Mackie ProFX6v3 vs Soundcraft Notepad 8FX

#Mackie #Soundcraft #mixminusone
Today we have a compact mixer throw down! The two most compact and most powerful mixers on the planet right now. The Mackie ProFX6 version 3 and the Soundcraft Notepad 8FX. Both of these mixers offer powerful features for live performance, mix minus 1, streaming and podcasting as well as multitrack recording and both are small enough to fit inside a backpack to even a large purse.
We compare each side by side to see who comes out on top.
I've already done a complete, in-depth review on each mixer and if you want to take a deep dive into each, you can find them here:
Mackie ProFX6v3: • Mackie ProFX6 USB Comp...
Soundcraft Notepad 8FX: • Soundcraft Notepad-8FX...
-------------------------------------------------------------
00:00 Mackie ProFX6 v3 Mixer versus Soundcraft Notepad 8FX
00:41 Size and dimensions
01:02 Combination jack Input channels
01:22 Rear connections
01:43 Microphone preamps
02:06 HiZ / D.I. Input
02:19 Low cut switches
02:29 EQ sections
02:50 AUX / FX channel send
03:31 Panning control
03:57 Channel volume controls
04:04 Total input channels
04:33 Effects engines
06:02 Main outputs / Monitoring
06:35 USB recording interfaces
09:14 Additional headphone mix out
10:23 Conclusions
-------------------------------------------------------------
Visit me on Patreon: / featherlightstudio
If you feel like buying me a cup of coffee:
www.paypal.com...
All products reviewed here are completely out of pocket with our own money.
This is not a sponsored video
-------------------------------------------------------------
As a special thanks for all your support ...here is a -10% off coupon for your favorite Waves Plugins!
www.waves.com/...
------------------------------------------------------------
Gear used in my video reviews:
Soundcraft Notepad 8FX Mixer
amzn.to/3H6gaCL
Mackie ProFXv3 6-10 Channel Mixer
amzn.to/3ITsvfJ
amzn.to/3CPK2lu
Yamaha YC-88
amzn.to/3w5UiCj
Yamaha YC-73
amzn.to/3GMDEfP
Yamaha YC-61
amzn.to/3CVCeP8
Black Lion Audio Seventeen Compressor
amzn.to/3RL0LeB
Coda Music MB-Stealth mic preamp
amzn.to/3rlX9FO
amzn.to/32S7O1k
Nikon z6ii Body
amzn.to/3knAW8R
Nikon Z6ii w/24-70 f4
amzn.to/3QMwNYl
Samyang AF 14mm f2.8 lens
amzn.to/3HcQQfz
DJI Pocket 2 Creator Combo
amzn.to/3H9NA4i
Freewell Glow Mist Filter Set
amzn.to/3JIvw0C
Neewer Pro 660 50w RGB LED Light
amzn.to/3Wfgt3l
amzn.to/3pXMOip
Neewer 2 pack stainless steel light stands
amzn.to/3t8rGrw
GVM 2 pack RGB LED lighting kit w stands
amzn.to/3CVaQk2
Neewer LED Bi-Color 18in 70w Flapjack Light
amzn.to/3sWM5jv
FEELWORLD T7 7 inch 4K Camera Monitor
amzn.to/3XeUBGF
NICEYRIG NATO Handle with rail
amzn.to/34qUWQf
SMALLRIG Z Series Camera Cage
amzn.to/3mVw61a
Fotga Swing Away Matte Box
amzn.to/3sXHhKv
SupFoto V Mount Battery Power Plate
amzn.to/32KrwMA
REYTRIC 154 Wh V Mount Battery
amzn.to/3QJQuQw
Rode Wireless Go
amzn.to/3w9iYK8
amzn.to/3G0ITHh
Shure SM7b Microphone
amzn.to/3ITfpiJ
Mackie ProFXv3 10 Channel Mixer
amzn.to/3ZJpCo3
amzn.to/3XyEOCy
DJI Ronin-SC - Camera Stabilizer
amzn.to/3GLHzth
IK Multimedia Z-Tone DI Box
amzn.to/3XeEEAz
( Affiliate Links )
Gear purchased through these links provides the channel
a very small percentage at no cost to you and helps us
continue to make these videos.
-----------------------------------------------------------
Contacts
Email: [e-mail]
Website: www.featherligh...
Facebook: / featherlight-recording...
Twitter: / stevenmhartwell
Instagram: / featherlightstudio
c.2015-2022
All materials and video are the sole property/copyright of Featherlight Studio and cannot be resold or distributed without the express permission/license of Featherlight Studio.

