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How to Use a Yamaha AW16G With a Mixer

The Yamaha AW16G is a digital workstation and recording console. It features dynamic processing and four-band parametric equalization on all channels. You can record directly to the 20 GB hard disk or route the AW16G to a computer for recording with a digital audio workstation such as Pro Tools. Although the AW16G has a sophisticated mixer of its own -- capable of recording up to eight tracks at once and because the AW16G incorporates all-digital processing -- you may find it a little harsh sounding if you’re used to using analog tube equipment. Fortunately, you can connect your vintage mixer to the AW16G in order to retain that characteristic warmth while still benefiting from the digital capabilities of the AW16G.

Things You'll Need

  • 1 XLR cable per microphone
  • 1 1/4-inch jack cable per electric instrument
  • 1 1/4-inch stereo cable to connect the mixers
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Instructions

    • 1

      Place your mixer to the right of the AW16G.

    • 2

      Connect both mixers to the main power supply but do not turn them on.

    • 3

      Connect your audio sources to mixer one. These vary depending on what you are recording. For example, if recording voice and synthesizer, connect a microphone and an instrument cable.

    • 4

      Connect a 1/4-inch stereo cable to the “Buss 1” jack of the first mixer. This is an auxiliary channel, rather than a typical audio channel. It is used for routing a collection of audio into a single channel and for connecting two mixers. By using a buss input, you can control all of the sound from the first mixer with a single slider dial. This approach enables you to expand the amount of channels you have at your disposal, which is useful for recording large ensembles at the same time. With this approach, you route the entire output from the first mixer to a single channel in the AW16G. So if you have four mics connected to four separate channels in mixer one, they effectively become one audio channel in mixer two.

    • 5

      Connect the other end of 1/4-inch stereo cable to “Input 1.”

    • 6

      Set the “Master” level on the first mixer and the AW16G to zero and turn on both devices.

    • 7

      Adjust the “Master” fader on the first mixer to no higher than 30 percent.

    • 8

      Audition the audio devices connected to the first mixer. For example, sing into the microphone. If the volume units meter on the first mixer flashes red, reduce the “Gain” dial on the channel to which the microphone cable is connected.

    • 9

      Adjust the “Gain” dial on the “Input 1” channel on the AW16G to the highest level you can before the volume meter flashes red. This ensures the input is as loud as possible without distortion.

    • 10

      Hit “Record” on the AW16G when you’re ready and begin playing or singing.

Recording Music

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