Soundcraft Signature 22MTK Vs. Yamaha TF1: Reviewed & Compared

Choosing the right mixer when there are so many on the market these days isn't easy.
Especially when many of them are built for one specific need but being marketed as an all-rounder 🙄
But not to worry, I've got ya!
I have taken a deep dive into two beasts in the audio-mixing game and gone head to head with them: Soundcraft Signature 22MTK vs. Yamaha TF1.

We're looking at things like:

Sound Quality: This is the heart of the matter, right? How each mixer holds up in delivering crisp, clear audio. Are we talking about a mixer that makes your tracks sound like they're live from the garage, or are we hitting studio-quality sound?
Ease of Use: Nobody wants to spend hours figuring out which button does what. I’ll break down the user interface of both Soundcraft Signature 22MTK and Yamaha TF1. Are they plug-and-play easy, or will you need a PhD in mixology to use them?
Features and Functions: Ie. What's under the hood? Let's find out what sets them apart.
Durability: No matter your reason for buying, you want something that's gonna last, not fall apart after a few light sessions.
Price Point: Yep, money talks. When it comes to prices, we need to see which mixer gives us more bang for our buck. Is the higher price of one justified by its features, or is the other a hidden gem at a bargain price?
Customer Reviews and Feedback: What's the word on the street? Sometimes real-world use tells a different story than what the sales page says.

Soundcraft Signature 22MTK

Everything The Product Sales Page Doesn't Tell You About The Soundcraft Signature 22MKT…

Soundcraft Signature 22MTK Analog 22-channel Multi-track Mixer with Onboard Lexicon Effects

I tested the Soundcraft Signature 22MKT for a couple of weeks. I know, not that long, but it's been a revelation every day.

I work with a local piece band and they've been able to lay down live recordings in one take, capturing everything onto separate tracks in the DAW.

The ability to record up to 22 tracks simultaneously has been a game-changer in this respect.

Soundcraft Signature 22MTK 2 — **Click To View**

Sound Quality and Support

Warm, Analog Sound ✅

The sound quality is exactly what we were looking for. The mixer provides a broad, balanced frequency range, delivering that warm, analog sound.

Plus, the onboard effects buses allow for creative mixing. Not to mention, the support from Soundcraft has been exceptional, both before and after purchase.

Who Is The 22MKT For? Not Beginners

Soundcraft Signature 22MTK — **Click To View**

Difficult Setup and Poor Documentation ❌

I always have to give the good, bad and the ugly… so here it is:

It's not all smooth sailing. Setting up the mixer with Windows was a nightmare, with no useful online resources.

The manual was no help either. It's a great board for those who know what they're doing and know their way around boards, but I can definitely see how for a beginner, it would be a steep and frustrating learning curve.

Early Impressions ✅

Impressive Functionality

Soundcraft Signature 22MTK 3 — **Click To View**

In the early days of testing out the 22MTK, I was impressed with its routing capabilities, especially to outboard gear.

The onboard Lexicon effects are a bonus, and the ability to use DAW plugins during live play is a huge plus. However, the lack of an on/off switch and inserts is a bit puzzling.

Channel Issues and Sturdiness

Some Quality Concerns

Unfortunately, I soon ran into issues with channel one having low gain and a hum. This was unexpected, especially considering the mixer hadn't seen much use.

While the mixer is generally sturdy, these issues do raise some concerns about its long-term reliability.

Perfect for Specific Needs

Ideal for Unique Applications

This mixer was perfect for running a mic through guitar pedals. Its small footprint and built-in effects make it versatile for creating unique sounds. It's a solid choice for those needing a compact mixer with good functionality.

Soundcraft 12MTK: A Better Choice For Beginners

Soundcraft Signature 22MKT record up to 22 tracks simultaneously — *Click To View*

Soundcraft Signature 12MTK Analog 12-Channel Multi-track Mixer with Onboard Lexicon Effects

I know I have kind of shifted between the 12 and the 22 and thats because they are pretty much the same thing, you either need the extra channels (22MTK) or oyu don't (12MTK).

But the like its big bro, the Soundcraft 12MTK offers good sound quality and is fairly lightweight. The preamps are notable, as is the mid-range EQ. However, there are significant design flaws, like the problematic gain ratio and the lack of an on/off switch, which can be frustrating. It's a good mixer overall but be prepared for some quirks.

Check Out The Soundcraft Signature 22MKT

View The 12MTK

Yamaha TF1 Digital Mixing Console

I've been using the Yamaha TF1 on and off for about 4 years now, and I've got a pretty solid grasp on what it brings to the table. Let's dive into the good, the bad, and the, well, kind of ugly.

