Yamaha MW12 User Manual
IMPORTANT NOTICE FOR THE UNITED KINGDOM
Connecting the Plug and Cord
IMPORTANT. The wires in this mains lead are coloured in accordance with the following code:
BLUE : NEUTRAL
BROWN : LIVE
As the colours of the wires in the mains lead of this apparatus may not correspond with the coloured makings identifying the terminals in
your plug proceed as follows:
The wire which is coloured BLUE must be connected to the terminal which is marked with the letter N or coloured BLACK.
The wire which is coloured BROWN must be connected to the terminal which is marked with the letter L or coloured RED.
Making sure that neither core is connected to the earth terminal of the three pin plug.
• This applies only to products distributed by Yamaha-Kemble Music (U.K.) Ltd. (2 wires).
COMPLIANCE INFORMATION STATEMENT
(DECLARATION OF CONFORMITY PROCEDURE)
Responsible Party : Yamaha Corporation of America
Address : 6600 Orangethorpe Ave., Buena Park, Calif. 90620
Telephone : 714-522-9011
Type of Equipment : USB MIXING STUDIO
Model Name : MW12
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules.
Operation is subject to the following conditions:
1)this device may not cause harmful interference, and
2)this device must accept any interference received including interference
that may cause undesired operation.
See user manual instructions if interference to radio reception is suspected.
* This applies only to products distributed by
YAMAHA CORPORATION OF AMERICA.
FCC INFORMATION (U.S.A.)
1. IMPORTANT NOTICE: DO NOT MODIFY THIS UNIT!
This product, when installed as indicated in the instructions
contained in this manual, meets FCC requirements. Modifications not expressly approved by Yamaha may void your
authority, granted by the FCC, to use the product.
2. IMPORTANT: When connecting this product to accessories
and/or another product use only high quality shielded cables.
Cable/s supplied with this product MUST be used. Follow all
installation instructions. Failure to follow instructions could
void your FCC authorization to use this product in the USA.
3. NOTE: This product has been tested and found to comply
with the requirements listed in FCC Regulations, Part 15 for
Class “B” digital de vices . Compliance with these requirements
provides a reasonable level of assurance that your use of this
product in a residential environment will not result in harmful
interference with other electronic devices. This equipment
generates/uses radio frequencies and, if not installed and
used according to the instructions found in the users manual,
may cause interference harmful to the operation of other electronic devices. Compliance with FCC regulations does
(FCC DoC)
not guarantee that interference will not occur in all installations. If
this product is found to be the source of interference, which
can be determined by turning the unit “OFF” and “ON”, please
try to eliminate the problem by using one of the following measures:
Relocate either this product or the device that is being
affected by the interference.
Utilize power outlets that are on different branch (circuit
breaker or fuse) circuits or install AC line filter/s.
In the case of radio or TV interference, relocate/reorient the
antenna. If the antenna lead-in is 300 ohm ribbon lead,
change the lead-in to co-axial type cable.
If these corrective measures do not produce satisfactory
results, please contact the local retailer authorized to distribute this type of product. If you can not locate the appropriate
retailer, please contact Yamaha Corporation of America, Electronic Service Division, 6600 Orangethorpe Ave, Buena Park,
CA90620
* This applies only to products distributed by YAMAHA CORPORATION OF AMERICA. (class B)
MW12 Owner's Manual
2
PRECAUTIONS
PLEASE READ CAREFULLY BEFORE PROCEEDING
* Please keep this manual in a safe place for future reference.
WARNING
Always follow the basic precautions listed below to avoid the possibility of serious injury or even death from electrical
shock, short-circuiting, damages, fire or other hazards. These precautions include, but are not limited to, the following:
Power supply/Power cord
• Only use the voltage specified as correct for the device. The required voltage is
printed on the name plate of the device.
• Use only the specified AC power adaptor (PA-20 or an equivalent recommended
by Yamaha).
• Do not place the power cord near heat sources such as heaters or radiators, and
do not excessively bend or otherwise damage the cord, place heavy objects on
it, or place it in a position where anyone could walk on, trip over, or roll anything
over it.
