Mackie or Alesis Firewire Mixer at DVinfo.net
DV Info Net

Go Back   DV Info Net > The Tools of DV and HD Production > All Things Audio

All Things Audio
Everything Audio, from acquisition to postproduction.

Reply
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread
Old July 13th, 2005, 10:29 AM   #1
Major Player
 
Join Date: Dec 2003
Location: New York, NY
Posts: 393
Mackie or Alesis Firewire Mixer

I am looking into getting a new mixer. I am interested in getting the new Mackie 1620 (or 1640) or the Alesis firewire mixer. The problem is that the mackie cost twice as much as the alesis before you add the Mackie's optional fireward board (which adds another $400). So I was wondering if anyone has used either of these products and can recommend one over the other (keeping the price differences in mind ($400 vs. $1300)). I know that the alesis only does 48k while the mackie does 96, but otherwise I am not sure the quality difference justifies the price difference. I am going to be using it primarily for video related audio and some small band recordings (rock, reggae, R&B). There is no big rush, so if you all know of a better deal on the horizon then do tell.
Dwight Flynn is offline   Reply With Quote
Old July 13th, 2005, 11:45 AM   #2
Regular Crew
 
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: France
Posts: 58
We have the Mackie. Love it. It's our fourth one in ten years.
Cemil Giray is offline   Reply With Quote
Old July 13th, 2005, 11:58 AM   #3
 
Join Date: Jan 2004
Location: Stockton, UT
Posts: 5,648
Ditto. Lotsa Mackie gear, and they build their own gear, not licensed from someone else. So, when you call the factory in Washington, you get to talk to the guys that make the stuff. The Onyx series stuff has Echo Audio engines in it too, and Echo tools are rock-solid. To get better, you need to look at Apogee, like the Rosetta series. For a lot more cash.
__________________
Douglas Spotted Eagle/Spot
Author, producer, composer
Certified Sony Vegas Trainer
http://www.vasst.com
Douglas Spotted Eagle is offline   Reply With Quote
Old July 13th, 2005, 12:27 PM   #4
Regular Crew
 
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: France
Posts: 58
Don't do it, but I spilt a coke on mine about a month ago and nothing **repeat** nothing happened. Weird but true.
Cemil Giray is offline   Reply With Quote
Old July 14th, 2005, 12:43 PM   #5
Major Player
 
Join Date: Dec 2003
Location: New York, NY
Posts: 393
Sorry for the late response (business trip). So I guess I will be saving up for the Mackie. Frankly I like the Alesis (especially for the price) but the 48k limit really bothers me. I may wait a few months to see if anything comparable is due to come market (compared to mackie that is), but I can't wait much longer than that. Thanks guys.
Dwight Flynn is offline   Reply With Quote
Old July 14th, 2005, 12:51 PM   #6
 
Join Date: Jan 2004
Location: Stockton, UT
Posts: 5,648
Having 24/96 is great, same with 24/192, but it's not something I'd sweat bullets over. It's likely going to be rare that you'll ever go past 48K, I'll wager.
__________________
Douglas Spotted Eagle/Spot
Author, producer, composer
Certified Sony Vegas Trainer
http://www.vasst.com
Douglas Spotted Eagle is offline   Reply With Quote
Old July 14th, 2005, 01:37 PM   #7
Trustee
 
Join Date: Mar 2002
Location: Ann Arbor, MI
Posts: 1,334
We have a 1640 in the studio with the FW card. We haven't yet used
the FW feature.
The ONLY issue with the 1640 is a _tiny_ bit of cross talk, (varified at NAB)
but with all the other features that isn't really a big issue. Nothing like the
old Soundcraft 200B ;(

Although I have not heard the Alesis, imo from having listened to Alesis's
other offerings that the Mackie will easily best it.

Remember that you usually get what you pay for. In audio this is
even more true and when you are spending hard earned dough you
don't want to pay half price and end up wishing you had spent the
extra money. I would also bet that if you need to sell it the Mackie will
sell fast.

YMMV as always.
__________________
Jacques Mersereau
University of Michigan-Video Studio Manager
Jacques Mersereau is offline   Reply
Reply

DV Info Net refers all where-to-buy and where-to-rent questions exclusively to these trusted full line dealers and rental houses...

B&H Photo Video
(866) 521-7381
New York, NY USA

Scan Computers Int. Ltd.
+44 0871-472-4747
Bolton, Lancashire UK


DV Info Net also encourages you to support local businesses and buy from an authorized dealer in your neighborhood.
  You are here: DV Info Net > The Tools of DV and HD Production > All Things Audio

Thread Tools Search this Thread
Search this Thread:

Advanced Search

 



All times are GMT -6. The time now is 09:20 AM.


DV Info Net -- Real Names, Real People, Real Info!
1998-2024 The Digital Video Information Network