Yamaha MW12CX USB Studio Mixer

YAMAHA MW12CX Details ^top

The MW series USB Mixing Studios are high-level analogue mixing desks with an integrated USB interface to transfer digital audio data to and from a Windows or Mac PC. Since Steinberg's DAW software Cubase AI4 is included in the MW package you'll get the basic elements of a powerful Computer Music Production System that's easy to set up and easy to handle.

Connect the MW mixing desks with your computer using the included USB cable to transfer stereo audio data in both ways - from the mixing desk to the computer and vice versa - via the USB connection (16 bit with either 44.1 kHz or 48 kHz sampling frequency). You don't have to install any proprietary drivers, because the MW-System uses the standard drivers of the computers OS.

The MW series comes with four models to satisfy different mixing needs.

The MW12c offers 12 audio inputs. The first four channels are equipped with XLR, phone jacks, and inserts. Right behind the gain and a switchable highpas-filter these channels feature a newly designed compressor ("1-knob analog compressor") to boost the loudness of the signal in a simple and intuitive way. A 3-band EQ, two Aux sends (Aux 1 pre/post switchable), panorama, mute- and PFL-switch and the 60mm fader complete the channel strip. Using the routing switches the channels can be routed to the recording bus and/or the stereo bus; the recording bus can function as a subgroup. The next two channels can be used as mono-channels (XLR/phone jack) or as stereo- channels (phone jack) - but without the compressor. The last two channels are line- level stereo-channels featuring a 2-band-EQ (phone jack/RCA). One stereo-aux-return and the 2-track-in (RCA or via USB) make the audio-inputs complete. On the output side there are the stereo-main-out (XLR/phone jack) and a monitor-out (phone jack), rec out (phone jack/RCA), Aux send 1 and 2, and a phones jack on board.

The MW12cx expands the concept with an integrated digital effect unit which replaces the Aux send 2. Its 16 different effects each offer one parameter to be finetuned and contain a series of reverb, echo, and chorus programs plus flanger, phaser, auto wah and distortion. The effects can be switched on/off with an optional footswitch.

The MW10c features the same mixing desk concept in a smaller version with 10 audio inputs (2 mono-channels XLR/phone jack including compressor, 2 mono/stereo- channels XLR/phone jack, 2 stereo-channels phone jack/RCA). One Aux send, monitor- and stereo-out (each phone jack) and the possibility to route the 2-track-in-signal (from the computer via USB or via RCA-input) either to monitor or the stereo out make recordings a cake.

The MW8cx is the smallest edition of the MW series featuring 8 audio inputs (2 mono-channels XLR/phone jack including compressor, 2 mono/stereo-channels XLR/phone jack, 1 stereo-channel phone jack/RCA) plus the same effect unit as the MW12cx.

* MW12c/MW12cx: 12 audio inputs, 4 featuring inserts and 1-Knob-Compressor
* MW10c: 10 audio inputs, 2 featuring inserts and 1-Knob-Compressor
* MW8cx: 8 audio inputs, 2 featuring inserts and 1-Knob-Compressor
* Stereo output, Monitor stereo output, phones connector
* 2-Track-In analog inputs or via USB from a connected computer
* No driver installation needed, compatible to Windows and Mac
* MW12cx/MW8cx: integrated digital effect unit with 16 programs
* Cubase AI4 included

In addition to the normal stereo buss, the MW12C and MW12CX has assignable busses (REC OUT). This feature gives you addes flexibility in routing the signals for recording and monitoring. Turning on the ON switch for any channel immediately routes that channel to the USB terminal and enables it for recording. Multiple channels selected in this way are, of course, recorded to a stereo mix on the computer. In this condition, each channel is also mixed to the stereo buss and can be monitored (with the Monitor Mix function).

The MW12C and MW12CX both give you a total of twelve inputs, including four mono microphone/line inputs and four stereo line inputs. Two of the stereo line inputs can also function as mono microphone inputs, providing up to six simultaneous microphone inputs if you need them. The high-performance ultra-low-noise balanced microphone inputs also have a phantom power switch, allowing you to take advantage of the superior sonic quality of professional-level condenser microphones.

Compression—the taming of wildly varying levels in vocals, bass and guitar—is one of the most important effects used in recording and mixing. It is also one of the most subtle and difficult to use. Not with the new MW series mixers, however. The innovative 1-knob analog compressor (on the mono input channels) lets you dial in just the amount of compression you need in recording, without having to set multiple parameters like threshold, ratio and makeup gain. One knob does it all for you—instantly giving you great, punchy sound. This convenient feature gives you simple control over the balance between the signals being recorded and the playback signals being monitored.

