Yamaha AG03 USB Mixer Explained / Review

[@mikewojtaszczyk7817]

I thought the Behringer Q502USB was the only mixer in this size and ability. I’m so glad you did a video to show why this one is such a better option!

[@OnlineMD]

Greetings from the future: it is Oct 2022! About 4 months ago I purchased the Mk 2 of the AG06. The USB is now USB-C. RIP, USB-B! :) My laptop only has USB-C so that is good. The outs on this model are "Monitor Out" and "Stereo Out." The latter's volume is controlled by the input knobs only. The EQ and Reverb settings, once set in the software on the laptop, remembers the chosen settings which is good. I also use Shure SM58 mics, and the volume is satisfactory. Whereas with my Bose S1 Pro, if I plug the Shure SM58 directly into one of its Mic inputs, the volume is poor. I now use a Shure A85F "Transformer" gadget ($20) with which I get so much more gain. You plug in your mic cable's male XLR into it and plug its 1/4" plug into a Combo input on the Bose. The gadget does not need Phantom power. But I never use it on the AG06 Mk2 as it is not needed on a mixer. The AG06 Mk2 replaced my Mackie ProDX4 which did not have phantom power support and no USB connection or control. I gave it away! :)

[@Robbaz]

Great video, need something to hook up with both Pc360 and future xlr, this seems great. Xenyx 302 is on it's last breath, this seems way higher quality.

[@itscarlosreally]

KING OF SWEDEN

[@merjaymermanph]

Im using this for a year now. Its a hybrid interface/ mixer. Very versatile. I love the reverb and effects

[@gsus3918]

In windows under inputs, how many "devices" does it add? Just 1?

[@tree_bark8081]

Regarding the latency of this interface, it has become much better with the new drivers. At 256 buffer size the roundtrip latency is only 9ms. Also you can now increase the buffer size up to 8192 samples.

[@papisedits5801]

where can i get this

[@Acts19quiz]

1:04 Johnny-Come-Lately here: I had to contact Yamaha support to figure this out, but deep within the specifications (pictured in the spec sheet in the video), I was informed that the gain range is, in fact, -60dB.

[@GraphicVisualArt]

TAKEEEEEEEEEE MY MONEY I am sold I was looking at different interfaces and this is what I wanted awesome thanks for the video man

[@justjohnmusicchannel8327]

Great video and thorough explaination of the ins and outs (literally) and pros and cons. I appreciate your honesty and straight forward approach to this video. Keep up the good work!

[@jungminseo8154]

So I bought this thing 2 years ago. and I’m watching this video again. still great video.

[@Maradnus]

Thanks bandrew I now own this thanks to you. one of the best items I have for my stream!! you star! thanks to your channel and the info you provide i can make better choices when it comes to gear

[@RayOrtega]

Driving that sm7b, cleanly, is super impressive at this level. Nice review.

[@tacanacy]

Would adding a pre-amp make it sound better? I need a USB mixer for gaming consoles and I'm very limited on space, so I have to get a small mixer, but I'm thinking of adding a Cloudlifter.

[@gkiss2030]

Do you think this would pair nicely with a dbx 286a (instead of a Cloudlifter) and Scarlett 2i2?

[@CesarHernandezGT]

The only missing feature: Noise Gate, apart from that, it’s a 4.9/5 product super versatility and reliable. The software works fine, no new release since a couple years ago but it works.

[@CesarHernandezGT]

@@brianrackley7429 Yes, the AG03MK2 and AG06MK2 have a couple of update in comparison with the AG03 and AG06, software UI was updated too, but still missing the Noise Gate feature :(

[@obvious_humor]

I would really recommend jumping up to $200 for the Yamaha MG10XU. Sure, the AG03 saves you $50, but that $50 gets you 4 XLR/line preamps instead of 1 (and 2 with a one-knob compressor, compared to 0), EQ knobs, built-in effects processor, and 3 stereo line channels instead of 1. The FX channel can also be used for a mix-minus. And there's also stereo XLR out, if you're into that. A much cheaper option is to get the MG06 for $99, which is still a better mixer overall, but the downside is that it doesn't have built-in USB, so you'll need a good sound card input on your computer. If you don't have one, then you can pair it with a USB sound card that takes RCA or 1/4 inputs. Failing that, the AG03 is the cheapest way to get good audio out of a mixer, if you only need 1 mic and 1 stereo line channel.

