Yamaha’s AG08 is a multi-purpose live streaming mixer and audio interface, becoming the new flagship of the company’s second-generation AG series. The unit combines all essential functionality from the AG range with new, intuitive functions in a single streaming solution.
By integrating more flexible I/O and USB routing options, additional DSP effects, expanded functionality and improved internal circuitry, the AG08 supports a variety streaming applications, including speech, instrument, playback, gaming and ASMR, as well as offline audio content creation. But it’s loaded with useful features, it reckons to be both flexible and simple to use.
Eight input channels are provided, all with assignable faders and mute switches for hands-on control of sound levels. A range of high-quality effects is provided by onboard DSP, ensuring zero latency and no load on users’ host (Windows or Macintosh) computers. These include a voice changer effect on Channel 1, with an amp simulator on Channel 2 for guitar and bass. All of the input channels feature compression, EQ, reverb and delay, which can be set independently.
A ducker function can be used to automatically attenuate Channels 3/4, 5/6 and 7/8 to ensure the sound from Channels 1 and 2 is always clear. A maximiser is also provided on the output stage, which can add boost to the mix, as well as attenuating peaking signals.
Four effect preset buttons allow effects settings to be saved, and switch on Channel 1, providing versatile, real-time control. The dedicated AG08 Controller app for Windows, Macintosh and iPad OS provides precise parameter control and detailed audio management functions.
The AG08 also includes six customisable sound pads that allow pre-recorded sound effects and other audio playback to be triggered in real time. Using the AG08 Controller app, sound files can be dragged, dropped and assigned to the pad of choice. Alternatively, samples can be recorded via the AG08’s inputs and trimmed to length within the app.
Channels 1 and 2 have mono inputs, each with an XLR/TRS combo input for microphone, instrument or other sound sources, plus a gain control, switchable +48V phantom power and pad switch. Channel 2 also has a Hi-Z switch for guitar. The remaining inputs are arranged as stereo pairs – Channels 3/4 feature a pair of quarter-inch TRS line level inputs, Channels 5/6 two RCA and 3.5mm TRS (for gaming) and Channels 7/8 a four-pole TRRS socket (for Android devices).
A USB 2.0 socket is provided, and the audio sources for Channels 3/4, 5/6 and 7/8 can be selected from either the line inputs or USB. An additional switch on these channels allows sound to be included or excluded from the stereo, quarter-inch TRS streaming outputs. The stereo streaming mix can also be output via USB to a Windows or Macintosh computer.
Stereo pairs of XLR and quarter-inch TRS monitor outputs are provided, as well as two independent headphone/headset outputs.
The unit can be powered via USB for mobile use, and is supplied with a dedicated AC power adapter. An optional FC-5 footswitch can be used for input mute, tap tempo, voice effect in/out and as an output dimmer. It comes bundled with Steinberg’s Cubase AI and WaveLab Cast software for music/audio production and editing.
More: www.yamahaproaudio.com
