I needed to replace my old Mackie 1202 VLZ3 because of the failure of the transformer and the preamp of 1 channel after more than 15 years of service. I had the choice between going for the VLZ4 version and try something new that could allow me not to pass through a dedicated digital audio interface for pc recording.
Mackie ProFX10v3 seemed to be the good choice in the same price range. Wrong choice! The more I use it the more I see its limitations.
the pros:
- USB connection (whatever limited to 2 channel recording)
- compressor on 2 channels
- HI impedence switch on 2 channels
the cons:
- junk onboard effects, almost unusable because of the lack of control over them (you can control just the mix, no parameters are tweakable). must be a reason if the more complete Mackie ProFX10v3+ is 40% more expensive!
- limited routing possibilities (on the 1202 VLZ you had the ALT 3-4 option)
- only 1 fx send (on the 1202 VLZ you had 2 fx send)
- 8 real channels (line 9-10 are almost used for USB connection or for a 1/8 TRS)
- absence of the useful (for me, at least) tape-in and tape-out connection (for additional connection to other audio sources) in addition to the "real" 12 channels
All in all, the feeling I have is that Mackie tried to jump in the USB DAI mixer segment adding gadgets and betting on brand reputation. For good amateur USB DAI mixers better look elsewhere. Just a false light, unfortunately.
