Yamaha Announces the U.S. Launch of ZG Series Gaming Mixer

BUENA PARK, Calif. (July 27, 2022) — Today Yamaha launches the ZG Series gaming mixer, ZG01, the company's first-ever audio mixer designed expressly for gaming. Ideal for gamers who use voice chat and for game streamers, this innovative audio mixer with a USB interface provides full command of game sound, chat and voice levels - plus mic/vocal effects, immersive 3D surround sound and competitive-gaming focus modes.

"Gaming has become more social than ever through voice chat apps and gamers share their experiences more than ever on streaming platforms. In the past, managing the audio for all of this has been a bit complicated," said Alex Sadeghian, director, Consumer Audio, Yamaha Corporation of America. "Now, the ZG Series gaming mixer makes it simple and even fun. It provides the optimal combination of connectivity, control and effects in a super easy-to-use layout - all in a compact form factor that fits perfectly into your gaming command center."

The ZG01 gaming mixer is easy to use for any multi-player gamer, yet powerful enough for eSports pros and live-streaming broadcasters. Intuitive controls let you quickly manage sound levels and effects in real-time. Advanced mic settings and voice effects (including compression, limiter, reverb, pitch, radio voice and more) allow you to fine-tune and personalize your voice. The ZG01 supports gaming headsets with a built-in mic or a dedicated mic via the rear-panel XLR / TRS combo jack.

The ZG01 connects to a Windows or Mac computer via a single USB-C cable, with audio and control managed by a specialized Steinberg USB driver that recognizes your computer as multiple "virtual devices" for the game, voice chat and streaming apps.

For connection to gaming consoles, the mixer accesses game audio via a built-in 2-in/1-out HDMI switcher (with video pass-through up to 4K/60; no video capture). For gamers who prefer to use a game chat app on their smartphone instead of their PC, the ZG01 offers a smartphone aux jack.

STUNNING SONIC REALISM

Beyond managing your mix and voice effects, the ZG01 also allows you to engage a variety of "ZG game processing" effects, drawing upon decades of Yamaha know-how in the area of Digital Sound-field Processing (DSP):

With ZG Surround, the mixer accepts up to 7.1-channel surround sound from USB or HDMI inputs. It converts it to 3D surround sound using the company's proprietary ViReal™ technology, allowing you to experience games in ultra-realistic immersion using any standard stereo gaming headset or headphones.
Focus Modes allow you to customize your soundscape to suit a variety of game titles, scenes and playing styles, such as suppressing the sound of your own character's voice or emphasizing the game's environmental sounds.
With 3D Game Chat Space, your buddies' voices get placed where you want them in a virtual space that avoids overlap with the game sound.

For gamers who want to stream their play, the multi-channel game audio is converted and processed by the ZG01 to reproduce a surround sound experience that streams to their entire audience.

POWERFUL & EASY-TO-USE SOFTWARE

A free download from usa.yamaha.com, the ZG Controller software (Windows/Mac) is the ultimate companion for the ZG01 gaming mixer, providing access to all the deep settings and customization features that truly bring the mixer to life. Easy to learn yet rich with powerful capabilities, the ZG Controller software lets you create your own ultimate game audio experience.

COMPANION GAMING HEADSET

Alongside the mixer, the company is also introducing the YH-G01 gaming headset and the ZG01 Pack, an all-in-one package that includes both the gaming mixer and headset - a perfect way to start a journey in the world of next-level game sound. The headset offers studio-quality sound and a high-quality condenser microphone on a gooseneck-style boom mic. It is lightweight and comfortable, making it ideal for long hours of immersive gameplay. While designed with gaming and live streaming in mind, the YH-G01 is also a great all-purpose headset that can be used for a wide range of applications, such as web/telecon calls, broadcast production and more.

U.S. PRICING & AVAILABILITY

The ZG Series is available today on usa.yamaha.com at the following pricing:

ZG01 gaming mixer: $299.95 MSRP
YH-G01 gaming headset: $169.95 MSRP
ZG01 Pack (ZG01 gaming mixer + YH-G01 gaming headset): $419.95 MSRP

Additional information on the ZG Series can be found at: https://usa.yamaha.com/products/audio_visual/gaming/index.html.