Small Mixer Question.

Atomic Marshmallow · Post by **Atomic Marshmallow** » Sat Dec 09, 2006 8:10 pm

Hello,

I would like to buy a small mixer to incorporate into my set up. I have narrowed it down to 2. Either the Yamaha MG 10/2 or the Soundcraft Compact 4.
Any opinions on them?

Thanks

Post by **garyb** » Sat Dec 09, 2006 8:54 pm

six of one....

pick the one that integrates with your needs best. if neither has better features for you flip a coin. both sound reasonably good, both are made by third party manufacturers(the yamaha is a phonic).

AudioIrony · Post by **AudioIrony** » Sat Dec 09, 2006 9:38 pm

If you use Cubase at all - then the Yamaha will be the way to go I suspect

Atomic Marshmallow · Post by **Atomic Marshmallow** » Sat Dec 09, 2006 9:39 pm

garyb wrote:six of one....

pick the one that integrates with your needs best. if neither has better features for you flip a coin. both sound reasonably good, both are made by third party manufacturers(the yamaha is a phonic).

Thanks for the response. First of all what is a "phonic"?
Secondly the only thing I see that puts me off the compact 4 is that most of the inputs/outputs use rca jacks. I remember reading somewhere a long time ago that RCA cables are inferior for audio. Is that true? The Yamaha has standard quarter inch jack in/outs but no Hi-Z guitar input. Would I still get enough volume for my guitar if I got the Yamaha (I don't want to use a DI box for my guitar).

Post by **garyb** » Sat Dec 09, 2006 10:04 pm

a 1/4" phone jack is more convienient for repatching. rca or 1/4" audio is idendtical otherwise.

the HiZ input on the yamaha is line level and there won't be enough gain for a mic level guitar signal, not without a ton of noise anyway. you'd need a direct box for that(a DI is no big deal).

phonic is the manufacturer of that yamaha board. phonic also manufactures many behringer, alesis and roland products, although they won't admit to exactly what they make for who as there are trade secrets involved. many phonic products are identical to the name brand versions, but phonic also makes many unique products under their own name. of course, phonic is a chinese corporation with international investors....
http://www.phonic.com/en/product/catego ... 1&group=en

Post by **hubird** » Sat Dec 09, 2006 10:21 pm

just get it

Garyb is a real treasure of insight...

Lima · Post by **Lima** » Sun Dec 10, 2006 1:31 am

About 2 years ago I've bought a second hand Phonic mm1002a for about 50 euro:

I'm really satisfied of it, it's not top notch in fact of signal/noise ratio, but its really flexible, cheap and reliable.

my 2 cents

erminardi · Post by **erminardi** » Sun Dec 10, 2006 3:19 am

I have a Soundcraft Compact 4 and I find it better than yamaha, behringer, etc. because his slightly better sound and his complete routing capability.
His routing is alike the BIG mixer desks!!!
I use it live (that's the reason for compact4 instead compact10 choice...) ad in my studio: with this single little mixer (mainly I work inside Scope OS and I need few physical I/O) I can control all from instruments/computers/effects input to different_monitors/computers/effects outs.
My 2 cents

braincell · Post by **braincell** » Sun Dec 10, 2006 3:49 pm

Mackie is best for this.

Post by **garyb** » Sun Dec 10, 2006 4:01 pm

mackie is made in china as well these days. i wouldn't pay the extra for the brand name. at least the soundcraft has a few cool features the others don't like the instrument input. that alone might tip the scales depending on what one was doing.

braincell · Post by **braincell** » Sun Dec 10, 2006 4:29 pm

I haven't heard that one but the Mackie sounds great! I have tried Yamahas and Roland mixers and they were horrid.

dawman · Post by **dawman** » Sun Dec 10, 2006 5:28 pm

The Japanese outsorced those mixers to the USA, as we have a large low paid work force amongst us.

Post by **garyb** » Sun Dec 10, 2006 5:35 pm

drug addicts in prison?

braincell · Post by **braincell** » Sun Dec 10, 2006 9:46 pm

I bought a Mackie Spike recently and although it has some driver issues and it is made in China, It sounds exactly like the much older Mackies I have owned in my lifetime. I love the sound of Mackie. I sold my big one because I'm using Creamware mixers now.