[@dkd8747]

Can you sample from youtube computer output into Machine and or Protools. Ive been struggling with the soundrivers in my computer they act funny sometimes

[@ojara]

That model does not have internal dsp

[@MichiMallu]

What an advice! MG10XU and AG03 are two different mixers for different purposes!

[@EHOX]

Love the vids dude watch them every time I wanna get a new mic which is quite often!

[@snxwr6s]

7:49 I want to add here that this loopback mode is pretty bad for "livestreaming" aslong as you have people with you in discord/teamspeak for example because they will hear your PC audio etc being fed to your micinput which results in your friends hearing everything.

[@GamingMafia_id]

Can I loop it to virtual cable instead?

[@JonDotExe]

@@GamingMafia_id Yes. That's what I do. Loopback on this device is essentially dead because of features in OBS and Voicemeeter. I'm selling my AG06 to get a higher quality dedicated audio interface like the 4i4. The ag06 hisses like an angry cat on just about every gain setting too.

[@JonDotExe]

Agreed

[@Miknitro]

@@JonDotExe Glad I looked through comments, was about to grab a AG06 thinking it might be slightly better than this AG03. Thank you, saved me a return I think.. So back to looking for a decent audio interface instead of mixer I go too..

[@ricardohavinga]

Pretty impressive for a little mixer. I think geared more for live streaming, but for sure be a great starter recording studio mixer for the beginner.

[@justheathers]

[@Podcastage]

Thanks so much Heather! =)

[@fp4man542]

An interesting little mixer, a pity about the low plugin power voltage on the 3.5mm socket. There aren't many mixers that offer a 3.5mm mic input and it's a useful feature.

[@AmbientMelancholy]

Geez, great video with a perfect demo. Thank you for sharing.

[@mgtow-extraits]

it is always interesting to hear the gain hiss, but it would be even nicer to show the meter numbers so we can see the noise floor of the device without anything plugged in and no gain when you review such audio interface. i would love to see noise floor comparison between this and a scarlett for example.

[@Podcastage]

I just starting playing around with this idea. I had planned on doing something like this for my interface comparison once I get a few more.

[@sirnigelcogs]

That's an interesting bit of kit. The next model up has even more features. I heard that when you set your settings in the software it actually saves them onto the mixer itself, so even if you plugged it into a different computer it would still have the same settings. If it really does work that way then that also means the effects processing is happening on the mixer itself instead of in the software, which would conserve system resources.

[@Podcastage]

+Sir Nigel Cogs Gaming I actually think this model does the same thing.

[@HausofHoot]

This review along with the Rode Procaster review helped me step my game up podcast wise. We appreciate you hammer!

[@ProjectHelisexuality]

I livestream with a standalone capture card. It has a 3.5mm TRRS input for a headset or mic. Would this output into that? Could be nice for live effects.

[@catjack90]

I got one thanks to this video and I got it just today and up so far I absolutely love it!

[@Maradnus]

You have the best gear reviews! This is deffo getting mixer!

[@Hermiel]

The mark II versions of both of the AG mixers have been released. Only Japanese and Tagalog reviews exist so far. See if you can find one stateside and get the English review scoop.

[@larrycom]

BEST review on this product. I was actually interested in the 2 Channel version of this one. The Yamaha ag06. But now I'm looking at the Allen & Heath ZEDi-10.

[@Podcastage]

I had never heard of this device. Let me know what you think o fit.

[@larrycom]

Andrew M. Sheppard they have one called Zedi-10 that sends four separate tracks through USB 2.0 and back - pretty decent for $200. And Soundcraft has the new Notepad 12FX for 159.99.

[@michaelnager6059]

I have the Yamaha AG03 and the XLR connector is rock solid on mine if I try to wiggle it up and down, but is slightly loose when doing the same thing left and right. It is not however as crass as what is shown in the video. The slider is about as wobbly as the one shown in the video, but the knobs don't have any give in them. So in computing terms I suppose one would say that I won the silicon lottery with mine.

[@NWGR]

Yay! I've been waiting for this one. :-) Great review. I am disappointed in the wiggly controls though.

[@Podcastage]

Yeah. I was hoping for a slightly higher quality there.

