It's good to see Mackie back to designing and launching original products that are ahead of trends, but remain true to the original Greg Mackie spirit of offering affordable solutions for real world requirements. In this case, the M•Caster Live has features that make it easier than ever before to create content and get it out there for the world to see.
The ultimate streaming audio solution designed around a USB interface, the M•Caster Live offers the ability to connect directly to a smartphone headphone jack, or via a dedicated USB-C port to a computer running OBS (or similar software). The main USB-C port also supports connecting to an external battery for use in the field – no mains power required. The control surface features large dials that are intuitive, while also delivering direct control of the most important functions, including controlling audio processing. Users will be able to dial-in preset-based ContourFX dynamic effects to create at pro-quality voice with a single knob, while the StreamFX voice changer will let users disguise their voice. And under the hood of the M•Caster Live, users will be able to control selectable RGB LED base lights, making the console stand out on the desk and dark environments.
Inputs include a full-featured microphone preamp with 48V phantom power for studio microphones, plus a dedicated jack input for headsets, allowing to record the built-in microphone. There's also a dedicated high-impedance instrument input and the smartphone/aux jack input, which also allows to take calls with mix-minus monitoring available for the guests. Outputs include headphones and line level for active studio monitors, plus the main USB streaming program. The mixer package includes USB cable, 3.5mm TRS / Aux cable, 3.5mm TRRS cable (for smartphones), and dedicated power supply.
The M•Caster Live Portable Streaming Mixer is actually a product at the crossroads of consumer trends and professional audio (built like a tank!), which is probably what makes it stand out. And it is certainly a smart move to bundle the M•Caster Live with powerful software solutions such as those from Accusonus, including a perpetual license of their amazing ERA Voice Leveler and De-Esser plugins, and a 3 month All Access Suite subscription (see more information here). This creative suite features powerful audio repair tools such as Noise Remover, Voice Deepener, Mouth De-Clicker, and Reverb Remover, just to name a few. Users can also explore the Voice Changer plugin, adding fun effects to their projects, or search the music libraries of SFX and Music Cellar for high-quality, royalty-free sound effects and background music.
And another sign that Mackie is back on track is the clever marketing of a line of accessories, immediately increasing the value of a new product at launch. To combine with the M•Caster Live, Mackie launches the mRing Line and CreatorSling Streamer accessories. The mRing-10 is a 10” diameter ring light perfect for content creators, remote work, streaming, and more on mobile devices. With the included telescoping stand and Bluetooth remote, users can start their video right out of the box. For a more compact option, the mRing-6 measures 6" in diameter and comes equipped with a battery-powered ring light, convertible selfie stick/stand, and Bluetooth remote.
"When talking to creators, we kept seeing the same complaints over and over again. Users want a simple way to connect with their streaming platform. They want to sound great. And they want something that can be easily portable," says Mackie Product Manager Craig Reeves. “M•Caster Live delivers on all of those points and manages to look great while doing it!”
The new Mackie M•Caster Live will be available from February 2022 with an MAP of $259. Creator Accessories are expected to be available later in Q1.
www.mackie.com