[@lizlangauraceneenvellum8716]

Awesome information! Thanks for all the time and effort you put into this shootout. We use the Soundcraft Notepad 8FX as part of our guitar pedal product testing rig.

[@b-music9329]

Great comparison - thanks! I like the hardware and look of the Mackie much more (the Soundcraft looks cheap compared to it), but I like the features of the Soundcraft more. It's a pity that they can't be merged into one device - so the Soundcraft with the hardware and look of the Mackie... ;-)

[@b-music9329]

...well, the consequence is that I simply ordered both since they nearly cost nothing anyway ;-)

[@JR-lx8nn]

Another nicely scripted, no-nonsense review. Thanks. JT

[@ikkenik3771]

We had 6 mackie fx12 pro v3 mixers and all of them broke in less than 2 years? The power supply all breaks down and the gain potentiometers start creaking in the same time. Bad product.

[@tb-cg6vd]

Excellent video, much appreciated.

[@DanielRey-MusicoProductor]

hi! Excellent reivition and comparison!! I had a doubt, the Mackie can record audio at 192 Khz. What is the sample rate of the Notepad 8FX to the DAW? I haven't found that information anywhere.

[@Featherlightstudio]

The Soundcraft Notepad series tops out at 48Khz for recording. For this size board, Ive really never needed to go higher than that.

[@vadimmartynyuk]

excellent description and comparison !

[@redondobruno]

It is possible to connect an External Effects Processor like Behringer FX2000 on AUX output and then return on a channel on the Soundcraft 8FX, and this effect will be summed on the master XLR out with the internal effects processor aplied on the Microphone channel?

[@Manc-fh5we]

I have used soundcraft mixers in the past. Nice sound but have let me down on gigs with faulty faders and knobs. Very reluctant to use them again.

[@CaesarConsuloProVita]

Which one is better for DJs who use an external mixer with their controller?

[@Featherlightstudio]

Both have great preamps so its really a question of how many physical inputs you need?

[@Bmanhaas]

That's how it is done gentlemen. Awesome. SUBSCRIBED.....

[@TheYarugster]

so ... the notepad 8fx has phantom power turned on all the time for channel 1-2..does that mean it cant use dynami mics?

[@Featherlightstudio]

Dynamic Mics are not affected by phantom power however, some older ribbon Mics can be, so its always best to check the ribbon Mic's documentation first.

[@stephenrochester6309]

I bought the Soundcraft based on this video and it doesn’t play well with the Shure SM58. I don’t know if this is because phantom power is always on but the output is ridiculously low. Would have been nice for you to mention this detail in this video and describe what this limitation might mean for certain microphones for noobs like me. I feel like I’ve just wasted a lot of money.

[@Featherlightstudio]

Heh Stephen, The Soundcraft has +60db of Mic Preamp gain which is more than most mixers/interfaces, especially in its price category. Thats more than enough to drive a dynamic mic like the SM58. The Phantom power has no effect on this or any dynamic mic for that matter. Some things to check might be: Make sure none of the channel switches are depressed then, plug SM58 into first channel, turn gain knob all the way to the right ( 60db ). Plug headphones into "Phones" and make sure switch above 'phones level knob' is in 'Master' position. Turn Headphones knob about 1/2 up. Then begin to turn channel volume up. Unless your headphones are super low Ohms, you should have plenty of level.