Do not open
• Do not open the device or attempt to disassemble the internal parts or modify
them in any way. The device contains no user-serviceable parts. If it should
appear to be malfunctioning, discontinue use immediately and have it inspected
by qualified Yamaha service personnel.
Water warning
• Do not expose the device to rain, use it near water or in damp or wet conditions,
or place containers on it containing liquids which might spill into any openings.
• Never insert or remove an electric plug with wet hands.
If you notice any abnormality
• If the power cord or plug becomes frayed or damaged, or if there is a sudden
loss of sound during use of the device, or if any unusual smells or smoke
should appear to be caused by it, immediately turn off the power switch,
disconnect the electric plug from the outlet, and have the device inspected by
qualified Yamaha service personnel.
• If this device or the AC power adaptor should be dropped or damaged,
immediately turn off the power switch, disconnect the electric plug from the
outlet, and have the device inspected by qualified Yamaha service personnel.
CAUTION
Always follow the basic precautions listed below to avoid the possibility of physical injury to you or others, or damage
to the device or other property. These precautions include, but are not limited to, the following:
English
Power supply/Power cord
• Remove the electric plug from the outlet when the device is not to be used for
extended periods of time, or during electrical storms.
• When removing the electric plug from the device or an outlet, always hold the
plug itself and not the cord. Pulling by the cord can damage it.
•To avoid generating unwanted noise, make sure there is 50 cm or more
between the AC power adaptor and the device.
• Do not cover or wrap the AC power adaptor with a cloth or blanket.
Location
• Before moving the device, remove all connected cables.
•Avoid setting all equalizer controls and faders to their maximum. Depending on
the condition of the connected devices, doing so may cause feedback and may
damage the speakers.
• Do not expose the device to excessive dust or vibrations, or extreme cold or heat
(such as in direct sunlight, near a heater, or in a car during the day) to prevent
the possibility of panel disfiguration or damage to the internal components.
• Do not place the device in an unstable position where it might accidentally fall
over.
• Do not use the device in the vicinity of a TV, radio, stereo equipment, mobile
phone, or other electric devices. Doing so may result in noise, both in the device
itself and in the TV or radio next to it.
Connections
• Before connecting the device to other devices, turn off the power for all devices.
Before turning the power on or off for all devices, set all volume levels to
minimum.
Handling caution
• Do not insert your fingers or hands in any gaps or openings on the device.
•Avoid inserting or dropping foreign objects (paper, plastic, metal, etc.) into any
gaps or openings on the device. If this happens, turn off the power immediately
and unplug the power cord from the AC outlet. Then have the device inspected
by qualified Yamaha service personnel.
• Do not use the device or headphones for a long period of time at a high or
uncomfortable volume level, since this can cause permanent hearing loss. If you
experience any hearing loss or ringing in the ears, consult a physician.
• Do not rest your weight on the device or place heavy objects on it, and avoid use
excessive force on the buttons, switches or connectors.
(5)-4
MW12 Owner’s Manual
3
Always turn the power off when the device is not in use.
Even when the power switch is in the “STANDBY” position, electricity is still flowing to the device at the minimum level. When you are not using the device for a long time,
make sure you unplug the power cord from the wall AC outlet.
The performance of components with moving contacts, such as switches, volume controls, and connectors, deteriorates over time. Consult qualified Yamaha service
personnel about replacing defective components.
English
SPECIAL NOTICES
• This owner's manual is the exclusive copyrights of Yamaha Corporation.
• The supplied software is the exclusive copyrights of Steinberg Media Technologies GmbH.
• Use of the supplied software and this manual is governed by the license agreement which the purchaser fully agrees to upon breaking the seal of the software packaging.
• Copying of the supplied software or reproduction of this manual in whole or in part by any means is expressly forbidden without the written consent of the manufacturer.
•Yamaha makes no representations or warranties with regard to the use of the software and documentation and cannot be held responsible for the results of the use of this
• The supplied disk is a CD-ROM. Do not attempt to play the disk on an audio CD player. Doing so may result in irreparable damage to your audio CD player.
• Visit the web address below for the latest information on supplied software and operating system requirements.
