Mackie ProFX8v2 Mixer - 2 Year Review - Pros, Cons and Should you buy?

We have 4 of the Mackie ProFX8v2 mixers in our inventory and they've gotten used regularly over the last year to 2 years. We have two of them that have failing inputs. Should we replace with the same or upgrade to something different?
Also I know I said speakon in the video. I meant powercon :)
This mixer has been discontinued so I've switched to the Mackie ProFX12v3 which you can find here: amzn.to/3er88ay
GetUpside is an app that gives you cash back when you get gas. Promo code BRIAN393563 gets us both a 15¢/gal bonus. upside.app.lin...

[@eartraffic]

my inputs were cutting out on mine as well, so I opened it up and cleaned all the pots. the cut buttons are hard to really clean but play a big role in the channel cutting in and out. just do your best to get some deoxit into them once you open the unit. There is a video on youtube showing you how to get in and clean the board.

[@zdravkodimitrov]

Have you tried the Yorkville 8 channel mixer? They're super popular in Canada.

[@henrik7207]

its the faders .. you need a solder sucker to remove them.. and new ones cost like 10 usd for 10 + shipping on aliexpress

[@petebull8233]

took it apart and used an electrical fast evaporating spray then silicone spray they loosened up quickly and works great thanks

[@TheAngrySoundTech]

Good to hear!

[@taunbeddes7055]

I have this mixer. It's better than a comparable Berhinger. The USB is great. I also find the gain under powered for many mics such as an SM58. Overall I'm pretty happy with it. However, it never leaves my office.

[@HumanAbstractX]

I wish I had read this comment sooner, I just bought a QX1202 and I cannot get it to work properly at all, and I chose it over this mixer! lmao now I have to return it, which DAW do you use it with btw?

[@zlatkofrlic5204]

Sooo, what would you recomend in range of 8 channel with good fx.I would appresciate your input.

[@sonicbrush]

Hi there I stumbled upon this review, and like you, I'm an audio professional and my kids want a karaoke setup. You mentioned in this review that 2 channel compression would be nice. I googled a yamaha MG-102c had it, which has been discontinued and replaced by the MG-10xu. Was wondering what you think of the quality of mic preamps , if you've ever worked with it or similar MG line. I'd hate to break out the old Mackie 1st gen 24-4 (not even a vlz yet) every time the kids want to jam. Not to mention setting up left-over analog gear from my museum dbx 1066 compressor and Lexicon LXP1 reverb to make them sound the way they should, whereas the Yamaha MG10xu got both covered.

[@TheAngrySoundTech]

I have not had a chance to try out that series of Yamaha mixer but it is the one I looked at to replace my Mackie mixers. Can't say whether it's good or not but I will say I own other Yamaha products and I've been impressed with all of them.

[@nathanreasons5366]

I'm here because I have one of these and it's starting to fail after a year. Inputs are ok but the channel mutes and sliders do not work any more. Gain dials make noise (probably fixed with cleaning). Never traveled with it, it's been on the desk the whole time. I would avoid like the plague.

[@jdc31947]

I think that wasting time on the case was ridiculous, but the mixer review was helpful.

[@TheAngrySoundTech]

But you gotta admit they make the best soft mixer cases in the industry ;)

[@jdc31947]

@@TheAngrySoundTech I will totally agree ❗

[@djal-vega4265]

If you don’t mind me asking, what have you decided to get?

[@TheAngrySoundTech]

I have two of the Mackie ProFX12V3 and one of the Yamaha MG12XU. I like them both equally but Mackie sells a nice fitted case whereas Yamaha doesn't so I have a bulky gator case for that mixer.

[@DreidMusicalX]

Well I was going to buy a Mackie mixer of this type accept the newer V3 version that does have the compressor. They say the have the onyx preamps in those so will they last better? I have no idea. But this video was an eye opener even though I take very good care of my equipment. But hey man. Don't just trash those mixers. Take the knobs off them and sell those on ebay. Even nuts, screws, and things can be useful here and there. But thanks for the video! I might check into Peavey.

[@TheAngrySoundTech]

I saw the V3 was coming out as well. I think I may buy one to give it a test run. It doesn't look like they make a case for it yet so I'll probably wait until one becomes available before I purchase it. I thought the V2 had Onyx preamps as well but I could be mistaken. My reasoning for giving this one a try is because of the completely different style and look. Mackie has went through many ownership changes as of late and I'm wondering if they have a new contract manufacturer for their mixers. Also since Loud sold off EAW it seems that their focus is on the Mackie brand so they might be putting a little more effort behind their products now.