[@DestroyTeam_NoiseFactory]

Honestly I'm happy to hear, that they didn't " burn" some kind of terrible IR into the guitar section, so I can use my own. In the other hand, having only one amp is kinda meh in 2021, but if you don't want to mess with a computer and Daw, for plug and play guitar practice this is excellent.

[@jacomans9078]

Seems like an honest review, so you won me over already..pros and cons is cool, just not fawning all over it so we buy it...that I respect.

[@Vertshark]

I've looked at some of the Yamaha mixers, but in the end I ended up with a Behringer X1204 to get the two aux out ports (One for Skype another for a streaming service). Nice review though

[@artysanmobile]

Another masterpiece from Yamaha. 4 or 5 software versions away from true greatness.

[@DeffQ]

I'm using AG06 for a year. That was a good purchase, BUT... - If you are using Compressor and doing loopback with Music from your PC, that music will be also processed by Compressor. There is no way to solve this problem with AG DSP Controller. So don't even think that you will be able to stream music to your friends by VoIP when Compressor is enabled. - also I'm not sure, but I think microphone pre-amps are making too much noise. I had two dynamic microphones. Two cables (one unbalanced, one good quality balanced XLR). If I set Gain at high level, it will create so much noise. I was testing it yesterday. I put mic into wardrobe, covered it with towels and pillows. I set Gain on 100% and noise was huge. Should be like that? Can someone give my any hint why is like that? Does anyone have same issue in similar soundcards like Scarlet Solo/2i2? Edit: Clarification about pre-amp noise. I was testing it with only one mic at time and only that mic was amplified. Amplifying two imputs when only one mic is connected will generate much more noise.

[@xaspas]

I bought the ag03 and have the same problem. I was thinking my microphone was giving me too much noise, and I tested it without the mic and was the pre-amps. I have a cheap mic (Neewer NW-800) and it sounds well for 30$ budget. Would you recommend to upgrade to AT2020 microphone?

[@nuggi2250]

I am using the Ag03 with the Procaster and the NT1

[@BloodBloon23]

Just scooped an ag06 from ebay for 140 after taxes! Im stoked!

[@alamaguitars5693]

Hei! Can i livestream using my android mobile phone witj this mixer?? :) Thanks in advance..

[@laogulaozhao]

You are a great expert. I watch your channel a lot. Yamaha ag03 and Allen Health Zed 6. Which is better? I am choosing between the two.

[@Youknowthebo]

Thanks for this video. How do the channels appear in a software like Audition? For instance can I record the mic and the loopback into separate tracks in Audition?

[@SalmorejoGeek]

Thanks for review, i have same mixer

[@AnnaRammel]

Great review! I have this device and didn't know if it had phantom, but now I know it does :) Thank you!

[@redyau_]

Thank you! Very insightful video, just looking to buy one of these :)

[@jlgonthebeat]

I know this is an old video but I have a blue spark sl and an ag03 as my interface. I plug it in and my microphone barely gets any input at all, so I turn the gain fully up and the peak gain fully up just so I can hear anything out of the mic, and I am using the 48v button. But with that comes a whole bunch of hissing that sounds so bad on my recording that it’s not mixable. Why could I be having this issue?

[@alessandrotrezzi3221]

Would this (now MK2) be good for guitar practice with plugins like Bias FX, Tonex, etc.? Using it like a Scarlett 2i2, Motu M2, etc.?

[@cbsmusic2745]

This one or focusrite Scarlett 2i2? Which one has better sound quality?

[@miorafeuni]

Liked your reviews and thanks for doing all this work - In the end remain to go and buy something - marrow down to "Focusrite 2i2 2nd gen" by Scarlett - "UR 22mkII" by Steinberg and "Rubix 22" by Roland . Which one whould you advise? I mainly do Voice ( singing) - Elctr and acustic guitar and , sometime, keyboard. Gosh is confusing oi=ut there - Thanks in advance - keep on following you, Mauro

[@brianparsons8365]

Thanks for this really informative video, on the strength of which I've just ordered this mixer but also subscribed to your channel :)

[@Podcastage]

Thank you very much Brian. Means a lot.

[@hexagonlabs1041]

Does the 24Bit 192Khz also apply to the audio coming from the PC, in other words does it have 24Bit 192Khz trough the headphone output?

