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Up to Discussions in StageScape M20d Mixer Community Support
2123 Views 8 Replies Latest reply: Sep 5, 2012 4:14 PM by rucademoura RSS
blomasky Just Startin'
blomasky
57 posts since
Aug 29, 2012
Currently Being Moderated

Aug 29, 2012 8:49 PM

StageScape or Mackie DL1608

I am trying to decide between the SS or the Mackie.  The SS seems to have more features, tweaks, etc. but have to try to justify the 2.5 times the price.  Some questions (and do feel free to convince me!) are:

 

1)  What can NOT be done on the IPAD that has to be done on the touch screen?

 

2)  How often can I except to see new software updates?

 

3) If I need to change a "tweak" (I like that word) on more than one channel.  (i.e. adjust the compresison, eq or ?? on channels 2-6, is there a fast way to do that without backing out of what I am in back to the main stage view?  (Am I making sense?)

 

4) The "knobs" on both the IPad the hardware knobs seem to be slow to move from Max to Min (compared the the sliders on the M interface.   Am I missing something?  Can this be adjusted?

 

5) The presets for the different instruments, how many are there?  Can we expect more in the future?  (I know I can my own presets, but I see this as an advantage to have 100's of professionally adjusted presets, when someone has the time to do this vs. my onsite adjustments.

 

6)  What questions did I forget?

 

thanks

Bruce

  • avagabund Just Startin'
    avagabund
    19 posts since
    Dec 30, 2008
    Currently Being Moderated
    Aug 29, 2012 10:17 PM (in response to blomasky)
    Re: StageScape or Mackie DL1608

    I compared too and decided for the M20d. Reasons:

    - Gain / trimm settings are stored and can be managed remote on IPad

    - More channels

    - recording of input channels for easier soundcheck

    - Qualitiy / diversity of effects

    - settings are done in a graphic way not with sliders

    - for me its the easier mixer to operate during a gig where i make music and mix the sound at same time

    - USB interface for recording directly into DAW

  • ArneLine6 Line 6 Support
    ArneLine6
    172 posts since
    Mar 14, 2012
    Currently Being Moderated
    Aug 29, 2012 10:21 PM (in response to blomasky)
    Re: StageScape or Mackie DL1608

    Hello Bruce,

     

    1) The user interface on the iPad is exactly the same. The hardware buttons "Mute All" and "Mute Mics" are not available in the app.

    2) Quaterly after the first update.

    3) Makes sense. You can switch channels in the tweak page.

    4) The knobs on the M20d are speed sensitive. The controls on the iPad can be either circular or linear.

    5) There are 188 input channel presets, 21 FX presets and 19 output presets.

    6) I don't know. But I am happy to answer them.

     

    Cheers,

    Arne

    • blomasky Just Startin'
      blomasky
      57 posts since
      Aug 29, 2012
      Currently Being Moderated
      Aug 30, 2012 11:19 AM (in response to ArneLine6)
      Re: StageScape or Mackie DL1608

      So here is my analysis.  Of course, this has been done without ever laying hands on either of these units:

       

      Advantages of StageScape vs. Mackie 1608

       

      Disadvantages: 

      • 2.5 times the price, $1,500 MORE!!!
      • Unfamiliar look, (where are my sliders?)
      • Slightly heavier (similar footprint)
      • No Off-Line Mode for labeling channels or pre-setup.
      • Did I mention, I could buy 2 ½ 1608’s for one SS?

       

       

      Advantages:

       

      Low Importance

      • No separate power brick to lose
      • 4 additional inputs
      • Auto-Sensing Input / Outputs

       

      Medium Importance

      • Can plug WIFI USB stick to connect to venue WIFI
      • Records 16 channel audio to built in SD Memory Card (No need for separate recorder / cables / laptop
      • USB mode for direct recording into DAW
      • 20 second record and loop to “tune” the sound
      • Control surface (only 7”) but do not need IPAD for all adjustments and backup in case IPad melts
      • Graphical display.  Yes, you can say it looks like a video game, but I have the option to see more than 8 inputs at a time.  And figure I can see and click on a visual guide for the input faster than selecting the channel on the Mackie
      • Both quick tweak mode (for fast adjustments and for non-sound engineers to play) and deep tweak that gives me all the control required
      • Real time Analyzer (I am a geek, I like the toys to help out my aging ears!)

       

      High Importance (if these really work!) cause, bottom line, its ALL about the sound!)

      • Additional DSP features
      • 6 band EQ, Multi-channel Compressor, DeEsser
      • Feedback suppression
      • Continuous Auto Level Adjustment
      • eklynx Just Startin'
        eklynx
        23 posts since
        Apr 16, 2009
        Currently Being Moderated
        Aug 30, 2012 4:51 PM (in response to blomasky)
        Re: StageScape or Mackie DL1608

        Couple points commented:

         

        blomasky wrote:

        • Disadvantages
          • No Off-Line Mode for labeling channels or pre-setup.
          • Not true.  i was able to add my first layout without anything plugged in inputwise.  in the setup screen just make sure nothing is selected on the stage, then on the bottom strip you can select what type of item to add.  You can change the input chanels by selecting the input you want to change, tap on the input bar to bring up the details, and tap the new input you want it to go to.
        • Advantages
          • Records 16 channel audio to built in SD Memory Card (No need for separate recorder / cables / laptop
          • The DL1608 can't record 16 channels at all, even if plugged in to a sepearate recorder.  You need a splitting snake with another media box that can read all channels.  The 1608 only gives mains to the computer via usb (this was one of my main points for going to the stagescape.
  • Dougdrums Just Startin'
    Dougdrums
    46 posts since
    Aug 30, 2012
    Currently Being Moderated
    Aug 30, 2012 5:53 PM (in response to blomasky)
    Re: StageScape or Mackie DL1608

    And, Who knows when the DL will be available!!!??? i have been watching the Mackie forum for weeks, there is a lot of unhappy people that have been waiting since may to get theres.  I was waiting, and have given up on Mackie and order the SS and next day delivery (its coming tomorow!!!!)

  • fostervf16 Just Startin'
    fostervf16
    6 posts since
    Sep 13, 2011
    Currently Being Moderated
    Sep 1, 2012 10:22 AM (in response to blomasky)
    Re: StageScape or Mackie DL1608

    Doug, since may? I have been waiting since my preorder in early February.

     

    And eklynx, there is no out with the dl1608 via USB. The only way to record the master mix is to use a docked iPad.

  • rucademoura Just Startin'
    rucademoura
    30 posts since
    Apr 12, 2012
    Currently Being Moderated
    Sep 5, 2012 4:14 PM (in response to blomasky)
    Re: StageScape or Mackie DL1608

    Mackie always in this model will depend on IPAD!!! No IPAD no MIXER! So...it's a important point to think about! It's easy to someone who already have an Ipad saying that the mackie is cheaper but that's not true at all! You have to buy an Ipad if you don't have one!

    Another point  is that you always be dependent on the ipad version that fits there!!! Imagine Apple resizing the Ipad as usualy they do!!! Normaly people will want to sell the older one and get the new one! Ok..you say: I will have my Ipad only to Mackie...etc! But at that moment your mackie isn´t 1500 cheaper.....

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