Going Outboard / Mackie 32 8bus

[vls]

Hi!

At the moment I'm mixing ITB, but i'm planning to go outboard somewhen (it's a homerecording studio). What do you think about the Mackie 32 8bus (analog). I mostly don't need Mic preamps, but good eqs. What is your opinion about my plans?

Thanks!

[joaquin]

I think that you post in the wrong Forum!? but...I'd say give a try and decide for your self. The Noise floor in the mackies is a bit annoying, but you may like it the way it is. Good luck........................Joaquin.

[vls]

Hi!

Ooops - please move me to the low end ;-)

I want to get a console because I hate doing the whole mixing with my mouse and only having one hand (^= one mouse pointer) to make a setting... for example: etting the compressor's threshold while increasing the gain at the same moment - when working ITB it's not possible.

Volker

[davenutz]

if you can spring a but more cash, try for something a bit better then the 32-8.
even a gently used soundcraft ghost will be a big step in the right direction.


then again, my opinion of the 8buss might be skewed because the one ive used recently had the most irritating wiring/patching scheme where the direct outs werent connected to anything, so only 8 simultaneous record tracks were available....kinda silly. Oh..and the talkback section caused pops, clicks and hum in all the channels. I guess channel/section crosstalk is probably my main issue with mackie.

[John The Cut]

Dont do it! I recently sold my 24:8 and bought a Soundtracs Topaz Project 8 - for less than 1/2 of what I sold the Mackie for. The Soundtracs also came with a meterbridge

The difference in sound is truly amazing. The Topaz is warm and friendly, has punch and vibe with a highly USABLE EQ section.

By comparison, the MAckie was boring, lifeless and sounded annoying.

[vls]

Hi!

Hmmm, isn't the Topaz discontinued? I would feel better if I'd buy a new one - I don't want problems like worn-out potis/faders, channel issues etc. Are there other 24 to 32 Channel consoles in this range which are good (enough for me) ;-) ?

Originally Posted by Dr. Nutz

if you can spring a but more cash, try for something a bit better then the 32-8.
even a gently used soundcraft ghost will be a big step in the right direction.

hi!

but is the ghost not 8000€ and more? I did not find european prices.

Volker

[John The Cut]

Hi, Yes the Topaz is discontinued but try Tim at Studio Systems - ******//www.studiosys.demon.co.uk/soundtracs_topaz.htm

This is where mine came from. Checked and certified with a years return to base warranty.

[octatonic]

Hi,

I was in the same situation as you- I have been running mixerless for the last few years (before that I had a bunch of cheaper 8 bus mixers- Mackie, Behringer).

I decided to go back to an analog console for two main reasons.

1. Clients prefer to see a desk in the room. There is something psychological about it I guess.
2. I want some sort of analog summing- ITB coldness has been annoying.

I looked at Mackie, Soundcraft Ghost and a few others.

In the end I went for a D&R Series 4000 inline console.
Not for any reason other than I found one in need of repair on a Swiss auction site.
The whole board cost me $150 USD.

I just took delivery of it today- have my tech looking at it now- all that is wrong with it we think is the +48 power supply is outputting +65v, so we need to fix that.
ALso think there is something in the power routing going on- but hope to have the whole thing fixed for under $200.

D&R are good clean consoles- the manufacturer has almost all of the spare available (except for metalwork and circuit boards).

The whole board (if all goes to plan) will have cost less than 1/2 the cost of a S/H Mackie board but has a better spec and you can service them easily as it's modular.

Mackie are great at marketing- the fact that there are loads of them around means you can get something that is pretty good for not a lot of money- but I am really happen I decided top put a bit more time and thought into the process as I'll have a much better mixer.

Hope this helps.

[5down1up]

i always liked the mackie stike