I bought this unit to use as an audio interface for an iPad (Air 2). I've been keeping an eye out for an ultra-compact mixer with USB connectivity ever since I sold a small, high quality 4-channel analog mixer that served me well for several years but lacked a USB port. I was a bit hesitant to purchase this unit since the marketing literature was somewhat ambiguous about compatibility with various iOS multitrack recording apps. The AG-series mixers are Class Compliant, so there should be no issues. I was delighted to confirm this when my unit arrived - I had no difficulty at all interfacing it to my iPad and tracking audio with my preferred DAW apps.
The audio quality is amazing, and the unit is (mostly) quiet as a mouse. The only exception to this is when the amp simulation is engaged on the Channel 2 input and set to moderately high gain/distortion levels, when a low-level hiss is audible with or without a guitar plugged in. This background hiss seems to be an intrinsic aspect of the unit's amp model. The amp modeling that Yamaha have included in the AG mixers is very similar to the modeling in their THR-series mini combo amps. That is to say, it's stunningly realistic and extremely musical. After using the downloadable Windows driver and editing software to dial back the heavily distorted tone of the factory preset, I was able to get a great bluesy tone that responds to picking dynamics in a way that is uncannily, eerily similar to an actual tube amp. Monitoring the tone with headphones, it's easy to close your eyes and imagine you're plugged in to an all-tube amplifier that's been mic'd. (It's also worth noting that clean settings on the Amp Sim are mostly free of any background hiss.) To test just how closely the model matches a real tube amp, I recorded the same snippet of lead guitar in three ways: 1) using the AG06's built-in amp simulation; 2) setting an SM57 mic in front of my [world's most famous British brand] Class A/B tube amp; and C) recording the headphone out signal from my Yamaha THR10 mini amp. Listening back to the three takes, I think I'd be hard-pressed to identify which one was done with the real tube amp vs. either of the simulations had I not made the recordings myself. I'm guessing that Yamaha drew on the same algorithms for the AG06's Amp Sim as those used in their THR amps. The Amp Sim circuit is post-fader in the signal path, and with suitable adjustment to the gain in the Amp Sim settings (again, via the Windows editing software) it's possible to set things up so that the guitar's tone transitions from a just-barely-crunchy to heavily-saturated-distortion just by adjusting your guitar's volume knob (or the channel fader if you prefer). There's plenty of gain, even for my single coil pickups, with the ability to set headphone volume and USB audio output levels as high as could ever reasonably be required.
The mic-specific Channel 1 also has plenty of extremely clean gain available, and the one-button (and editable) Comp/EQ and effects circuits will cover an extremely wide variety of recording situations, from vocals to acoustic instruments and anything in between.
The unit seems solidly built, with high quality sockets and pots that have a good tactile feel and snug connections to inserted jacks. The single peak LED on each of the two mono input channels, along with the Stereo Out's two-level Sig/Peak LED indicators, have just the right amount of sensitivity to help dial in optimized signal levels that are strong but not distorted. I really like that Yamaha included balanced inputs and outputs, rather than the unbalanced tip-sleeve connections found on many compact mixers in this price range. They've packed a very (and useful) feature set into a very compact unit (the AG06's footprint is smaller than an iPad and only 2.5" thick). Power consumption is a modest 500mA at 5V, so the 12,000 mAh mobile USB battery I'm using to power it should provide nearly 24 hours of continuous operation between charges. The 'Swiss Army Knife' metaphor gets overused these days, but the AG06 really deserves that description. There are so many possible uses for it in a music recording studio. The Loopback function is targeted at podcasters, but with the onboard amp simulator and high quality mic pre with +48V phantom power, it's an ideal compact mixer to pair with an iPad for a guitarist wanting a complete (and completely portable) multitrack recording rig.
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Yamaha AG series USB audio interface mixer
Yamaha Musical Instruments
From the manufacturer
Yamaha AG03 Mixer / Interface
The words you speak. The songs you sing. Your influences, opinions, and passions take shape in the creations that ultimately become your voice.
When inspiration hits and you're ready to connect with an audience, whether it's your closest friends or a global network of fans that you haven't even met, you want to be sure that your voice, amongst so many others, is heard.
