Karaoke Forums

I am thinking of purchasing a Yamaha MG166CX Mixer from a fellow KJ. I was wondering if anyone has ran this mixer. The compression channels is what is tempting about it for me to help with dampening screamers and amplifying low singers. He wants $300.00 and has only used it for a month. It retails for $429.00. Should I go for it?

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"Don't worry. It will feel better when it quits hurtin."

It's what I use. I like it a lot.

Careful on getting a rack to mount it in. It requires an 11U slant-top with some depth to mount.

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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.

I have the older version of this mixer, the 16/6FX. This was the last model BEFORE they added the compression channels, so I can't speak to the compression, but the quality of the mixer is excellent. Built like a tank. Also, the onboard effects are really good for karaoke use. Not going to have as many options as a separate effects processor, but I think is much better than any other built-in I have ever heard.

I have been running my 16/6FX for 5 years and everything on it is still tip-top!!

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C Mc
KJ, FL

I have the Road Ready RR11M16UC 11U Slant Rack cabinet so it should fit. Hows the compression?

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"Don't worry. It will feel better when it quits hurtin."

Works fine, albeit with a rather buzzy behavior when you clip. Backing the channel trim/gain back a bit prevents that.

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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.

It is the mixer I use also and have been very satisfied with.

Why is he selling it after only one month? (would be my first question)

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Music speaks to the heart in ways words cannot express.

What is your current mixer? One thing that drives me crazy on this forum is how often folks forget that the current piece of gear might be just fine or better, and the $300 spent might not really be a useful upgrade.

If compression is all you want, there are numerous out-board analog compressors available if your current mixer has insert I/O jacks on the mic channels. I use Behringer MDX4600s and MDX2600s and am happy with them. I think the 4600 is about $120 for 4 channels and goes in 1U of rack space.

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Jeff Wheeler, moonlight DJ/KJ

He needs a smaller mixer for a more compact mobile system.

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"Don't worry. It will feel better when it quits hurtin."

I use the Peavey PV10 that works great and does have the inserts. I don't need replace it but being a gear head its hard to pass up a good deal. Just wanted to get some feedback on whether the Yamaha was a piece of crap or not before I spent my money. I may be doing more sound for bands in the future and the extra channels would be nice.

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"Don't worry. It will feel better when it quits hurtin."

Maybe not enough channels, though. The guys I did last weekend were a typical 4-piece band and needed 14 channels from the stage, plus 6 for three stereo FX units, 2 from my PC, and 2 more for the band tech and myself at FoH. This wasn't over-kill, it's typical. I would not try to do a band with the 8 mono channels and 2 stereos (with less EQ if you need to use them for mics.)

If you like the Yamaha stuff, the MG32/14FX is inexpensive at around $1100 new IIRC and it has 2 on-board FX on faders and 4 other AUXes for monitors or out-board FX.

Personally, I use a Soundcraft LX7ii 24. I almost wish I had bought a 32, but I have a 4ch stereo + 2 mic DJ mixer that I can put things like PC/CD and FX on if needed.

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Jeff Wheeler, moonlight DJ/KJ

To simply answer your question. (I remember when we used to do that here). The Yamaha MG series mixers will do a respectable job for you. The preamps and Eq section are a little above average for the price range. The "one knob" compression feature is basically better than not having compression at all. Yamaha build quality is generally very good when compared to some other brands in the entry level market. For three hundred it might be a good pick up if you are just going to be doing Karaoke or DJ work. If you seriously think you may be doing bands in the future (That's my primary market these days) you might want to save your money for now and move up to the next level when the time comes.

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Quickness of mind will deceive the eye

Thanks all!

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"Don't worry. It will feel better when it quits hurtin."