In the last ten years, podcasting has evolved into one of the best ways to share information, learn about new topics, and build an audience. If you’re truly serious about starting a great podcast, then you’ll also need some high-quality gear. Microphones and computer recording software are key, but if you want room to grow, it’s worth considering a USB interface mixer like the Mackie ProFX8v2.
Whether you’ve got an established audience or you’re just starting out, a full-featured mixer could help you take mediocre recordings to a new level. Like brands such as Yamaha, and Korg, Mackie is well-known, particularly for their mixers.
Unlike a smaller recording interface, a mixer like the Mackie ProFX8v2 can give you the freedom to bring in more guests and let everyone have their own mic. With a mixer, you even have the flexibility to record live music, run events with live sound, or mix audio back in real time.
In this article, we’ll break down some key features you’ll find on the Mackie ProFX8v2 and compare it with three other top mixers—the Sub Zero SZ-Mix06USB, Allen & Heath’s ZEDi 10FX, and the Behringer X Air X18. We’ll consider the price of each along with ease of use, sound quality, and warranty. There’s no one mixer that is perfect for every podcaster out there, but these are all excellent units that can get you up and running for a better sounding podcast without breaking the bank.
So if you’re interested in learning about how the Mackie ProFX8v2 mixer or one of its peers can help you step up your podcasting game, then look no further—we’ve got you covered.
What Is the Mackie ProFX8v2 Effects Mixer?
The Mackie ProFX8v2 is an eight-input digital compact mixer with a wide range of onboard effects. Since it is an 8-channel mixer, this means that you can use up to four microphones with an XLR cable connection with this mixer and then also use four additional inputs with a 1/4″ cable connection. It’s comparatively small and light for a mixer of its capabilities, so it shouldn’t be too much of a pain to lug with you to on-location recordings.
If you’re completely new to mixers, we’ll give you a few of the basics. The Mackie ProFX8v2 will allow you to plug in the different mics or inputs you want to record and then control the output levels of each input individually. By raising and lowering the little sliding guys on the front (called faders), you can blend the level of each mic until you have the right mix of levels. Hence the name mixer. The mixer will also allow you to affect things like the equalization of different specific sound frequencies within the audio recording and add effects like reverberation and delay.
All of these sounds get sent into a computer where they are recorded in a digital audio workstation (DAW) software package. That’s where you’ll have the option to chop out all the curse words, add in your bumper music, and import commercials from your lucrative sponsors.
Mackie ProFX8v2 Specs
Compact and Connected
Mackie has been a leader in the live sound and recording space for decades, and the Mackie ProFX8v2 mixer proves why. This unit has eight individual inputs, four of which have the option to use either an XLR input or a 1/4″ cable connection. All eight of the inputs have an EQ section that will allow you to tweak sounds until they’re falling just right in the mix.
This could be especially helpful for narrowing down harsh sibilance or loud plosive sounds during an interview. Once each of the individual tracks is EQ’d properly, you can also equalize levels on the overall mix with the onboard seven-band graphical EQ. It has USB recording and USB music playback. It has a headphone output with separate level control and stereo playback devices. Tracktion is also available for download from the Mackie website.
Record it or Go Live
Beyond the powerful mixing and equalizing capabilities, this mixer offers excellent routing options for your output signals. Since it’s USB enabled, this mixer will work as an audio interface to pair with your favorite DAW like Ableton, Pro Tools, or Logic Pro.
But it will also work seamlessly in a live setting by running the outputs to a stereo set of live main speakers. For a live podcast taping, you’ll even have the flexibility of sending one mix the main speakers for the audience and a separate mix to a monitoring speaker for the podcast guests. Simply raise or lower the AUX knob on each channel to bring it up in the monitor mix. It also has stereo RCA tape I/O with input level control.
Get Experimental
The Mackie ProFX8v2 is a modestly priced unit for all its features. One feature that truly sets it apart from the pack is the selection of onboard digital effects. With Mackie’s proprietary ReadyFX package, you can add simple digital effects like reverb and delay as well as more intense effects like a double or pan delay. These may not be the first things that come to mind for your podcast about vintage toy trains, but you may be happy to have those effects during a sudden burst of inspiration.
Overall Pricing of the Mixers in This Article
There’s a wide range of prices for mixers in this class. If you’re looking for a studio-grade mixer with the classiest mic preamps and best quality digital conversion, then expect to spend around $1,000. The Mackie ProFX8v2 is a high-quality but much lower cost option, as are the other units in this review. We focused on home recording and podcasting rigs that usually run between $100 and $400.
How the Mackie ProFX8v2 Stacks Up Against the Competition
We picked a few similar products available on the market to see how they compare.
Bust First… More on the Mackie ProFX8v2 Effects Mixer
Ease of Use – 3 Stars
This mixer is feature-packed but loses a few points because it may be over the heads of some total beginners.
Sound Quality – 4 Stars
For the price, the Mackie ProFX8v2 offers exceptional sound quality.
Design Quality – 5 Stars
Mackie has packed a huge number of impressive features into a small and affordable unit.
Warranty – 5 Stars
Mackie backs this unit with an impressive three-year limited warranty.