• The screen displays as illustrated in this owner’s manual are for instructional purposes, and may appear somewhat different from the screens which appear on your
• The illustrations as shown in this owner's manual are for instructional purposes only, and may appear somewhat different from those on your device.
XLR-type connectors are wired as follows (IEC60268 standard): pin 1: ground, pin 2: hot (+), and pin 3: cold (–).
Insert TRS phone jacks are wired as follows: sleeve: ground, tip: send, and ring: return.
Yamaha cannot be held responsible for damage caused by improper use or modifications to the device, or data that is lost or destroyed.
(Please read carefully the Software Licensing Agreement at the end of this manual before installing the application.)
manual and the software.
<http://www.yamahasynth.com/>
computer.
This product incorporates and bundles computer programs and contents in which Yamaha owns copyrights or with respect to which it has license to use others' copyrights.
Such copyrighted materials include, without limitation, all computer software, style files, MIDI files, WAVE data, musical scores and sound recordings. Any unauthorized use
of such programs and contents outside of personal use is not permitted under relevant laws. Any violation of copyright has legal consequences. DON'T MAKE, DISTRIBUTE
OR USE ILLEGAL COPIES.
This device is capable of using various types/formats of music data by optimizing them to the proper format music data for use with the device in advance. As a result, this
device may not play them back precisely as their producers or composers originally intended.
®
• Windows is the registered trademarks of Microsoft
• Apple and Macintosh are trademarks of Apple Computer, Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries.
• Steinberg and Cubase are the registered trademarks of Steinberg Media Technologies GmbH.
• The company names and product names in this Owner’s Manual are the trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective companies.
Specifications and descriptions in this owner's manual are for information purposes only. Yamaha Corp. reserves the right to change or modify products or specifications at
any time without prior notice. Since specifications, equipment or options may not be the same in every locale, please check with your Yamaha dealer.
Corporation.
MW12 Owner’s Manual
4
Foreword
Foreword
Thank you for choosing a Yamaha MW12 USB Mixing Studio. The MW12 includes an audio mixer equipped with a
USB interface for digital audio data transfer, and Cubase LE DAW (Digital Audio Workstation) software for
Windows® and Macintosh® computer operating systems. With the MW12 USB Mixing Studio and your personal
computer you have the basic elements of a high-performance computer recording system that is easy to set up
and operate.
In order to take full advantage of the many features and capabilities provided by the MW12, we urge you to read
this owner’s manual thoroughly before using your MW12 system, and keep the manual in a safe, accessible
location for future reference.
Features
Connect To Your Computer via a Single
USB Cable (page 7)
The MW12 mixer connects to your computer via the
supplied USB cable. Stereo audio data is transferred
in both directions—from the mixer to the computer,
and vice-versa—via the USB connection (44.1 kHz or
48 kHz sampling frequency).
No Driver Installation Required (page 7)
The MW12 system uses the standard drivers included
in your computer’s operating system, so there’s no
need to install any extra driver software.
Cubase LE DAW Software Supplied
(page 7)
Cubase LE software, included in the MW12 package,
offers versatile, high-performance hard-disk recording
capability.
3-Band EQ On Each Channel (page 15)
Each channel of the MW12 mixer features full 3-band
equalization, providing broad, musical
response-shaping capability.
Mixer Functions (page 19)
The MW12 mixer can handle up to 12 simultaneous
inputs, mixing them to stereo or group outputs. You
could connect four microphones and four stereo
sources, or six microphones and two stereo sources,
for example. AUX SEND connectors are provided for
convenient connection to external signal processors or
other equipment.
48V Phantom Power (page 18)
A PHANTOM switch supplies +48V phantom power to
the mixer’s microphone inputs, so you can use
high-quality phantom-powered condenser
microphones for superior recording quality.
