Mix5

Let me tell you about this Mixer. If you're looking for a device that will mix together 3 devices for monitoring or output, without any audio noise, this is the device you want. The price point is a little high for some, but you get what you pay for, especially if you want an introductory sound mixer. It has all the useful features you'd need to mix your audio together for monitoring or output, and requires hardly any tuning once you set it up right. Since it is a 5-Channel mixer, you basically only can plug in 3 devices total (and can cheat in 2 audio devices with the Tape setting with no sound control). Device one is set up to be your Mic (XLR) / Line in (1/4 or 6.35mm), Device 2 (2/3) is Left Mono (1/4 or 6.35mm) & Right Mono (1/4 or 6.35mm), and Device 3 (4/5) which are the same as Device 2. You have your Main Out which would mix the 3 Device above to a L and R Mono to (1/4 or 6.35mm), Then you have Phones (Headphones) which you can use to Monitor in Stereo with a (1/4 or 6.35mm). Of course there's also the Tape Setting which you can mix out or listen too with White and Red RCA and you can slot in 2 tape devices, but the mixer has no control over the audio volume or levels, and you can press a button to output to Phones or Main Out. The drawback to this devicve is that it controls both L and R audio at the same time on the device you slot into, if your trying to control the audio levels seperately you'd have to slot into a different device slot, but after that everything works perfectly out of the box, once you adjust the settings to how you like it. This compact mixer doesn't have a power switch, but for anyone thinking about unplugging it when not in use, you really don't have too, the device doesn't get too warm, and unplugging a device like this that doesn't have a power switch can actually lead to damage over time if you keep power cycling it that way. I bought this for streaming to mix down my Computer Audio and my TV audio into one device for my headphones and its worked like a charm. If you're looking to do the same you'll have to buy a few adapters and extra cables, but its well worth it. This was the third mixer I tried and a lot of the cheaper mixers I found on Amazon had weird audio hum/distortions that you couldn't remove even by adjusting the settings. This device worked out of the box with no distortions or audio interfearence. I highly recommend this device if you're looking for an easy to set up entry mixer.

Used this for a 2 DJ setup where we could mix between controllers so both DJs were performing at the same time and matching the other's beats and music while mixing. The item itself has pretty good heft and weight to it. I'm not sure if that means it's higher quality but it sure does feel like it. The controls are smooth and accurate. The 3-band EQ provides excellent control, and the entire unit adds a cleaner and amplified output stage. Basically it's able to amp the signal coming out of the controllers to a higher output level. This is good because we were able to add in Microphones, and get all the levels perfect and clean. The 8-channel version adds a lot of versatility for a DJ setup - you can run external mics, feed out to your main speakers and also to a separate area using the Control Room (CR) outputs while being able to adjust levels on both independently. You can also run your audio out (Tape Out) to a recording device, or to a videographers rig pretty easily. Overall, flexibility, control, and sound quality was very nice. I see complaints about the lack of a power button, but for DJs or for a band, at what point would you want this turned off and on during a performance anyway? Also keep in mind that this doesn't have XLR outputs, but according to the manual the 1/4" outs are TRS (balanced).

This is small and inexpensive. I use it to connect an electric piano, XLR mic and iPad audio for small performances. It provides 48V phantom power to the mic and lets me control all the input volumes separately. I also control the headphone volume separately from the speaker volume. It has a limitation that all mixers seem to have. If you turn down the main output, you can't use the headphones. I wish the volume control for the headphones could be entirely independent of the volume of the main output.

