NAMM 2016: Mackie premieres ProDX compact digital mixers with wireless control
Mackie have launched two affordable compact digital mixers at Winter NAMM 2016 with full wireless remote control.
For ease of use, the hardware sports a single large knob as well as channel selection buttons for fast access to level adjustment. That’s it with knobs: All other mixing features are accessed wirelessly from iOS or Android™ devices using Mackie’s MixerConnect app. Each channel has a 3-band EQ with sweepable mids, low cut and a compressor. A built-in effects engine offers a choice of 16 effects, ranging from delay to different reverbs. The outputs feature a graphic EQ. Mixes can be saved for later recall.
The remote control opens possibilities such as attaching your phone to the mic stand and running the mix without ever interrupting the performance – a nice touch for singer/songwriters and small bands. An integrated “control bridge” on the hardware allows you to set a phone or tablet at a convenient angle for keeping an eye on the mix. The simplified hardware UI might also make it interesting for installations or commercial applications.
Two models will be available. The ProDX4 with two Wide-Z preamps, TRS main outs and one aux send for sending audio to a monitor or separate zone. The ProDX8 has 6 mic preamps and two aux sends. Both mixers sport a 1/8″ stereo aux input for connecting a media player, a headphone output and a USB connector. Its functionality is not described in the PR, but it is clearly labeled “Update” on the back panel, so I suspect it is only there for that purpose. Of course the deal would be even sweeter if the mixers would also double up as audio interfaces.
Availabilty: April 2016
Prices (US MSRP): ProDX4 USD 259.99 / ProDX8 USD 389.99
More information: www.mackie.com