[@ikbendusan]

yes

[@JYSN]

Hi Bro, Good day! which one do you prefer for a condenser mic BM800? a dedicated audio interface (Beringher UMC22)? or a mixer/interface like this and other beringer products? Im planning to cover songs online and already set for UMC22 but unfortunately our local stores here in Dubai got it out of stock for the moment and this yamaha device is available with a higer price. Please share your suggestion. Thanks!

[@marioCazares]

Does this only send the stereo mix through the USB/Interface or are there multiple tracks available in the ASIO driver?

[@fendafred]

Now that was a great review. Maybe you could have highlighted competitors for those who can spend a little bit more. Great job!

[@johnriff]

Can you use it without the computer, as a standalone mixer too? Can you deactivate some of the inputs? Is Audiofuse Studio better in terms of practicality as a multipurpose mixer and audio interface?

[@DigitalPlaygroundTV]

I think this could be the mixer I've looking? Do you think this could be the solution to use for a web radio station that runs from a mac and need to include a mic for live interventions and then go back to the computer imput into the nicecast stream software to be streamed into the server?

[@rossfromsa]

You were working on my nerves at 0:38 with coming to close to that display monitor.

[@martydixon647]

11:38 " ... unless you want to troll somebody and then you can go ahead and crank this thing all the way up ..." 🤣 Excellent review, and it was just what I was looking for, thanks.

[@AbideinChristSealed]

Thinking about buying this over the Motus M2 or Audient Evo 4. I'm not understanding why this is forgotten in todays recommendations for an audio interface.

[@RVEmcee]

Do you know if you can use this for FaceTime calls from your Mac and it will have all the audio mixed in? I am looking for a solution that will allow me to do that. I currently have a Focusrite 2i2, but apps like FaceTime only utilize channel 1 from this device, but I want to use an XLR mic, and an iPod touch for sound effects. Thanks!

[@Javtastrophe]

Question about the Dry 1-2g switch Lets say you're not utilizing the 2G channel and using the stereo line on channels 2&3 - what happens to the way channel 1 is sent to the computer? Is it still sent only on the left channel? Would it happen to be send on both left and right channels? Thanks

[@DivisionStreetDrums]

Just purchased thos for a new youtube channel and I wa Ted to thank you for the review. I tried the Behringer q502 usb and it could not drive my a kg p420. Ton of hum too. Should have purchased this from the beginning. Again, Thank You

[@altairrecreate2692]

Thomas Knipe how is this mixer keeping up with you? still good?

[@rmanning4]

I enjoy your videos very very much but I have a question for this a G03 mixer. I have not been able to find an answer for it yet. Hopefully you can help. My question is can one use both at the same time, the RCA output, jacks, and the monitor/speaker I Projects thank you very much for the answer and I hope to hear from you soon

[@markogudlek1001]

Does this mixer work like soundcard or you need to have soundcard?

[@dsample]

Looks like a nice budget option. Since the SM7B worked, I presume the Procaster would be alright? Do the software Compression & EQ settings get persisted on device? If not, does it at least work without fiddling every time it's plugged in?

[@olonoli]

Great reviews ! Helps alot so i guess this wont be good for recording songs in a daw ? Vocals instruments etc cause the latency ?

[@a0um]

You should add a link to purchase the Yamaha AG06 to the description too.

[@GrandmasterKnox]

Hello! I just sent away a Xonar Essence STX because I found out about a very dangerous bug that makes the audio "explode" and make a very high pitched noise. That really scared me, but another let down was the fact that the microphone input wasn't shielded. I have a condenser microphone with phantom power support, so I thought about trying a USB Mixer this time for some piano/guitar/podcast recording as well. Can anyone answer a couple questions? 1- how does the sound quality (for listening to music or movies) compare to a dedicated sound card? Is it loud enough for 50ohm headphones? 2- When you plug it into your PC, does it give you the ability to set the microphone input and headphone output as the default devices like the usual soundcard setup on Windows? Would I be able to use this for standard Discord voice chat and music listening/online gaming at the same time? Thanks for the wonderful video, it cleared up a lot of my issues and these things are the last I need to know before pulling the trigger. :)

[@GarrettXPrime]

Excellent video, keep em coming man.

[@johnjackson8902]

On the guitar right channel and mic left channel recording the guitar was only on the right channel, but I also heard a bit of the mic bleeding into the left channel. Could just be my headphones though.