Pros
- Excellent audio mixer for the price
- Lots of inputs with four XLR inputs
- Many EQ options
- Onboard digital effects
- Equipped with new ReadyFX Effects Engine which provides 16 effects options such as reverb, delays, and choruses
- USB recording interface
- No-Compromise live
- Comes with a mixing toolkit
- Great customer reviews
- Low noise Mackie Vita preamps
- Signature Mackie mixer “Built-like-a-tank” design
- 8 input channels
- Input level control
- Solid steel chassis
- Great for home studios
- Vita mic preamps/mic channels
- Several mic inputs
- Extra stereo return
- 5-Band graphic EQ
- No-Hassle USB Recording/Playback
- Remote control included via footswitch 4 technology
- GEQ
- Powerful Point DSP
- Break switch muting
- Hi-z inputs
- 3-Band EQ (12khz-
Cons
- Crowded controls, but they get the job done
Price $$
Sub Zero SZ-Mix06USB
The SubZero SZ-MIX08USB 8-Channel Mini mixer is an excellent low-cost option for podcasters who need some quality features but not too many frills. This unit has eight inputs, two of which have XLR connections and is fully USB compatible. Every track gets its own two-band EQ, level knob, and AUX output, which can be great for setting up a monitor mix. With onboard phantom power, you’ll also have no problem powering your condenser mics.
Where this unit truly stands out is in its compact size and price. It’s portable but has enough features you could confidently bring it to either a remote recording session or right into a studio.
The phantom power on this unit also has fairly impressive specs, and the preamps offer super low harmonic distortion measuring it at 0.08 decibels. With USB compatibility, this unit should lock in with your computer easily and serve as a powerful interface. If you’re looking for something small, inexpensive, and powerful, then this could be a great choice.
Ease of Use – 4 Stars
This unit doesn’t have many bells and whistles, but it’s dead simple to use.
Sound Quality – 3 Stars
As with any lower-cost mixer, there can be some sound compromises.
Design Quality – 3 Stars
This unit loses some points here for not having faders.
Warranty – 4 Stars
This unit is backed by a two-year warranty.
Pros
- Small and compact design
- Good quality preamps
- Very affordable
Cons
- Lacks faders
- May be less durable than some competing mixers
Price $
Allen & Heath ZEDi 10FX
Allen & Heath’s ZEDi-10FX is a mixer and audio interface with four inputs, four outputs, 24-bit/96kHz conversions, and USB connectivity. The unit works seamlessly with a Mac, PC, or iOS device, and there are several USB orientations to maximize efficiency while recording your podcast. This unit has the toughness and tactile performance of a traditional mixer but adds in a host of digital effects and mixing options that can come in handy when interfacing with coms.
A set of Allen & Heath’s GSPre boutique preamps are the star of the show on this mixer. They are modeled after the preamps on one of the brand’s most iconic mixers, the GS-R24, and offer clarity and depth that are not often found on a mixer of this price. The ZEDi-10FX also includes a full complement of digital effects that could in handy for musical applications but also for live mixing in untreated spaces. If you decide to record music, guitarists can plug directly into the board’s high impedance inputs and sidestep the need for a traditional DI box.
Ease of Use – 4 Stars
This is a somewhat complex unit, but it’s surprisingly easy to use.
Sound Quality – 5 Stars
The GSPres and digital effects make this a great sounding unit.
Design Quality – 5 Stars
This unit is not only powerful but also great looking.
Warranty – 4 Stars
This unit is covered with a one-year limited warranty.
Pros
- Power supply
- Excellent sound quality
- Durable yet attractive housing
- Versatile as both an interface and live sound mixer
- High-grade converters
Cons
- More expensive than some competing mixers
Price $$
Behringer X Air X18
If you’re looking for the ultimate in recording power and flexibility, then Behringer’s X Air X18 unit could be for you. This isn’t a traditional mixer like the Mackie ProFX8v2, but rather an interface that is entirely controlled with a tablet. Simply add Behringer’s X Air app to any supported tablet device, sync that tablet to the X Air’s onboard wifi, and you’ll have full control of all the mics and inputs plugged into the base station. This is a powerful option because it means you can mix your inputs from anywhere in a room as long as your tablet is connected to the wifi.
Another powerful feature of the X Air X18 is that each user can control their own monitor mix. By adding the XMix app to a compatible smartphone, podcast guests can sync their phone to the system and increase or decrease the volume of any other track they so choose. This means that each participant can dial in the perfect mix for their own ears.
Ease of Use – 5 Stars
The ability to mix remotely using a tablet makes this a super easy-to-use unit.
Sound Quality – 4 Stars
Behringer doesn’t offer the same high-grade preamps as some competitors, but this is still a good sounding option for podcasters.
Design Quality – 5 Stars
This is a powerful and innovative design that gives users a lot of freedom.
Warranty – 5 Stars
This unit is covered by Behringer’s impressive three-year limited warranty.
Pros
- Tablet controlled mixing
- Innovative wireless design
- Excellent sound quality
- Every user can create their own monitor mix
- Smart device integration
Cons
- Users must have a tablet
- Very little tactile interaction
Price $$$
Our Verdict
Every podcast is unique, and every podcaster will have different needs from their mixer. Overall, the Mackie ProFXv2 is an excellent option for a podcaster that wants a lot of power, great sound quality of playback music, and an analog-style mixer experience. Couple that classic feel with a host of high-grade digital features, and you’ve got a mixer that we rate as four out of a possible five. The only place that it loses points in our book is the aesthetic design.
The ZEDi-10FX
All the mixers in the review could offer a unique and useful option to a podcaster. If we had to choose one winner though, we’d go with Allen & Heath’s ZEDi-10FX. This mixer offers a superior blend of features and price point that we think is simply hard to beat.
The Behringer X Air is impressive for its innovative wireless design, but we think that’s ultimately better suited towards music production. The ZEDi, on the other hand, could offer brilliant sound for a podcaster and then seamlessly move into a live music setting as well.