[@stephenrochester6309]

@@Featherlightstudio Ok thanks mate. I appreciate you spending the time to steer me right, I thought there was surely an issue because no matter what I was doing I just couldn’t get the output to get anywhere near loud enough. I will give it a go - thank you.

[@stephenrochester6309]

@@Featherlightstudio Sadly it didn’t seem to make a difference. I bought Rode NT1A and this immediately sounded great with the Notepad. I also bought a Scarlett Solo and both mics are coming through fine. I have no idea if it is related to ohms or not but that Shure SM58 definitely doesn’t like this mixer for some reason, which is a shame.

[@Featherlightstudio]

@@stephenrochester6309 Sorry to hear that, just retested our SM58 and, while most dynamic Mics have low output, we still get acceptable gain from the Shure. Sounds like there may be an issue with the board.

[@vadimmartynyuk]

so its not possible to use effects and monitor aux at the same time on Soundcraft Notepad 8FX ?

[@Featherlightstudio]

Its not intended to at this price point but, if you have the FX engine engaged, the AUX knob still sends to the FX engine out the Mains only. You just dont have independent control over the AUX send vs the FX send. You would need another physical buss on the mixer for that.

[@algarvemike]

Does the mackie work with iOS, ie app;e ipad/iPhone via usb. Will an ipad see it as a usb audio,device?

[@Featherlightstudio]

Yes, the Mackie Profxv3 line of mixers are 'class compliant' and work with Apple's core audio api. If you have a lighting connector on your iPad, you may need to get Apple's adaptor.

[@shalaby6653]

what would happen if connected a dynamic microphone to the direct box enabled?

[@Featherlightstudio]

most Dynamic Microphones are not affected by phantom power however, its still good practice to make all your audio connections before powering up the mixer

[@leetingler619]

Can you use the usb as an out to your computer?

[@fx5492]

Yes, u can..

[@FiLmYReAcTiOnofficial]

Can we use dynamic Mic with this Mixer? Because this mixer dont have on off switch for phantom power

[@Featherlightstudio]

Yes, dynamic Mics are not affected by the Phantom Power, however, if you have a ribbon Mic, check with the manufacturer as most ribbons cannot.

[@zlatkofrlic5204]

Great introduction!I am not sure if I understud well one feature on soundcraft so maybe you can help me with your answer.I am performing alone singing on recorded instrumental music track.During performance I am using headphones but plugin headphones into headphones otput does not give me the possibility to change the mix between my voice and music and I bearly hear my voice in the headphones, because it is “covered” with instrumental track while the main mix between my voice and music going out in the banquet hall is perfect.Is it possible to connect headphones to some other aux and make my own mix between music and my voice not afecting the main mix that people in the hall hear.I have now Mackie Pro FX V8 but I could not figure it out if it has this possibility or not.If you have in mind any other option in the range of $300-$400 please let me know.Please find the time to answer my question so that I can make final decision which mixer to purchase or to keep my Mackie if it has the feature that is important to me.Thank you in advance.

[@Featherlightstudio]

The reason you can't hear your voice over the music with the Mackie mixer is because the headphone out is 'tied' to the main mix permanently. The Notepad 8FX can produce (2) completely independent headphone mixes.This is one of the only mixers in this price range that can do this. One mix goes out the Main outputs and the other can have more of your voice in it and go only to your headphones. The effects only go out the mains however. Check here for more info: kzbin.info/www/bejne/hp7Xn5x-gJ12gs0

[@zlatkofrlic5204]

@@Featherlightstudio Thank you very much for quick respond and helping solve the problem.I checked Soundcraft 8fx and it it’s great, and demonstration is fantastic.The one thing which is not good is that channels 3&4 and 5$6 on which I am supposed to connect laptop in which is my music track, do not have EQ buttons (high and low at least).Some of the songs instrumentals that I use for performance need to be equlized during performance.I do not see how can I do that on this great little mixer.As I know I can not use microphone input which has high, mid, and bass to connect laptop to be able to equilizer the music comming from laptop.

