We have featured a number of iPad-powered mixers over the last couple of weeks, which have been showcased at this year’s NAMM show. Another to add to the list is the newly unveiled Mackie DL1608 iPad mixer, which uses your iPad for processing power.
Once docked within the Mackie DL1608, your iPad connects wirelessly, enabling you to control the mixer via Mackie’s Master Fader iPad app. Watch the video after the jump to see the newly unveiled Mackie DL1608 in action.
Features and Capabilities
The Mackie’s Master Fader iPad app is equipped with multiple screens providing you with fader control, EQ, compression, and gate settings. Together with access to reverb and delay effects, as well as a 31-band master EQ, the app offers a comprehensive suite of tools for sound engineers. Presets can quickly and easily be saved, enabling you to recall mix snapshots with a simple touch. This feature is particularly useful for live performances where quick adjustments are often necessary.
Other features of the new Mackie DL1608 mixer include 16 Onyx mic preamps, which are known for their high-quality sound reproduction. The 24-bit Cirrus Logic AD/DA converters ensure that the audio signal remains pristine throughout the mixing process. Additionally, the mixer allows for channel images to identify mixer channels with a photo, making it easier to manage and organize your setup. The stereo recording of the main mix directly to the iPad is another standout feature, providing a convenient way to capture live performances or practice sessions.
Practical Applications and User Experience
The Mackie DL1608 is designed to be user-friendly, making it accessible for both amateur and professional sound engineers. The wireless control via the iPad app means that you can make adjustments from anywhere in the venue, providing greater flexibility and control over the sound environment. This is particularly beneficial in live settings where the sound engineer needs to move around to check different areas of the venue.
Moreover, the ability to save and recall presets can save a significant amount of time during setup and sound checks. For example, if you are working with multiple bands or performers, you can save individual settings for each one and quickly switch between them as needed. This ensures a smooth transition between acts and maintains a consistent sound quality.
The Mackie DL1608 also supports remote control by up to 10 iPads simultaneously, allowing multiple users to manage different aspects of the mix. This can be particularly useful in complex setups where different team members are responsible for various elements of the sound.
Unfortunately, no information on pricing or worldwide availability has been released as yet. However, given Mackie’s reputation for producing high-quality audio equipment, it is likely that the DL1608 will be competitively priced and widely available.
Source: Macgasm
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