The Yamaha AG Series Digital Mixer line includes three versatile models: the AG03, AG04, and AG06. Each offers six analog inputs, six outputs, and a rich set of features like a USB port, headphone jack, and MIDI input/output ports, making them ideal for a range of users.
Whether you’re a musician or content creator, these mixers can empower your sound. Built-in compressors, EQ, reverb, and amp simulators offer professional-grade audio control and can run on either AC power or batteries.
This Yamaha AG06 review will explain its unique features and help you decide if it’s the right fit for your audio needs.
Key Takeaways
- 🎛️ Customizable Effects: Adjust compression, EQ, and amp simulators in Easy and Expert modes to tailor each channel to your needs.
- 🔁 Loopback Function: Combine multiple audio sources in real-time and stream or record directly for seamless content creation.
- 🔌 Flexible Power Options: Operate with USB bus power, batteries, or an AC adapter, allowing true portability for mobile setups.
- 📱 iPad Connectivity: Integrate seamlessly with iPads for versatile recording and playback, making the AG06 a portable audio solution.
What Is The Yamaha AG06 6-Channel Mixer?
The Yamaha AG06 is a compact, portable 6-channel mixer that delivers versatile audio processing.
Standard features include headphone and microphone outputs, XLR inputs for external microphones and instruments, stereo FX send/return channels, and a dedicated subwoofer output.
This entry-level model in the AG series provides USB connectivity, while the AG06A version includes AES/EBU digital outputs for high-quality digital audio.
With the AG DSP Controller software, you can individually tailor compression, EQ, reverb, and amp simulation for each channel, creating a customized audio setup.
Additional software tools like a metronome and looping function make it ideal for musicians and content creators.
AG06 vs AG03
The Yamaha AG Series comprises compact, portable mixers offering six channels of audio processing. These models are equipped with standard headphone outputs, microphone inputs, and XLR inputs to connect external microphones and instruments.
The AG06, an entry-level model, and the AG06A (which adds AES/EBU digital outputs) both feature USB connectivity.
While the AG03 and AG06 include standard stereo FX send/return channels, mono sends, and returns, the AG06 goes further with a dedicated subwoofer output.
Let’s review the key features of the AG06 to help you decide if it’s right for you.
Yamaha AG06 Key Features
The standout features make the Yamaha AG06 a versatile and valuable audio solution.
Comprehensive Audio Processing
The Yamaha AG06’s 6-channel design ensures comprehensive audio processing through XLR inputs, a stereo FX send/return channel, and a headphone output.
It’s ideal for musicians, gamers, and content creators seeking versatile connections for various microphones and instruments.
With its precise sound controls and intuitive operation, the AG06 excels in providing high-quality audio for diverse recording and live applications.
1-Touch DSP Tech
The 1-Touch DSP technology simplifies audio adjustments with intuitive compression, EQ, and amp simulation settings. ‘Easy’ and ‘Expert’ modes offer preset effects for quick access or advanced customization to match specific project needs.
With the AG DSP Controller software, users can fully tweak parameters to craft unique soundscapes while ensuring consistent quality across different channels.
Loopback Functionality
This is particularly advantageous for creators looking to effortlessly integrate high-quality background music or gameplay audio into their streams.
Cubase AI Software
Bundled with Cubase AI, the AG06 offers a complete DAW for recording and mastering. Its intuitive interface streamlines editing, helping users produce professional recordings with minimal steps.
Built-in effects and features ensure compatibility with the AG06’s advanced sound controls, allowing seamless audio production that brings out the mixer’s full potential.
Flexible Power Options
The AG06 can be powered via a USB bus, batteries, or an AC adapter, providing ultimate flexibility for different scenarios. Its lightweight, portable design makes it easy to carry, while robust construction ensures reliability.
Whether you’re at a studio, live event, or recording on the go, you can rely on the AG06 for consistent performance.
Integrated Amp Simulator
The integrated amp simulator provides realistic guitar tones without needing an external amplifier, which is ideal for guitarists and musicians. Users can customize their sound for different musical styles, from clean to overdriven tones.
It offers built-in effects that help expand the sonic possibilities, ensuring that creators have diverse options for every creative project.
What We Loved About the Yamaha AG06?
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.
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.
Yamaha AG06 Main Benefits
It Has Flexible Connectivity 🔌
The AG100 is designed to work seamlessly with a variety of audio sources. It can 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, a standard 12V DC adapter or a rechargeable LiPo battery pack can power the AG Audio Interface.
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.
Yamaha AG06 Disadvantages
Limited Onboard Effects 🎛️
While the Yamaha AG06 provides essential onboard effects like compression, EQ, and reverb, it lacks some advanced features found in larger mixers, such as multi-band EQ or built-in delays.
Users requiring intricate effects for live performance or recording may need additional external gear or software plugins to expand their sound options.
No Multi-Track Recording 🎚️
The AG06’s USB interface can record high-quality stereo audio, but it doesn’t offer true multi-track recording.
This limitation means all audio channels are mix ed down to a single stereo track, reducing flexibility for detailed post-production editing or separate track isolation.
Lack of Advanced Routing 🔀
The AG06’s routing options suit basic mixing needs but might feel restrictive for professionals requiring more sophisticated routing paths.
Without auxiliary sends/returns or additional sub-mixes, advanced audio routing may be challenging for those working on complex projects that require intricate setups.
Can The Yamaha AG06 Run Ohm Headphones?
The Yamaha AG06 6-channel mixer and USB audio interface do not state an 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, you can try some things. 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.
Yamaha AG06 Review: Is It Worth It?
The loopback function makes live streaming easy, while Cubase AI provides powerful recording tools.
Its flexible power options and iPad compatibility support mobile recording, and the intuitive layout ensures seamless control over audio.
For those needing a feature-packed, budget-friendly mixer, the AG06 is absolutely worth considering.
Final Thoughts
The Yamaha AG06 is a compact yet powerful device that enables effortless recording from a variety of audio sources.
Its small footprint and versatile connectivity make it perfect for those seeking a portable mixer that doesn’t compromise on quality.
Whether you’re a musician, podcaster, or streamer, this mixer delivers reliable performance and a streamlined setup, fitting perfectly into any audio workflow.
