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.

We have the Mackie. Love it. It's our fourth one in ten years.

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.

Don't do it, but I spilt a coke on mine about a month ago and nothing **repeat** nothing happened. Weird but true.

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.

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.

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.