The Yamaha AG Series Digital Mixer offers three models: AG03, AG04, and AG06.
Each model provides six analog inputs, six outputs, and a variety of features, including a USB port, headphone jack, and MIDI input/output ports.
All three models offer a built-in compressor, EQ, reverb, and amp simulators. They are powered either by AC power or batteries.
What Is The Yamaha AG Series?
The Yamaha AG series are small, portable mixers with six channels of audio processing.
They come standard with a headphone output, microphone input, and XLR inputs for connecting external microphones and instruments.
In addition to those features, you’ll find a stereo FX send/return channel, plus mono sends and returns. There’s even a dedicated subwoofer output.
The AG06 is the entry-level model in the line-up while the AG06A adds AES/EBU digital outputs. Both models feature USB connectivity.
While the AG series isn’t quite ready for prime time, it’s already proving itself useful for many different applications.
While the mixers have simple knobs to turn the audio processing features on and off, the AG DSP Controller software gives you much greater flexibility.
For example, the software lets you adjust the amount of compression, parametric EQ, reverb, or amp simulation applied to each channel individually, as well as apply different amounts of each effect to each channel independently.
You can even use the software to customize the compression, EQ, reverb, and amp simulation parameters for each channel separately, so you can make adjustments based on what you’re recording.
In addition to the customizations mentioned above, the software also includes a number of useful tools such as a metronome, looping function, and a waveform display. And it works with both Mac and PC computers running Windows 7 or newer.
What About The AG06?
The AG06 is a versatile mixer with a lot of features for under $500.
Its compact size makes it easy to carry around, and its feature set includes the ability to record directly into Pro Tools or Logic via USB.
It’s perfect for live performance, too, thanks to its onboard effects section.
The AG06 is a compact 6-channel mixer and USB interface with integrated DSP. It provides six channels of audio processing, including four analog mixers plus two digital mixers.
Each channel includes dedicated controls for EQ, compression, reverb, delay, chorus, flange, and noise gate.
In addition, the AG06 offers separate headphone out and speaker output jacks for monitoring.
What Features Does The Yamaha AG06 Mixer Have?
Easy Mode
Easy Mode is designed to make it easy to use, even if you are just starting out. There are three knobs controlling the effects section of the DSP.
Each knob controls one of ten different audio effects.
You can select one of ten preset EQ/compression settings, ten preset guitar amp models, and ten presets of reverb.
To access the effects, simply slide the knob left or right.
The first setting for each knob completely bypasses the effect. So, if you want to hear the original sound without any effect, just turn off the effect completely.
For example, if you want to hear what the compressor does, turn the knob up all the way. If you want to hear how much reverb there is, turn the knob down all the way.
Expert Mode
The AG DSP Controller‘s Expert Mode gives you access to all of its features. You don’t just get presets; you can set up each parameter individually.
This allows you to tailor the sound to your specific needs.
For example, you could change the overall tone of the guitar amplifier simulators, adjust the amount of compression applied to vocals, or even add effects like chorus and delay.
What Is Compression As It Relates To Digital Audio Or Video Files?
You can save your custom settings as preset banks. These can then be used to quickly switch between different sounds, or as starting points for creating entirely new tones.
What’s Great About Yamaha AG06?
The AG06 is a budget-friendly digital mixing console from Yamaha. The compact units feature a variety of useful features for less than $500.
The model comes with four channels of mic preamp input, one headphone output, three balanced XLR outputs, and a single unbalanced RCA jack.
Each mixer includes a USB port for connecting additional devices such as external samplers and drum machines.
Additionally, the AG06 offers a built-in MIDI interface that allows it to function as a controller for Ableton Live Lite.
You can also connect a condenser microphone to only channel 1 and turn on +48VDC phantom power. Finally, the AG06 offers a mono 1/8” input and a 3.5 mm headphone out.