Initial Impressions and Learning Curve

When I first got the TF1, I was pretty stoked. It's a Yamaha, after all. But it's important to note that this isn't built by the same folks who make the more professional QL/CL consoles. It's more of a consumer-level product. The user interface feels a bit like a game on a smartphone. It's intuitive for newbies, but for a pro, it's a bit too simplistic. There's a learning curve, sure, but it's not as steep as with some other consoles.

Limited Functionality and Routing

Here's where the TF1 might let you down. The routing options are pretty limited, especially when it comes to Dante routing. And you're stuck with the Dugan auto-mixer on the first bank of channels, with no option to reassign it. This lack of flexibility can be a bit frustrating if you're used to more control.

Performance: Pros and Cons

The TF1 is pretty solid for its price point. It competes well with mixers like the X32 or the Soundcraft Impact. The sound quality is decent, and it's pretty reliable for live music or corporate events. However, if you're an experienced sound engineer, you might find it a bit too basic.

User Experience: Mixed Feelings

The interface… let's just say it's a bit of a love-hate situation. If you're comfortable with tablet-style controls, you might like it. But if you're more of a knobs-and-buttons person, it can be frustrating. The output patching, especially with a TIO involved, is not the most user-friendly.

On the plus side, the price is attractive. It's a decent console for someone on a budget. It does the job, and from the audience's perspective, it sounds fine.

Final Thoughts

So, after using the Yamaha TF1 for a significant amount of time, I've got to say – it's okay. It's not going to blow your mind, but it's not going to disappoint you too much either. It's great for settings where you've got volunteers running the show, thanks to its simplicity. But if you're looking for something with more depth, more flexibility, you might want to look elsewhere.
If you're considering the TF1, my advice is to really think about what you need from your mixer. If you're okay with the limitations and are looking for something easy to use, it's a solid choice. But if you're after more advanced features, you might want to explore other options in the same price range.

Head 2 Head: Soundcraft Signature 22MTK or Yamaha TF1

Soundcraft Signature 22MTK: A Band's Best Friend or a Novice's Nightmare?

The Soundcraft Signature 22MTK is a bit of an enigma. On one hand, it's a recording console that offers some truly outstanding creative capabilities. It's allowing my band to lay down live recordings with up to 22 tracks simultaneously, which is quite the game-changer. The audio interface is top-notch, providing that sought-after warm and balanced analog sound. Plus, the onboard effects buses are perfect for creative mixing and adding an extra layer to our sound.

But let's not pull any punches here – this digital mixer isn't for beginners. There have been times when setting it up has made me feel like I'm trying to crack the Da Vinci code. And don't even get me started on the manual – it's as useful as a chocolate teapot.

Don't get me wrong, though, once you've climbed that steep learning curve, this mixing console is pretty impressive. The routing capabilities are spot on and having onboard Lexicon effects feels like finding an extra fry at the bottom of your take-out bag.

Unfortunately, I've already had issues with channel one having low gain and a hum – not exactly what you want when you're laying down those killer tracks. It raises questions about the long-term reliability of this studio equipment.

The Yamaha TF1: Playing It Safe or Missing The Mark?

On the flip side of our audio mixing desk comparison, we've got the Yamaha TF1. It feels like your reliable mate who always turns up to your parties on time but doesn't really do anything unexpected. For newbies, the user interface is intuitive and there's not too steep of a learning curve.

But when it comes to the nitty-gritty of audio engineering, this live sound system leaves a bit to be desired. The routing options are somewhat limited compared to the Soundcraft Signature 22MTK, and there's no option to reassign the Dugan auto-mixer.

The Yamaha TF1 does compete well with other mixers like the X32 or the Soundcraft Impact in terms of sound quality and reliability. But let's be real – if you're an experienced sound engineer, you might find it a bit basic.

User experience is a mixed bag here. If you're into tablet-style controls, then you'll probably get along with it just fine. But for those of us who are more into knobs and buttons (no judgment), it can be frustrating.

And The Winner Is…

After this soundboard comparison, one mixer has emerged as the clear victor. Drum roll please… And the winner is… the Soundcraft Signature 22MTK.

Sure, it may have a learning curve steeper than Everest and setup instructions vaguer than my grandmother's recipe for apple pie, but once you've got past that, it offers incredible creative possibilities that will make your live recordings sing.

The Yamaha TF1 is a solid choice for beginners or smaller venues but if you're looking for something with more advanced features and flexibility in your studio equipment, then you can't go wrong with choosing Soundcraft Signature 22MTK as your go-to audio mixing desk.