Monitor Mix
This is particularly helpful when recording several sources at the same time, letting you use a single knob to adjust the balance of the playback and recording signals for monitoring purposes. Naturally, this doesn’t affect the recording level; it simply allows you to control what you want to hear.

Top-mounted input and output connectors make setting up and re-patching your system quick and easy. Both models feature high-quality NeutrikTM balanced XLR connectors for the microphone inputs. Long-throw, smooth-action faders give you precise and tactile control over signal levels. The mixer also has a bright and large 12-segment LED meter for visual signal indication.

For those who like the convenience of having signal processing right inside the mixer, the MW8CX and MW12CX incorporates a versatile digital multi-effect unit that provides a variety of reverb, delay, modulation, and distortion programs you can use to enhance your sound, or completely transform it—without the need for an external device. Each of the 16 effect programs has a number of editable parameters as well as effect on/off switching capability and return level control. If you need to keep both hands free to play an instrument or perform other operations, an optional footswitch can be connected to the mixer’s effect footswitch jack for convenient on/off switching.

Dedicated On switches for each channel let you enable or disable (mute) individual input channels as desired, while the lamps on the switches give you instant visual indication about which channels are on.

To record MIDI data and use the plug-in synths included in Cubase AI4, you'll need a proper MIDI interface. The optional Yamaha UX16 MIDI/USB Converter provides a very simple, inexpensive way to get MIDI data into and out of your computer. Alternately, you could use a synthesizer equipped with USB interface, such as the Yamaha MOTIF XS.

The new MW USB Mixing Studio series mixers give you absolutely everything you need to turn your computer into a complete home recording studio—and that includes Steinberg’s full-featured Cubase AI4 software. Cubase AI4 is a comprehensive music production software based on the flagship Cubase 4 program that has been specially bundled with the new MW. It gives you up to 48 simultaneous audio tracks and 64 MIDI tracks, plus a variety of VST plug-in software synths and effects, as well as full VSTi compatibility

The ‘AI’ in Cubase AI4 stands for Advanced Integration, and this new software delivers sophisticated functions and a level of hardware/software integration that other programs can’t match. Thanks to the built-in Studio Connections system, Cubase AI4 lets you use compatible hardware instruments (such as Yamaha’s MOTIF XS synthesizer) directly and seamlessly within your computer-based environment. Check out the example applications below to see how you can use the MW in creating and recording your own music—and look at the section on Cubase AI4 later in the brochure for details on this powerful program.

At the heart of Cubase AI4 is the same high-quality audio engine used in the top-of-the-line Cubase 4 system. Record and mix your tracks with professional quality 32- bit/96kHz resolution, and enjoy the clearest, most accurate and most pristine digital sound throughout the entire signal chain.

CUBASE 4
http://www.steinberg.net/983_1.html

CUBASE STUDIO4
http://www.steinberg.net/1008_1.html

SoundFrame is a new powerful system built into Cubase AI4 that manages all of your sounds, samples, presets and loops in one centralized database. It puts all of your music materials in one easy-to-access, easy-to-organize location, and makes recording and song creation more efficient than ever before. SoundFrame—when used with the included HALion ONE software sampler (see below)—can help you easily and quickly find any sound, not only by instrument but also by category, type, style, character or other attributes. You can even instantly preview sounds before loading. SoundFrame also allows you to manage your VST effects plug-in presets, organizing and categorizing them to form one big effects library.

Cubase AI4 comes loaded with the powerful HALion ONE software sampler. This sample playback plug-in perfectly integrates with the sequencer and is optimized for use with the SoundFrame features. It features brand-new ready-to-play sounds using high-quality samples from Yamaha’s renowned MOTIF series instruments—covering acoustic and electronic instruments, as well as synth timbres and drums.

MIDI Edit Windows

Cubase AI4 gives you a number of sophisticated, useful tools for controlling and rearranging your recordings. You can use the main Project window to record and do basic cut-and-paste work on your tracks, and use the other editing windows for more detailed changes. The Sample Editor, for example, lets you easily manipulate your audio recordings. For MIDI recordings, there are a variety of options—the Key Editor (in piano roll form), the Drum Editor (with convenient event and drum mapping indications), the Score Editor (for notation based editing), and the detailed List Editor (showing all MIDI events).

Other important Cubase AI4 features include a comprehensive set of VST3 plug-ins, including 15 new and dynamic effect types. Use them to process your recorded tracks within your computer—without the need for external processors.

A sample set of 480 different drum and rhythm loops has been included, as well as 20 types of MIDI Style files (for backing tracks) so that you can get started making quality music right out of the box.

