Yamaha MG10XU vs Focusrite Scarlett 2i2

In this video we compare the Yamaha MG10XU USB audio Mixer to the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 USB Audio Interface.

The Scarlett has a noise of: -128 dBu
The Yamaha has a noise of: -128 dBu

The Scarlett has a gain of: 56 dB
The Yamaha has a gain of: 64 dB

On paper, the Yamaha has more powerful preamps and the same amount of noise.

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CHAPTERS:
0:00 - Introduction
0:33 - Yamaha MG10XU Overview
2:24 - Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 Overview
4:00 - Comparing Both Options
4:55 - Final Thoughts

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[anthonynunyabizness]

It was probably frustrating to answer this question cause I think you could argue this an "apples to oranges" comparison, but theres always away and you found it. Clear and informative👍
I just purchased the yamaha on an impulse and was hoping I wouldn't regret my decision and you made me feel much better about it.

[nagatom]

You have a very soothing voice and delivery.

[savanaviolenta]

The Yamaha is much much better value. You have 4 D pre mics vs 2 on Scarlette, 2 one knobs compressors vs 0 on Scarlette, routing options via FX send on Mg10xu vs none on the Scarlette, 3 band eq, 20db pad and 80hz HPF vs none on the Scarlette, better preamps by the Yamaha, 24 SPX elfx vs none on the Scarlette. It just got it all. Only thing missing is a midi input and output on the Mg10xu, but who cares, most probably everyone having the mixer already has a dedicated audio interface with midi functionality. The Yamaha is a great, great value for so little money. And the sound is so crystal clear. Love it.

[maxruehl]

I have a 2i2 and just ordered a MG10XU. Before ordering it, I saw your video on plugging your MG10XU into an audio interface—you used a Presonus, I believe. I found this video today which seems to indicate that it's either/or. Are you saying I can just use the MG10XU and skip the 2i2 completely, the Yamaha being my sole interface? Thanks for any clarification yoh can offer.

[TheImageDoctor]

This may seem like a strange comparison, but this IS the question that a lot of people STILL want answered because BOTH of these units are still available new (2 years after this video) which means they BOTH have something really good going for them, but what? ^^^ Kettner breaks it down. NOTE about DESTRUCTIVE EDITING... Kettner mentions "destructive editing" from the Yamaha - the MG10XU is basically a PA mixer with a decent audio-interface welded onto the stereo output bus (pre-main) so anything you do "on the board" (compression, EQ and FX) will be sent to the computer, because there is only one (stereo) output bus feeding the mains, headphones, monitors and interface outputs - HOWEVER... if you run the Yamaha "flat" (all knobs @ default / off) then you are at least getting the very "cleanest" audio interface signal that the MG10XU is capable of producing; which is quite "clean" (IMO) but isn't particularly "hot" (in terms of level) - Be sure to check Kettner's other video on recording w/ the MG10XU.. it's very helpful as well 👍

[OgDj]

Great comparison / review!
How do you use the Yamaha to record into your computer?

[j_hj_j]

For anyone wondering if you should get Focusrite interface or MG10XU, just get MG10XU. It's good for live performance and for recording as well. It even has phantom power for your condenser mic. Seriously pay the extra $50 or so and get the Yamaha it's a great deal. Only downside I can see is the 'direct monitoring' feature by Focusrite. Not sure if the Yamaha has that. And, if you try to monitor your vocals via DAW you might have some latency. @Kettener Creative, any ideas on monitoring with no latency with MG10XU?

[jineshthomas]

Hi Jordan, Thank you very much for your tutorials. I do have the Yamaha MG10XU and your video demonstrating how it can multi track record after panning them to left and right is by far one of your best tutorials. Would you still advice me to get a Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 to get better sound recording from my acoustic electric guitar? If you say YES, I am going to buy Focusrite STAT.

[rjmeredith]

Would like to see you make a video Yamaha MG10XU, to Focusrite 2i2, to a graphic equalizer. It would be nice using the dbx 231s equalizer. Thank You Robert.

[KrishnenduHari]

I just want to record vocal or my guitar one at a time. I was about to buy MG10XU. I would not change any button so much to change any raw vocal structure.
will it cause noise for recording?

[rickdenney]

Informative channel; thanks. Here’s a big difference: if for some reason one needs to livestream through, say, web-conferencing software, the ability to make the mix outside the computer is a requirement. This is especially true for those using company computers that are locked down, preventing installation of DAWS software. You’d be surprised to discover how hard it is to get a single mic into both channels of the USB stereo pair using an audio interface without the control software. This is like a podcasting or streaming use case, but with limited control over the streaming computer. Give me a good mixer with an adequate post-mix USB class-compliant interface any day for this situation. I tried using a Presonus interface for two years, and was forced to use a stereo microphone just to get centered audio.

[robinarrigo]

What is the benefit of using both mixer & interface running lines from the mixer into the interface then to the computer for recording/video recordings?

[zonastore]

Can i use it together?because my focusrite not have compressor.even though there is a compressor in daw.microphone-->mixer yamaha mg10xu built in compressor-->focusrite interface

[blackie]

I'm interested to know if you're streaming or doing a podcast, if you can mix your mic sound on the fly with software if you're using the 2i2?

[afsalashker]

Which is better for vocal recording? For best quality

[giosciarappa]

I am starting a podcast and actually bought both of these! Would you recommend returning one or using in conjunction? Thank you for any advice!

[kzcproduction]

Hello sir Im from India and happy new year to you..suppose If I buy that adio usb Yamaha mixer M10XU..that means I don't need that Fucusrite interface 2i2..???...

[MAntisLew]

Hello great tutorials. Should I use a XLR to1/4 jack with the microphone, or XLR XLR ok?

[AndyAcker]

Thanks for the clear, simple, non-hyped efficient video. I've been trying to differentiate the why on when to use either the Yamaha or Scarlett at home. When using the stereo out from the MG10XU going into the Scarlett inputs, I struggle with not enough headroom before clipping, and it's challe going to have a strong waveform without it redlining. Any pointers?

[Irshaad]

Why do you say that the Focusrite has better preamps? The Yamaha has CLASS D pres, the same preamps used in the Steinberg interfaces. Then, the noise floor of both the Yamaha and the Scarlett is at - 128 Db. So again, why did you say that the Scarlett has better preamps? (I run an SM7b directly through the Yamaha at max gain or slightly under with a pretty quiet noise floor).