Yamaha EMX 7 Reviews

A very useful bit of kit.

This powered mixer ticks most of the boxes for a quick and easy way to set up sound for bands at medium-sized functions and pub gigs. I've used and abused Yamaha powered mixers for many years and didn't worry about reliability once. However it was time for more modern FX and more power.

What I like:

Weight and portability. The large metal handles front and back make this easy to transport and go some way to protecting the mixer controls. Digital amps are great!! I have used this with inefficient line array speakers and the amp didn't struggle once to drive them to significant levels. Sound quality was good and full, perhaps just a little on the dull side (might be my ears accustomed to a previous cheapo power amp?)

Layout. The rear connections are placed in such a way that the mixer can be table top set at an angle, or as I do flat mounted using a keyboard X-stand; the arms slot into cavities at the back so remain safely secured. Front controls are set out logically as one would expect from the big Y. The LCD display is visible (and adjustable). Controls feel positive and sturdy.

FX are modern and useable. Yamaha have included tailored EQ curves to suit their own ranges of speakers. I'll try this with my Club 15Vs some day.

A range of inputs to suit most equipment with control of the sound; high pass filters-essential; one-knob compression-meh (no Bluetooth or SD card reader however?) I leave the "feedback control" in, but who knows if it's working?

What I don't like:

You can always ask for extras on a compact mixer like this; more channels would be nice, swept mids, main inserts, but cost and space must out. Here's a couple of tweaks I think would help.

Sensitivity for mini jack, and RCA phonos (MP3 player, CD etc.) is set too low to provide higher volume in normal use. Amateur DJ's beware.

The 9 band graphic "Q" values are set too high. In other words you have selectable 9 bands of a potential 31 bands (1/3 octave) of graphic equaliser at your disposal. I found I used at least three adjacent bands to produce a noticeable "dent" in the sound. As this mixer is obviously aimed for "quick and easy", a broader half-octave graphic banding would be of more use. The implementation of the graphic and other digital software it must be said, was very easy and intuitive.

I am very pleased with my purchase and fully expect it to stand the test of time. Well done to Yamaha for a great update of a classic.