[@TrevorHelt]

Great Vid!

[@kiritsi100]

Great review! Any thoughts on the Harbinger LX8? I was using an older Yamaha mixer for the longest time but it was too big for a solo gig. I just thought I'd try this Harbinger since it's so small and couldn't believe how good it sounded. More midrange information than the Yamaha. Onboard effects are quite good as well. Bluetooth too! Hopefully it'll last. The build quality seems pretty good actually. Have you ever thought of doing a review? I don't see any on youtube for these. Thanks for the great channel!

[@Featherlightstudio]

Harbinger is just Guitar Center's house brand made for them in China. Build quality and feature set seem really good for the price point. I will have to try to get one in to review!

[@kiritsi100]

Thanks for your thoughts. I look forward to that review!

[@piyachansri5719]

Any update for 2023 ? Thx in advance !

[@turalurmulu281]

Thanks for your information. I have a Sennheiser XSW 1-825 microphone and I want a mixer to play live music( singing and playing guitar)in Instagram, Facebook or other platforms. Which mixer do you recommend for me? Thanks in advance

[@Featherlightstudio]

Either could do it but the 8FX has much better effects for vocals and music.

[@turalurmulu281]

@@Featherlightstudio thanks for your immediate response and support. It is nice of you 🙏💐

[@peavey41]

Hi, i am looking for a small mixer for solo acoustic gigs, just voice and acoustic guitar, I have it narrowed down to the soundcraft notepad 8fx or the allen & heath zed 6fx, Just curious on your thoughts about on which one would be best? Great review, Thanks.

[@Featherlightstudio]

Hmm, the Zed is quite a bit more expensive but lacks most of the feature of the 8FX. You do get a power switch on the Zed however. But the 3 band EQ on the Soundcraft 8FX is the key difference for a vocalist, and the fact that you can use all 3 FX engines at the same time is huge. On the 8FX you get another set of stereo inputs as well, great for break music.

[@binojgeorge8079]

Have you looked at AG06 MK2 by Yamaha?

[@henrikgustav2294]

If ya don’t mind rack mixer, Roland octacapture can be used as dedicated mixer, plus it can create four separate virtual sub-mixes

[@sorinoprea5365]

Mind that, both mixers don't have eq for stereo instruments. You need a mixer with eq on stereo inputs.

[@piyumallahiru3191]

Which one is good for karoke and Dj music

[@Featherlightstudio]

Either would work great but the Soundcraft can use all the effects engines at the same time whereas the Mackie can only use the one.

[@sfscspresidentjonschwark9428]

It seems like you really like these mixers, but would you consider doing a review of the Yamaha AG06, and maybe a comparable Allen and Heath, or even Behringer?

[@Featherlightstudio]

Of course, all three of these companies make capable mixers and we owned mixers from all three at one time or another. The current channel reviews are simply boards we actually decided to buy and use here in the studio on a daily basis.

[@alexmusic2387]

More compact and better than PROEL Mi10?

[@Featherlightstudio]

The Proel Mi10 mixer is ONLY a mixer. There is NO onboard high resolution audio interface like BOTH the Soundcraft and the Mackie have.

[@livellula2009]

Perfect video!Than you!

[@krystinang]

Can you help how can I connect notepad 8fx to my smartphone jack for output?

[@Featherlightstudio]

This video might help you out. kzbin.info/www/bejne/l6apmKehZrx0j6c

[@AT-wl9yq]

You can connect it analog using the headphone jack, or connect it digital using an adaptor cable that lets you plug in a regular USB connection, If you are looking for the best sound quality, you can get a small dac like the AQ Dragonfly and use the adaptor cable I mentioned above for the dac. Then use the analog out on the dac, and send it to the mixer.I mention the external dac because it makes a really big difference and they're not that expensive.

