Yamaha Mixer

Hello everyone, I was wondering if you can tell me if I'm doing this correctly.

Do I run the mixer Main Output to Force's Line Input?

Should I use 1/4in TRS or XLR cables?

Thanks!

Without knowing what you are trying to do, there is no ‘correct’ answer.
Assuming you are wanting to use the mixer as a sub mixer to route other gear into the Force then yes - you are doing it correctly. Main outs from mixer into the For e’s in’s.
Also assuming the mixers 1/4 outs are balanced, then use either 1/4” or Xlr.
Try to stay balanced and have fun!

Thank you, Yeah its for Line-In on Force to record from 3 different devices. Mic, iPhone, phono

I think i'll try XLR to XLR. Three wires is better than two

Just to elaborate on what Suspect Frequencies said:

First, I agree with everything.

Second, a different mixer scenario (perhaps more meaningful to me) would be to have the Force driving a small family of other devices over MIDI, and then mixing them together in an outboard mixer which then gets recorded, possibly with additional sends or inserts.

So mixers have a number of ways to be used.

Oh okay i never thought of using it like that, thanks Koekepan

That is excellent advice and would make great use of the Forces full capabilities. I have done both ways with my mixer and having everything synced and working together is a lot of fun!

Wonder if I even need a mixer because I'm only going to be using one input device at a time. My idea was I don't ever have to plug and unplug for different devices.

If you're doing one at a time, I'd say no. The converters on the Force are good, and you can get two channels, or a stereo channel in, no problem.

If you're doing recording of multiple channels (i.e. using a mixer as a summing device) into the Force, perhaps with multiple drum voices from something like an Arturia Drumbrute, then sure. A mixer that lets you get detailed on each one, with some sends would be nice.

If you're using the mixer to sum things going into a recorder, or other target like a PA in a live performance, then rock on, get a big mixer and drive all the synths into it with the Force playing MIDI master.

If you just want to put in a mic, skip the mixer and just plug into the Force.

(All advice solely the opinion of the author.)

Great stuff thanks Koekepan

The only think I was thinking of using it for was so i don't have to unplug and replug in the different input devices.

Might be best for me to just unplug and replug in those devices. i.e iphone,mic, phono or cd

I'm not skilled enough yet to use a mixer in any other way, heh

I could make arguments for and against adding in a mixer.
The obvious one against is just the cost and studio space.
Your reasoning for not wanting to constantly fiddle with unplugging and plugging in gear is a strong argument to get one. I have 7 external pieces of gear hooked up through a sub mixer to my For e at all times, with extra channels open to add more if needed plus microphones.

An immediate consideration to hold off for now - will the Force get the class compliant USB audio in update that the MPC line just got?
If so, adding a USB mixer may be the way to go, whether it’s multi channel or not.
Also, will you ever add more gear to your setup? If it’s a possibility, getting a mixer with a few extra channels now may pay off down the line,

I can tell you that I love having my other gear permanently hooked into my Force at all times. Inspiration may strike for using a certain piece and it’s a simple matter up jumping on that piece without having to unhook/hook up anything.
I also love just jamming on each piece together with the others to experiment when I’m trying to find inspiration or do sound design, etc.

Thank you, yes this sounds like what I want to do pretty much. I think I'll save a bit and get the 10-channel

https://www.amazon.com/Yamaha-MG10XU-10 ... 00I2J4TWG/

Hello everyone! Just an update I ended up getting a Mackie Mix8, I found a Amazon warehouse used one for $75

So far it works, i think lol. Using it as Main-Out too Force Line-In with 2x Hosa 1/4 TRS - XLRM cables.

Congrats! You could certainly have done a hell of a lot worse.

I will add that it's good to plan for adding more mixers down the line. Sound crazy? It shouldn't. Here's why:

Often one of the most powerful things that you can do with mixers is to use them as routing hubs for audio, taking out submixes and send channels for various effects. One example is to have a drum submix with gentle "glue" compression on it, as well as a room reverb so that it sounds as if the drums all come from the same place. If you have a sub-mixer handling the drums you can get their mix really dialed in before adding other layers, in parallel with a bassline with additional sends that then ends up being summed into your fundamental rhythm section track.

Just an example, there are so many others. If you have outboard effects, even guitar multi-effects pedals can make a good thing great.

Thanks Koekepan

I did the thinkable, lol. I added another mixer, a Mackie Mix5 Amazon warehouse for $52

I'm going to add it to Master-Out on the Force. Now I can send a line to my computer and record!

...I should've named the post Yamackie Mixer, lol