Karaoke Forums

I am considering strongly in upgrading my mixer. The one I am thinking of is the Yamaha MG124C. The size, onboard effects, and the compression is why I am drawn to this one. Not to mention the affordability.

First question is, does this unit have the potential of using external compression vs. the onboard compression? Since I already have a DBX266 compressor/gate in my large rack, the onboard might not get used if possible. But I also have a small case, just big enough for a player and mixer (using powered speakers), and the onboard effects and compression would come in handy. I probably would use it more for the second set up, but might replace my board on both, just for me being lazy and not wanting to switch things from rack to rack all the time. Sometimes the powered speakers are a better choice, depending on the size of the room i am playing in.

Also, I would take any good suggestions for other boards with similar options, if the price is comparable to the Yamaha.

Yes, it has channel inserts.


I use and like the Yamaha boards. I have an MG124CX, an MG166CX, and an MG82CX. I like them quite a bit more than the Behringer and Alesis units I have seen in that price range.

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[color=#ffff55]Mickey J.[/color]
Alas for those who never sing, but die with all their music in them.
-- Oliver Wendell Holmes, Sr.

Thanks Mckyj57. That helps a bunch. Since I actually have not "seen" one yet, Guitar Center would actually have to order them. And I don't wanna have to buy something that might not have worked for my needs. Right now I am using the Behringer Xynyx 1832FX for the big rack. I like it a lot, but it has developed a small problem with the monitor output. So at the moment I am using the sub outs for the monitors which makes a mix much more difficult.

The smaller rack has a Behringer UB1222, which works just fine, but doesn't have all the features the xynyx does. So I would like to have the same mixer on both racks. I believe the Yamaha would do me a fine job. I hope.

I use the MG124cx myself, but please be aware, it is NOT RACK MOUNTABLE. you can't even get rack ears for it.

The only choice you will have if you want to put it into a top-mount rack is to use a mixer tray like the Odyssey ARTCA. It is a long mixer.

It has no "sub out", but it does have a group 1-2 out that is routable separate from the main. That is even more useful, in my mind.

The only feature I really wish it had from some of the Behringer mixers is a mono out. I often run mono, so it is quite useful for me when switching between that and stereo. (Also for listening on headphones.) But I can pretty easily just reroute to lefts and listen with my left ear.

_________________
[color=#ffff55]Mickey J.[/color]
Alas for those who never sing, but die with all their music in them.
-- Oliver Wendell Holmes, Sr.

Maybe I should give the required features, and then someone might be able to give me suggestions to what mixers will do the trick. I was not aware that the Yamaha MG124C or CX was not rack mountable, ( i might be able to do it anyways, I work at a place that can make parts).

Ok, first and formost, what is needed is durability and good quality. Good clean sound is not negotiable. Next, onboard effects that actually work. Built in compression is one of the features that caught my eye on the yamaha, so they also would be needed. Monitor Outs with the capability of mixing mics and music to the monitors. Sub outs are not needed, but would be a nice addition, or a second group of outputs (this is a back up more than anything, but would come in handy). A built in 7 or 9 band eq would also be nice, since my small rack doesn't have the space for more equipment. Rack mountable is a must, however, I might be able to rig something up at my day job that will work nicely, depending on width, ventilation, and where any screws are located on the mixer. I am willing to pay more for good gear, but, hey! I'm not stupid either, I won't let myself be taken either, and am always looking for the better bargain.

So with this new information, is the Yamaha gonna do the job? My racks are both 19" racks, and the smaller rack has the controls for the player on top (player itself is in the bottom part of the rack), using 2 spaces. This totally fills the rack up, no extra space left. I don't want to have to replace the small rack, but will if necessary, but only if I don't have to get anything much larger.

My big rack is much more flexible, but the mixer is the only part I wanna replace.

Unfortunately, I think you are going to be out of luck with rack mounting. This mixer is plastic on both sides with absolutely no screws or screwholes in either side.

The next step up in a Yamaha that is rack mountable is the MG166cx, but that is a couple hundred more.

You can see panel views, brochures, dimensions, etc. all here:

http://tinyurl.com/myc9oy

Does the yamaha mg124 have screws on the bottom? does it have any ventilation areas on the bottom?

I could make a "z" bar that attaches to the bottom if it doesn't cover any vents, if there are any ways of attaching to the bottom,

I just looked at the Odyssey ARTCA,,,and that is sorta what I had in mind when I said I could make a "z"bar, only not full width. It would cost me nothing at my day job, and wold only take minutes to make. But if there are no screws in the bottom of the Yamaha MG124C, that would be a bit more difficult to secure the unit. But possible could be done.

I've looked on Musiciansfriend and Guitar Centers sites, and scutinized all of the mixers, brand by brand, model by model. Looks like I might be barking up the wrong tree, there doesn't seem to be a mixer available with all the features that i am looking for. So, with that in mind, I probably will have to change directions and buy a new case with a bit more rack space and a separate compression unit.

Thanks you guys for filling me in on some of the info on some of the mixers, its very much appreciated.