Anybody using either/both Mackie 802VLS3 and Soundcraft Compact 10?

[seanbass7310]

This is my first post with this name, but I used to come hear a lot a few years ago. Forgot my login stuff and my email has changed....I'm not a total newb and read the archives.

There was TONS of back and forth in the Mackie vs Soundcraft debate. I would love to to hear from somebody who has used these specific units (Compact 10 and/or 802 VLZ3), not the older compact Mackies or the higher end Soundcraft. I've used higher end Soundcraft and they rock, and I've used older lower end Mackie's. I'm not so impressed with the older Mackie pre's.

My main questions - Are the new pre's in the VZL3 actually better or is it just marketing? I know the Mackie is more rugged, but the mixer may not leave my house. How do these two pre's compare? Does the Compact 10 "feel" cheap and easily wounded? Assuming the $50 price difference doesn't matter to me, what do you recommend?

My main purpose is recording Vocals, Acoustic Guitar, and Bass. I'm currently recording totally ghetto, without a mixer, into a Tascam US122, with a Beringer Comp as an insert and an ART V3 as my pre/direct box. This is obviously very limiting. One of the main things I need from the mixer is the ability to create a good acoustic guitar sound with a combo of mics and direct signal one channel while recording vocals or base on the other channel. I know could do this with 402 or Compact 4, but I want to leave myself more options.

I'm going to end up getting either the Mackie for around $200 or the Soundcraft for around $250. I'm mainly concerned with the quality of the Pre's. I record into Logic, and I'm happy to do my EQing once I get the signal into my Mac. Perhaps I'll chance my mind on that when I have outboard eq and experiment. Any feedback appreciated.

 

[Agent47]

My opinion probably won't help much, but here it is.

I work at an audio post facility, and although they've all been replaced over the years, we've had a couple of Soundcraft Spirits in different studios (not mine). Despite being 'pro' desks they always seemed a bit.. cheap. The pots and faders just seem loose as if they're going to come off any minute. Also I think a couple of the pots were crackly - although that could be years of cigarette smoke.

I have a Mackie 1402 VLZ3 at home, and had it a couple of years now - very solid desk. And I recently bought a Mackie 802 VLZ3 for portable recording use. In my opinion the pre's are nice and clean. Cleaner than the Yamaha digital desks I've used I think.

So personally I'd recommend the Mackies. But don't listen to me.