Yamaha MG102C

In small live setups and compact studio workspaces, every input counts, but the most important signal paths must still be available. The Yamaha MG 102C is an analogue mixer for these applications: it combines microphone and line inputs with stereo channels, one-knob compression and several outputs. Two mono and four stereo input channels give you connection options for different sources.

You connect microphones and line signals to the two mono channels. Stereo channels 3/4 and 5/6 also have XLR inputs; additional stereo signals can be fed in via jack and RCA. There are also RCA inputs for a stereo source such as a CD player. The connections are on the top panel, making them easy to access when wiring up. Four XLR inputs with switchable 48 V phantom power also support condenser microphones; the phantom power is switched on for all inputs together.

On channels 1 and 2, you control the compression with one knob each. This makes operation simpler than with a compressor that has several separate parameters, and is suitable, for example, for shaping the dynamics of vocals or instruments. For more extensive tonal adjustment, channels 1 to 6 have a three-band EQ; channels 7/8 and 9/10 have two-band tone controls. 80 Hz high-pass filters reduce low-frequency interference on the inputs provided for this purpose.

You can connect external effects or dynamics processors to the two mono channel strips via the inserts. An effect send routes the signal from the effect/aux bus out of the mixer; stereo return inputs receive the signal coming back in. The MG 102C has no internal effects, so external processors must be connected separately if required.

Stereo outputs and monitor outputs via jack, a headphone output and RCA recording outputs are available for output. The recording outputs carry the stereo signal independently of the stereo master control; you set the recording level on the connected recording device. An LED level meter helps you monitor the signal. The BMS-10A microphone stand adapter is available as an option and allows you to attach the mixer to a microphone stand.

At 1.5 kg and with compact dimensions, the mixer is easy to transport. It can serve as the main mixer in small setups or as a submixer in larger systems. The combination of XLR, jack and RCA connections is particularly practical when you need a few channels for microphones, instruments and other stereo sources.