In this video, we compare the Yamaha MG10XU audio mixing console to the Behringer Xenyx Q1202 USB audio mixer. More specifically, we compare the features and specs of both audio mixers.
Quick Answer: If you’re looking to do live events, video streaming, home recording, or if you want to plug your guitar in the mixer, Yamaha is definitely the better option.
Power
The power connector on the Yamaha MG10XU is locking, whereas the one on the Behringer Xenyx Q1202 isn’t locking and wiggles around a little bit; we figured out you really have to crank the power cable in.
Outputs
Both the Yamaha MG10XU and Behringer Xenyx Q1202 have a USB output at the back. But, Yamaha MG10XU has a better USB output with a bit depth of 24 and a sample rate of 192 kHz as compared to 16 bit and 48 kHz of Behringer Xenyx Q1202.
Moreover, Yamaha MG10XU also offers XLR and ¼ inch outputs, but there is no RCA. On the other hand, Behringer Xenyx Q1202 has ¼ inch outputs as well as an RCA output, but there is no XLR.
Another major difference is that the stereo outputs of Yamaha MG10XU are balanced, which means you can convert the ¼ inch outputs to be XLR. XLR outputs, FX send, monitor outs, and the headphone jack are all also balanced on Yamaha MG10XU. In contrast, all stereo outputs on Behringer Xenyx Q1202 are unbalanced, but the headphone jack does have TRS.
Yamaha MG10XU has a rotary knob for the main level/output, whereas Behringer Xenyx Q1202 has a full fader for main mix output, making it faster to get the level you want.
XLR Inputs
Both Yamaha MG10XU and Behringer Xenyx Q1202 have 4 XLR channels, but Yamaha has combi jack inputs where Behringer has separate jacks.
Yamaha MG10XU also comes with a 26-decibel pad for each channel, whereas there is no such pad on Behringer. This means if you plug your guitar in Yamaha, you can use the pad to bring down the impedance, but with Behringer, you need to run your guitar through a DI box to bring the impedance down.
Preamps
Yamaha MG10XU has a 64 dB gain on the preamp. In contrast, Behringer Xenyx Q1202 has a gain of 60 dB.
When it comes to EIN, there isn’t much difference between the two, so the noise performance is the same. So, Yamaha is better when we compare preamps because you get 4 extra decibels with the same amount of noise.
Stereo Inputs and Reliability
Yamaha MG10XU has 3 pairs of stereo inputs, whereas Behringer Xenyx Q1202 has four pairs of stereo inputs. Although Behringer has an extra pair, in our experience, not all the inputs on analog Behringer consoles work if the console is more than a year old. On the other hand, we never had any hardware-related issue with the Yamaha.
Another difference is that Yamaha MG10XU can EQ stereo input, but Behringer cannot; you can just fade or do the FX send. However, there are impedance settings on the Behringer, so you can adjust the sensitivity.
On Yamaha, you also get an RCA alternate for the first two stereo pairs each, and with the third pair, you get the ability to work with your USB input.
Compressor
Yamaha MG10XU has 2 compressors, whereas Behringer Xenyx Q1202 has 4 compressors. But the compressors of both the devices work pretty similarly in a way that both add gain while lowering the threshold.
However, Behringer Xenyx Q1202 has a fixed compression ratio. On the other hand, the compression ratio on Yamaha MG10XU is dynamic; it slowly slides from 1:1 to 1:4 as you bring the compressor up.
EQ
The EQ on both devices is pretty similar. Yamaha MG10XU has 10 kHz for the high, 2.5k for the mid, and 100 Hz for the low. On the other hand, Behringer Xenyx Q1202 has 12 kHz for the high, 2.5k for the mid, and 80 Hz for the low.
Both the devices have a high pass filter. It is called low cut on Behringer and has 75 Hz, whereas the high pass filter on Yamaha is 80Hz.
Aux/FX Send
Yamaha MG10XU has a built-in FX engine, whereas there is no FX engine on Behringer Xenyx Q1202; you either have to run it through an external FX processor, or you can use it as an AUX channel to run to a monitor.
