Yamaha MG10XU vs Behringer Xenyx 1204USB: In-Depth Comparison and Buyers’ Guide (2024)

You're ready to make a big purchase, but you're having trouble deciding between these two powerhouses, the Yamaha MG10XU and the Behringer Xenyx 1204USB.

Trust me, I know how difficult that decision is… especially if you have no plans on whipping out that dreaded return postage label!

You know how the saying goes, buy right, buy once! Or something like that…

Either way, I've got you covered!

 

I've broken down the good, the bad and the ugly of these babies, so providing you have a clear idea of exactly what you plan on doing with it, you will have a clear idea on which one is best for you, by the end of this article.

 

Let get into it…

At A Glance:

 

Yamaha MG10XU

 

Yamaha MG10XU Pros & Cons

• Pros:
  • Great sound quality
  • Intuitive design
  • Onboard effects
  • No noise when turning power switch on or off
  • Reliable
  • High connectivity
  • Capable of 24 bits / 192 kHz resolution
  • Good audio preamps and phantom power for microphones
• Cons:
  • Cord is wadded up, creating a trip hazard
  • Large power supply in the middle of the cord
  • Grounds on the balanced mic cords are not optimally oriented
  • Effects are limited to one at a time or a preset mix
  • Shipped only in the factory printed retail box which was scuffed
  • No USB cable included
  • No driver and setup disk included
  • Cubase AI download and setup process is complicated and unreliable
  • Difficulties in finding and setting up the Yamaha drivers

Behringer Xenyx 1204USB

Behringer Xenyx 1204USB Pros & Cons

• Pros:
• The board functions perfectly and can be powered on almost all the time.
• The mixing board is great and reasonably priced.
• The preamps in the board are better than expected.
• The built-in compressors work exactly as expected – decent for live events.
• The EQ is decent and what you would expect from a board of this price.
• The AUX channel is wonderful.
• The FX channel is wonderful, and the onboard sound effects are all quite good.
• Panning exists on this basic sound board.
• The phones mix has an amazing amount of power.
• One of the major selling points to this board was the ability to mute and use pre-fader listen to set levels correctly.
• The features are really quite good, and while there are some minor gripes, they are minor.
• The USB interface is an obvious selling point, and while it could be better, it does do the job.
• The one knob compressors seem to work OK.
• The internal USB seems to work well.
• Amazon was great about exchanging a defective product.
• This one is missing a few things that the X1204USB has, but it does have a better 12 step VU meter.
• Cons:
• Some of the faders crackle as they are being used and some of the mute/unmute buttons will keep a channel muted until you bump it.
• The USB input is strange, and it's not easy to control.
• The AUX channel is attached to the master mix.
• The FX channel does not behave like the AUX channel and sends regardless of which mix it's in.
• There is annoyance by the double sliders for the main mix and alt 3-4.
• There was no option for 1/4″ output on the mains.
• Inadequate gain on the pre's.
• Inconsistent performance, each channel requires different setting with the same mic.
• Unbalanced, you need to pan a mic to get it to center the stereo image.
• Windows keeps resetting to the internal sound card.
• The mixer and Audacity do not seem to use ASIO4ALL despite the manuals saying both are ASIO compatible.
• The mic pre's are still a bit weak and noisy.

Key Differences Between The Yamaha MG10XU And The Behringer Xenyx 1204USB

The main differences between Yamaha MG10XU and Behringer Xenyx 1204USB are reflected in their specific features, user interfaces, and user preferences.

• The Yamaha MG10XU excels with its inclusion of 2 built-in compressors, while the Behringer Xenyx Q1202 comes with 4. However, the compressors in both devices operate quite similarly.
• In terms of customer reviews and popularity, the Yamaha MG10XU generally tends to lead showing a higher preference towards this device.
• The quality of preamps is another differentiation factor. Users have acknowledged the quality of Behringer's Xenyx preamps as decent. Comparatively, at a similar price point, Yamaha offers similar quality according to some users.
• The user interface of these two mixers also differ significantly. Where the Yamaha MG10XU uses knobs for controls, Xenyx 1204 opts for faders – this could be seen as an advantage or disadvantage depending on individual preference.
• In terms of application for live sound or home recording both mixers deliver commendable performance. Some local DJ companies express a preference for using the Yamaha MG10XU, accrediting its consistent reliability.

  Ultimately your decision to choose between these two will hinge on your specific needs and preferences. From their capabilities as standalone mic preamps to their functionalities as USB audio interfaces for music production or podcasting, both mixers have been highly rated by users for different reasons.

