Mackie was one of the first manufacturers to actually have success with iPad-controlled digital audio mixers (DL1608 and DL806) and the subsequent rack-mount networked-controlled wireless mixing concept (DL32R). Now Mackie unveiled a bold new solution at NAMM 2016 with the AXIS modular digital mixing system, combining the DL32R, iPads, and the all-new DC16. A combination which is greater than the sum of all those parts.
At NAMM 2016, Mackie seemed revitalized with several new bold product introductions and an energetic engineering team revealing a new direction for the famous company (part of Loud Technologies). Apparently they’ve been working hard on taking the original concept of the DL1608 iPad-controlled digital mixer and expanding it in both the more affordable musician-oriented market (see separate release on the new ProDX Wireless Digital Mixers), while simultaneously expanding the experience gained in combining software, iOS apps for wireless control and monitoring, audio networking and digital mixing, with the launch of the new DC16 control surface for its popular DL32R 32-channel digital mixer. The combined system represents a first for Mackie, diving head first into the world of professional live sound production and installation.
The combination of the DL32R digital mixer and new DC16 control surface delivers a scalable system with all the benefits of digital and all the benefits of industry-leading wireless mixing designed from the ground up as an integrated system. With 32 remote-controllable Onyx+ mic preamps and 16 outputs paired with massive built-in DSP, the system is able to respond to medium and large channel count applications. The system relies on Dante for communication between the DL32R mixer and DC16 control surface, enabling additional networking capability for professional applications.“It’s an incredibly forward-thinking, modular professional digital mixing solution with more features per price than any other digital mixer available,” commented Ben Olswang, Mackie Product Manager. “The workflow is amazingly fast, with tremendous visual feedback and customization.”
Showing for the first time at NAMM 2016, the new DC16 control surface delivers innovative features that set it apart from mixers costing twice as much or more. “Every control and channel is instantly accessible with just the push of a button. Navigate like never before with view groups and a mix selector that provides faster navigation compared to a traditional “banking” approach,” comments Olswang.
Unmatched visual feedback is provided by large, full-color channel displays and the ability to dock up to three iPads in the SmartBridge, with smart sensing that knows when any of the iPad is in place. Placing any iPad on the SmartBridge triggers the view that corresponds to the standard mixing process or to pre-configured views, but the user can instantly switch any of the views on any of the 3 iPads to focus on what he is working with at the moment, from configuring I/Os to focusing on a specific group of channels and applying effects to multiple channels. This allows easy customization over each iPad view to meet specific workflow needs and offers an expanded graphic control overview which is only available in large-size digital mixers for live sound costing 10x more. The difference is that the iPads offer superior tactile control, much better resolution screens and wireless connectivity. So the sound engineer can actually take one of the iPads from the DC16 at any moment and work on a specific setup, or grab an iPad and head out to tune the room or dial in monitors and the Master Fader control app knows to switch it to the view that makes the most sense for the user.Yes, it’s true that someone can actually steal one of the iPads just before the concert starts, but it is also true that you can carry the whole system in a small road case and that you can actually use the iPads to record in multitrack, playback virtual sound checks and do a million things more. You can also replace the iPads every year with the newest, more powerful and better screen version, without replacing the entire system or just buy the cheapest available last-year model iPads. Oh… and those DC16 faders, are actually ALPS, so the mixing experience actually is and feels solid.
“With a completely modular design, flexible multi-track recording and tight integration with the iOS platform, this system is clearly ahead of the curve,” concluded Olswang. The DC16 control surface will be available in June 2016. The complete solution will be available in pre-configured packages, including an install package with DL32R, Dante Card and DC16 control surface for $7,399.99 USD MSRP, and a touring mixing system with DL32R, Dante Card, DC16 control surface, DC16 Road Case and 80m Ethercon reel for $9,279.99 MSRP. According to Mackie, this will allow the AXIS solution to compete head to head with digital mixers in the market costing up to $30k USD.
www.mackie.com | www.loudtechinc.com
