The compact mixing desks in Yamaha's MG series have been enjoying great popularity for many years, not only showcasing the manufacturer’s experience in professional consoles with their excellent processing quality but also with an extraordinarily high-quality sound for the price bracket. In the third generation of the mixer series, Yamaha has now packed even more features into its compact consoles which, in addition to an extensive range of connection options and a built-in effects section, now enable the Yamaha MG20 XU to offer USB connection to a computer and to act as an interface with two input and output channels.
Housed in a compact metal casing, the Yamaha MG20 XU offers 12 mono channels with jack/XLR combo sockets, which in addition to the excellent microphone preamps are equipped with a switchable high-pass filter and a three-band equaliser with a semi-parametric mid band. The first eight channels have a user-friendly, single-knob compressor. Channels 13/14 and 15/16 can be used either as a microphone input or as a stereo input using the two jack sockets. The switchable phantom power also permits the seamless operation of condenser microphones or active DI boxes on all 14 inputs. Additional mixer features include two stereo channels for line signals, which are fitted with RCA connections. Channel 19/20 can also function as an input for computer signals when the console is used as a USB interface.
In developing the MG20 XU mixing desk, Yamaha's focus was clearly on smaller bands, as the mixer is equipped with a number of features that are specifically tailored to this user group. The internal effects section includes 24 high-quality programmes, which not only cover the various reverb types and both modulation and special effects, but also allow the effects return channel to be muted with an external footswitch. There are also two further subgroups and three additional AUX sends, which can be used to run a monitor mix, for example. The versatile connection options are not restricted to inputs, however, with the output side also featuring both XLR and jack sockets for the stereo master.
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 situations, the Yamaha MG20 XU is also the perfect choice for simple recording environments and provides the perfect entry into the world of online streaming. The built-in USB interface works with a resolution of up to 192kHz/24 bit, providing a level of audio quality that more than satisfies professional requirements. The sophisticated routing options of the return channel also provide the perfect foundation for users. The mixer features an additional monitor bar, complete with dedicated master control and output jacks, and comes with an entry-level version of Cubase, enabling users to hit the ground running. There is even the option to connect the mixer to an iPad (from version 2) if required, together with the Apple Camera Connection Kit.