For
quite a while now, I've been accustomed to my old 4 channel mixer from
Acoustic. Rated at 150W per channel, it has enough power for my needs,
even though it’s not the cleanest sounding PA head around. Hey, for
roughly 20 years old, that's not too bad! It’s pretty limited in
features, though, and creating any kind of flexibility with it usually
included a trip down to Radio Shack to purchase another set of cables,
jacks, adapters, or whatever I needed to make it do what I needed it to
do. Most of you can probably sympathize with me and also have that box or
coffee can full of adapters in your basement somewhere. On more than one
occasion, my wife has asked "What do you plan to do with all of that
junk." Junk? They'll never understand..
Just last week, though, a brand spanking new EMX660 arrived from
Yamaha. One of the most powerful in the box pa / mixer class, the EMX660
is likely to go head to head with some of the finest offerings from other
manufacturers of these units like Mackie, Carvin, and Electar - to name a
few. The
EMX660 has twin 300W ( into 4 ohms ) amplifiers with some very flexible
amp switching capabilities. You have the capability to drive the amp
bridged ( 600W MAX! ), or split it out and drive sets of cabinets and monitors as
well as everything and every combination in between.
Each of the first 4 channels has balanced XLR inputs and switchable
pads so you don't overdrive your inputs with higher line level instruments
– or vocalists with "screaming" tendencies. Also included is a
master +48V phantom power switch and balanced 1/4" inputs. Channel 5
has a high impedance line-in that is most suited for use with an
acoustic / electric guitar - sans a direct box. I've made quite a bit of
use of this feature. With my old PA, I would just run the acoustic
straight in to a Hi-Z input jack, because I didn't have a better way to get the signal
in. I realize now, that the guitar sounded flat and
lifeless. The nice thing about this high impedance input is that all of
the subtleties return to the signal. Now my Ovation sounds like it should
when amplified and I must say that I'm quite pleased with the sound.
All channels feature 3 band rotary dial EQ and independent monitor and
effects sends. This is very handy when dealing with a few different
individuals and their specific needs and desires while on stage. Also
included are two sets of RCA inputs / outputs that can be used for
connecting a tape or other external source, and running out to the same.
I've been using these auxiliary inputs and outputs to connect the EMX660
to my PC's sound card so I could use it as a front end mixer for tracks in
Cakewalk's Guitar Studio 2. On the mains and monitors out panels,
there are also separate effects sends and 7 band graphic EQ's. This
powered mixer really has a lot of tweak-ability. Between each channel and
the final stage of amplification, you can really get that sound you're
going for. Let’s not forget to mention the built-in DSP effects with 8
different presets either. Although the effects are mainly echos and
reverbs, they provide a nice touch to the final sound and I'm finding that
combined with a decent microphone, I don't sound that bad singing after
all.
One of the nicest features of this unit is its flexibility. I do a lot
of recording on my PC using Cakewalk Guitar Studio 2. Normally, I'm
fumbling with cables and patch-cords while trying to get levels set and
adjusted. The EMX660 makes it easy with the auxiliary line level outs and
tape line level ins. I simply run a 1/8" stereo mini splitter with
left and right RCA jacks on the end into and out of the mixer and my PC's
sound card. The levels adjust perfectly and the sound is much, much better
than I’m used to. Some of the most fun I've had with this EMX660 is
tracking down quality MIDI files on the net, playing them through Cakewalk
( and editing out the cheesy melody lines ) and singing along with them.
Sure, the only audience is my dog sometimes, but I think he likes what
he's hearing. At least he doesn't moan and howl like he did with my old PA
system. You could also use this unit as a entry level DJ system if you
want. I had the opportunity to use it at a party over the weekend, and
people were impressed with the level and quality of the sound. Again,
flexibility.
As far as quality goes, construction on the unit is first rate. A
rugged black carpeted exterior complements a nice flat black front and
back panel. Nothing too much out of the ordinary here, but with the color
coordination Yamaha chose the unit is as attractive as it is functional.
The knobs and dials are all good quality and there’s plenty of LED’s
on the face so you can monitor your signal strength from a short distance
away.
To give you more of an idea of the specifics, here’s some additional
product feature details from Yamaha’s web-site:
Input Section - With 6 channels that accept either XLR or 1/4"
inputs, and 2 inputs that accept Super Hi-Z inputs for acoustic guitars,
and other instrument pickups, any microphone or other input can be
accommodated. There is also a set of tape inputs that accept RCA plugs
from a CD player or cassette deck.
Digital Reverb - The EMX660 uses a new high quality DSP processor.
This device provides 8 effect types specifically designed for live
applications, with easy adjustment. The effect can then be sent to the
main mix as well as to the monitors, allowing the performer to hear.
Built-In Graphic Equalizer - Both the main and monitor outputs
provide 7-band graphic EQ. This allows the user to shape the sound of the
main speakers, and to help to control feedback in the monitors.