Contents
Foreword ...................................................5
Features ...............................................................5
Contents .............................................................. 5
Before Turning on the Mixer ................................. 6
Turning the Power On/OFF .................................. 6
Computer System Requirements ........................ 6
Cubase LE System Requirements ...................... 6
Quick Guide ............................................... 7
1. Installing Cubase LE...................................... 7
2. Connections................................................... 7
3. Powering Up the System................................ 8
4. Adjusting Level and Equalization................... 9
5. Recording with Cubase LE........................... 10
6. Mixing with Cubase LE................................. 13
Front & Rear Panels ............................... 15
Channel Control Section .................................... 15
Master Control Section ...................................... 17
Rear Input/Output Section ................................. 19
Setting Up ................................................ 21
Setup Procedure ................................................ 21
Setup Examples ................................................ 21
Rack Mounting ................................................... 22
Troubleshooting ...................................... 23
Appendix ................................................. 25
Specifications .................................................... 25
Dimensional Diagrams ...................................... 27
Block Diagram and Level Diagram .................... 28
SOFTWARE LICENCING AGREEMENT . 29
English
MW12 Owner’s Manual
5
Foreword
Before Turning on the Mixer
1 Be sure that the mixer’ s power switc h is in
2 Connect the power adaptor to the AC
English
3 Plug the power adaptor into a standard
the STANDBY position.
Use only the PA-20 adaptor included with this
mixer. Use of a different adaptor may result in
equipment damage, overheating, or fire.
ADAPTOR IN connector (
1
) on the rear of
the mixer , and then turn the fastening ring
clockwise (
2
) to secure the connection.
2
1
household power outlet.
• Be sure to unplug the adaptor from the outlet
when not using the mixer, or when there are
lightning storms in the area.
•To avoid generating unwanted noise, make
sure there is 50 cm or more between the
power adaptor and the mixer.
Computer System Requirements
Windows
Computer Windows-based computer with built-in USB
interface
OS Windows XP
CPU 750MHz or higher Intel Pentium/Celeron processor
Memory More than 96MB (128MB or more recommended)
Macintosh
Computer Macintosh computer with built-in USB interface
OS MacOS X 10.3.3 or higher
CPU Macintosh G3 processor 300MHz or higher
Memory More than 128MB
Cubase LE System Requirements
Windows
OS Windows XP
CPU 500 MHz or higher Pentium III or AMD K7
(1GHz or more recommended Pentium III/Athlon)
Memory
Hard Disk 1GB or more
Macintosh
OS MacOS X 10.3.3 or higher
CPU Macintosh G4 processor 450MHz or higher
Memory
Hard Disk 1GB or more
More than 256MB (512MB or more recommended)
More than 256MB (512MB or more recommended)
Turning the Power On/OFF
Press the mixer’s power switch to the ON position.
When you are ready to turn the power off, press the
power switch to the STANDBY position.
Note that trace current continues to flow while
the switch is in the STANDBY position. If you do
not plan to use the mixer again for a long while,
please be sure to unplug the adaptor from the
wall outlet.
n To prevent loud pops and noises, turn on the
power to your sound gear starting with the
sources (instruments, CD players, etc.) and
ending with the power amplifier or powered
speakers.
Example: Instruments, microphones, and CD
players first, then the mixer, and finally the
power amplifier or powered speakers.
When turning off the power to the system,
reverse the order described above.
MW12 Owner’s Manual
6
Quick Guide
DI
Be sure turn the MW12
PHANTOM switch on when
using phantom-powered
condenser microphones.
Although electric guitars and
basses can be connected
directly to the mixer’s inputs,
the sound is likely to be thin
and possibly noisy. For best
results with these types of
instruments use a DI box
(direct box), guitar/bass
preamplifier, or amp simulator
between the instrument and
the mixer.
USB Cable
Quick Guide
This quick setup and operation guide covers everything from installing the Cubase LE software to using Cubase LE
for recording and mixdown. While going through this section you might find it useful to also refer to the “Front and
Rear Panels” section on page 15, as well as the pdf manual supplied with the Cubase LE software.
Step
Installing Cubase LE
1
1 Turn the computer on.
2 Insert the supplied CD-ROM into the computer’s CD-ROM drive.
3 Follow the on-screen instructions to install the Cubase LE software.
The serial number is printed on the sheet located inside the CD-ROM envelope.
n • Please install Cubase LE while connected to the internet.
