Yamaha MG10XU vs Soundcraft Signature 10 Mixer: In-depth Comparison and Buyer’s 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 Soundcraft Signature 10 Mixer.

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:
  • The unit itself is great, with a good layout and sound quality
  • Power switch does not produce noise when turned on or off
  • Intuitive to use if you've ever had a mixing board with onboard effects
  • Decent effects, although limited to one at a time or a preset mix
  • Reliable and rated above most other comparable boards
  • One of the best audio interfaces, capable of 24 bits / 192 kHz resolution
  • Good audio preamps and phantom power for microphones
  • Pros outweigh the cons
• Cons:
  • Power cord is wadded up in a figure 8, creating a potential trip hazard
  • Large power supply in the middle of the cord
  • Grounds on the balanced mic cords could be better oriented
  • Shipped only in the factory printed retail box, which was scuffed
  • No USB cable included
  • No driver and setup disk included
  • Cubase AI software is difficult to download and set up
  • Yamaha drivers not in the link as published

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Soundcraft Signature 10 Mixer

Soundcraft Signature 10 Mixer Pros & Cons

• Pros:
  • Has been reliable for live shows for several years.
  • Offers flexible routing with 3 auxiliary buses plus a headphone out.
  • Delivers clean sound.
  • Includes effects like reverb.
  • Features a three band EQ with sweepable mids on the main channels.
  • Quieter than the previous mixer used by the reviewer.
  • Offers more outputs and features than some competitors' mini-mixers.
  • Includes a ‘take-a-break' mute switch for easily playing music from an iPod.
  • Has a USB charger on the console.
  • All channels have individual mute and Pre-Fade-Listen buttons.
  • Two channels have Hi-Z inputs suitable for magnetic pickups on electric guitars.
  • Despite minor shortcomings, the benefits and features of the mixer outweigh them.
• Cons:
  • Does not have individual channel inserts.
  • Does not include a 1/8th-inch stereo input jack, requiring an adapter for certain inputs.
  • Hi-Z inputs are not suitable for piezo pickups, which require a higher impedance.
  • Not well shielded from wireless interference, which can be a problem during recording.
  • Some may find the preamps not clean enough.

Key Differences Between The Yamaha MG10XU And The Soundcraft Signature 10 Mixer

The main differences between Yamaha MG10XU and Soundcraft Signature 10 Mixer are based on their unique features, quality, and suitability for specific needs.

Yamaha MG10XU is known for its impressive preamps and high-quality sound.

This mixer is applauded for being cost-effective and a valuable asset for different types of installations, from portable mixing rigs to permanent fixtures, due to its master XLR and Master 1/4 inch.

It presents a good choice if you prioritise sound quality and portability.

However, the Soundcraft Signature 10 Mixer stands out with its flexible routing options that cater to more complex needs.

The ultra-low noise performance coupled with onboard effects make it suitable for professional studios.

It also features GB Series audio routing faders offering pre/post switching on each Aux, providing advanced control over your audio output.

It’s an optimal choice if you require more advanced routing options.

To summarize the key differences:

The Yamaha MG10XU:

• Praised for great preamps and high-quality sound
• Caters well to both portable mixing rigs as well as permanent installations
• A cost-effective choice owing to master XLR and Master 1/4 inch

The Soundcraft Signature 10 Mixer:

• A standout feature is the flexible routing options
• Suits professional studios with ultra-low noise performance and onboard effects
• Faders come with GB Series audio routing offering pre/post switching on each Aux for enhanced control

Choosing between these two mixers largely hinges on your specific requirements regarding sound quality, portability, or more advanced routing options.

Specifications	Yamaha MG10XU	Soundcraft Signature 10 Mixer
Channels	10 channel mixer	10-Input Mixer
USB interface	Yes	2-in/2-out USB interface
Effects	SPX digital effects	Built-in Lexicon studio-grade reverb, chorus, modulation and other effects and dbx limiters on the input channels
Preamps	Studio grade discrete class A D PRE amps with inverted Darlington circuit	Soundcraft’s iconic Ghost mic preamps
EQ	3 band EQ and high pass filters	Not specified
Compressors	1 knob compressors	Not specified
Chassis	Rugged, impact resistant, powder coated metal chassis	Tour-grade robust metal construction
Dimensions	244 millimeter x 71 millimeter x 294 millimeter (9.6×2.8×11.6 inches)	Not specified
Additional Features	Equivalent input noise 128 dBu, residual output noise 102 dBu	Includes: HDM-100 Uni-Directional Dynamic Cardioid Microphone (Clip Included), 2 x 1/4-Inch TRS Patch Cable (6-Feet) and 2 x 25-Feet XLR Male to XLR Female Microphone Cable, free downloads of the Lexicon MPXL native plug-in and Ableton Live 10 Lite

What You Need To Know About Yamaha MG10XU

The Yamaha MG10XU is an excellent 10-channel mixer that comes equipped with USB and SPX digital effects.