Professional Sound With One Touch
The AG range of digital audio processors is designed to deliver high-quality performance without the complexity of traditional multiprocessor systems.
With just one processor, you’ll enjoy the benefits of a premium digital mixer with superb sound quality, outstanding flexibility, and intuitive operation.
Simply plug it into your computer via USB and start mixing immediately.
The Controller Is Compatible With Other Operating Systems
The AG DSP controller is compatible with Windows and Mac OS X operating systems.
With it, you can easily access the 1-touch DSP parameter settings including COMP, EQ, HPFs, Reverb, and the AMP SIM.
In addition, there are three modes: Easy, Expert, and Expert 2.
In easy mode, the interface is simple and intuitive; in expert mode, you can adjust each setting individually; and in expert 2, you can use the mouse to make adjustments.
What Are The Main Benefits Of Getting The Yamaha AG06?
It Has Flexible Connectivity
The AG100 is designed to work seamlessly with a variety of audio sources. You can use it to record vocals, drums, guitar and bass, and even synths and keyboards.
With its versatile connections, you’ll be ready to go wherever inspiration takes you.
Great Loopback Function
The Loopback function is part of the free Loopback Audio Recorder software for Windows PCs and Mac computers.
This tool allows you to record sound from multiple input devices simultaneously and save it to WAV format files.
You can even connect external USB microphones directly to your computer. With Loopback, you can easily broadcast your recordings over the Internet via Wi-Fi or 3G/4G networks.
USB Bus Powered Battery
AG Audio Interface can operate using either USB bus power or a mobile battery, providing users with a true mobile audio interface solution.
The AG Audio Interface features a built-in high-quality microphone preamp, headphone amp, and output stage allowing you to connect directly to your DAW software via USB bus power.
Additionally, it includes a 3.5 mm input jack and balanced XLR outputs for connecting to professional studio monitors and PA systems.
Alternatively, the AG Audio Interface can be powered by a standard 12V DC adapter or a rechargeable LiPo battery pack.
This allows you to take advantage of the flexibility of running the AG Audio Interface as a stand-alone mixer or portable audio interface.
Compatible With Ipad
AG is compatible with Apple’s latest iPad Pro models, allowing you to record and playback audio files using an iOS-compatible music application like Cubasis.
This makes it possible to use your iPad as a digital audio recorder and player without having to purchase expensive professional equipment.
The AG Audio Interface supports both analog input and output connections via XLR microphone inputs and outputs, along with balanced TRS stereo headphone jack outputs.
It also features a dedicated 2nd channel input to connect external devices such as keyboards, drum machines, etc., while simultaneously recording your performance.
Apple’s newest iPad Pros feature a lightning connector port, making it easy to transfer photos and videos directly from your camera.
But what happens if you want to transfer audio files? You’ll need a cable adapter.
This AG Audio Interface Cable Adapter allows you to plug into the lightning port on your iPad Pro and connect to your computer using the included USB-C to USB 3.0 cable. Once connected, you can copy audio files from your iPad to your Mac or PC, or vice versa.
Can The Yamaha AG06 Run Ohm Headphones?
The Yamaha AG06 6-channel mixer & USB audio interface does not state any impedance output rating for its headphone jack, but we can presume it will likely not power 600-ohm headphones directly on its own.
This is because most high-quality headphones are rated for 300 ohms or less. If you want to connect 600-ohm headphones to this device, there are some things you can try. One option is to use a separate amplifier like the Denon AVR-X1050H.
However, if you don’t already have one, you’ll probably want to check out our list of the best portable amplifiers.
Another option is to use an adapter cable such as the Denon ADAPT-1A2M6.
You could even buy a dedicated headphone amp like the Dynaudio HS8 Headphone Amplifier ($170), although you’d lose the convenience of being able to plug into a computer via USB.
Final Thoughts
This is a great little device that will allow you to record any type of audio source in a simple manner. If you’re looking for something small and compact, this could be just what you’re looking for.
