Mackie DL1608 - advice needed

[dswpro]

Unlike the Mackie 1608 you can get a free X32 app for Android, attach one ( or more) 100.00 Android tablets to your mic stands and put whatever you want at your fingertips.

The Mackie is very attractive for the price/feature ratio and doesn't sound too bad. I've setup a couple for different bands. You still need a system controller as far as I'm concerned, no matter what digital mixer you buy.

Even the Presonus desks sound nice. I love Studio One software and their USB mic preamp and ADAT preamp products. I'm just not a big fan of their mixer control panel designs.

It is very nice to have all the controls you need under your fingers, this is very true, especially when things are feeding back. For bands who want a simple life I recommend the Yamaha mixers with built in effects and compression on some of the channels. Also hard to beat for the price.

[Bruce Weldy]

For bands who want a simple life I recommend the Yamaha mixers with built in effects and compression on some of the channels. Also hard to beat for the price.

+1

I upgraded from the Yamaha MG series to the Presonus. Still have the Yamaha in the top of my rack....just in case.

[Lustyik]

Thank you! I appreciate your comment.

I checked many mixers in the past weeks as you recommended. Presonus and X32 rack became my favorites - but both has more features than I really need.
At the beginning I thought DSP could be replaced by digital mixer - for monitors at least. As I learned it is not recommended. 1-1 DSP is a must for FOH and monitors as well. However If I buy two driverack PA2, I will run out of my budget. So I think I will upgrade my system with two driveracks and later I will replace my Yamaha mixer.

If you had any comments do not hesitate to share. Thanks!

[DJPhatman]

For the budget conscience, the Behringer DCX 2496 is hard to beat.

[Grant Bunter]

For the budget conscience, the Behringer DCX 2496 is hard to beat.

I have come to the conclusion that, if you want GEQ and RTA as well, price wise, the Driverack product is better value, because all that is in one RU.
This is because, by and large, that the DCX is paired with a DEQ 2496 for GEQ and RTA, requires another purchase, and means the lot takes up 2 RU's.
If you already have and use 31 band GEQ's, yep, for sure, the DCX 2496 is a cheaper option than the driverack series...

[Curtybob]

For the budget conscience, the Behringer DCX 2496 is hard to beat.

I have come to the conclusion that, if you want GEQ and RTA as well, price wise, the Driverack product is better value, because all that is in one RU.
This is because, by and large, that the DCX is paired with a DEQ 2496 for GEQ and RTA, requires another purchase, and means the lot takes up 2 RU's.
If you already have and use 31 band GEQ's, yep, for sure, the DCX 2496 is a cheaper option than the driverack series...

Especially considering the HUGE deals on DriveRack PX packages that come with the RTA mic ($149.99 last week in the U.S.).

[Lustyik]

I don't have EQ yet. So driverack sounds better. If Driverack px is an option, I am happy. I was thinking about buying the newest driverack pa+ or PA2 because I am not a sound enginier and have no experience how to set EQ. Before gigs I can't spend too much time with settings. Because of this lack of time and experience auto EQ function would be useful for me.
What is the difference between driverack modells (PX, PA, PA+, PA2) in RTA speed and quality? Is it worth spending more on the more expensive one?


Thanks a lot!

[Bruce Weldy]

I don't have EQ yet. So driverack sounds better. If Driverack px is an option, I am happy. I was thinking about buying the newest driverack pa+ or PA2 because I am not a sound enginier and have no experience how to set EQ. Before gigs I can't spend too much time with settings. Because of this lack of time and experience auto EQ function would be useful for me.
What is the difference between driverack modells (PX, PA, PA+, PA2) in RTA speed and quality? Is it worth spending more on the more expensive one?


Thanks a lot!

The original PA was pretty slow on the auto0-EQ function. The PA+ and PX are much faster. Haven't used the PA2, but it looks like the main difference is the wireless capability. It won't take longer to auto-EQ without the iPad. The iPad would be handy for walking the room and touching up the EQ after you've run the Auto-EQ.

Reality is that most the time, you won't be able to spend very much time EQing the room anyway. If they venue allows you to Auto EQ - you'll probably live with that curve and still be way ahead of the game compared to everyone else who comes through.

So, I'd say - go with the PX and save money for a better board. That will do more for you than wireless capability on the driverack.

[Lustyik]

Thank you! Your advices helped me a lot. I could save a lot of time (and money) and made a good decision at the end.

I find a good offer for PX here in Hungary. Mike is included, price is good. I ordered one for FOH speakers and lather I will order an other one for monitors.
I keep my Yamaha mixer untill I will have enough money. For practices it is good enough. We have a new band and we are planning our first gigs around in Octobre.

Now I am focusing on cabinett building. Plans are purchased. I wana start the buildings within two weeks and finish it untill end of Sept. I will post pictures on the relevan forum.

Thank you again!