  Specs	Yamaha MG10XU	Behringer Xenyx 1204USB
  Channels	10	8
  USB	Yes	Yes
  Digital Effects	SPX digital effects	Built-in FX
  Pre Amps	Studio grade discrete class A D PRE amps with inverted Darlington circuit	Not specified
  EQ	3 band EQ and high pass filters	3-b EQ Per Channel
  Compressors	1 knob compressors	One-knob Compression
  Chassis	Rugged, impact resistant, powder coated metal	Not specified
  Noise	Equivalent input noise 128 dBu, residual output noise 102 dBu	Not specified
  Aux Sends	Not specified	2
  Busses	Not specified	2
  Dimensions	244 millimeter x 71 millimeter x 294 millimeter (9.6×2.8×11.6 inches)	Not specified

What You Need To Know About Yamaha MG10XU

The Yamaha MG10XU is a 10 channel mixer that's perfect for making your sound come to life. It uses special studio grade D PRE amps. These amps are known for creating fat, natural sounding bass and smooth, soaring highs. This means your music will sound impressive, no matter what!

With the 3 band EQ and high pass filters, you'll have full control over your sound. You can eliminate any noise that you don't want in your mix. The result? A cleaner, more professional sound.

Need to adjust your guitars or vocals quickly? You can do it easily with the 1 knob compressors. They can make your guitars more lively, bass lines punchier, and vocals cleaner.

The Yamaha MG10XU isn't just great on the inside – it's durable too! It has a rugged metal chassis that can withstand impacts. Plus, it's coated with powder to resist rusting.

And don't worry about noise – this mixer has an equivalent input noise of 128 dBu and residual output noise of 102 dBu!

This mixer measures 244 millimeter x 71 millimeter x 294 millimeter (9.6×2.8×11.6 inches). Please remember to read the user manual before using it.

Want to find out more? Visit the official page here!

My 1 Month Review Of The Yamaha MG10XU

Initial Impressions of the Yamaha MG10XU

I've been playing around with the Yamaha MG10XU for about a month now, and my first impressions? Pretty solid. It's a compact little mixer that punches above its weight in terms of features, but there are a few things they could have done better.

Sound Quality

First off, the sound quality. This thing is pretty flawless. The preamps are quiet with minimal noise, and everything comes through crisp and clear. I ran it through various tests – mics, guitars, keyboards – you name it, this mixer handled it all with ease. The EQ is smooth too.

Build Quality & Design

The build quality on this unit is top notch – sturdy metal casing, smooth knobs and faders that feel solid to touch. Aesthetically speaking though, I wish they had included more distinct color-coding or markers for easier use in dark environments.

– Solid metal case – great durability
– Smooth knobs and faders – precision control
– Limited colour coding – difficult to use in low lighting

Onboard Effects & USB Audio Interface

One major positive is that the MG10XU boasts an impressive array of onboard effects which sound fantastic. However, I found the usability of these features to be less than ideal due to lack of proper indicators or visual feedback on settings.

The USB audio interface allows for easy connection to your PC/Mac which makes recording a breeze but unfortunately does not support multi-track recording; instead you get a stereo output which limits flexibility somewhat.

– Fantastic onboard effects – wide variety
– Lack of visual feedback on settings – potential usability challenges
– Stereo output via USB interface – limited flexibility in recordings

User Friendliness

That brings me to user-friendliness: For those not deeply familiar with mixers; the operation might be slightly daunting initially but once you spend some time getting acquainted with all its capabilities you can truly appreciate its offerings.

So after putting this little beast into action for a month straight what’s my verdict? As an overall product package it certainly impresses however there are certain areas where improvements could definitely enhance overall user experience.

What You Need To Know About Behringer Xenyx 1204USB

The Behringer Xenyx 1204USB is an 8-channel USB Mixer that offers a range of great features. If you're into creating music or producing podcasts, this tool can be your best friend! It has one-knob compression which means controlling the volume of loud sounds is easy as pie. No more worries about sudden loud noises ruining your tracks!

For each channel, there's a 3-b EQ. This lets you adjust the balance of low, mid, and high tones in your sound – like turning up the bass or dialing down the treble just how you want. There are also 2 Aux Sends per channel for routing individual channels to monitors or effects.

One cool bit is its built-in FX processor. It adds echo, chorus, and other effects to your sound without needing extra equipment! Lastly it has 2 busses which are like paths that audio signals travel through – more busses mean more flexibility in managing your outputs.

It's important to know that Behringer always makes sure their products are robust and reliable, so this mixer will be by your side for many jams and sessions! Visit Behringer's official pagehere to learn more about the Xenyx 1204USB.

