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Mackie DL1608 iPad-Controlled 16-Channel Digital Live Sound Mixer
- DL1608 PadLock
- 12V DC Power Block
- Limited 1-Year Warranty
Hands-on Review: the Mackie DL1608 Sound Mixer
This video review explores aspects of the Mackie DL1608 16-channel live sound mixer. You’ll learn how to control all of the DL1608’s functions with an iPad, using the Master Fader app. Rob Rives demonstrates a few of the preset settings and effects, as well as the mixer’s wireless capabilities.
| Analog | |
| Input Connections | XLR balanced (x12) XLR & 1/4" TRS combo jacks (x4) |
| Mic Preamps | Onyx |
| Input Impedances | Channels 1 - 12: 3kΩ Channels 13 - 16: 3kΩ XLR, 30kΩ 1/4" TRS |
| Maximum Input Level | XLR: +21 dBu 1/4" TRS: +30 dBu |
| Gain | XLR: 0 to 60 dB 1/4" TRS: -20 to 40 dB |
| Phantom Power | +48V 10 mA max per mic, with up to 8 mics 5 mA max per mic, with up to 16 mics |
| Output Connections | XLR balanced (x2, L/R) |
| Output Impedance | 600Ω |
| Maximum Output Level | +21 dBu |
| AUX Sends | 1/4" TRS - supports balanced/unbalanced 240Ω balanced, 120Ω unbalanced +21 dBu max output level |
| Digital Audio | |
| Sample Rate | 48 kHz |
| Bit Depth | 24-bit |
| Latency | 1.5 mS |
| Performance | |
| Frequency Response | 20 Hz to 20 kHz, +0 /-1 dB all inputs to all outputs |
| THD | < 0.005% mic input to main output, 1 kHz @ -1 dBFS |
| EIN | -128 dBu @ 150Ω termination |
| Noise | Mic input to main output, A-weightedMic input to main output, A-weighted: -79 dBu, with channel and main faders @ 0 dB -90 dBu, with channel and main faders @ -∞ dB |
| Crosstalk | Adjacent inputs: < -120 dB @ 1 kHzAdjacent inputs: < -120 dB @ 1 kHz Outputs: < - 105 dB @ 1 kHz |
| Signal-to-Noise Ratio | 92 dB ref +4 dBu, one channel and main fader @ 0 dB, A-weighted |
| Dynamic Range | 109 dB one channel and main fader @ 0 dB, A-weighted |
| CMRR | > 70 dB @ 1 kHz (60 dB gain) |
| Networking | |
| Connector | 100MB Ethernet |
| Control | Complete |
| Simultaneously Connected Remote Stations |
Up to 10 iPads |
| iPad System Requirements | Original iPad, iPad 2, or iPad 3rd generation iOS v5.0 or higher |
| Power | |
| External Power Supply | Yes 100-240VAC, 50-60 Hz, Universal User-replaceable IEC |
| Output Voltage | 12VDC |
| Current | 4A |
| DC Plug | 5.5mm x 2.5mm barrel with locking ring |
| Power Consumption | 48W max |
| General | |
| Operating Temperature | 32 to 104° F (0 to 40° C) |
| Dimensions | 11.5 x 3.7 x 15.4" (291 x 95 x 391mm) 9U rack mount plus space for connections |
| Weight | 6.9 lb (3.1 kg) |
Comments
I just bought one and am having trouble figuring out how to connect the other devices to the board. Its connected to an airport extreme and all connected to the same wireless router. Any help would be appreciated
Aaron
Hi Aaron -
If you have followed all the basic steps outlined in the Mackie Quick Start Guide (and an Apple Airport Extreme should automatically connect anyway) and you are still encountering issues, please contact Mackie technical support for troubleshooting the mixer and your set-up. There are just too many potential variables to address here. Typically set-up and functionality is a breeze so please contact Mackie right away.
Please contact us via e-mail if you have additional questions: AskBH@BandH.com
Have you talked to anyone out in the field that has used this? I'm looking for a corporate events and meeting mixer. I want something that is easy to transport (ship via pelican case of fly with it), solid in performance, won't crash regularly.
