I use a Mackie for tracking but have a number of other preamps at my disposal. I think it is always a good idea to collect some preamps for various uses. I never use my Mackie for vocals, lately I have been using a vintage Altec 1567a, but have used Langevin, Neve and others. You will immediately notice the difference.

I own a Mackie 24-8, I own a Joe Meek VC1Q (along with lots of other pre's).... I use the Meek regularly, I only use the Mackie pre's if I run out, which is almost never...however the Meek doesn't "bury" the Mackie, more of a slightly sideways-upward move, definitely sounds different, as in not quite as "clean", which is a good thing (usually).

Best of luck,

BW

Sorry, my apologies, overlooked the XDR reference...can't comment on that comparison, although most who can are not blown away with the new Mackie pre's, but they are supposed to be cleaner than the "old" pre's...again, that's not necessarily a good thing.

Best of luck,

BW