NAMM: Yamaha announced today its rollout of six upgraded MG Series analog mixers, adding to the four models introduced earlier this year.

The new mixers include features inherited from the company’s professional mixing consoles and offer intuitive operation, crystalline sound and components that are optimized to work together.The new mixers come with easy-to-use compressor controls. Conventional compressors can be tricky to operate, since they generally require setting a number of parameters to match the source. In an effort to greatly simplify this procedure, Yamaha originally introduced “single-knob” input compressors on its EMX line of powered mixers. This feature proved so successful that users began asking when it would be included in non-powered mixers, as well. In response, all of these new MG models offer the ability to dial in the right amount of compression simply by turning a single knob until things sound right.

The new MG16/6C and MG20/6C mixers’ deep feature sets include Neutrik XLR connectors, redesigned faders, an environmentally friendly finish and high-output LED metering that is legible even in daylight. They also include EQ, advanced circuit design and high-quality microphone preamplifiers.

The MG16/6CX and the MG16/6CX-USB mixers incorporate Yamaha’s digital SPX multi-effect processor. As the USB suffixes on their model numbers imply, the MG16/6CX-USB, MG16/6C-USB and MG20/6C-USB include USB ports and are specifically included to simplify and enhance live recording. The three USB models come with Steinberg Cubase AI4, a version of the industry-leading production and recording software.

The MG16/6C (MSRP: $449), the MG16/6CX (MSRP: $499), the MG16/6C-USB (MSRP: $529), the MG16/6CX-USB (MSRP: $599), the MG20/6C (MSRP: $729) and the MG20/6C-USB (MSRP: $799) are expected to ship in September 2007.