I own a small av company and one of my audio engineers is trying to talk me out of buying the mackie. Usually, I subrent a yamaha LS9 or LS16. Great board no doubt, but it's not easy or cost-effective to ship. I'm in this business to make money and renting gear takes money out of my pocket. I always need a mixer that will handle a typical set up of 4 wireless lavs, 2-8 wireless handhelds, 2 pc audio input and 4-6 aux sends to record decks, webcasting or other needs.
What I was hoping to learn from reading reviews on this is more of a real-user experience. Have you heard of any issues of crashing, or ipad freezing, powering down, losing audio feed to speakers, etc?
Anyone out there that has had some experience with the Mackie? I'm open to buying the presonus but would love to save a couple hundred in purchase cost if possible.
Thanks,
Travis
Hello Travis -
As much as I love this Mackie mixer it may not be the "right" product for you. Since one of its outstanding features is wireless iPad control and wireless is dependent upon a consistent reliable WiFi connection - one can see where this may not be the very best product for mission critical applications. Stay wired and stay secure and reliable. The couple extra hundred dollars for a mixer like the PreSonus 16.0.2 is worth every penny in "peace of mind" currency.
Please contact us via e-mail if you have additional questions: AskBH@BandH.com
What I was hoping to learn from reading reviews on this is more of a real-user experience. Have you heard of any issues of crashing, or ipad freezing, powering down, losing audio feed to speakers, etc?
The answer NO, this mixer is awesome and has a very small footprint. The mixer app is rediculasly easy to use. You can download it for free and give it a test drive....Apples airport express is a great router and pairs with the ipad in minuites and is also very small in size.
Go to Mackies website and check out the forum for th DL...
The wireless control is only as reliable as the wireless router it is connected to, the connector dock is for the 30 pin iPads and not the new lightning connectors. The reviews for the Mackie DL1608 so far have been very positive and proven that this unit is a great portable mixer. If you would like you can visit our site using the link below to review the specifications and the customer reviews.
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/841051-REG/Mackie_DL1608_DL1608_16...
Please let us know if there is anything else we can assist you with.
how does the mackie compare to the presonus studiolive 16.0.2?
Hello -
The PreSonus 16.0.2 is a wonderful device and deserves every one of its accolades from audio professionals around the world. It's familiar format, quality build and terrific Capture, Studio One Artist Recording & Production Software, and Virtual StudioLive Control Software make this an outstanding value and overall great choice for either a Mac or Windows user. With the free PreSonus QMix software, up to ten musicians can simultaneously control their StudioLive monitor (aux) mixes using an iPhone or iPod touch - four different mixes with a 16.0.2
QMix works a lot like SL Remote - one or more iPhones network wirelessly with a Mac or PC, enabling QMix to remote-control Virtual StudioLive, which in turn controls one or more FireWire-connected StudioLive mixers
When each iPhone connects to the new network, its copy of QMix will discover all StudioLive mixers on the network - in this way, each musician can quickly and easily create an aux mix that includes all mixer channels
In the Virtual StudioLive portion of Universal Control, permissions can be set so that each iPhone user can only control one specified mix (or all mixes) - band mates can't mess with each other's monitors.
That said, the Mackie DL1608 16-Channel Digital Live Sound Mixer allows the entire process of live-sound mixing to be controlled by an iPad. The DL1608 features 16 Onyx microphone preamps, 24-bit A/D & D/A converters, powerful internal DSP processing and an iPad docking faceplate. Integrate your Apple iPad and complete the setup for a live sound mixing experience that takes advantage of the iPad's touch screen capabilities and wireless control. One of the major comparison points is the Mackie's relative small size and weight. Its about 1/3 the weight of the PreSonus mixer and less than 2/3 the size. So if portability is of prime consideration - than go with the Mackie. If you need less portability, more studio features and robustness in a live mixer that features firewire and two 32-bit DSP processors then go with the PreSonus.
Please contact us via e-mail if you have additional questions: AskBH@BandH.com