The Mix5 is just what I needed for my desktop setup, where I have two computers and a digital piano that I sometimes want to play through the same headphones or speakers. I'm not using it for recording (I have a fancy multitrack audio interface for that). I'm actually using it to mix three stereo sources. I'm surprised that Mackie doesn't claim 7 channels, but maybe having a pair of "tape inputs" that don't contribute to the channel count is standard. As long as you keep the "TO MAIN" button engaged and the "TO PHONES" button disengaged, it just mixes the tape inputs into the main mix (including to the headphones). There is no volume control for those inputs though, so you have to set the level at the source. The "TO MAIN" button should have been labeled "TO MIX", and in fact is is labeled "TAPE TO MIX" in the block diagram in the downloadable manual. The "TO PHONES" button, on the other hand, causes ONLY the tape inputs to be routed to the headphones; the rest of the mix gets disconnected (and the tape input signal gets much louder). Speaking of the manual, there is a much more complete manual online. The box only includes a printed "quick start guide". If you really want to understand the capabilities of this mixer, look at the downloadable manual. A lot of people probably want to know if this is worth the small amount of extra money compared with the Behringer XENYX502 , which has almost identical features. I don't have that one, but based on reviews and specs I've found online, I think there are a couple of minor differences: * The Mackie's main outs are balanced TRS. As far as I can tell, the Behringer's are unbalanced. It's hard to be sure, because there are known errors in the Behringer's manual and specs. * One review of the Behringer said it didn't have rubber feet, and so it would slide around on their desk. I'm happy to report that the Mackie has some nice, solid-feeling rubber feet. Of course, you can get cheap stick-on feet, but I've found that those generally don't stay on very well. One thing that seems to be the same on both mixers is that the phantom power is non-switchable and is only 15V. Apparently this works reasonably well with a lot of condenser mics, although of course you don't get the same levels and dynamic range. I plugged in a Behringer C-2, basically the world's cheapest phantom powered mic, and I can confirm that it does indeed detect sound. I can't make any promises about any other microphone. This doesn't really affect me, since I have no plans to use my nicer microphones with this mixer's preamp, and in fact I may never plug a microphone into it again. But I'm disappointed in both Mackie and Behringer for not making this clear in the product descriptions. That's the main reason I've deducted a star.

I needed this to switch inputs between 2 computers to single set of balanced studio. Speakers in an unbalanced subwoofer, every other combination I tried where I had to split the signal to get it, to my subs would result in static and back feeding into my speaker system. First I switched everything to balance.But still had this problem with a b switch.And finally went to this mixer and its flawless

I am not going to cover the many uses this mixer has, nor will I regurgitate the product specs. Other reviews cover that information very well. Instead I am going to focus on why I purchased it and how I use it. My main purpose was to expand a Samson Expedition XP150 150-Watt Portable PA . I love that small PA, but it lacked phantom power, and also the XLR inputs were somewhat limited. I expanded it by running the mains out into the stereo channels 4 and 5 on the XP150 and it works perfectly. For smaller venues I sometimes use a pair of Mackie SRM150 5.25-Inch Compact Active PA System s as mains. Those small speakers (personal monitors actually) are fairly loud, but lack FX capabilities. By fronting a pair of those with this mixer I now have yet another very portable PA that can actually fill a surprisingly large room with sound. Of course I am playing jazz and lighter music, so a dinner crowd of one hundred people can easily be served with such a set up. For a club or bar full of noisy patrons who want to rock out this configuration will fall short, but even if you play loud music this is perfect for a rehearsal space. I love the portability - I carry it in a small laptop bag - and the array of effects and features. With powered speakers you can put together a fairly respectable PA for a lot less than many turn key PA systems cost. One final note: I am using a Samson LTS50 Laptop Stand with this mixer and it is a convenient way to mount it in tight spaces.

I used this to replace a 20 year old mixer that was getting static from the main gain pot. This one is a lot clearer, with no static.

Mackie Mix 8 is definitely High Quality Mixer - never disappoints. I've bought 2 of these in the past 3 yrs due to it's size (fits in my digital dj case along side of my Pioneer DDJ SB3 very easily. The well built casing is great for doing performances or in the studio. It survives wear and tear, and gives you that Mackie high quality sound. I use 6 of the 8 input/outputs to power 2 Laptops, a DJ Controller and 2 micophones when gigging with a guitar player. The best part about the sound is that it is one of the few small mixers that still give you all 3 sound knobs (High/Mid/Low). Most do NOT have Mid anymore and it makes a world of a difference. Only thing is no on/off switch, but i bypass that with my multi unit outlet switch that it plugs into. Great buy!