[@uttam7512]

Very nice explanation Sir👃

[@Robekc]

Hi, I'm looking for a mixer with flexibility to set variation of combination in effects for different channels.. Say, reverb for channel 1 (mic) while having chorus and delay for channel 2 (guitar), or any other combinations. Mixers I come across limit and set the same/single effect setting for all channels. Do you know of any with such flexibility?

[@Featherlightstudio]

Lots of mixers have that flexibility but its directly related to their cost as well. Mixers in this price range usually have to share the FX with all the channels. If your looking to spend a bit more money but still need a compact mixer, you might want to check out the fully digital Behringer FLOW 8.

[@Robekc]

Think at a budget end and at this category, looks like its the Soundcraft Notepad 8 or Behringer Flow 8

[@ubz_music]

which one is having better pre amps and less noise ?

[@Featherlightstudio]

Both mixers are very comparable, and have EIN ratings above 125db

[@ubz_music]

got notepad 12 fx . i m getting a lot of hiss kind of noise when i turn the mic gains high .

[@Ilikefries102]

I’m really only concerned with sound quality and transparent signal. With super high fi monitors, what will send the cleanest signal?

[@Featherlightstudio]

If your looking for the best fidelity, you may want to look into spending a bit more money. NOT because both of these dont have high quality preamps ( They do ) but because of the control over the signal path 'after' the preamp. The Mackie wins for 'recording' fidelity because it can record at incredibly high sample rates.

[@williamshaneblyth]

So far for me I've had 2 soundcraft units expire and 1 Mackie. All inside 18 months . Fullily by behringer unit is 5 years old and going strong. I gotta say not been impressed with the soundcrafts in particular and I run everything through spike eliminators in a home studio and nothing else has ever died

[@churchofdeliverance4802]

we connect our acoustic guitar in channel 1 of Soundcraft12fx and connect the mixer to computer through USB, the signal comes into the computer is MONO not stereo. what to do?

[@richardaling5278]

Do you have a stereo acoustic guitar, or at what time you think a mono instrument becomes stereo?

[@zep7imo]

@@richardaling5278 hahaha

[@ajigangadharan2221]

Delay and reverb are not independent. When the reverb and delay are switched on, the reverb is delayed along with the delay effect, creating a very annoying effect. Please try it and comment

[@keponen331]

on which one?

[@ajigangadharan2221]

@@keponen331 I have used Notepad-8FX.

[@mactvvlog3876]

How much

[@claverpalattao931]

Hi there one quick question. Which mixer is better when it comes to effects for karaoke the yamaha or soundcraft? Thanks in advance

[@Featherlightstudio]

The Soundcraft can use all 3 FX engines at one time which would be very well suited for Karaoke

[@claverpalattao931]

@@Featherlightstudio thanks

[@mactvvlog3876]

How to buying

[@zimmee]

Holy fk, could you explain that any faster. Alright for people with more recording knowledge but I'm a bit of a novice. I do use the soundcraft that you're comparing here but I'm not familiar with all it can do. I also don't use it enough and then forget how to use it. Thanks anyway for what is a very complete and informative review here. I could keep pausing and rewinding you I suppose 😂😱

[@Featherlightstudio]

LOL, that's what the rewind button is for.

[@samuelfuentes824]

Is the Soundcraft Notepad 8FX compatible with windows 11?

[@Featherlightstudio]

Heh Samuel, The Notepad series is a 'Class Compliant' device but in order to use the very important Soundcraft Audio Control Panel, you will need to instal the latest Windows version of this driver ( v2.0.4 Win 10 ). The latest version supports Win 10 but Win 11 is pretty new so, can't answer that yet. Hopefully someone can chime in here with Win 11 experience? Many of my regular plugins and apps don't show official Win 11 compatibility yet. Hopefully soon.

[@samuelfuentes824]

@@Featherlightstudio today I bought the Sound craft notepad12fx it works with windows 11. Thank you for the answer.

[@Featherlightstudio]

@@samuelfuentes824 Great news, thanks for posting!

