bit and thus provides professional-quality audio, and Yamaha has included both a monitoring section with a dedicated master volume control as well as a set of output sockets in the return section in order to provide the best possible tools for achieving optimum results. And to allow the user to get started right away, the scope of delivery also includes a basic version of Steinberg's Cubase software. If required, the Yamaha MG16XU can also be used in connection with the Apple Camera Connection Kits and an iPad (from version 2 onwards).