It's got something called discrete class A D PRE amps – these are studio-grade and use an inverted Darlington circuit to give you power-packed bass and highs that feel like they're soaring.

One of its key features is the 3 band EQ and high pass filters. These help you have maximum control over your sound by cutting out any unwanted noise for a cleaner mix.

So, if you're looking to create music without any pesky noise interruptions, this mixer has got your back!

It also has 1-knob compressors which make it simple for you to control your sound. With these, you can get lively guitars, punchier bass lines, tighter snares, and cleaner vocals.

The Yamaha MG10XU is designed to last with a rugged powder-coated metal chassis that resists impact.

Also, it boasts equivalent input noise at a minimal 128 dBu and residual output noise at just 102 dBu.

Also important: if you ever need help using the mixer or troubleshooting any issues, there's a user manual available for reference.

As far as size goes, it measures 244 millimeters in width, 71 millimeters in height and 294 millimeters in depth – that's about 9.6×2.8×11.6 inches if we talk inches!

For more details on its tech specs or maybe get a closer look at its design features, click right here to visit the official Yamaha MG Series page!

My 1 Month Review Of The Yamaha MG10XU

Sound Quality

After a month of using the Yamaha MG10XU, I can safely say that the sound quality is excellent.

The highs and lows are clear, without any distortion, even at high volume levels.

The audio consistency is simply remarkable, providing a smooth and balanced output every time.

User Experience

To be honest, as a first-time user of mixers, I was initially scared about dealing with this gadget. But the Yamaha MG10XU proved me wrong.

I found it extremely user-friendly with all knobs and faders well placed and identifiable.
This has definitely elevated my mixing experience to a whole new level.

Build Quality

After weeks of rigorous use, my Yamaha MG10XU mixer still looks brand new!

In terms of build quality, this bad boy is built like a tank. Premium materials used all throughout!

This not only adds to its sturdiness but also lends it an elegant look that brightens up my studio setup.

Features

For a compact mixer like this one, I was surprised by the number of features it comes loaded with.

The EQ section is comprehensive enough for tweaking sounds while the built-in effects are decent for most applications.

The addition of USB audio interface connectivity took me by surprise and has been incredibly useful!

Negatives?

If there's one thing that I'm not too happy about – it’s that there's no mute button for each individual channel.

This would have made things even smoother for me during live performances. But frankly speaking,this small issue doesn’t overshadow all the good things about Yamaha MG10XU.

To sum up,

I've been thoroughly impressed with what I've experienced so far from using the Yamaha MG10XU mixer.

It's proved itself as an easy-to-use device delivering top-notch sound quality consistently paired with great features!

What You Need To Know About Soundcraft Signature 10 Mixer

The Soundcraft Signature 10 Mixer is perfect for any music enthusiast.

It comes with a bundle that includes the mixer itself, an HDM-100 Uni-Directional Dynamic Cardioid Microphone with a clip, two 1/4-Inch TRS Patch Cables that are 6 feet long and two 25-feet XLR Male to XLR Female Microphone Cables.

The Signature 10 consoles have Soundcraft’s famous Ghost mic preamps. These are taken from their top-end professional consoles and will give you awesome sound quality.

They offer high headroom, a wide dynamic range, clear resolution and great signal to noise ratio.

This mixer also has some neat advanced features! For instance, it holds built-in Lexicon studio-quality reverb, chorus, modulation and other effects.

Plus there are dbx limiters on the input channels for more control over your sound.

The consoles also feature XLR and switchable Hi-Z inputs so you can directly connect guitars or other instruments.

This product includes a helpful 2-in/2-out USB interface as well. You'll get free downloads of the Lexicon MPXL native plug-in and Ableton Live 10 Lite to help you mix like a pro!

More so, you won't have to worry too much about wear and tear since this series is crafted using tour-grade robust metal construction along with top-quality components.

It also has an internal universal power supply ensuring reliable power wherever you go!

