Yamaha MG Preamps vs. Mackie VLZ Preamps

[countrylac]

Which preamps are better ( the Mackie VLZ or Yamaha MG)? And how does either one compare to say an audio buddy, which I've heard is pretty clean and does color the sound as much. I'm talking in terms of recording spoken word, voice overs, and rap. Also has any one used either mixer with a MXL V67?

 

[deepwater]

Soundcraft M Series - even better then the new onyx.

 

[pdadda]

You have more headroom with the VLZ pre's. They can get louder without as much hiss as the MG's. Although the MG's are still quite quiet too.

 

[distortedrumble]

someone did a ranking system a while back about that ..it went something like

1k or under mixers (not standalone preamps)

A&H mixwizard (used)
soundcraft M series
mackie vlz
yamaha mg
behringer ub
phonic
alto

samson, peavey and wharfedale mixers werent included so i cant tell ya how they stand.

 

[mshilarious]

someone did a ranking system a while back about that ..it went something like

1k or under mixers (not standalone preamps)

A&H mixwizard (used)

samson, peavey and wharfedale mixers werent included so i cant tell ya how they stand.

I'm definitely a fan of my MixWiz 16 which I got used for $800, but I see the price has come down, you can get a new one for $1K.

Also I just sold my old Peavey RQ2314, which was a decent bang-around live mixer but not even close to the same league as the A&H.

 

[distortedrumble]

and I'm wondering if I'm missing out not trying a wharfedale mixer but i dont to shell out and be disappointed when there are already tried and true mixer choices

 

[xstatic]

I would say the Mackie would actually be a better pre than the Yamaha. Personally though, the yamaha probably has a better EQ though. The Allen Heath though will give you more features and sound better in both the preamp and the EQ section

The newer Mackie ONYX line is a whole different story. I have finally gotten to use a few of them. Personally, I think it is even more usable than the Allen Heath (even though it pains me to have to give Mackie props after so vehemently hating the VLZ stuff). Mackie really has made some major improvements. I really feel like the Mackie is the best sounding channel strip in a desk now until you get into the Midas Venice range (or an older Soundcraft 200 series and the likes of that).