Step
2
1 Connect the MW12 to the Computer.
Connect the MW12 mixer to your computer using the
supplied USB cable.
USB Connection Precautions
Be sure to observe the following points when connecting to the
computer’s USB interface. Failure to observe these rules can
result in computer freezes/hang-ups and possibly data loss or
corruption.
If the computer or MW12 does stop operating properly, turn
the power off and then on again, and restart the computer.
• Be sure to wake the computer from
sleep/suspended/standby mode before making a
connection to the computer’s USB connector.
• Connect the MW12 to the computer before turning the
MW12 power on.
• Always quit all applications running on the computer
before turning the MW12 power on or off, or connecting
or disconnecting the USB cable.
• Wait at least 6 seconds between turning the MW12 on or
off, and between connecting or disconnecting the USB
cable.
English
• Please enter all required items during installation.
• For Macintosh computers double-click the “Cubase LE.pkg” icon.
Connections
2 Connecting Microphones and/or
Instruments.
For details on making connections refer to the “Rear
Input/Output” section on page 19, and the “Setting Up”
section on page 21.
n Disconnect the USB cable before you use the
When connecting or disconnecting the USB cable
be sure to turn the 2TR IN/USB control all the way
down.
computer without the MW12.
MW12 Owner’s Manual
7
Quick Guide
Channel Fader
GROUP 1-2 Fader
ST Master Fader
English
Balanced Cables and Unbalanced Cables
Two types of cables can be used to connect microphones,
electronic instruments, and other audio sources to the
mixer’s inputs, as well as to connect the mixer’s outputs to
a power amplifier or related gear: balanced or
unbalanced. Balanced cables are highly resistant to noise,
and are the best choice for low-level signals such as the
output from microphones, as well as for long cable runs.
Unbalanced cables are generally used for short runs from
line-level sources such as synthesizers.
Cable Guidelines
Microphone cable: Balanced is best.
Short line-level cables: Unbalanced cable is fine in a
relatively noise-free environment.
Long line-level cables: Balanced is best.
Connector Types
XLR Connectors
This 3-pin connector is
resistant to externally
induced noise, and is used
primarily for balanced
connections. With properly
designed receiving circuitry
cables with this type of connector can also be used for
unbalanced signals. XLR type connectors are the standard
for microphone connections as well as most professional
audio gear.
Step
Powering Up the System
3
1 Turn the power to all gear that is to be
connected to the MW12 off/standby
(except the computer), and set the
channel faders, ST master fader, and
GROUP 1-2 fader to their minimum
settings.
Phone Connectors
Phone connectors are
available in mono and
stereo versions. Stereo
types are also known as
“TRS” connectors
(Tip-Ring-Sleeve), and are
used for stereo headphone jacks, insert jacks, and also to
carry balanced signals in many cases. Unbalanced types
are used for mono signals —guitar cables are a common
example.
RCA Pin Connectors
This type of unbalanced
connector is most
commonly found on home
audio and video equipment.
RCA type pin jacks are
often color coded: white for
left audio channel and red for right audio channel, for
example.
2 To prevent loud pops and noises, turn on
the power to your sound gear starting
with the sources (instruments, CD
players, etc.) and ending with the power
amplifier or powered speakers.
Example: Instruments, microphones, and CD players
first, then the mixer, and finally the power amplifier or
powered speakers.
Observe the following precautions when turning on
phantom power.
• Make sure that the PHANTOM switch is off when phantom
power is not needed.
• Make sure that no equipment other than phantom-powered
microphones is connected to the XLR type inputs when turning
phantom power on. Applying phantom power to equipment
other than phantom-powered microphones can damage the
equipment. The exception to this rule is balanced dynamic
microphones, which can safely be left connected while phantom
power is applied to the XLR inputs.
• To minimize the possibility of speaker damage, turn phantom
power on ONLY while your power amplifier or powered speakers
are switched off. It’s also a good idea to turn the mixers output
controls—the ST and GROUP 1-2 faders—all the way down
when turning phantom power on.
MW12 Owner’s Manual
8
n The first time you connect to the computer’s USB
connector, or change the connection to a different
USB port, a driver installation display may appear. If
this occurs, wait until the installation is complete
before proceeding.
