well if your talking about using the firewire then you actually won't get to record the eq or any other knobs on the board as the signal is taken directly after the preamp. If you don't need it for live use you could get the rackmount setup.

its too early by racknount setup i meant the single space 8ch preamp

What use do I have for all the knobs on this damn mixer if that's what I have the computer for?

Hee. :lol:

Indeed, that IS the question!

It's a toughy... or is it?

All depends on what you do and how you want to do it..or does it? A inexpensive mixer can still be a place to run monitors from and plug headphones into(Though the mixers circuitry can add to the distortion of the system?). To use for "occasional" inputs(Keyboard/synth, whatever - IF they ARE just occasional and maybe not-so-critical..?).

I run my one and only mic and pre(My one pre cost about double my Mackie 1202 VLZ) into my Lynx card directly, through it's AES/EBU input, and relegate my Mackie to speaker/phones control(My work is decidedly non-critical, so if the Mackie adds/subtracts a bit here and there, no prob). My Mackie pre's are good, I've used them, no complaints(The Onyx even better?), and if I want it, the EQ is there, easy insert capability, plus an etc. or two?

There are other options(Though only lately!) for speaker/headphone control and seperate pre's can be better, if you pay for better pre's? At least seperate, dedicated pre's don't have to run through a bunch of extra circuitry(EQ, etc.) to get to your computer(Though, as stated, when you don't want it, the other stuff can be, pretty much, bypassed, with the Onyx mixer line.).

In truth, none of us "needs" a mixer anymore...... I rarely see one at studios I go to(Or at least see one actually used - as a mixer.). I do see some controllers, that look alot LIKE mixers...

A good ol' analog mixer does give one's studio that "studio" look, though..? Worth it? Your call......

If I had my druthers, I'd have a "controller" like the one from..? I forget, doesn't matter, a set of speakers, a set of headphones, a mic pre, a mic and a computer. Long as I have the Mackie, anyway though... I'll leave it sit there, plugged in... looking good(Wish it had more flashing lights)...

TG

Why don't you just buy the 800R? There's your pre's, no mixer.

Teddy, was the new SSL the controller/mixer you're thinking of, because it's the one I'm thinking of.

Well the 800R makes sense in theory, but it's actually more expensive than the 1620, which has more features (even if I would never use them). Are the pre's better?

Whoa man I don't think I could afford the SSL controller, or have room for it. As it is I can barely afford the 1620 (I was originally going to buy the 1220).

The 800R has 192kHz digital output, the 1620 has no digital output, you can add the firewire I/O for $500CAN but it's pre-EQ, pre-insert, so the preamps are the only thing you get. IMO the firewire I/O for the 1620 is not worth the money. The 800R is a superior unit in terms of a high quality digital I/O box. Between the two I'd go with the 800R if a mixer isn't needed. 8-)

Well does the 800R have any XLR inputs? i need 8.

Ok nevermind, I just saw a picture of the back. So I'm actually spending less money with the 800R than if I bought the 1620 with the I/O card. And the 800R is much better quality, sooo....

Wait so can I still connect it to a computer?

I bought a 1220 recently because they Mackie is shipping a free firewire card with the mixers untill dec 31 (I think). Anywho its a promotion they have, got mine in the states, I think I read something about canada earlier. I do not know if it is a regonal thing or not. Online might not offer the same package, I got mine from a dealer.

One complaint is the firewire cord they sent me was no good, I went through a bit of a headache with it because of all the variable on the pc software that could be jacking it up. Anyway the point is my wire was crap and it was an easy fix that took way more energy than it needed. So, be warned :)

other than that I like mine and now that it is working I like it even better

Dossetter, yes. But it depends on your soundcard:

Digital outputs are provided on two optical TOSlink connectors using the ADAT lightpipe digital audio format. AES/EBU or S/PDIF formats are available on a DB25 connector

With an Emu 1212m for example ($200) you get optical ADAT so that would be one easy way of connecting digitally to the 800R from your computer. If you already have ADAT lightpipe you can just connect that way. Or you can also get the appropriate cabling for the DB25 (AES/SPDIF) to run into a variety of gear, but this will be more tricky. I can't speak personally to the convenience and quality of recording via ADAT lightpipe but I imagine it must be quite decent. 8-)

Ok I'm a little new to this so...

I have an Ibook. Can i just plug the 800R into it, or do I have to spend another $200?

Dossetter wrote: Ok I'm a little new to this so...

I have an Ibook. Can i just plug the 800R into it, or do I have to spend another $200?

No, you'll need some sort of Optical to Firewire converter.

Mackie will be releasing this fairly soon however

http://www.mackie.com/press/2005/aes/10_07_05_1200F.html

Well does that mean the 800R is of less value than the 1620? They'd both end up costing the same (about $1,200) with all the analog to digital stuff (like the firewire card). I think I'll just buy another guitar...

Well for the immediate situation what converter should I buy?

If you need a mixer, get the 1620. If you need maximum studio usability get the 800R. 8-)