Mackie Mix Series, 5-Channel Compact Mixer with Studio-Level Audio Quality (Mix5)
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Questions & Answers
This mixer does not have a USB port. Thank you very much, Sam Ash Direct.
Yes, this is possible. There are stereo monitor outs (dubbed Control Room) as well as main outs, each with its own set of controls. The control room outs, on the other hand, are on the same level as the HEADPHONES out. There is an additional AUX out that can be used as a separate monitor send, but it is mono.
Yes, I use two crown amps in my setup. I have them bridged, with one for the left channel and the other for the right.
As long as you have the proper interface cables and connectors, it should work fine for your application.
Selected User Reviews For Mackie Mix Series, 5-Channel Compact Mixer with Studio-Level Audio Quality (Mix5)
Before we get into the review, I just wanted to say a few things. I noticed that two of the questions were incorrectly answered. br>br>The first question was, "Is this a powered mixer?" "No, you'll need an amplifier and speakers, or a powered speaker. " A built-in amplifier is included in powered mixers. That is not the case here. br>The second was in reference to the mix 8's two missing channels. The manual that comes with the mixer does not say where those two extra channels are located. The aux return is where those two channels are. There is a more comprehensive manual available online, which includes block diagrams illustrating how everything is connected inside the console. The aux return is routed to the left and right outputs directly. br>br>First and foremost, I strongly urge everyone to obtain a copy of the manual. I've only used my mixer a few times so far. You'll have plenty of headroom to work with once everything is set up correctly. I usually set everything up so that my powered speaker, main output, and fader level are all at Unity. Then I'll just focus on increasing my gains to the desired volume. It's connected to a JBL PRX 112 speaker via a Switchcraft Bluetooth receiver. Phantom power is available on the console. Though I have not measured the exact voltage coming out of it, it is more than enough to power the Bluetooth receiver. Should be 48V, but has an 18V transformer. br>br>A quarter-inch to XLR adapter or a quarter-inch to XLR cable is required. So far, this mixer hasn't let me down, and I'm very pleased with it. It's a significant improvement over the old Antiquated one I've been using for the past few years. The mix 8, along with my JBL tablet, a few cables, and an extension cord, fits perfectly in a small tool bag and makes traveling a breeze. br>br>The 3 band eq is nice. It's a simple 3 band, and I prefer it to the eq on my powered speakers. There is one aux send on this device. For effects, this is ideal. I'm not sure how useful it is for stage monitors because it comes after the level. br>br>If I had to buy another, I would probably go with the mix 12. It has more channels, effects, and effects. In any case, if I needed more channels, I'd most likely use my spirit console. br>br>To summarize, this is a very compact and portable mixer. If you just want to add more flexibility to a powered speaker or have a small console for live streams, this one is a great option.
A loud noise tone is heard on all mike channels when phantom power is used with condenser mikes. It started out as a ticking noise and gradually became a solid tone. It was only a week ago that I bought the unit. It's even worse if you use phantom power on all four mic channels. The noise tone is almost as loud as the voice when the mike channel is turned up to pick up a soft voice a few inches from a large condenser mike. I directly compared the Mix12 phantom noise level with my R-09 phantom noise level. 44 tape recorder, as well as an old M-VHS tape recorder Both with phantom power, audio duo preamp. There is no comparison; this Mackie is unusable with condenser microphones, and I tried a variety of them. I contacted Mackie with more information, inquiring if this was "normal," implying a design flaw, or if my experience was unusual, implying that I simply received a defective unit that I would return for replacement. When Mackie responds, I'll update this review, and I'll do the same if/when I get a new unit. The Mix12Fx, on the other hand, is one of my favorites. br>br>UPDATE: br>br> I emailed Mackie Tech Support, and they said I shouldn't be hearing the phantom power noise. I followed their advice and returned the mixer to Amazon, where I received a replacement. It has the same issue as before. I recorded this noise by talking into a pair of MXL 4000 condenser microphones at a distance of about 12 inches. I can't use the mixer because of the phantom power whine.
I've been using this mixer for four years and have had excellent results. It performs admirably in all of its functions. The effects and controls are fine, and the 48V Phantom power is perfect for condenser microphones. It's developed a heat problem over the last six months. I've raised it one inch off the surface it's sitting on to allow for more ventilation, but after a day of use (plugged in), it's giving off a "burning electrical" odor in my studio. Because there is no On/Off switch, you must either disconnect the AC power connector from the back of the unit or turn off your overall power source (I use a UPS unit) to turn it off. It's gotten to the point where I'm buying another unit because it's become too much of a problem. One of the Yamaha MG series mixers, which also lacks an off/on switch but does have a Standby switch.
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