YAMAHA MW12CX Specs ^top

MW12C MW12CX
Frequency Response ST OUT, REC OUT, AUX (EFFECT*) SEND, MONITOR OUT -3.0, 0, 1.0 dB, GAIN: min(CH 1-2, CH 3/4-5/6), 20Hz-20kHz, refer to the nominal output level @1kHz
Total Harmonic Distortion (THD+N) ST OUT Less Than 0.1 %, +14dBu, 20Hz-20kHz, Input Gain Control at minimum
Hum&Noise

Hum & Noise are measured with a 6dB/octave filter @12.7kHz; equivalent to a 20kHz filter with infinite dB/octave attenuation." CH INPUT 1-4 MIC -128 dBu, EIN(Equivalent Input Noise): Rs=150 ohms, GAIN:max
ST OUT, REC OUT -88 dBu, ST,REC Master fader at nominal level and all Ch mix controls at minimum.
AUX (EFFECT*) SEND -81 dBu, AUX Master control at nominal level and all Ch mix controls at minimum.
ST OUT, REC OUT -64 dB, ST,REC Master fader and one Ch fader at nominal level.
ST OUT -98 dB, Residual Output Noise.
Crosstalk@1 kHz Input to Output -70 dB,STEREO L/R, CH 1-4, PAN panned Hard left or right.
Phantom Voltage MIC +48 V
USB Audio I/O Sampling Frequency 44.1, 48 kHz, Depend on the application of PC
Input HPF CH 1-4, CH 5/6-7/8, 80Hz, 12dB/oct
Input Equalization
+15,-15dB maximum.
Turn over/roll-off frequency of shelving:
3dB blow maximum variable level. High 10 kHz shelving (CH 1-4, CH 5/6-7/8)
Mid 2.5 kHz peaking (CH 1-4, CH 5/6-7/8)
Low 100 Hz shelving (CH 1-4, CH 5/6-7/8)
High 10 kHz shelving (CH 9/10-11/12)
Low 100 Hz shelving (CH 9/10-11/12)
PEAK Indicator Red LED turns on when post EQ (ST CH: or post Mic HA) signal reaches -3dB below clipping (17dBu).
Internal Digital Effect - 16 PROGRAM, PARAMETER control
Foot Switch (Digital Effect, on/off)
LED Level Meter Pre MONITOR Level 2x12 points LED meter (PEAK,+10,+6,+3,0,-3,-6,-10,-15,-20,-25,-30 dB)
PEAK lights if the signal comes within 3 dB of the clipping level.
Power Supply Adapter PA-20
Power Consumption 30 W
Dimensions W x D x H (mm) 346.2 x 436.6 x 86.1
Net Weight 3 kg 3.2 kg
Option - Foot Switch (FC5)


All fader are nominal when measured. (Nominal position is adjusted to a position that is 6dB lower than the MAX position)
Output impedance of signal generator:150ohms
*: EFFECT SEND exists only in MW8CX, MW12CX
**: ST CH IN 9/10 exists only in MW10C

ANALOG INPUT CHARACTERISTICS(MW12C / MW12CX)
Connections Gain Trim Actual Load Impedance For Use With Nominal Input level Connector
Sensitivity *2 Nominal Max. before clip
CH INPUT MIC (1-4) –60 dB 3 k ohms 50–600 ohms Mics –80 dBu (0.078 mV) –60 dBu (0.775 mV) –40 dBu (7.75 mV) XLR-3-31 type *3
–16 dB –36 dBu (12.3 mV) –16 dBu (123 mV) +4 dBu (1.23V)
CH INPUT LINE (1-4) –34 dB 10 k ohms 600 ohms Lines –54 dBu (1.55 mV) –34 dBu (15.5 mV) –14 dBu (155 mV) TRS Phone Jack *4
+10 dB –10 dBu (245 mV) +10 dBu (2.45 V) +30 dBu (24.5 V)
ST CH MIC INPUT (5/6, 7/8) –60 dB 3 k ohms 50–600 ohms Mics –80 dBu (0.078 mV) –60 dBu (0.775 mV) –40 dBu (7.75 mV) XLR-3-31 type *3
–16 dB –36 dBu (12.3 mV) –16 dBu (123 mV) –6 dBu (389 mV)
ST CH LINE INPUT (5/6, 7/8) –34 dB 10 k ohms 600 ohms Lines –54 dBu (1.55 mV) –34 dBu (15.5 mV) –14 dBu (155 mV) Phone Jack *5
+10 dB –10 dBu (245 mV) +10 dBu (2.45 V) +30 dBu (24.5V)
ST CH INPUT (9/10, 11/12) - 10 k ohms 600 ohms Lines –30 dBu (24.5 mV) –10 dBu (245 mV) +10 dBu (2.45 V) Phone Jack *5
RCA Pin Jack
CH INSERT IN ( 1-4) - 10 k ohms 600 ohms Lines –20 dBu (77.5 mV) 0 dBu (0.775 V) +20 dBu (7.75 V) Phone Jack (TRS) *6
RETURN (L, R) - 10 k ohms 600 ohms Lines –12 dBu (195 mV) +4 dBu (1.23 V) +24 dBu (12.3 V) Phone Jack *5
2TR IN (L, R) - 10 k ohms 600 ohms Lines –26 dBV (50.1 mV) –10 dBV (0.316 V) +10 dBV (3.16 V) RCA Pin Jack


