If you’re thinking about buying a mixer to use with your internet radio broadcasting, I’ve found one that I really like, and it’s less expensive than multitrack recorders like the Zoom PodTrack and much less expensive than the RODECaster Pro. This device will take an analog signal and make it available through USB. But it offers so much more than a USB audio interface like the Focusrite Scarlet 2i2, for about the same cost.
The Yamaha ag03 is a capable, fun, versatile little mixer. Combined with Rogue Amoeba’s Audio Hijack you can make some really fun radio. The ag03 has one channel for an XLR dynamic or condenser microphone (it has 48v phantom power), and can support microphones with 1/4″ TRS cables, too. In fact, it is intended for musicians who want to have a digital audio interface and mixer in a really small and portable package. It measures about 5 inches wide by 7.5 inches long – portable and feels really solid. Way smaller than the RODECaster Pro.
Connecting a phonograph, CD player, 8-track, just about anything you want, is easy. I connected my CD player with one of these 3.5mm to dual 1/4 inch Y cables into channels 2/3 or my record player with a couple of these cheap adapters.
The Yamaha ag03 with microphone, headphones, and monitor cables connected. The white cable in the back is a USB connecting the mixer to my laptop.
If you’re looking to add some character to your voice work, check out the built-in echo effect. It adds just a bit of delay to your broadcast mic or your guitar or keyboards.
But the absolute best feature, in my opinion, is the built-in loopback. This means you can use the ag03 as both the input AND output device without experiencing feedback or distracting delays. Below are a few screenshots of how I configured the Yamaha ag03 to work with basically any audio software. I particularly like Mixxx so I’ve got a couple screenshots of how I set it up to work, too.
While I like the setup above, it is far from the only way to incorporate this cool little mixer. It will work with ladiocast if that is your preferred way to stream via Icecast2. Same with other audio software. Spotify, VLC Player, YouTube, basically anything you could play through onboard audio can be looped through your Yamaha ag03, mixed with your voice or another input, and sent outward to your radio stream.
Finally, I recorded myself goofing around if you want to hear how the ag03 sounds.
Please reach out if you have questions or if you want to share what you’re up to. Thanks! #4Life