Step
Adjusting Level and Equalization
4
Quick Guide
Level Adjustment
1 The first step in adjusting levels is to set
the level controls on all instruments and
other sources appropriately.
2 Adjust the channel GAIN controls so that
the corresponding peak indicators flash
briefly on the highest peak levels (GAIN
controls are not provided on the stereo
channels—9/10 and 11/12).
3 Turn the ST switches for channels you
want to record ON.
4 Make sure that the PFL switch is off, and
that the ST/GROUP switch is set to ST.
5 Raise the master fader to the “0” position.
6 Set the channel faders to create the
desired initial balance while monitoring
via headphones or monitor speakers. The
overall headphone level is adjusted by the
C-R/PHONES control.
EQ Adjustment
The MW12 mixer’s 3-band equalizers with independent
HIGH, MID, and LOW bands make it easy to shape the tone
of independent channels to achieve the best possible mix.
Use the High-pass Filter for Microphone Input
As the name implies, a “high-pass filter” allows only
signals above a certain frequency to pass. Conversely,
signals below that “cutoff frequency” are attenuated. When
an MW12 high-pass filter is turned on, signals below 80 Hz
are attenuated. This can be useful for minimizing
low-frequency breath noise from a vocalist, as well as
handling noise, or rumble transmitted via the microphone
stand. It is generally a good idea to turn the high-pass filter
on for microphone channels.
Equalizer Tips
The best advice that can be given regarding equalization
while recording is simply to use as little equalization as
possible. If you want a little more presence you can turn
the HIGH end up a bit. Or you can boost the bass a little if
you feel the low end is lacking. During recording it’s better
to use EQ sparingly for compensation only.
English
GAIN Control
PEAK Indicator
ST Switch
PFL Switch
C-R/PHONES
Control
ST/GROUP
Switch
ST Master
Fader
Channel Fader
MW12 Owner’s Manual
9
Quick Guide
This section describes the procedure for recording via the
MW12 mixer to the Cubase LE software we installed earlier.
n For details on operation of the Cubase LE software refer to
Cubase LE Setup
English
1 To prevent the playback sound from
2 Launch Cubase LE.
Step
Recording with Cubase LE
5
the pdf-format manual provided with the software.
Cubase LE from being directly
re-recorded, press the MW12 2TR IN/USB
(ST/TO C-R) switch so that it’s in the on
(TO C-R) position.
With the setting the playback sound can be monitored
via the C-R OUT connectors as well as the PHONES
jack.
Windows:
Click [Start] → [All Programs] → [Steinberg Cubase
LE] → [Cubase LE] to launch the program. If the ASIO
Multimedia dialog window appears, click [Yes].
3 Select [Device Setup] from the [Devices]
menu to open the Device Setup window.
Windows:
Select [VST Multitrack] in the [Devices] field on the left
side of the window. Select [ASIO Multimedia Driver] in
the [ASIO Driver] field on the right side of the window,
and click [Apply].
Macintosh:
Select [VST Multitrack] in the [Device] field on the left
side of the window. Select [USB Audio CODEC (2)] in
the [ASIO Driver] field on the right side of the window,
and click [OK]. Skip ahead to step 7, below.
n Under Mac OS X you can select either [USB Audio
CODEC (1)] or [USB Audio CODEC (2)] in the [ASIO
Driver] driver field. Normally you should select or
[USB Audio CODEC (2)], but if you will only be
playing back and mixing previously recorded data
you can select [USB Audio CODEC (1)] to lighten
the load on the computer’s CPU.
4 On a Windows computer click [Control
Panel] in the Device Setup window. The
ASIO Multimedia Setup dialog window will
appear. Click [Advanced Options].
Macintosh:
Double click the [Cubase LE] icon in your
“Applications” folder, or single-click the [Cubase LE]
icon in the dock if it has been placed there.
n • If you specified a file destination when installing
MW12 Owner’s Manual
10
the Cubase LE software, launch the application
from that location.
•Create a Cubase LE shortcut or Alias on your
desktop so you can easily launch the program
when required.
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