Yamaha MG82CX 8 Input Stereo Mixer with Digital Effects

This is the first mixer I've owned, so I did a fair amount of research before buying this one. My purpose for this mixer is purely for home karaoke, so it easily accommodates the XLR inputs from our wireless mics, along with a 1/8" to RCA input from my MacBook Pro. I can then balance the music/voice channels with precise control and provide the output signal with dual 1/4" to RCA cables to our home theater system or with 1/4" cables to powered PA speakers. Each line has a suitable variety of tone controls, gain, and effects. You can also use this for music production since there are basic monitor functions/line outs for an external room. The price for this product is fantastic although it does have a plastic casing. But since it is a Yamaha product, I'm not worried about the quality. It's very transportable and really all you need for basic mixing operations. I highly recommend for any karaoke applications, standard public address environments, and small-scale music recording/performances.

I needed a small portable mixer with digital effects for the Open Mic at our local Arts Center. I looked at Mackie and Behringer alternatives but this one had the right combination of quality, effects, compact size and price. Only needed a few channels since we usually have just a single vocalist with an instrument such as guitar. I was concerned that the mic preamps might not be so great but was really surprised by the quality of sound at the first event. Voice and instruments sounded clear and natural. I used the mixer with a Shure SM58 mic and Behringer B212A powered speakers. The sound with voice echo effect was very pleasing. I got compliments on the sound quality after the show. Would have liked lighted mute switches on each channel as are available on other models (you have to mute by turning channel level to zero) but this is not a big drawback.

I wish there is more detailed install/use instruction

I see people downgrading this unit because they can't isolate channels in the monitor, mute channels, etc...if that's what you're looking for, you need to be looking at a pro board, or at least something intended for the studio. This is not that unit. This unit excels at its intended purpose - mixing for live PA. A few mics, perhaps backing tracks, and it's great. The compressors on the first two mic inputs are fantastic for a "set and go" setup, where you are the performer, and can't be riding levels watching for someone singing too loud or close to a mic. The simple reverb/echo effects work well for vocals, and can be applied to only those channels you want it. It is flexible to allow an outboard FX, with a single send/return, but with the on-board compressor and reverb, I hardly see many people using this feature. The controls are simple and easy to use, and the manual is written for a non-professional to understand. The first unit I got had a non-functioning VU meter. Amazon swapped it out at no cost to me (even paid return postage) and in two days I had a replacement that worked fine. Kudos to Amazon, Amazon Prime rocks! The unit itself while a quality case, is plastic, so it doesn't weigh a lot. Even with rubber feet on the base, it tends to move around a bit. I may fasten a chunk of steel to the inside of the bottom of the case in order to help with this. Pros: - Easy to use - Flexible architecture allows easy configuration - Can run main PA speakers as well as vocal monitors independently - Compression works well, no pumping or obvious clamping - Reverb/echo works well on vocals and instruments, decent presets with good adjustments - Lots of balanced/unbalanced in/outs - Quiet mic preamps, switchable phantom power - Screw-on power lead, can't be inadvertently unplugged like regular coaxial power leads Cons: - Plastic case - I wish it was metal - Wish the channel label strip was on the bottom instead of at the top of each channel - Somewhat noisy at high gain - definitely not a studio mixer, but more than fine for live sound - Phantom power applies to all mic inputs, cannot be switched independently

Used only about 4 times without any problems. Then while setting up at a gig it powered on but no inputs worked. When it still worked sound quality was acceptable but had an electronic, metallic sound for vocals and acoustic electric guitar and made electric guitars sound thin and tin-like. Playing DJ music through an iPad or iPhone lacked fullness and warmth. For larger gigs I use an Allen & Heath 16:2 MixWizard so the sound quality of this mixer is awful compared to that. I liken this Yamaha's sound to that of an old Mackie. Having no mute buttons meant needing to memorize levels and turning channels down to zero. Not a deal breaker for the convenience. I really like how this mixer mounts onto a microphone stand using the BMS 10A Mic Stand Adaptor. But now I feel the entire rig was a wasteful purchase. Even though I have only owned this mixer for a few months Amazon says it is past their return policy and the seller J-Tech Digital Inc claims they have no record of the Amazon order number and is offering no technical support. Yamaha has not responded at all. Looks like I am out nearly $250. Totally unacceptable.

I'm not actually sure why the other reviews are so positive about this unit. First of all it is in a cheap plastic shell compared with others. Secondly there is no monitor mix or mute for each channel, so if you want a different set of channels playing in your monitors and you are have stereo sources you can't do it. If you run mono you can use the balance control for that purpose, but why would you want to limit yourself? I should have noticed this before I bought it. Lastly, there are no XLR main outputs, so you will need a 1/4 to XLR cable. Most mixers have the XLR outs on the back panel, and I thought this one would have them as well. On the plus side I liked the compression a lot, the effects were decent, and the jack hardware seemed robust. I ended up returning this and getting something with more signal path options.

Happy! Nice sound and features ....a bit light and delicate in comparison to some others but great for the price.

It is a really good product. Very pleased.

just the job

Very good