*1: 0 dBu is referenced to 0.775 Vrms. 0 dBV is referenced to 1 Vrms.
*2: Sensitivity is the lowest level that will produce an output of +4 dB (1.23 V), or the nominal output level when the unit is set to maximum level. (all faders and level controls are at maximum position.)
*3: XLR-3-31 type connectors are balanced. (1=GND, 2=HOT, 3=COLD)
*4: Phone Jacks are balanced. (Tip=HOT, Ring=COLD, Sleeve=GND)
*5: Phone Jacks are unbalanced.
*6: Phone Jacks are unbalanced. (Tip=Out, Ring=In, Sleeve=GND)


ANALOG OUTPUT CHARACTERISTICS(MW12C / MW12CX)
Connections Actual Source Impedance For Use With Nominal Output level Connector
Nominal Levell Max. before clip
STEREO OUT (L, R) 75 ohms 600 ohms Lines +4 dBu (1.23 V) +24 dBu (12.3 V) XLR-3-32 type*2
Phone Jack *3
GROUP OUT (1, 2) 150 ohms 10 k ohms Lines +4 dBu (1.23 V) +20 dBu (7.75 V) Phone Jack *4
AUX SEND (1, 2 *10)
(EFFECT SEND *11) 150 ohms 10 k ohms Lines +4 dBu (1.23 V) +20 dBu (7.75 V) Phone Jack *4
CH INSERT OUT (CH 1-4) 75 ohms 10 k ohms Lines 0 dBu (0.775 V) +20 dBu (7.75 V) Phone Jack *5
REC OUT (L, R) 600 ohms 10 k ohms Lines –10 dBV (0.316 V) +10 dBV (3.16 V) RCA Pin Jack
MONITOR OUT (L, R) 150 ohms 10 k ohms Lines +4 dBu (1.23 V) +20 dBu (7.75 V) Phone Jack *4
PHONES OUT 100 ohms 40 ohms Phones 3 mW 75 mW Stereo Phone Jack


*1: 0 dBu is referenced to 0.775 Vrms. 0 dBV is referenced to 1 Vrms.
*2: XLR-3-32 type connectors are balanced. (1=GND,2=HOT, 3=COLD)
*3: Phone Jacks are balanced. (Tip=HOT, Ring=COLD, Sleeve=GND)
*4: Phone Jacks are impedance balanced. (Tip=HOT, Ring=COLD, Sleeve=GND)
*5: Phone Jacks are unbalanced. (Tip=Out, Ring=In, Sleeve=GND)
*6: AUX SEND 2 exists only in MW12C.
*7: EFFECT SEND exists only in MW12CX.


MW10C / MW8CX / MW12C / MW12CX System Requirements
Windows® Vista
Computer Windows-based computer with built-in USB interface
OS Windows Vista
CPU 1 GHz or better Intel Core / Pentium / Celeron processor
Memory More than 1 GB
Windows® XP
Computer Windows-based computer with built-in USB interface
OS Windows XP Professional / XP Home Edition
CPU 750 MHz or better Intel Core / Pentium / Celeron processor
Memory More than 128 MB
Macintosh®
Computer Macintosh computer with built-in USB interface
OS Mac OS X 10.3.3 or higher
CPU Macintosh G3 processor 300 MHz or better
Memory More than 128 MB




Cubase AI4 System Requirements
Windows®
OS Windows XP Professional / XP Home Edition
CPU Intel Pentium 1.4 GHz or better
Available Memory More than 512 MB
Hard Disk Free disk space of 400 MB or more; high-speed hard disk
Audio Interface Windows DirectX / ASIO compatible
Macintosh®
OS Mac OS X 10.4 or higher
CPU Power Mac G4 1 GHz or Core Solo 1.5 GHz or better
Available Memory More than 512 MB
Hard Disk Free disk space of 400 MB or more; high-speed hard disk