All user reviews of 4/5 for the Yamaha MG166CX-USB

Good console for a band or orchestra or to mix at home.
Yamaha quality, reliable and solid.
The mixer comes with rails to mount it on a rack
It has 16 inputs (with built-in compressor on inputs 1 through 6, which can be individually adjusted)
XLR or jack from 1 to 11/12 XLR with adjustable gain
Inputs 13/14 and 15/16 are on jack or RCA
Only channel 12 has phantom power.
The effects section (10 or 12 in the memory) is assignable to every channel
High, mid, low controls.
The output is stereo on jack or XLR, just like the monitors.
Possibility to insert external effects with 2 sends and 2 returns
Headphones output with dedicated control.
Easy readable VU-meter.
USB interface for 2 channels only, to record with the included Cubasis Lt.

UTILIZATION

It's an analog mixer, easy to use, the manual is clear and comprehensive.
Every channel has an ON switch.
In short, it's a Yamaha, clear and precise.

SOUNDS

The console is reliable, without noise, the EQ is precise, the compressor is effective and the built-in effects are interesting. There's not much to say, considering its quality and price. It's good gear, it only lacks some additional phantom power.
It is powered via an external supply.
The USB interface allows you to record with a PC and Cubasis LT, which is included. It's a bit light in this regard, but don't forget it's an analog mixer and it's more than enough to record a demo or monitor something.

OVERALL OPINION

We use it in a home studio and for gigs (pop band with 4 musicians) and we are satisfied. We have tried other brands before (samick; behringer) and this one is the most comprehensive.
If I had to choose another one, I'd go for a Yamaha, the only con is that we live in a digital world, so I think we'll do the switch and move in that direction shortly.

Mixer 16 track (12 Neutrik XLR with phantom power, 8 line, 8 stereo)
Inserts on the line taken
six tracks with one-knob compressors
two buses "send (pre / post and post) and an effect bus
two buses in the mix

Parametric equalizer on 8-track "line"

A USB port plug and play

UTILIZATION

If the manual is a little light for someone who never touched a table, it is easily accessible for someone with experience.
Hours of operation will be necessary to perfect novice to identify the operation in depth ..



SOUNDS

The table sounds quite well.

by usb it introduces, however, a significant blow when the level is somewhat low. C why it will still work using the maximum available signal

For the rest, the equalizer and small compressors are efficient

OVERALL OPINION

I use it for two years and am perfectly satisfied.

The highlight of this console is its versatility: it offers many connections so that you can easily connect. It has built-in compressors and booster effects which are always nice.

She did not intend to strictly home-studio owners who prefer a more effective interface, but more versatile musician.

for the many opportunities it offers, yes I would do this choice. (I originally hesitated between it and the Multimix 16 usb Alesis for its ability to export 16 tracks simultaneously cons 2 for my Yamaha. But to this day, I found the Alesis a little too light ...)