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The Yamaha MG102C-CA mixer with built-in compressor.
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My trusty Yamaha MG series mixers served in Studio1A for a number of years; the 16/6 as a primary mix-down device. Yamaha has a well earned reputation for quality and performance.
Today, Laura and I check out the small, but very capable little desktop mixer with a surprising twist. The MG102C-CA is a compact 10-channel mixer, dressed in “Yamaha Blue”.
With this model, you get a total of 4 mic preamps. The first 2 inputs are mono-only, the next 2 channels allow you to select mic-level XLR or mono/stereo line input via TRS connection. The last 2 channels are line-only, with an option for stereo consumer phono connections found on most cassette decks, CD players, or even unbalanced line from a computers built-in sound card. An on/off selectable Phantom button will feed condenser mics 48VDC via the first 4 XLR connectors.
A 3 passband EQ accompanies the mic channels, while low and high EQ passbands are available on the last 2 line inputs. The mic channels have a switchable low frequency rolloff to reduce mic rumble.
You are able to insert external devices into the first 2 channels. AUX send is an option on all channels. Monitoring is combined for phones/control room with a separate stereo mains output.
Most of the above is pretty standard. What intrigued me are the 2 small pots on the mic inputs (1 and 2 only) simply labeled “COMP”. The COMP knobs invoke the drive level to the mixers built in compressor. This is where the fun starts!
There is no better way to demo a compressor than to use it!
Listen in as we demonstrate, in real time, the compressor on a Yamaha MG102C-CA. Coming in at under $100, I’ll let you listen and decide. Keep in mind that most descrete compressors start at the $100 range and go up from there.
Yamaha MG102C-CA (street price at publish time $99.00)
Best,
MarkJensen and Laura