[@PARENTALADVISORYPODCAST]

Lovev ur reviews bro. They are heaven. Thank u for ur time and work

[@matthewparker2910]

On the AG03, can you monitor the other inputs whilst sending only the microphone connected to the XLR input when using the Dry Channel option?

[@irah_tv]

Can this audio interface power enough Rode Podcaster Dynamic mic?

[@SlimFoti-kw6yp]

I am definetely getting one in 2024. One question, I recently purchased an mx8500 for my live streams, will I be able to fine tune it with the software PROVIDED?

[@kry3634]

OMG THANK YOU!!!! I'VE BEEN WAITING FOR THIS FOR TOO LONG!! there are many reviews of this mixer, but there isn't one like yours, so thanks a lot for listening to our suggestions! Just a small question, if you are familiar with the art pro channel ii, do you think its preamp is powerful enough to drive the Shure SM7B on its own?

[@kry3634]

Andrew M. Sheppard That's weird.. on bhphotovideo it lists the gain range for the microphone at 70 dB.. But you probably know a lot more about this than I do, so thank you very much for the clarification!

[@ReyGlean]

Did u got the answer for this?

[@Veritas-33]

you've looped back a music from your computer to the speakers? How do you tell your computer to do that, do you add this as a device in your spotify or whatever you're using to play the music? Would be super helpful if you did a tutorial on how to record a music instruments like a keyboard, what software to use, you're really great at explaining!

[@axefromrussia]

Which audio interface is better: Yamaha ag03 or Tascam Ministudio us-42?

[@peterchow6296]

Great review! Would you be able to do a comparison between the AG06 vs the MG06 and then have the winner go against the M-Audio M-Track 2x2 C-Series? That would be so swell!

[@davidhayterrrr]

Which lav mic is that? I'm so glad you tried a lav mic with this mixer

[@rotanal9563]

Thanks for the video! I have this machine since early 2018 and works fine, but I am rather disappointed by DSP Controller, whose interface extends over my desktop (Win7) and I never found a fix to resize it, fitting it in my desktop. Any suggestion?

[@UltraSargent]

Hey dude! Thanks for the info. Appreciate it a lot. Quick question, are you able to monitor your own voice without your computer sound being recorded if you record audio? Weird question, I know. The Xenyx 502USB can't allow you to monitor your voice without recording your PC audio also. If you wanted to record just your voice or speak with friends on Skype, you had to turn off monitoring. So I just wanted to check they are separate with this mixer.

[@Podcastage]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/gpKzq2qrhJdkjKMm57s That should answer your question. On input mix you can hear your voice and hear what ever your computer is playing but you don't record the computer playback.

[@tafararafat]

heyy, should i buy this for my new setup? please respond to this coz this video was 2 years ago so like is it still a good piece or no? please let me know i really want to know

[@ericbulington2421]

My kids want to play gaming for their channels (which they do now separately). Do you think this would be a good solution for a dual mic setup? And which mics? They are kids and move around a lot. So we need less proximity effect.

[@Spaitzo]

Quick question. Can I listen to my TV through the AUX 3.5mm jack & my PC through the stereo 6.3mm at the same time, and not hear my self talking through XLR mic?

[@brunoscarazzati]

Hello budy, how are you? I loved your videos, I bought my microphone watching your videos. Show! I have a question: can I use two microphones in this mixer at the same time?? Example an XLR + and a readset at the same time?

[@prashantthankey9063]

Nice review! I have a query. Is it possible to monitor the mic signal with reverb effect, but record the mic signal totally dry? I'm talking about the case of singing along to a karaoke music track playing in the computer in Adobe Audition, and vocal recording being done on the computer in Adobe Audition.

[@DJCK1000]

Looking for some advice regarding this mixer. So basically I am wanting to live stream a DJ set on Facebook Live using my IPhone to do this. I have a laptop connected to my Pioneer DDJ-SB3 DJ controller. The controller has only one output (master RCA). So I am wanting to connect my controller to the Yamaha mixer and then from the Yamaha to my phone and also to my speakers so I can obviously hear what I’m doing. Is this even possible on the Yamaha or do I need something else? Cheers.

