When I bought my DAW I first used a cheap M-Audio interface that had no latency but didn't have a great mic pre-amp. I later upgraded to a Scarlett 18i20, and while it sounded better, it had HORRIBLE latency. No matter what I did it was nothing but trouble. I researched to no end and finally found an engineer to recommended using a mixer. The Yamaha MG12XU is a 12-channel mixer that comes equipped with a digital built-in effects processor alongside a USB audio interface that allows you to connect directly to a DAW. The MG series mixers feature auxiliary sends that will enable you to expand upon your sound reinforcement or recording setup so you can use the internal effect as well as output to external recording devices and send audio to a monitoring system. This sound desk is perfect for recording and live sound applications making it ideal for both the studio and music venues. With an intuitive, easy-to-use interface, the MG Series boasts an extensive lineup of compact mixing consoles with models ranging from six to twenty channels, suitable for a diverse range of users and applications. For installed, recording, or live music settings, the solid construction and flexible design of these consoles lets you shape your sound with confidence, continually delivering peak performance and a level of sound quality and reliability unrivalled in its class. For musical and non-musical applications alike, effects processing adds polish and professionalism to the mix. The MG12XU features Yamaha's acclaimed SPX digital multi-effect processor, offering a comprehensive suite of 24 editable digital effects perfect for enhancing your mix, whether adding depth to a speaking engagement or breathing new color and atmosphere into a live band performance. In particular, the high-quality reverb and delay expand the spatial quality of the sound with remarkable realism and naturalness. You can even connect an optional FC5 foot switch for effect on / off control. Built to last

When you're in the midst of a live event, you don't have time to tweak a large number of complex outboard units. To resolve this issue, the Yamaha MG Series of analog mixers features simple, time-saving one-knob compressors. Simply twist a single rotary control and you can dial in livelier guitars, punchier basses, tighter drums, and well-defined vocals. EQ and highpass filter allow for effective sound-shaping When was the last time you heard guitar without EQ or a completely unprocessed vocal on one of your favorite songs? Probably never. Yamaha mixers are famous for their flat response and sonic purity, but it often takes more than a perfectly-captured instrumental performance or vocal to achieve a professional-sounding mix. Equipped with some of the same state-of-the-art functionality featured on Yamaha's high-end consoles, the MG Series gives you the tools you need to produce high quality sound that is uniquely your own. LED level metering - Easy-to-read LED level metering allows output levels to be monitored with precision. The features are plentiful: you get compression, effects, digital interface and a good sounding analogue EQ on a single 12-channel board. A few other mixers offer the one-knob compression, but I have not seen one that sounds so good. The effects are useable. Routing options are quite ample for aa mixer this size. The EQ sounds very nice, however it would be perfect if they would have added a sweepable mid band like on its bigger brothers. Setting up the digital interface with my iPad was effortless and only took a driver installation to work perfectly on a Win7 PC. EQ and High-pass Filters - There's nothing more useful than reliable equalization when you need nuanced management of your tone. The MG Series benefits from Yamaha's unparalleled experience in designing pro audio gear, featuring 3-band equalizers on all mono channels for precise control of your sound. High-pass filter allows you to eliminate unwanted low-frequency noise, for a smoother, cleaner mix.A built-in SPX digital effects processor provides you with 24 high-quality effects that let you polish your sound when live or recording. The MG12UX is equipped with Yamaha’s critically-acclaimed SPX digital multi-effects processor that offers a wealth of editable digital effects that are perfect for enhancing your mix whether you’re adding depth to a speaker or putting colour on to a band’s performance. The impressive reverb and delay work to expand upon the spatial quality of your sound with excellent realism, you can even add an optional FC5 footswitch for on/off control over your effects. MG Series mixers feature AUX sends for expanding your sound reinforcement or recording setup, allowing you to incorporate the internal, or external effects, output to external recording devices, or feed to a monitoring system. Master send controls are also provided. The MG12XU features two stereo group buses and outputs that can be used for convenient channel grouping. Assign switches for the stereo and group buses are located next to each channel fader. A variety of input / output connectors The MG Series features the same digital connectivity that is used to streamline the recording process on Yamaha’s professional-level mixing consoles. Take advantage of state-of-the-art digital technology that makes it easier than ever to plug-in, play, record, and then listen to your creations. 24-bit /192kHz 2-in/2-out USB Audio Interface Function

For gigging, recording, and installed applications alike, your console can be subjected to a wide range of environmental conditions and hazards. Excessive humidity, unstable power supplies, and the rigors of road travel in general can take a serious toll on a mixing console, often causing expensive, time-consuming repairs, and reducing its lifespan. The MG Series has been redesigned with an emphasis on durability, incorporating practical features that offer greater flexibility while ensuring peak performance for many years to come.I’ve owned the Yamaha MG12XU for a few years. I bought it for live gigs and it’s great for that – the preamps, comps, eq’s, and effects are all decent for a mixer in this price range - but it’s also working out quite well in my home studio.