Let’s look at four ways to connect your Yamaha MG10XU audio mixer to powered speakers. The cables you need to connect everything are the same if you’re connecting your Yamaha MG10XU to studio monitors on your desk or powered speakers for a live event. 

Quick Answer: Connect the stereo output of your Yamaha MG10XU to the input on your speaker. The cable you need will depend on the input on the back of your speakers. 

Balanced vs Unbalanced Cables

Not all cables are created equal. Some cables are better suited for long-distance than others. 

Unbalanced audio cables shouldn’t be longer than 10-15ft (3-5m). An unbalanced cable is likely to pick up static, humming, buzzing, etc., if it is longer than the 10-15ft that we suggest. 

Two examples of unbalanced audio cables are:

  • RCA Cables
  • ¼” TS Cables

Balanced cables, on the other hand, are great for running long distances. Theoretically, a balanced audio cable can run up to 1000ft (300m) with minimal interference or audio degradation. 

Two examples of balanced audio cables are:

  • ¼” TRS Cables
  • XLR Cables

Option 1: ¼” TS To RCA Cable (Unbalanced)

This is your best option if your speakers only have RCA inputs. 

You can use a ¼” TS to RCA Cable to connect your Yamaha MG10XU to your speakers. Connect the ¼” jacks to the ¼” stereo outputs on your audio mixer and connect the RCA jacks to the RCA inputs on your speaker.

This cable is unbalanced. It is not recommended to use an unbalanced cable longer than 10-15ft (3-5m).

Option 1: 1/4″ TS to RCA Cable (Unbalanced) – https://currentprice.io/ts_rca

If your speakers have ¼” or XLR inputs, you will get better results with the next two options. 

Option 2: ¼” TRS Cable (Balanced)

If your speakers have ¼” inputs, then this is the best option for you.

You can use a ¼” TRS cable to connect the stereo output of the Yamaha MG10XU to the ¼” input on your powered speaker. 

This cable is balanced and can theoretically run up to 1000’ (300m) without any audio degradation. 

Option 3: XLR Cable (Balanced)

This is our favourite option. If your speakers have XLR inputs, then this is the best option for you.

You can use an XLR cable to connect the stereo output of the Yamaha MG10XU to the XLR input on your powered speaker. 

This cable is balanced and can theoretically run up to 1000’ (300m) without any audio degradation. XLR cables can easily be added to another XLR cable to extend the length.

Option 4: ¼” TRS to XLR Cable (Balanced)

This is another great option for you to use. Generally, we only use this option if we’ve already used the XLR outputs of the Yamaha MG10XU and we need to connect to MORE speakers with XLR inputs. 

You can use a balanced ¼” TRS to XLR adapter to connect your ¼” stereo outputs from the Yamaha MG10XU to the XLR input of your powered speaker. If you need a longer cable, you can easily add another XLR cable to this cable to extend the distance. 

This cable is balanced and can theoretically run up to 1000’ (300m) without audio degradation. 

Connect Yamaha MG10XU To Speakers | Pricing

Connect Yamaha MG10XU To Speakers | Topics

  • 0:00 – Introduction
  • 0:35 – Equipment Setup
  • 0:55 – Price & Specs
  • 1:10 – Balanced vs Unbalanced Cables
  • 3:03 – Audio Mixer Outputs
  • 3:37 – Option 1: 1/4″ TS to RCA Cable (Unbalanced)
  • 4:46 – Option 2: 1/4″ TRS Cable (Balanced)
  • 5:52 – Option 3: XLR Cable (Balanced)
  • 6:40 – Option 4: 1/4″ TRS To XLR Cable (Balanced)
  • 7:53 – Final Thoughts