Yamaha AG06 vs Mackie ProFX6v3 | Which is better?

Let’s compare the Yamaha AG06 audio mixer and the Mackie ProFX6v3. They’re both great mixers, but which one is best for live streaming, home studio recording, and live events? Let’s find out!

Quick Answer: We recommend the Yamaha AG06 for live streaming and the Mackie ProFX6v3 for home studio recording and live events. Neither of these compact mixers will disappoint.

• Yamaha AG06 Audio Mixer: https://currentprice.io/yamaha_ag06
• Mackie ProFX6v3 Audio Mixer: https://currentprice.io/profx6v3

Yamaha AG06 vs. Mackie ProFX6v3 Feature Overview

• Phantom power
  Both mixers can supply the 48V phantom power required to use a condenser microphone; the Yamaha has phantom power on 1 channel, and the Mackie has it on 2.
  
• Gain & preamps
  Yamaha doesn’t publish gain specifications for the AG06, but comparing it to the MG10XU, we estimate it’s somewhere in the region of 60-64 dB. The ProFX6v3 has a gain of 60 dB.
  
  The AG06 has a slightly lower noise rating than the ProFX6v3, but we don’t think most people would ever notice the difference.
  
• Power
  Both mixers have a power switch, but the AG06 has integrated software which means you need to wait 10 seconds between turning it off and on again.
  
  The Yamaha AG06 is powered via USB when connected to a computer (an iPad won’t supply sufficient power on its own) or an external power supply. The ProFX6v3 will only work with an external power supply.
  
• EQ & effects
  Yamaha AG06
  – Digital EQ and reverb on channel 1.
  – Digital amp simulator and reverb on channel 2.
  
  Mackie ProFX6v3
  – 2 band EQ, low cut, and 24 effect FX engine on channels 1 and 2.
  
• Compression
  The AG06 has a compressor on channel 1, while the ProFX6v3 has no compressor at all.

Yamaha AG06 Audio Mixer

• Compression, EQ, amp sim, and effects
  The software-based nature of this mixer means that you apply a pre-saved setting when pressing the button to activate any of these features. Adjustments are made using the Yamaha AG companion app, potentially easier if you want to set and forget.
  
• Amp sim
  The guitar amp simulation isn’t all that good. However, if you don’t have anything better, it’ll get you started with electric guitar recording.
  
• Headset mic and phones inputs
  This is a nice feature for game streamers who like to use a headset as it allows you to apply gain, compression, and reverb to your voice audio. Using these jacks will disable the XLR combi input on channel 1 and the 1/4” headphone input.
  
• Additional stereo aux 1/8” input
  Allows you to plug in a phone or other audio device but doesn’t have a level control, so you have to control the volume from your device.
  
• 3 USB to PC modes
  You can adjust how the mixer’s USB connection behaves.
  
  – Dry CH 1-2 causes the mixer to act like an audio interface, only sending the raw audio from channels 1 and 2 separately to the computer. Ideal for multi-track recording.
  
  – Input mix sends the computer a stereo mix of all the inputs coming into the mixer, ideal for recording a live set.
  
  – Loopback mode is great for live streaming as it allows you to send audio from the computer into the mixer (game noise), mix it with your other audio sources, and send this back to broadcasting software on your computer.

Mackie ProFX6v3 Audio Mixer Summary

• 2 Channels of phantom power
  Allows you to connect 2 condenser microphones to this mixer, 1 more than on the AG06.
  
• Low cut buttons
  Add a low cut to channels 1 and 2 to roll off the bass frequencies of vocal audio, keeping it out of the subwoofer range.
  
• Physical 2 band EQ controls
  Adjust EQ for channels 1 and 2 direct from the mixer.
  
• Onboard FX interface
  FX on/off buttons for channels 1 and 2, with 24 available presets.
  
• Stereo pan button
  Useful for multi-track recording, the Mackie pans channel 1 to the left and channel 2 to the right. Unlike the AG06, the audio will be affected by EQ and FX settings.
  
• USB input
  The USB 3-4 button acts much the same way as the AG06’s loopback mode, mixing computer audio with the other inputs before sending it back to your broadcast software.
  
• Blend knob
  The blend knob allows you to monitor your audio software while you record, setting the balance of computer playback and live audio sources in your headphones or monitors.
  
• Large LED meter
  A much more accurate representation of your master audio level than the 2 level meter found on the AG06. This makes it much easier to set your gain from the mixer.
  

Yamaha AG06 vs. Mackie ProFX6v3 Live Streaming Recommendation

We recommend the Yamaha AG06 for live streaming as it has many features that live streamers are looking for.

• Easy to use with a headset
  
• The ability to set and save compression, EQ, and effects settings
  
• Loopback mode

We do have to give a small nod to the ProFX6v3 for its ability to adjust EQ on the fly with physical controls.

Yamaha AG06 vs. Mackie ProFX6v3 Home Studio Recommendation

We recommend the Mackie ProFX6v3 for home studio recording as it offers more physical controls and greater flexibility.

• 2 x XLR inputs with phantom power for stereo recordings using condenser mics
  
• Hi-Z pad on 2 channels
  
• Physical EQ controls
  
• Stereo pan button for multi-track recording
  
• Blend knob for easy adjustment of your headphone mix while recording
  
• Better LED meter

Yamaha AG06 vs. Mackie ProFX6v3 Live Sound Recommendation

We recommend the Mackie ProFX6v3 for live sound for many of the same reasons we prefer it for home recording.

• Connect 2 condenser mics at once compared to 1 on the AG06
  
• Physical controls for EQ and FX
  
• Balanced XLR outputs for connecting powered speakers

Yamaha AG06 vs. Mackie ProFX6v3 Specs

Yamaha AG06 vs. Mackie ProFX6v3 Pricing

• Yamaha AG06 Audio Mixer: https://currentprice.io/yamaha_ag06
• Mackie ProFX6v3 Audio Mixer: https://currentprice.io/profx6v3
• Electro-Voice RE-20 Dynamic Microphone: https://currentprice.io/re20-black
• XLR Cable: https://currentprice.io/xlr_cable
• TRS Cable: https://currentprice.io/trs_cable
• Mic Stand: https://currentprice.io/desk_stand
• Rode PSA1 Boom Arm: https://currentprice.io/boom_arm

Yamaha AG06 vs. Mackie ProFX6v3 Topics

• 0:00 – Introduction
• 0:22 – Price & Specs
• 0:43 – Phantom Power
• 1:03 – USB Specs
• 1:15 – Gain & Preamp
• 2:05 – Power
• 3:10 – EQ & Effects
• 3:55 – Compression
• 4:05 – Overview
• 4:25 – Yamaha AG06 Overview
• 9:13 – Mackie ProFX6v3 Overview
• 12:08 – Comparison
• 12:18 – Live Streaming Recommendation
• 13:38 – Home Studio Recommendation
• 15:17 – Live Sound Recommendation
• 16:21 – Final Thoughts