[@ricardohd4870]

Is it good for recording music as well? :)

[@lhng9018]

Great Video and info. Would be great to give more details of the 5V external power supply when using with Iphone/Ipad. Nevertheless, It was great overall info, which made me buy one just now.Yes, Yamaha AG-03, instead of going the other direction with Behringer UMC202HD, which require an Apple Lightning to USB 3 camera adapter, which push up the overall cost. Tks a lot and keep up the good work.

[@sasharey3153]

I have a question. will this device drive sennheiser hd 560s? how many oms it supports?

[@courrielamartin]

Hi! I'm a new member. I like your channel a lot. I hesitate between the Yamaha AG03 and the Focusrite 18i20. My main gold is to record great quality audio from old source : (VHS tape, phono, cassette). I also use a Fiio EK10v2 as a DAC that improve the audio coming out of my MacBook Pro via USB on my old audio engine A2. I would like to know if those (the Focusrite or the Yamaha) could improve the sound like a DAT. I'm not a sound engineer or an audiophile, but I like good sound. Thank you a lot for your answer.

[@sneakwastaken]

great work on the video. wish it was out before I decided on a mixer but even if it was I would have chosen mine so I'm okay with it.

[@Podcastage]

What did you decide on?

[@sneakwastaken]

Behringer Q802USB

[@synous9037]

Hi, big fan. I really like your high quality mic reviews - honest opinions and great sound tests to get the general idea about the mic. I would be very grateful if you could make a test review about one of jz microphones (like the hh1 or vintage 11), because there are hardly any good sound tests of these mics.

[@Podcastage]

I had never heard of them, but my interest is piqued. But gosh...they are expensive!

[@Podcastage]

Added the Vintage 11 ... I hope it's still on sale for $300 when it's voted to the top instead of jumping up to $700 or $800.

[@TheoVoidTV]

Can this be used to record quality audio in an iphone video?

[@Rommel5321]

Thanks for the video! Real quick, and hoping you get to see this one as I am stuck between the two. Which would you recommend as a 1st mixer for streaming: AG03 or the Tascam you previously reviewed. Thanks!!

[@lifeshapers-integratedheal2266]

Hi, I have a XS2 wireless pack and Microphone ME3 from Sennheiser and a Yamaha stage pass 500 PA set which comes with a powered mixer but does not have an USB out. I want to make some online lecture videos. I am thinking to use Logitech C930 for capturing video and for capturing audio I am planning to connect an Behringer audio interface to my mixer and then route it to computer. MAy I request you to kindly guide me as to which interface and camera would be ideal to begin with. Thank you in advance.

[@harrysack7253]

Cool video, enjoyed it. Tons of info.

[@goomStar]

I am using this pretty nice mixer for around a year now and noticed something that confuses me a bit. Either it's totally normal and I just don't know because noob, or it may be a flaw on my mixer: My AG03 is connected via USB to my computer and I am using powered studio monitors (JBL LSR305) on the yamaha. Now when I turn the output volume on the mixer completely down, I can still hear my computers audio signal through my monitor-boxes. Same goes for using my headphones. Is it some kind of wear-off-during-time phenomenon on the mixer? Is it totally normal for this class of mixer to not being able to go dead-silent? Best regards

[@TrebzStudio]

i know this is old. but i know that yamaha just released the AG08 and id looove to see you review it along with the YCM01 Condenser mic. Sadly i had to go to a music store and they had to get a rep to ship the mixer to canada so it seems to not be everywhere as it just released in January but if you can get ahold of it id love to see your take on both and comparisons as you usually are my go to when I need help figuring out if a mic or mixer is good for me or not :)

[@arimiraldi]

hei is it possible if we use this mixer to record video on iphone? i mean.. the audio will become stereo on the video files..

[@mizubluee]

Hi, i need a combo microphone plus interface for streaming and gaming, so what should it pick between these 2 microphone (at2020xlr or at2035) and these 2 inteface (scarlett solo or yamaha ag03)? thanks for any answer

[@Podcastage]

AG03 and just go with the AT2020 and save yourself some money. People will like how you sound fine with that....although I would suggest maybe looking into a dynamic cardioid mic instead.

[@mizubluee]

thank you

[@ImWeirdBoy]

Is it strong enough to power a Shure SM7b effectively?

[@davidrodribarri2211]

Can you use it with 2 mic at the same time 1st XLR and 2nd Jack?