[@oldindianchief9403]

I was interested in buying one of these to use as an audio interface for recording various instruments at home, but some issues arose whilst learning how these units operate in comparrison to some audio interfaces on the market. The biggest concern that I had with most of these low cost usb mixers was that they do not allow for recording dedicated individual tracks. The mixer will feed all of your inputs on the mixer into one stereo output. Which is totally normal for what they do, but I feel that musicians should know that these usb mixers will not multitrack record. You will have a much easier time finding an audio interface that can multi track record through 2 or 3 IO. Also there are multi track recording usb mixers out there, but your price range is going to go up with having that extra feature. Be aware!!!

[@Featherlightstudio]

Both of these mixers are capable of multitrack recording (2) tracks "independently" from each other 'without' recording the entire boards channel count. The Mackie does it by using the 'blend knob' and depressing the pan switch for the first 2 channels. The Soundcraft does it by assigning the USB recording channels in the 'Soundcraft Audio Control Panel' app. Both work great for independent multitrack recording with NO additional mixer audio in the USB stream.

[@piyumallahiru3191]

Which one cheaper

[@Featherlightstudio]

They are both about the same depending on the vendor

[@gaspolll826]

😊👍

[@organicthebladerunner7382]

Hello, is send the same as Aux?

[@Featherlightstudio]

In most cases, the term AUX ( or auxiliary ) is simply describing 1 type of send. and FX send would be another type. This video will explain the difference in greater detail: kzbin.info/www/bejne/bWWppqigqdCmbsU

[@organicthebladerunner7382]

@@Featherlightstudio can I still take phone calls hooked up to an Ipad Pro? Should I use the plug ins? thanks

[@Featherlightstudio]

@@organicthebladerunner7382 Both mixers are capable of a Mix Minus One ( phone Calls ) but I don't have a new iPad Pro here to test that with.

[@Purrrelll]

Mackie was a strong mixer before they were produced in far east. I have never used a soundcraft, but mixers are rarely used todays home studios unless you have many synths and other gear. Live sound is another story, then you need a mixer, but if you want to record your music, usb port and the interfaces are very poor on these mixers. I guess they are going to get cheaper and cheaper in the coming years. My first mixer was a Mackie1202 first generation, and it was 800 usd back in 1995.

[@Featherlightstudio]

"

[@williamshaneblyth]

Soundcraft I've had both blew and are eastern made .

[@sumankjhon6892]

ഏതാണ് നല്ല മിക്സർ

[@Featherlightstudio]

അത് മിക്സർ ഉപയോഗിച്ച് നിങ്ങൾ എന്താണ് ചെയ്യാൻ ആഗ്രഹിക്കുന്നത് എന്നതിനെ ആശ്രയിച്ചിരിക്കുന്നു. നിങ്ങൾക്ക് മാത്രമേ തീരുമാനിക്കാൻ കഴിയൂ

[@sumankjhon6892]

@@Featherlightstudio ഞാനത് പള്ളി കൊയറിനു വേണ്ടിയാണ് ഉപയോഗിക്കുന്നത് . എന്നാലും നിങ്ങളുടെ ഒരു അഭിപ്രായം അറിയാമെന്ന് വിചാരിച്ചു. ഞാൻ ഇന്ത്യ കേരളത്തിൽ നിന്നാണ്. എന്റെ മെസ്സേജിന് റിപ്ലൈ തന്നതിനു നന്ദി

[@Featherlightstudio]

@@sumankjhon6892 ഓരോ ചാനലിലും കൂടുതൽ ചാനലുകളും കൂടുതൽ ഇക്യുവും ഉള്ളതിനാൽ സൗണ്ട്ക്രാഫ്റ്റ് മിക്സർ സഭയ്ക്ക് മികച്ചതായിരിക്കും.

[@yonut7]

Mackie better

[@cindyburgos6923]

So easy a girl can use it .

[@mamsongmai]

My brother still struggles with the Notepad 8fx :)