Mackie 1402 VLZ PRO V Soundcraft M4

[craz]

I'm looking for people who have used both mixers and know what these mixers are capable of.

I need a mixer for two mics and which hooks up to my Delta 44 sound card.

Which of these would you recommend, if I can get either for roughly the same price...

I know both mixers are good, I just what a comparison so I can figure out which to get.

Thank You

Craz.

[chessrock]

This subject has been pretty much beaten to death, so I'd recommend a good keyword search.

If all you're looking to use it for are the preamps, and you can save some money by getting a Mackie, then I'd do it.

If you need a good "mixer," with good preamps, eq, and summing capabilities, then the Soundcraft is the way to go.

The preamps are about the same on both in terms of quality, although I think I can already hear the footsteps of some Soundcraft user getting ready to say "What are you on, Chess? The Soundcraft has got the same pres as the Ghost . . ." and bla bla bla bla bla. And I will defend my position: they both give you a box of very capable preamps at an awesome value. The Soundcraft will take things a step further and giver you some very musical, very usable eq, whereas you would be better served to bypass the eq altogether on the mackie board, because it pretty much bites the big one.

So in conclusion . . . if all you're looking for is a box of preamps, then the mackie will do just fine. If you're looking for a box of preamps with eq and mixing capabilities then it's Soundcraft all the way.

[craz]

thanks,

most of the threads i've read have one sided opinions like "I have the Mackie and I think its great, go for it!!", even though they've never heard the soundcraft before.

I'm looking for the opinion of someone who's worked with both

[TexRoadkill]

The differences between the two are pretty subjective. The only real feature benefit to the soundcraft is the SPDIF jack.

[craz]

Really. hmm.

I though the soundcraft was a better mixer.....Would the Mackie be better even if both are selling at the same price?(Soundcraft on Sale)

I think E.Q. might be important too, as I hate digital based E.Q., but I'd probably connect each of the pres to the soundcard inputs for multitrack recording.

[TexRoadkill]

I've used Mackie's since they first came out and have used just about every model they have. From the opinions I have heard from people I respect I am planning on buying a Soundcraft for my next board. They are considered to have better EQ and Preamps but like I said, "better" is pretty subjective when it comes to sound.

There is no digital EQ in either board. They are both great mixers and either one will get the job done.

[craz]

Cool Tex, thanks for your opinions.

Anyone else familiar with both of these mixers, those being, the Mackie 1402 "VLZ PRO" and the Soundcraft M4.

[craz]

Doh, Sorry. I ment to say 1202 VLZ PRO not 1402.

So the title should be -
Mackie 1202 VLZ PRO V Soundcraft M4

Any other suggestions....thanks.