Let’s take a look at the 4 big differences between the Yamaha MG10XU and Yamaha MG10XUF audio mixers. Drawing on our experience of using both, we’ll give you our recommendations on which mixer is best for live sound, live streaming, and home recording use.
Quick Answer: While the Yamaha MG10XU and MG10XUF audio mixers share a lot in common, the MG10XUF is substantially larger and has 3 additional features; “on” buttons, faders, and PFL buttons.
Similarities Between The Yamaha MG10XU & MG10XUF
Before we jump into what separates these two audio mixers, it’s worth acknowledging the many elements that are the same on both.
- 4 x Combi jack inputs
- 1/4″ & RCA inputs
- XLR & 1/4″ outputs
- Headphone jack, foot switch, and other connections
- Preamps
- Phantom power
- One knob compression
- 3-band EQ
- FX Send
- 24 Channel FX engine
For all intents and purposes, the connectivity and signal processing is identical on both of these mixers. It’s only in the bottom half of the MG10XUF where we see significant differences in usability and functionality.
Yamaha MG10XUF On/Off Buttons
Working down the channel strip, the first big difference we notice is that the MG10XUF has an “on” button above the channel and main stereo output faders; something missing on the MG10XU.
Why are these on buttons important? On buttons are extremely helpful for live events and live streams as you can pre-set levels during a soundcheck and then simply turn the channel off until you need it later.
On the MG10XU, you have to turn all the level knobs down and remember where you set them when you want to bring them back up. Turning up 4 level knobs at once is much harder than pressing 4 on buttons.
Rotary Knobs Vs. Faders
The Yamaha MG10XU uses rotary knobs to manage the channel level, while the Yamaha MG10XUF has faders. For us, faders are preferable for 2 main reasons.
- Speed
We’re talking about speed when it comes to mixing multiple inputs at the same time. With 1 hand, you can operate 4 faders simultaneously with a reasonable degree of accuracy. That same hand can only adjust 1 rotary knob with the same precision
- Accuracy
The faders on the MG10XUF have around 3 x the range of travel than the knobs on the MG10XU. The extra travel allows you to make more precise adjustments and makes room for detailed dB scale markings that aid calculated changes to your mix.
These differences are a big deal for live audio situations such as events or podcasts, where you need to make quick, accurate adjustments on the fly.
Yamaha MG10XUF PFL Buttons
Another feature the Yamaha MG10XUF has that is missing on the MG10XU is PFL buttons. PFL buttons are an extremely underrated feature that allows you to blind set up a channel.
In short, a PFL button allows you to accurately meter and monitor a channel without it affecting the main mix, letting you silently soundcheck a new audio source mid-event. Check out the linked article for more on how a PFL button works.
Yamaha MG10XU Vs. Yamaha MG10XUF Size
The Yamaha MG10XUF is noticeably larger than the MG10XU. This is one of those situations where you have to weigh up the pros and cons of the additional features vs the practicality of using the mixer.
At a live event, you may have all the space in the world, but desk real estate is likely to be a lot more limited in your home studio. That’s when the additional size of the MG10XUF may be an issue.
Yamaha MG10XU Vs. Yamaha MG10XUF | Live Sound Recommendation
For live sound, we feel the Yamaha MG10XUF is by far the superior audio mixer. The faders, on buttons, and PFL controls make the MG10XUF faster and more accurate to use.
Space generally isn’t an issue at a live event, and we find it’s more comfortable working with a larger console as things are less cramped.
Yamaha MG10XU Vs. Yamaha MG10XUF | Live Streaming Recommendation
We recommend the Yamaha MG10XU for live streaming and video conferencing from your desk at home. We still really wish it had on buttons, but overall we feel the MG10XU’s smaller size offsets its shortcomings.
Live streaming doesn’t generally require the same continuous mixing and adjustment as a live event, making the rotary knobs are easier to live with.
Yamaha MG10XU Vs. Yamaha MG10XUF | Home Recording Recommendation
We don’t have a one size fits all recommendation when it comes to a mixer for home recording, so we’re going to break it down into 2 use cases.
- Dynamic recordings
If you’re recording something dynamic like a podcast or a full band, you’re going to be working the mixer a lot more. In this case, we’d recommend the Yamaha MG10XUF for its improved speed, accuracy, and other additional features. - Singer-songwriter
If it’s just you, a mic, and an acoustic guitar, you’re going to set your levels and record to your computer. The situation is less dynamic, so we recommend the Yamaha MG10XU for its smaller form factor.
Yamaha MG10XU & MG10XUF Pricing & Specs
- Yamaha MG10XU: https://currentprice.io/mg10xu
- Yamaha MG10XUF: https://currentprice.io/mg10xuf
- EV RE20 Microphone: https://currentprice.io/re20-black
- Beyerdynamic DT990 Pro Headphones: https://currentprice.io/beyer_dt_990
- 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 MG10XU Vs. MG10XUF | Review & Comparison Topics
- 0:00 – Introduction
- 0:35 – Pricing & Specs
- 0:55 – Similarities between MG10XU & MG10XUF
- 1:51 – On/Off Button
- 4:02 – Rotary Knobs vs Faders
- 6:48 – PFL Button
- 9:00 – Overall Size
- 10:00 – Live Sound Recommendation
- 10:47 – Live Streaming Recommendation
- 11:45 – Home Recording Recommendation
- 12:47 – Summary
- 13:05 – Final Thoughts
