Mackie turns on a new AXIS with DC16 surface
Published: PRODUCTS
Following the success of its DL32R digital mixer, Mackie is now setting its sights on the installation and production sectors with the DC16 control surface, which adds a physical dimension to the previously wireless-only system. The combination of the two – jointly dubbed AXIS – is described by the manufacturer as scalable and designed ‘from the ground up as an integrated system’.
In detail, the AXIS system offers 32 remote-controllable Onyx+ mic preamps and 16 outputs paired with onboard DSP and Dante connectivity between the DL32R and DC16 surface. In terms of visual feedback the surface offers full-colour channel displays and the ability to dock up to three iPads in the ‘SmartBridge’, with smart-sensing to recognise when an iPad is in place. Crucially, users can remove an iPad from the DC16 and mix remotely via the Master Fader app, which in turn automatically switches views.
Meanwhile, with the ProDX range the manufacturer is introducing two small format wireless digital mixers designed to work in tandem with smartphones, the 4-channel ProDX4 and the 8-channel ProDX8. Both offer wireless streaming and control plus onboard processing and a control app, MixerConnect, for iOS and Android.
Intended for solo performers small bands, venues and commercial applications that require low channel counts, the two mixers are equipped with Mackie’s Wide-Z mic preamps and a single-knob hardware design. Deeper control can be accessed via the MixerConnect app alongside Bluetooth playback.
Other features include 3-band EQ, the ReadyFX effects engine with 16 presets and graphic EQ on all outputs. In terms of I/O, the ProDX4 features two Wide-Z preamps, TRS main outs and an aux send, while the ProDX8 adds six mic preamps and a second aux send. Both have a 1/8-inch stereo aux input for connecting a media player and a headphone output.
Finally, at the other end of the signal chain, the manufacturer has bolstered its SRM range of portable enclosures with the active 1,200W SRM1550 subwoofer.
Tuned to compliment the SRM350 and SRM450 full range enclosures, the sub comprises a 15-inch woofer housed inside an internally reinforced Poplar cabinet. Its front-ported design includes stereo XLR inputs, full-range and high-pass outputs, and a variable digital crossover with presets for the SRM350 and SRM450. A ‘Smart Protect’ DSP function is included to protect the woofer.