Multiple Uses
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Webcasting / PodcastingTransform your PC, Mac or even your iPad into a virtual radio station and spread your message to the world. With a surprisingly easy setup process, the AG lets you produce online content with high-resolution sound, either for real-time broadcast over digital streaming platforms such as USTREAM or YOUTUBE LIVE, or producing on-demand podcasts and videos. |
USB bus powered or mobile batteryThe compact and durable AG can be operated using USB bus power or a mobile battery, giving you a powerful mobile setup that can fit easily into a backpack. |
High resolution (192 / 24bit) playback and recordingAG’s high-quality design enables 192kHz / 24bit sound that can reproduce even the most subtle nuances of your original recordings. If you use ASIO compatible playback software, you can even bypass the internal Kernal mixer and reproduce the original sound faithfully. AG’s 192kHz/24bit sound quality is ideal for capturing the purest reproduction of your analog recordings when archiving your treasured collection. |
Flexible Control
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1-TOUCH DSP offers professional sound with a single touch1-TOUCH COMP / EQ can add clarity and focus to your sound with the simple click of a button. Just like an authentic radio broadcast, you can add reverb with the 1-TOUCH EFFECT or sound effects from an external device at will. |
Flexible connectivityAG comes equipped with an input featuring phantom power as well as a headset input, giving you the option to use a professional condenser mic, or conventional computer headset. |
ControlAG03 model feature volume knobs and a 60mm fader on the front panel for simple manual control of your voice, background music, and other audio content or sound effects. |
Class Compliant mode for iPad connectionAG is compatible with Apple’s second generation iPad or later, allowing you to create high quality recording and playback using an iOS compatible music app such as Cubasis. *Apple iPad Camera Connection Kit/ Lightning to USB Camera Adapter required |
Advanced Features
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LOOPBACK function for internet live streamingThe LOOPBACK function enables live broadcasting of all the microphones, instruments and other audio sources along with background music from your PC / Mac or iPad. |
AG DSP Controller allows additional control of DSP settingsWith the multi-platform AG DSP Controller software app you can access, and edit the compressor, EQ, high-pass filter, reverb, and amp simulator parameters of your 1-TOUCH DSP. EASY mode gives you precise, intuitive control, while EXPERT mode allows you more detailed adjustment of your parameters. |
Cubase AI Music Production SoftwareCubase AI Digital Audio Workstation (DAW) software is included with your AG purchase giving you a streamlined but powerful music production tool for making high-quality recordings right out of the box. |
From the brand
Let Your Soul Sing, Make Waves
We at Yamaha want to inspire peoples' passion and help them take a step forward to express their individuality, emotion and creativity.
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The Yamaha Difference
The perfect combination of traditional craftsmanship and leading edge technology.
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Compare with similar items
This Item  Yamaha AG03 3-Channel Mixer / 1 Microphone | Recommendations  |  |  |  |  | |
| Price | — | $89.00 | $109.00 | $267.99 | $168.99 | $1,587.99 |
| Delivery | — | — | Get it as soon as Monday, Nov 4 | Get it as soon as Wednesday, Oct 30 | Get it as soon as Monday, Nov 4 | — |
| Customer Ratings | ||||||
| Sold By | — | Amazon.com | GearNuts | Sole Source AV Supply | 7c u_tu STORE | Sole Source AV Supply |
| hardware interface | usb | — | — | usb | usb | — |
| style | AG03 | Audio Mixing Console | — | — | Built-in Effects | 24-Channel Mixer |
Okay Interface albeit low audio output & flawed khz in basic windows application
- Pro -*Good number of Inputs with a low Watt usage*Functional with Mobile devices via USB Micro (not USB Mini or USB Type B or USB Type C)*Input Mix mode is great for streamers that what music playing via a RCA input or a Guitar/keyboard via Instrument/Line input while talking. (IE for karaoke like moments or for an interlude moments without need to tell your Software to switch inputs or play on your desktop)*Bundled with Steinberg Cubase LE DAW software (Digital Audio Workstation) which isn't my cup of tea as I'm into Presonus Studio One. However all that said its free & good software.*The AG DSP Controller software allows you to modify your Mixer Effects more then the effects on the hardware (only for Windows & Mac)- Cons -*Default audio rates in Windows 10 64bit aren't 24bit/92khz but 24bit/44khz. (This means us recording audio straight into Premiere Pro, Davinci Resolve 15 or Your Screen Recording Software will result in audio @ 44khz... You need to record straight into a DAW to get 92khz)*Like above default audio rates on Mobile Devices is 16bit/44khz at-least from my testing in FL Studio. This could be a limit of FL Studio however Yahama doesn't list any specific apps that might get higher audio rates.*Audio Output is much lower then my other Hardware like NI Audio 6 & Behringer UMC202HD (IE Recordings from Yahama AG06 put side by side from another audio interface reveals lower audio levels on AG06)
Top reviews from the United States
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Top reviews from other countries
Nik Pushkarski
Easily the best purchase of the last couple of years
Reviewed in Canada on May 29, 2023Style: AG06Verified Purchase
Rajaofetra
Excellent mixeur/interface audio
Reviewed in France on May 16, 2021Style: AG03Verified Purchase