My 1 Month Review Of The Soundcraft Signature 10 Mixer

After a month of testing the Soundcraft Signature 10 Mixer, here are my thoughts.

Ease of Use

Straight out the box, I found the Soundcraft Signature 10 Mixer to be very intuitive and user-friendly.

The layout is clean and sensible, meaning that even someone like me who isn't a professional sound engineer could figure it out pretty quickly.

Everything from the gain knobs to the EQ sections is clearly labeled. It's almost as though

Soundcraft anticipated any potential questions users might have and preemptively answered them with this efficient design.

Sound Quality

What really blew me away with this mixer was its incredible sound quality.

Whether I was mucking around with guitar riffs or setting up for a small gig, I got crystal clear highs, well-defined mids, and deep lows through this thing every time.

The built-in Lexicon effects are an added bonus, providing studio-quality reverb, chorus, and other effects that really elevate your sound.

Versatility

I've used this mixer in so many settings – from home recordings to band rehearsals to live performances – and it hasn’t missed a beat.

The versatility of this mixer is astounding!

With multiple input channels available, you can mic up multiple instruments or vocalists without running out of space.

Plus you can easily switch between settings using the onboard Hi-Z inputs.

Durability & Design

Aesthetically speaking, this thing looks sharp! The sleek design has an undeniably professional feel about it.

But beyond just looking good on your desk or stage setup,
this mixer is built like a tank.

It survived being lugged around in my gear bag without picking up any scratches or dings – impressive!

• Incredible sound quality

• Versatile for various scenarios

• Intuitive layout and design

• Solid build quality

All in all, Soundcraft nailed it with their Signature 10 Mixer.

This bit of kit has been an absolute joy to use over the past month and I’m more than confident that it will continue delivering top-notch results for all my audio mixing needs going forward.

Who The Yamaha MG10XU Is For & Why You Might Choose It Over The Soundcraft Signature 10 Mixer

The Yamaha MG10XU is a product mainly for experts and intermediates in the field of professional sound mixing, recording and live performance.

Its target audience includes both home-based and studio-based musicians who need premium audio interface functionality with high-resolution capabilities.

Also, it's ideal for those who want reliable equipment without unnecessary features.

Why would someone buy the Yamaha MG10XU?

• A key reason to choose the Yamaha MG10XU is its high-quality audio interface. As per one review, this mixer supports 24 bits / 192 kHz resolution, which surpasses many other options on the market.

• It comes with excellent preamps and phantom power for microphones, making it perfect for individuals involved in radio recordings or voice work.

• The product also offers digital in-and-out connectivity – a highly praised feature among users.

• Additionally, although some users found few concerns like absence of USB cable or set up disk, these were largely outweighed by its pros.

Some concerns:

However, there are some potential issues that prospective buyers need to consider before purchasing this machine. For instance:

• The power cord's design could pose as a trip hazard due to its large size and ill-fitting shape.

• Some users have pointed out that the device might not sit well on certain surfaces such as music stands due to its weight.

• Its effects are limited to one at a time or a preset mix which might not appeal to all users.

Despite these concerns though, many reviews point out that the Yamaha MG10XU is also one of the best studio mixers available today due to reliable functionality offered at a reasonable price.

In conclusion, if you're someone looking for an effective live performance machine offering excellent sound quality without any unnecessary frills – then Yamaha MG10XU could be your ideal pick.

Who The Soundcraft Signature 10 Mixer Is For & Why You Might Choose It Over The Yamaha MG10XU

The Soundcraft Signature 10 Mixer is perfect for musicians, podcasters, and audio engineers who seek a compact yet flexible piece of equipment for their audio needs.

It’s an ideal choice if you’re someone needing multiple outputs and flexible routing from a small format mixer.

Why Choose Soundcraft Signature 10 Mixer?

• You need only a few inputs but want several outputs to send signals to different remote speakers. This mixer has three auxiliary buses plus the headphone out, offering very flexible routing.

• You value clean sound and moderate use of effects like reverb.

• You prefer having individual mute buttons and Pre-Fade-Listen buttons on all channels.

• The take-a-break mute switch (interval mute button) allows you to play your own music from an iPod through your whole system with one button-push when you take a break.

• A USB charger on the console could come in handy if you have lots of devices that require charging.

Who is it For?

If you’re someone who values very clean sound and needs the flexibility of routing from a small format mixer, then this is the product for you.