My 1 Month Review Of The Behringer Xenyx 1204USB

After a month of testing the Behringer Xenyx 1204USB, here are my thoughts:

Sound Quality and Performance

The sound quality of this mixer is really admirable. It's quite impressive how it holds up even after long hours of use. The Xenyx mic preamps seem to work very well and deliver a rich, full audio that won’t disappoint any audiophiles out there.

The EQs are also great, providing a good level of control over the sound. I never felt like I was lacking tools or options to customize the audio to my liking.

Design and Build Quality

I was pleasantly surprised by how sturdy this thing feels. The build quality is on par with some higher-priced mixers I’ve used in the past. From a design perspective, it's relatively lightweight and compact which makes it ideal for portable setups.

The layout is very user-friendly too. It has clearly labelled knobs and buttons that are easy to operate even for beginners in podcasting or music production.

USB Interface

One standout feature for me was the USB interface. It allows you to connect directly to your computer making recording much simpler than dealing with various cables and adapters. Honestly, it’s so convenient being able to simply plug in and start recording straight away.

Included Software

The Behringer Xenyx 1204USB comes bundled with some useful software like Audacity, Podifier, Juice, Podnova, etc. It's an added bonus for those starting out or working on a tight budget as these apps can come at an extra cost otherwise.

In Conclusion…

Overall, my experience with the Behringer Xenyx 1204USB has been largely positive. With its excellent sound quality, sturdy build, user-friendly design and handy USB connectivity, it offers real value for money.

– Excellent Sound Quality
– High-quality Preamps
– User-friendly Design
– Sturdy Build Quality
– Convenient USB Connectivity

And though nothing's perfect (though this comes close), there are two minor drawbacks I noticed: There is no ON/OFF switch so be prepared for that small inconvenience.

Second is there were times when I wished there were more than four channels but again not really a deal breaker considering its price point.

Overall though? This console punches above its weight class – highly recommended!

Who The Yamaha MG10XU Is For & Why You Might Choose It Over The Behringer Xenyx 1204USB

Who Yamaha MG10XU is for:
The Yamaha MG10XU is an excellent choice for a variety of individuals, be it a home recording enthusiast, a live performer or even someone who does professional voice work.

If you're in the market for a high-quality, reliable audio interface that delivers excellent sound resolution and impressive preamps for microphones, this unit is worth consideration.

Why Choose Yamaha MG10XU:
Several key reasons stand out as to why you might select the Yamaha MG10XU:

• High-Quality Sound: According to customer reviews, one of the most appreciated features is the unit's ability to deliver top-notch sound quality. The audio preamps and phantom power capability make it ideal for microphone usage.

• Digital Conversion: If your work involves digital conversion of older media formats like LP's or reel to reels, this mixer's resolution exceeds that of the source material ensuring you capture all necessary information.

• Reliability: The reliability scores given by users speak volumes about its robustness. It stands up well under continuous usage without developing annoyances like scratchy/noisy pots.

However, some potential buyers might take issue with certain aspects such as the lack of included USB cable and set-up disks which were previously provided in older versions. Some users also found issues with software setup and download.

Despite these minor drawbacks, many users found that pros greatly outweighed the cons.

By choosing this model not only do you get great value but also peace of mind knowing that you've selected a product from a reputable brand known for its quality. The fact that the Yamaha MG10XU is also one of the best studio mixers on the market today and appears in our top 10 selection shows just how highly rated it is.

Whether you're buying your first mixer or upgrading an existing home recording setup, if quality sound and reliability are at top in your list of priorities then you should definitely consider Yamaga MG10XU.

Who The Behringer Xenyx 1204USB Is For & Why You Might Choose It Over The Yamaha MG10XU

The Behringer Xenyx 1204USB is a versatile and powerful audio mixer designed with the needs of home recording artists, podcasters, conference calls professionals, and small-scale live performers in mind. Here's why you might consider buying it:

Durable and Reliable:
This mixer stands up to continuous use. You can leave it powered on 24/7 without worrying about durability. The faders and mute/unmute buttons continue to function even if they need a slight nudge at times – a common occurrence with mixers that can be easily remedied with fader cleaner.

Budget-Friendly:
Why spend almost the same amount on a USB interface when you can get this entire mixing board that also interfaces via USB? The Behringer Xenyx 1204USB offers excellent value for money.

Easy Set-Up:
The default Windows 7 drivers work perfectly fine with this mixer, offering plenty of recording modes and configuration options. Skipping the official Behringer drivers will save you from unnecessary troubles.

