best preamp Mackie vs Soundcraft and 2 recording machine

[aphextwin77]

Hello

After a lot of readings i analize and i decided what mixer is best for me at home. I want to choose between Soundcraft Lx7II and Mackie Onyx 32-4

In know the pro will use separate profesional mic preamps (but this it is much expensive) but between these models what is best? (and these is generally available for these models or brand....i mean in general Souncraft are superiors to Mackie ...just from mic amp point of view )

And also i don't understand one problem. I red the soundcraft guide of mixing (free pdf from soundcraft page, and that help me a lot) and in the studio why is necessary to have 2 recording machine>? One is multitrack for intruments and second two track for mastering? Ok if record on a stereo master recorder the final mix why is necessary to have a recorder for instruments?

Also these is a general operation sistem or is needed from type of aplication (recording a band need more instruments and more people , makeing electronic music with samplers, many synth, drum machine i think will not need multitrack record) Am i wright or am i wrong?

If there are old topics about these in here please guide me where to read
Thank you

 

[darrin_h2000]

Not knowing what new ones are like Im not sure...but from when I did use mixers the soundcraft was alot better.

 

[gcapel]

I think one thing your going to find is that the mackie boards offer more routing options (sub groups, control room, etc...)

The pre's: Everyone seems to say the soundcraft is better.

 

[suprstar]

The pre's: Everyone seems to say the soundcraft is better.

Yeah, that. I haven't used both myself, but it's pretty much unanimous popular opinion that Soundcraft > Mackie in the preamp dept.

 

[aphextwin77]

Ok thanks for answers guys

And if we put an Allen& Heath in the equation?

 

[qrs]

I'd go with the soundcraft. Mackie's support sucks big time. Had a D8B once....needed parts, my local repair shop ordered the part from Mackie....they said it was backordered. I called them up (after 20 min on hold) one gentleman said that the part was available. Oh man, I was pissed.
The only Mackie stuff I'd purchase is the monitors.

 

[Jeff_D]

My Soundcraft M8 has pretty much every routing option I've needed. The direct outputs on each preamp channel make it a no-brainer for recording. And the pres are very nice.