Mackie 1604VLZ Pro vs Behringer MX1604A?

  • Thread starter Thread starter BlueScreen
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BlueScreen

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Hi Everyone.

I am currently using a Mackie 1604VLZ Pro in my project studio. I am a film/TV composer, so the most live tracking I do is a singer in the booth. Most of my recording needs involved bouncing the stereo outputs of my sampler to disk.

I really like my Mackie, but there is a known defect with this model that makes one of the outputs (L or R) distort, and then get dropped altogether. I have sent this unit in once to Mackie already. The fixed it, but one year later it is starting up again.

Rather than lose a week (and the $ for shipping it), I thought I would look at other mini boards in this class. I came across the Behringer and thought I'd ask if anyone here has any opinions on it? Or, for that matter, any other comparable board at this level.

Thank you for your help!
 
:cool: I have the MX3242X that I use for remotes with a da38. I like real well. A lot of posters on this forum are critical about the small Behringers. I haven't used a micro board. Allen and heath have several small ones:WZ12:2DX
WZ14:4:2+
WZ16:2DX
Crest audio has one:XR20 Also Spirit has some.
Look in Full Compass catalogue.
I use the A/H 2200 at church and really like it.

I hope this helps


da MUTT
 
As far as i know Behringer is a HUGE step down from Mackie. And if quality control and bugs are an issue, Behringer has a reputation for having terrible quality control. People often have to go through several units to find one that actually semi works.

I'd look at Soundcraft and Allen and Heath for something as good/better than a Mackie in roughly the same price range.
 
I have an mx1604a that works just fine...same options as the mackie just less expensive components. I haven't noticed an incredible difference and the price is right...
 
Hi Guys.

Thanks for your replies. I will check out some of the other choices you mentioned. Like I said above, I really like my 1604, but this darn ribbon cable bug is driving me mad. They have agreed to fix it, but that means I have to find something else to work with for at least a week or 2.

Thanks again.
 
All you gotta' do to determine which is better is check the specs
for both mixers,'specially the preamps.
 
since this is the second trip in maybe mackie would send you a loaner?? I am likely dreaming I know but it's worth an ask.

I have had my sr24*4 for years without a problem. Not a scratchy pot or fader on the thing and it's seen some beer in it's time. I never did like the looks of that adjustable plug box on the 1604 though.

Another thought is to see if mackie will send you another ribbon cable. It shouldn't be too hard to swap your self..

No comment on the behringer... You might consider buying a nice preamp or channel strip though EG: Joe Meek, Focusriite, SP, RNP



Good Luck

F.S.
 
The pre amps on the small behringer mixers are noisy and they suck... Otherwise they are not bad. Not high quality but not bad for the money either.
 
The positive side about Behringer mixer are their price, that's all.

If you have the money, go for the Mackie.
 
The thing with behringer is...they really do have shitty quality control. I bought that exact mixer and it caught on fire after 3 years, i found that frightening but i stepped up to a mx2004A which when i bought didnt come with a power supply so i did have to go and exchange it. I also ordered a B-2 a few months back and when i got it...it was a B-1 with B-2 stamped on it, ARG! But really, if you can find a working model(spend the time testing it!) go for it because they actually rock pretty hard if you get the right one.
 
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