In this article, we’ll compare the Yamaha MG10 and MG10XU audio mixing consoles. We’ll explain the main differences and help you decide which console is the best fit for you.
Quick Answer: The Yamaha MG10XU audio mixer is our pick for anyone looking to buy a mixer for their own use. The USB audio input/output and onboard FX make it far more flexible and give you more options.
- Yamaha MG10: https://currentprice.io/yamaha_mg10
- Yamaha MG10XU: https://currentprice.io/mg10xu
Reliability
The Yamaha MG10 and MG10XU audio mixers are both solid workhorses. We own 15 of these mixers and have rented them out for use at somewhere in the region of 5000 to 7000 events.
Both of these audio mixers are incredibly reliable, and we’ve never had any issue with either model. This is even more impressive given their price point.
XLR Inputs, PreAmps, Compression, 3 Band EQ
We’re here to talk about the difference between these two Yamaha audio mixing consoles, but we’re going to start with the many features they have in common.
The Yamaha MG10 and MG10XU mixers both have:
- 4 x XLR combi jacks with 1/4” inputs.
- 26dB Pads.
- 80Hz High pass filters.
- Identical preamps.
- 2 Channels of compression.
- 48v Phantom power.
- 3 Band EQ.
Aux Output vs FX Send
This is where the mixers start to get a little different. The Yamaha MG10 audio mixer has a standard aux send. Turn up the values on the various channels, and the console will mix the audio out through the aux send output at the top of the console.
You can do the same thing on the Yamaha MG10XU audio mixer, using the FX send output at the top of the console. The key difference is that this console has an onboard FX engine. As a result, the aux send knobs are replaced by FX send knobs. These control the amount of FX applied to each channel when the FX engine is in use.
While it’s possible to use both of these features on the MG10XU at once, we recommend you only use one at a time. Having the choice means the MG10XU gives you more flexibility.
USB Interface, Recording & Streaming
The “U” in the Yamaha MG10XU’s name represents the USB input/output on the back of the console. A single cable gives you a 2 in, 2 out USB audio interface. This allows you to send the data from your stereo output to your computer for recording, live streaming, or similar.
The best bit is that you can control the mix for an in-person event simultaneously, allowing you to cover hybrid events. For example, you can mix the output of the venue sound system while sending audio to a computer for a live stream.
Recommendations
The Yamaha MG10XU is our pick for anyone buying their first audio mixer or a mixer for their own use. The USB connectivity and built-in FX make it a more flexible, well-rounded choice.
The Yamaha MG10 is a little bit cheaper and has fewer features, making it more simple to use. This could be beneficial if you’re buying a console to rent out, loan to friends, or for a place of work where multiple people will be using it.
Yamaha MG10 vs MG10XU Audio Mixing Console Specs
Yamaha MG10 | Yamaha MG10XU | |
Channels | 10 | 10 |
Computer Connectivity | None | USB (2 x 2) |
Inputs – Mic Preamps | 4 x Combo (TRS/XLR) | 4 x Combo (TRS/XLR) |
Phantom Power | Yes | Yes |
Line Inputs | 6 x TRS | 6 x TRS |
Other Inputs | 4 x RCA | 4 x RCA |
Main Outputs | 2 x XLR, 2 x TRS | 2 x XLR, 2 x TRS |
Other Outputs | 2 x TRS (Monitor) | 2 x TRS (Monitor) |
Send/Return I/O | 1 x TRS | 1 x TRS |
USB | No | 1 x Type B |
EQ Bands | 3-Band (High, Mid, Low) | 3-Band (High, Mid, Low) |
Effects | No | Yes |
Height | 2.8” | 2.8” |
Width | 9.6” | 9.6” |
Depth | 11.6” | 11.6” |
Weight | 4.19” | 4.63 lbs |
Yamaha MG10 vs MG10XU Audio Mixing Console Pricing
- Yamaha MG10: https://currentprice.io/yamaha_mg10
- Yamaha MG10XU: https://currentprice.io/mg10xu
Yamaha MG10 vs MG10XU Audio Mixing Console Topics
- 0:00 – Introduction
- 0:18 – Reliability & Overview
- 0:51 – XLR Inputs, PreAmps, Compression, 3 Band EQ
- 1:13 – Aux Output VS FX Send
- 2:52 – USB Interface, Recording & Streaming
- 3:40 – Recommendations
- 4:57 – Final Thoughts