600 Watts of Power - The EMX660 has two 300-watt amplifiers. These
amplifiers use Yamaha's patented EEEngine technology, providing lighter
weight and, equally important, cooler operation. The amplifiers are
protected from damage by built-in limiters that will also protect the
connected speakers.
Lo-Z Input Jacks - Lo-Z input jack allows direct connection of
microphones with pro-style XLR connectors.
Hi-Z Input Jacks - Hi-Z input jack enables the direct connection of
high level sources (items that have internal amplification) like
keyboards, drum machines and CD players
Pad Switches - Pad switches decrease the input sensitivity for extra
loud sources (i.e. screaming singers, shouting speakers or high output
microphones).
Level Controls - Level controls manage the input volume.
Effect Level Controls - Effect level controls adjust the amount of
signal sent to the main effect section of the mixer.
Mon. Level Control - Mon. level controls control the volume sent to
the monitor output.
Channel EQ Section - Channel EQ section includes 3 controls to
tailor the sound of the input.
Digital Effect - Digital Effect provides a high quality DSP effect
that's applied to the main output.
7-band Graphic EQ - 7-band graphic EQ customizes the sound for the
monitor output.
Phantom Switch - Phantom switch activates power that is sent to the
Lo-Z inputs. Phantom power is used for condenser microphones that have
small internal amplifiers that require power in order to produce sound.
Monitor Master Level - Master level adjusts the output to the
monitors.
Tape In (tape jacks) - Tape in controls the amount of signal from
the tape in jacks to the monitors (great for rehearsals).
Effect Return (monitor output) - Effect return controls the amount
of effect sent to the monitor output. This useful control allows the
performer(s) to hear the benefits of the effect as well as the audience.
Limiter LEDs - Limiter LEDs indicate when the internal amplifiers
are being overworked. This warning signal helps to prevent damage to your
speakers.
Amplifier Routing Switch - Amplifier routing switch allows both
amplifiers to be used for the main output.
Main Output Master Level Controls - Master level controls the level
of the main output.
Tape In (Main Output) - Tape IN controls the volume of the input at
the tape in jack and mixes it in the main output.
Monitor Out Jack - Monitor out jack connects an external amplifier
to power stage monitors.
Main Output (into existing sound systems) - Main output permits
connection into existing sound systems, or to additional amplifiers for
larger audiences.
Aux In (Aux In jacks) - Aux In controls the level of the signal
coming into the Aux In jacks (23).
Tape In (tape player or CD player) - TAPE IN accepts a tape player
or CD player and routes them directly to the main output.
Aux In (output from another mixer) - AUX in brings the output from
another mixer into the EMX660 without tying up other inputs.
Aux In Level - AUX in level controls the volume of any source
connected to the AUX in jack.
7-band Graphic EQ - 7-band graphic EQ customizes the sound for the
monitor output.
Effect Return (main output) - Effect return adjusts the amount of
effect that is sent to the main output.
Foot SW Jack - Foot SW jack allows the use of a footswitch to mute
the effect.
Effect Out Jack - Effect out jack sends the signal out to an
external effects processor.
Bottom Line:
For a powered mixer that you can find for just under $500 on the
street, this is one impressive unit. The EMX660 is best suited for
applications like acoustic jams, small bands, beginning DJ's, and those that need a
flexible piece of equipment to
do double duty as a gig amp / mixer and a gateway mixer into a home
recording studio. This is the application that I'm finding the EMX660
perfectly suited for. For a decent price you can get a very versatile
piece of equipment. Although this isn’t how home recording guru’s recommend
setting up your home studio, it works out fine if you're on a budget or
need a unit that can serve multiple purposes for you.
Although the mixer is rated at 300 watts per side into 4 ohms, I'm
running Optimus 15's that are rated to 300W at 8 ohms. That's more
resistance than the EMX660 advertises, but it doesn't have any problems
driving my cabs. Although you can crank this baby through my 15's, you
won't get the mind numbing volume that you'd get from more efficient 4 ohm
speakers. However, at 8 ohms this box still pushes 215W max into each channel.
Plenty of power if you ask me. I only wish I had the Club Series Loudspeakers from Yamaha to really get the
most out of this box.
All in all, the EMX660 is a great product and a great value.
The sound quality is unusually good for a product in this range ( 0.5% THD
at rated values ) and I'd recommend the unit to anyone that is looking for
something flexible. Even our Kramer
Focus sounded great plugged straight in, clean, with some reverb! Until you get one of these
multi-functional powered mixers, you won't know what you've been missing.
It's the best of both worlds, and it's built tough and rugged enough to
take the abuse on the road if you're lucky enough to gig for a living.
Learn more about it!
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Yamaha EMX660 Powered Mixer
Yamaha EMX660 PA Package