Keep in mind that although there are no individual channel inserts, an external effects loop is possible by routing one or more individual channels out through one of the Aux outputs and returning by another channel.

Pain Points Addressed:

Here are some issues that buyers like yourself might be encountering that this product addresses:

• Your old mixer might be too noisy – reviewers claim that the Signature 10 Mixer is very quiet.

• If you're tired of mixers with fewer features – according to reviews this model offers superior features compared to brands such as Allan & Heath's ZED mini-mixer line.

• If your previous mixer’s channels blew out from regular daily use – this might be a more robust replacement.

Potential Issues:

However, be aware that as per user reviews:

• The Signature 10 Mixer lacks shielding from wireless interference which may cause issues during recording unless phones are removed or turned off.

• It does not have a 1/8th-inch stereo input jack – hence requiring an adapter for such inputs.

• Two channels have Hi-Z (high impedance) inputs at 968 K-ohms which may not be ideal if your setup requires higher impedance levels.

Overall, if clean sound, flexible routing capabilities in small format mixers are what matter most to you; then reviewers suggest that Soundcraft Signature 10 Mixer could be your best pick!

If you didn't find the Yamaha MG10XU and Soundcraft Signature 10 Mixer to be a perfect fit, don't worry, I've got more comparisons lined up for you.

You might want to check out my other post where I compare the Yamaha MG10XU vs Behringer Xenyx 802, it's a pretty intriguing battle.

Or perhaps you'd find the Yamaha MG10XU vs Mackie ProFXv3 Series more fitting for your needs.

If not, there's also the Yamaha MG10XU vs Tascam Model 12 comparison, which could be quite revealing.

Finally, there is an in-depth comparison between Yamaha MG10XU and Zoom LiveTrak L-8.

Each one of these posts provides insights into different product pairings that can assist you in finding the exact sound mixer for your requirements.

FAQs

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

1. Understand Your Needs

Before you even start browsing, take a moment to understand your specific needs. There's a myriad of studio mixers out there, each with its own unique features and capabilities.

Do you need a simple audio mixer for a home studio? Or are you looking for an advanced digital mixer for professional recordings?

Maybe you're planning your first live gig and need something portable like a compact mixer.

Understanding your needs will help narrow down the overwhelming choices available on the market.

2. Consider the Mixer Type: Analog or Digital?

Now that you've profiled your needs, it's time to ponder over whether an analog mixer or digital mixer is right for you.

Each has its pros and cons; analog mixers like the Soundcraft Signature 10 Mixer offer vintage charm with hands-on controls while digital mixers provide vast flexibility with features such as saveable presets.

If simplicity and tactile control are what thrill you, lean toward analog models–you'll appreciate their straightforward design.

3. Check Audio Interface Compatibility

To ensure smooth sailing during recording sessions, make sure the studio mixer is compatible with your audio interface.

Some mixers may not connect smoothly with certain interfaces causing unwanted obstacles in your creative flow.

For instance, USB connectivity can be handy if your audio interface supports it – models such as the Yamaha MG10XU have this feature!

4. Embrace USB Connectivity

On that note, let's talk about USB connectivity. It could be beneficial to look for mixers like MG10XU that come equipped with built-in USB interfaces which allow direct connection to computers or other devices.

This feature can massively streamline both recording and live performances by simplifying connections between various pieces of studio equipment.

5. Explore Built-In Effects

Sometimes sprinkling some magic dust (read: effects) on raw tracks can bring them alive!

Check whether potential purchases come packaged along with some nifty built-in effects.

Many contemporary mixers do – they sport effects such as reverb, delay or compression which could enhance your sound without needing external gear or plugins.

6. Consider Brand Reliability

Whether we admit it or not – brands matter! From trusty Yamaha to revered Soundcraft – going brand-wise is often wise indeed!

Sure enough, glossy ads shouldn't cloud our judgment but remember – established manufacturers generally offer greater reliability in their products because they have reputations at stake!

So when searching among all those glossy dials & buttons remember folks – check beneath surface shine!

7. Evaluate Your Budget

Finally yet importantly comes budget – old friend who always has last word in any shopping discussion!

Set yourself clear realistic limits before plunging into purchasing process without forgetting hidden costs such spare parts maintenance (the sneaky bits people often forget).

Whether splurging hard-earned savings stepping cautious toes into world of music production – always keep close eye on how much leaving bank account ensuring journey remains enjoyable instead turning pocket-emptying ordeal.

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