inexpensive 4 to 8 channel mackie mixer

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grn

grn

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I'm looking for the best, inexpensive... say $350 or less... mackie mixer with 4 to 8 channels that has no noise and would be good for a small home studio recording... I would like some quality...

it would be used as a sort of preamp, it would go directly into my computer and the mics would go directly into it
 
There's only a few mackies in that price end. Mostly you just add more in's and out's and features as you go up the line.
A 1202 new, maybe a 1604 used. What did ya need to know?:)
 
mackie 1202 vlz pro

mackie 1202 vlz pro... you will have to shop around a bit, but you can get one new for about $350... they are built to last, and they have quiet preamps.
good luck - jv
 
Check the pawn shops. I found a used Mackie 1202 VLZ (not the pro) in a pawn shop for 150.00. I like it.
 
Mackie options

You can get a new 1202VLZ Pro in your range:

http://www.zzounds.com/a--2676837/item--MAC1202VLZPRO

You can pick up a 1402VLZ on eBay with hundreds to spare. I just sold my 1402VLZ, in perfect condition, with an SKB hardcase, for $250 to a friend.

You can get a 1402VLZ PRO on eBay with change to spare.


I have some alternatives for you to ponder ($350 or under). Maybe some others will think about it and put together some suggestions in the same price range.

(1) A more flexible mixer:

http://www.zzounds.com/a--2676837/item--BEHUB2442FXP


(2) A more flexible mixer + stereo tube preamp

http://www.zzounds.com/a--2676837/item--ARTTPS

http://www.zzounds.com/a--2676837/item--BEHUB1622FXP


(1) The mixer gives you ((simultaneously): pre/post aux paths (four), inserts AND direct (post EQ) channel outs, and four stereo subgroups, not to mention semiparametric mids on the EQ. Also, many usable channel effects and mastering effects (albeit, with only level and no parameter adjustments).

(2) Gives you most of (1) but no direct channel outs, fewer channels, two aux paths and two stereo subgroups. It does, however, also separately include a very flexible, gain-monster, stereo tube preamp that can be used (a) by itself, (b) pre-mixer, (c) post-mixer, and (d) post-recording.


Mackie VLZ v. Behringer IMP: I had both and I don't hear the difference between them (from the insert outs). Yes, there is a difference in the EQ strips---they have different set crossover points (the Behringers have semiparametric mids). The Mackie is black and cool, the Behringer is silver and Euro. Mackie invented sound and Behringer ripped them off. Mackie---good, good. Behringer---evil, evil.

My Mackie 1402 went in the shop for a channel repair (after five tough years of service) and I bought a Behringer UB1832 as a "get-by spare." Guess what? Everybody in the band asked me to use the Mackie as the spare. They fell in love with the Behringer, because it had all the Mackie good points but with "more stuff" that actually simplified setups. We have a combined 110+ years experience making money gigging, so, whadda-we-know-from-sound?

I like stuff that works, and in the small mixer department, both Mackie and Behringer have served me well. Reliability? I don't carry mixers to gigs wrapped in blankets---all my stuff is protected in cases. I guess I'm just funny that way.

Do yourself a favor. Check out the options, specs, features, and A/B the boards for yourself. Get what you need. and what sounds right with your mics.

Then again, I remember when everyone was fighting to get a Bogen PA . . . the only low impedence mics around were those chrome auditorium EV's . . . and MoTown acts were touring with Shure VocalMasters . . .

Good Luck,
Paj
8^)
 
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many thanks, that's exactly the type of advice I'm looking for. anyone have any comments on this info?
 
Just a third option. Yamaha MG mixers.

In between price of Mackie and Behringer (MG 16/4 : $279?.. 10 XLRs, phantom, 4 buses , main and alt, inserts on all XLRs that can be direct outs, built solid).

I haven't used the UB Behringer mixers. But I own a Behri MX602a, rented a Mackie 1202 VLZ Pro for two weeks last month, and just bought the Yammie.

Sound? I intend to post clips soon, but in general:

MX602A mixer : sound distinctly inferior to Mackie and Yamaha. Just sounds brittle, thin.

Rented the Mackie: wow, sounds much cleaner and smoother than the MX. Definite improvement (but I hear the UB Behringer series sounds better, but haven't heard it myself).

Price dictated that I buy the Yamaha, and to be totally honest, I can't tell the difference in tracks recorded with the Mackie or the Yamaha. Subtle differences exist, but neither is better sounding to my ears.

Finally, if you can't buy Mackie because of price, and you just don't like Behringer on reputation and service and quality alone, the Yamaha is a great budget board.
 
Why only consider a Mackie? While I own some Mackie gear and have owned one of their higher end mixers in the past, I can't help but be impressed by what the folks at Behringer are doing. You can pick up a Behringer 806 mixer for under $100.00 that has very low noise and very low coloration. They are ideal for the project studio environment.

Mike
 
The UB stuff is better and more flexible. Whatever mixer you get, I'd suggest that you at least get something with inserts and pre/post options on the Aux bus. That way, you can tap the pre's without the EQ's.

Good luck,
Paj
8^)
 
The Mackie 1202 VLZ PRO's are nice little mixers. Solidly built and sound good. The new Yamaha MG series is also interesting. I don't know which I would get if it were me looking for an inexpensive little mixer, but I'd probably go with the Mackie 1202. However, the Yamaha's are definitely worth a look. Wouldn't touch a Behringer of any flavor, and would skip anything with a tube in it at that price point.
 
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