Mix Wizard vs Mackie....

[XLR2XLR]

I wanted an opinion on the Mix Wizard preamps Vs Mackie XDR?
Not so much the desk facilities as the Mix Wizard is the better "Mixer" of the 2
but simply I wanted a preamps comparison.

Any info regarding preamp topologies etc would be great!

If one is better than the other could you describe your experience of why

Much obliged.

[zemlin]

I compared a MixWizard 16:2DX (not WZ3) to Mackie VLZ and VLZ Pro mixers.

Came out of the direct outs on the A&H - from the insert sends on the Mackies.

They were all close, but the A&H was best on transients - the Mackies didn't have the spark. Interestingly, the VLZ sounded better than the VLZ Pro.

I've mixed FOH in the same venue with a Mackie 1604 VLZ, and my A&H - hands down the A&H is nicer to work with, as long as you don't need sub mixes. Nice for recording live shows too. With some jumper work you can record multitrack dry from the direct outs and still mix the live sound.

[XLR2XLR]

Ok thanks for replying.

I own a 1604VLZ Pro and I am quite happy with it (unlike the vast majority of users on this forum) I find the XDR preamps very usable, but I am considring another mixer
to chain from, giving me 30 pre's with 30 direct outs. (I use busses and Aux's on the
Mackie to this end to get 16)

I could go for a bunch of mid level pre's such as Audients, DAV's, ART, FMR Audio etc. etc. but this would not suit my workflow and complicate matters + it is inconvenient for transportation etc. So I am looking for the best pre's in a board possible and I think the Mackie VLZ3 and the A+H MW3 16:2 are the most likely culprits on the market today. (anyone know another board as good?)

I am hoping this would not be too much of a compromise on the stand alone preamps in terms of sound quality

After speaking to A+H they said thir preamps are based on a Class A topology, Sziklai pair transistors at the input stage and then some opamps.

Appreciate advice

Cheers

[dlmorley]

I prefer the A&H in general.

[Ashofapheonix]

Keep in mind no matter what you do... the stepup isn't going to be huge here. IF you want a big step up your going to get outboard preamps and such. The biggest reason I see to go to A&H isn't sound quality, its the fact that the boards generally feel nicer to work on. In your case though I probably put your money into other stuff if you can't really upgrade. Or you could see if you can save towards one of the cheaper Midas Consoles (this is assuming your doing live). If your using this as a recording board, you should possibly save towards the Toft ATB or the like (incidently recently made fletcher's catalog).

[hakanai]

i don't know if this is a no no to post this here but if you are looking for a WZ3 16:2 i have one in perfect condition with it's original box that i was just thinking of selling. let me know if your interested.

[XLR2XLR]

Thanks for replies again.

New York is rather impractical for shipment, Thanks though.

Mainly the thought's about the MW3 are as follows:

16 balanced direct outs (VLZ only 8 + cobble together the others)
Direct outs can be pre fade + pre EQ so theoretically cleaner.
100mm faders
Relatively compact compared to outboard and esier to use under pressure.

To be honest Mackie made a mistake not putting the 16 directs on the 1604 VLZ3
IMO, that makes it a much less interesting proposition, thogu I do like the smaller
size in genaral.

The kit needs to be mobile.

As far as kit goes, higher quality outboard is theoretically in my price range
(and yes I have lusted over each and every mid range pre website!) but
given the decent quality of the preamplifiers in these boards and the impracticality
of "off the cuff operation" with them in the field make them less promissing.

I can totally understand if I was in a fixed studio type situation that external pre's
from a sound pallette/quality point of view would be best.

I am looking for the right compromise and am pinning those hopes
on the A+H MW3 at present.

I will look into the Toft unit too, thugh I think that's quite a hike in price.

[XLR2XLR]

Just looked at the Toft, that is one unpleasant looking console and I am just not
thinking that would be a good purchase for the road personally thanks for the
pointer though. (A desk for the studio I think, probably with a blanket thrown over it)
though I guess it's a matter of taste.

The TF Pro M16 did fair well but I just don't think the pre's in that are going to
top the Mackie I already own for 5 x the Price.

Appreciate the advice though

[aussie_techie]

wizzard hands down sound better than a vlz

[Ashofapheonix]

Yeah the toft desk is a studio console, its not meant for the road. and if you want to see ugly look at its competitor the The Oram Trident 8T thats one ugly console. But both consoles have pres in the professional tier range, and both consoles for the sound quality probably could sell for over twice their price tags.

For the road though Midas Venice may be worth a long look. They are more for the road and sound phenomenal. My univerisity uses one for alma mater association's main p.a. rig amazing board. and Its been put into professional settings quite often, did better than most of the medium size venues around town did.