However, Behringer gives you some very nice options with the FX send. You get a master FX Send level, so you can lower the whole level of the channel with one knob. In contrast, Yamaha doesn’t have that, so you have to set the level independently.
Behringer also has FX to control room, which will take you FX mix, kick it over to your headphones, or you can control room monitor outputs, etc. Yamaha doesn’t offer anything like that.
Panning
Both the devices have rotary level knobs for panning.
Level Knob
Yamaha has a triangle, Behringer has zero or unity, but they are both the same things.
USB Connectivity
Yamaha MG10XU treats the USB input like a channel. You can choose to turn the third pair of the stereo inputs off and turn on the USB input. You can set the volume, EQ it, etc. And you can also patch it however you want.
On the Behringer Xenyx Q1202, the USB input comes in full volume, but you can choose where you patch it. So, for example, you can choose whether you want it to go to your control room, monitors, headphones, or the main mix.
Overall Comparison
Since the main outputs on Behringer Xenyx Q1202 are unbalanced, you can only run speakers within 20 ft of you. So, Behringer is good for you if you’re a DJ as you only need a speaker on the left and right of your table as a DJ. Behringer also gives you lots of inputs and outputs for wireless microphones and lots of stereo inputs for all your DJ gear.
Behringer Xenyx Q1202 is also a good choice if you’re into the podcast recording, as it has some pretty good FX Send and AUX Send features as well as an AUX master knob. And it also allows you to dial in your mix.
For live streaming, live events, and home recording, Yamaha MG10XU is the right choice. Firstly, because Yamaha has balanced outputs, so you can run powered speakers indefinitely. It also has a 26 dB pad for each input channel, so you don’t need DI boxes. In addition, you can EQ your stereo inputs, which is great for live events and video streaming where you’re bringing in a feed that just doesn’t sound right, and you need to EQ it. And Yamaha also gives you RCA inputs. Another plus point of Yamaha is that it allows you to EQ the USB input.
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Yamaha MG10XU vs Behringer Xenyx Q1202 USB Audio Mixer Specs
| Yamaha MG10XU | Behringer Xenyx Q1202 | |
| Locking Power Connector | Yes | No, connector wiggles around |
| Phantom Power | +48v | +48v |
| Bit Depth | 24 | 16 |
| Sample Rate (kHz) | 192 | 48 |
| Gain Range | 64 dB | 60 dB |
| Stereo Inputs | 3 pairs | 4 pairs |
| USB Input | Yes | Yes |
| High Pass Filter | Yes, 80 Hz | Yes, 75 Hz |
| XLR Inputs | 4 (Combi Jack) | 4 (Separate Jacks) |
| XLR Output | Yes | No |
| RCA Output | No | Yes |
| Balanced Stereo Outputs | Yes | Yes |
| Compressor | 2 | 4 |
| EQ | 3 Band | 3 Band |
| FX Engine | Yes | No |
Yamaha MG10XU vs Behringer Xenyx Q1202 USB Audio Mixer Pricing
To help you find the best price of either of these mixers or, we’ve linked the most up-to-date price from a variety of online retailers below
- Yamaha MG10XU Audio Mixing Console: https://currentprice.io/mg10xu
- Behringer Xenyx Q1202 USB Audio Mixer: https://currentprice.io/qx1202usb
Yamaha MG10XU vs Behringer Xenyx Q1202 USB Audio Mixer Topics
- 0:00 – Introduction
- 0:48 – Pricing & Specs
- 1:10 – Rear Of The Consoles
- 1:50 – USB Outputs
- 2:24 – Analog Outputs
- 3:32 – Mic/Line Inputs & Preamps
- 4:57 – Compressor
- 5:27 – EQ & High Pass Filter
- 6:04 – FX Send / Aux Send
- 7:50 – Panning & Level Knobs
- 8:09 – Stereo Inputs & Reliability
- 10:38 – USB Input
- 11:55 – Phantom Power
- 12:05 – Overall Comparison
- 15:40 – Final Thoughts
