Smallest mixer

[hotroad]

REVIEW of the Mackie PRO DX4 Bluetooth Mixer:
As the OP of this thread asking for ideas on small mixers, I guess I have to report success. I picked up the Mackie Pro DX4. I am very impressed and I have high standards in regards to tone. There is also a DX8. Here is my review.
This is a four channel mixer with two XLR combo inputs and one small input for phone, etc. plus one input for headphones. Each is controlled by the master control box that has these inputs and controls. For control from this unit you can adjust volume for each channel and a main volume. There is also a very simple way to add and control two reverbs and two delays, all of which are usable and clean. So from this unit you can plug into the combo inputs with whatever and adjust volume, four effects (one at a time) and headphones plus the micro for a phone, drums etc.
Now the fun begins. This is equipped with the ability to add many more features by using your smart phone wirelessly via bluetooth. So, you download an app supplied by Mackie free of charge. You then have adjustable compression, sweepable mids, mute for each channel, and all the other features of the control box I described above using sliders now showing on your phone. The pairing of my phone with the control box has worked perfectly and the sliders on my phone to adjust all the parameters work flawlessly as well.
So far I have used this to mix my vocal, guitar and percussion using only my phone. Distance is about 30 feet that still provides the bluetooth signal. Beyond that and you lose control from your phone but the system keeps right on working with the settings you last used.
The control box is stout, uses a supplied wall wart and is easy to operate. Then having the functions on my phone make it easy to control my mix right from the mic stand where my phone is attached. I love that feature.
I have to say the sound is stellar from this into my Shertler David Deluxe amp for both vocals and guitar. All the effects are available for all three channels. Having the control right in front of me at a gig is priceless.
Mackie did a good job on this one. I love it so far. The only thing bad is that the gain is not enough to amplify my Lowden with an Element under saddle but its passive, no battery. I am using an old Fishman Pro EQII right now and it provides enough juice with the Shertler amp to more than cover a room with 100 people. All my other guitars don't need this extra boost to be as loud as I want it. No degradation in tone with high volume.
I will stop now. Sorry for the length. I highly recommend this to you and its very inexpensive for what you get. I would say it gives studio quality and its easy to use. PM me with any questions and I might be able to help.

[emmsone]

Excellent. This is good to hear and good to know.

[Kalani]

Just got the SoundCraft Notepad 8fx. A lot smaller than my Yamaha MG10XU (which is nice and small already) and sounds great!

[Cuki79]

Originally Posted by Kalani

Just got the SoundCraft Notepad 8fx. A lot smaller than my Yamaha MG10XU (which is nice and small already) and sounds great!

Can you post a picture side by side?

The Notepad 8FX is said to be 10.7 x 11.9 x 3.5in. (L X W X H)
The Yamaha MG10XU is 9.6" x 2.8" x 11.6" (W×H×D)

Cuki

[hotroad]

Cuki was right in his earlier post here. This Mackie Pro 4DX does not have enough juice for my Element equipped Lowden. Adding a preamp to the Mackie preamp works wonders though and in my opinion its worth it to get the ease of use plus the features of the Mackie Pro 4DX.

[buzzardwhiskey]

Just a suggestion, take it for what it's worth, more is very often better. By that I mean, on the three mixers I've bought so far, I've eventually wanted more inputs.

[Kalani]

Originally Posted by Cuki79

Can you post a picture side by side?

The Notepad 8FX is said to be 10.7 x 11.9 x 3.5in. (L X W X H)
The Yamaha MG10XU is 9.6" x 2.8" x 11.6" (W×H×D)

Cuki

Don't know how to post a pic. The measurements you give for the SoundCraft are the box measurements. I called SoundCraft and they gave me these measurements: 8x9x3. I think actual height is smaller than 3". I'll measure it before my next gig.

[krisls]

Originally Posted by Cuki79

Can you post a picture side by side?

The Notepad 8FX is said to be 10.7 x 11.9 x 3.5in. (L X W X H)
The Yamaha MG10XU is 9.6" x 2.8" x 11.6" (W×H×D)

Cuki

I have the Yammy and was looking at that little Notepad the other day. It is noticeably smaller. Four mic inputs is my minimum. I was wondering at the 'effects' though, curious what you think re reverb or delay.

Kris

[AcouStickistNS]

Check out SFX, they also do custom:

http://sfxsound.com/xm/

[hotroad]

Very awesome effects, etc. Nice to see such good gear available to us if we go that direction.

[krisls]

Ooops .... seems I was looking at the Notepad 12fx. As I said.. minimum 4 mic pres. Looks like a good little unit and is smaller than the Yammy MG 10xu.

Looks good, very compact but I did not have a chance to actually give it a run. So curious about those EFX. I have a larger Soundcraft MFXi 8 which is great but larger than needed often.

Kris

[Cuki79]

Originally Posted by AcouStickistNS

Check out SFX, they also do custom:

http://sfxsound.com/xm/

Wow two bad the crossover has only one channel

But basically you can blend a pickup and mic, keeping for example only the lows for the pickup.

[dcopper]

Peavey makes a small mixer and I like the eq b/c it has low/mid/hi on the channels- think it is a PV-6.

[Cuki79]

Here is a picture from Kalani comparing both the Notepad and the Yamaha MG10XU

[Rudy4]

Originally Posted by hotroad

I am in need of a very small mixer with two channels. I don't need eq or effects but I do need volume, eq is fine. Just two in and one out via xlr or 1/4". Got ideas??

It sounds like a K&K mixer would suit your needs. I just sold one on eBay not long ago that was basically new and unused for around $50.

K&K makes a number of small mixers in various configurations.