we (big outside broadcasting company) use the rane line mixers in our trucks..nothing wrong with em for line mixing..
the mackie eq is way too limited for serious use anyway..
there IS a big difference in sound between mackie and other(spirit folio, behringer) mixers though..even for line mixing.
then again..if you don't have a separate preamp, the mackie's ones are pretty useable..

I've owned 4 different Mackie boards. The pre-amps are only as good as the EQ. And neither is to boast about. :oops:
But the same thing can be said for about ALL the "under a thousand dollar mark" gear.
It just cost more money to use the parts that a good quality pre amp uses, (transformer, tubes, ect, ect.)
And by the time you design the pre-amp with todays standard design technologies in mind. It raises the cost that much more. People want at least 8 channels, and pre-amps, with EQ on each channel, for under $1000. Or in some cases 16 channel's with pre-amps, and EQ, all for under a grand.
But the reality that a good EQ and/or and good quality pre-amp cost no less than $1000, and as much as $2000, just for one channel. Sorry for you budget gear lovers out there
I'm not talking to anyone spec.
But anyhow, just dont expect anything better, as far as the Mackie Vs the Rane, this is once again not a question of better, just different.
They are both in the same cost range. They are both respected names in audio. But just make sure you like the little features and or coarse the way it sounds with the type of music you want to do. And just because a quality company makes good long lasting gear, that is affordable, does not mean that it will suit all types of music.
My two cents
Hope you get what you like most!
Oh yeah, I've never own anything by Rane. But I would like to get one or two of their high end EQ units