Quality Preamps & Sound Effects:
Boasting preamps that provide adequate gain and color to your audio output, this mixer is perfect if your preference leans towards warm sounding content. Additionally, the built-in compressors are effective for live events, while EQs on each channel enhance the sound quality further. The AUX channel is impressive too despite being linked to the master mix.

Versatile Usage:

Whether you're doing conference calls or recording podcasts at home, Behringer Xenyx 1204USB serves as an excellent XLR to USB interface. It's also suitable for live events thanks to its powerful phone mix feature which ensures clear monitoring even over loud main mixes.

Before buying it though, here are some things to keep in mind:
– Some users may find controlling the USB input slightly challenging as there's no volume controls or EQ available for it.
– You might notice differences in setting requirements across channels even with the same mic.
– Despite its exceptional features for its price range, voiceover artists or users who require higher preamp gain may find it somewhat lacking.

Remember that while this model does have built-in USB functionality along with compressors on mic channels, every user's experience may vary based on individual needs and usage conditions.

If you found the comparison between Yamaha MG10XU and Behringer Xenyx 1204USB interesting but these models don't quite hit the mark for your needs, don't worry – I've got plenty more comparisons you can explore.

Do check out my other posts where I put Yamaha MG10XU head-to-head with different mixers.

You might find the face-off between Yamaha MG10XU vs Mackie Mix Series Mix8 insightful, or perhaps you'd be more intrigued with Yamaha MG10XU vs PreSonus StudioLive AR8c. Also on the table are detailed comparisons of Yamaha MG10XU vs Soundcraft Signature 10 Mixer and Yamaha MG10XU vs Behringer Xenyx 802.

Take a look and discover which audio mixer suits your requirements best!

FAQs

Buyer's Guide: Important Things To Consider & Look Out For When Buying A Mixer

1. Determine the Purpose of Your Studio Mixer

Before venturing into the world of studio mixers, it's crucial to first understand the role this piece of equipment will play in your creative endeavors. Is it for a home recording studio, or are you running a professional setup?

Could you see your mixer being carried to gigs, or will it forever have a fixed spot in your studio? Identifying the purpose early on helps you narrow down options based on factors such as size, portability, and complexity.

2. Know Your Channels

In mixer lingo, ‘channels' refers to the number of instruments or audio sources that can be independently controlled and mixed at once. The more channels a mixer has, the more instruments or vocals you can handle simultaneously — but remember, with power comes complexity!

Having more channels provides flexibility and is great for large band recordings. However, if you're mostly focusing on solo projects or podcasts with limited sound sources, fewer channels may be better.

3. Examine Equalization Options

Equalization (EQ) is key when buying a studio mixer as EQ control allows adjustments over different frequency bands for each channel – crucial to achieving that perfect mix!

So bear in mind what sort of EQ controls come with your chosen mixer: some offer simple high/low-frequency adjustments while others provide sophisticated multi-band equalization.

4. Consider Built-in Effects

Built-in effects can act like cherries atop your audio sundae – sweetening up your sound no end! Many contemporary mixers come equipped with an array of effects from reverb and echo to compression capabilities which add depth and ambiance while also helping balance out volume discrepancies between tracks.

If creating unique sonic textures is part of your brand as an artist then definitely consider opting for a mixer that features a variety of built-in effects.

5. Look Into Connectivity Options

USB connectivity makes recording directly onto computers easier than ever before – so having USB interface capabilities could prove invaluable if digital recording plays into your plans!

Always look into what kind(s) of output connections are available on any potential choice: XLR outputs may work best if you're linking up to professional audio gear whereas ¼ inch jack outputs might suit home studios better.

6. Inspect Durability & Build Quality

While we'd all love our gear to last forever unfortunately this isn't always possible so researching build quality becomes vital at purchase stage!

A sturdy metal chassis can cope better than plastic under daily use whilst rugged knobs dials take wear tear without falling apart so always assess materials used their overall durability when picking out top contenders!

7. Remember Your Budget Limitations

While it's easy get caught up chasing extra features remember every one comes price tag attached.

Inevitably budget will play role which model ultimately choose from cheap cheerful basic set ups all way through high end models brimming bells whistles there's something everyone just stay smart about how much willing spend what return investment looks like long term.

Before handing over hard earned cash reflect whether actually need benefit those add ons versus stumping slightly cheaper model does job without frills.
Remember,the right choice isn’t necessarily most expensive one rather suits needs aspirations as music creator perfectly without breaking bank!
Trust instincts use these tips guide towards making informed decision leaves feeling confident about new purchase.Don’t forget happy mixing music makers!

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