[@thomaskelly9046]

It's rental. People don't give a shit about rentals , When it's yours and you payed for it you take care of it. others just don't give a shit.

[@stanman1958]

Dude you are right and should have listened to you. The switches were bad day one. Sticky and couldn't get them to consistently turn on and off. If the switches are faulty on day one, that says it all.

[@TheAngrySoundTech]

Yeah, I still haven't decided what I'm going to buy instead of these. I'm now down to 3 of them and half the mic inputs are dead on all of them. I need to figure it out soon.

[@stanman1958]

@@TheAngrySoundTech I bought the Behringer X2222USB and love it. Has multiple aux outs, and I don't use the USB function,but record through Zoom H6. I know they slam the Behringers some on quality but for what I want it's perfect.

[@TheAngrySoundTech]

I bought a Yamaha MG12XU to test out. First off I will say I really miss my perfectly fitted mackie case. I had to buy a gator mixer bag which is huge in comparison to the actual mixer but it was the closest one is size I could find. I'll eventually do a review on it. It has nice clear sound. Gotta be careful not to clip a mic input. It does not like that at all. I'm almost tempted to buy a bunch of the ProFX8v2's while they are on closeout for $149. That's dirt cheap even if they do die after a year or two.

[@johnmairose]

I think the gain knobs are what's failing. I have the same mixer

[@shinekraj4944]

I have the same mixer and my gain seems to be inconsistent. Happening on almost all channels. Worst on the frequently used channels. Is that due to a failing knob?

[@violadrums]

I know this is an old review but I have this model and you can easily clean the pots with contact cleaner and those bad channels will be perfect

[@rick601a]

The op amps do fail on the channels. Not many repair this issues due to the need to be someone who does surface mount devices. Faders are not all that great. Physical pressure on the faders break the plastic slides and they get jerky when sliding. The M-80 op amps are kinda hard to easy find as well.

[@petebull8233]

I bought this unit a couple of years ago and used it a few times since been in the garage. now I thought I'd try it with my power speakers alone and getting static sound on almost every dial slider. ...decided to buy newer speakers Mackie 12bst tried board on them and same on blue tooth speakers are fine

[@TheAngrySoundTech]

If you're getting a static sound and the mixer has been sitting for a while it's possible the faders are dirty. You can buy some spray cleaner. I buy DeoxIT Fader F5. Spray some in each fader and slide it back and forth about 20 times. Might help clear up the sound. I've fixed a few of my mixers that way.

[@djnes2k7]

Great vid BUT!!! That 3 way splitter needs to be a 2 way. Losing unnecessary Rf. Also allowing ingress, which will wreck your bit error rate and cause intermittent issues....

[@dantonliam]

Likely the faders...keep one and use it as a parts unit. I’ll bet you can move one of the faders over to input one and you will be good.

[@TheAngrySoundTech]

I've only got one Mackie left now. I bought a Yamaha to try out. Not sure if I like it as much but I've gotta use it a few more times to be sure. I'm tempted to buy a bunch of the mackies because of how cheap they are right now. They're being closed out since v3 is out now.

[@rveurope]

Great long term review! You do not use USB, but for the records, could you use the mixer like a USB interface and record with a PC? Or would you go mixer out stereo into a interface ( like tascam 2x2 or similar...that works anyway

[@steviejseeley9547]

Yes, using this mixer as a USB interface you will get the main mix into the computer. You will not have 8 separate channels of music pumped into your computer via USB, only the main stereo mix.

[@rveurope]

@@steviejseeley9547 thanks for your prompt and detailed answer that helps..so I can go with 2 stereo (4x1) signals from speaker simulations( inpuls response type) into the mixer get a stereo sum signal that is sweet! Allows me to play with 2 different cabinets and stereo delay, plate reverb and chorus..that gives a desirable 3 d effect..i'll give it a try! ( I monitor the sound via 4 Bt Makies which are great and want to uptade 2 more and the" big swith " from Mackie!)

[@steviejseeley9547]

@@rveurope These mixers are so versatile by design that everyone seems to have a special use. Your concept is interesting, innovative, and should work out nicely. I use the mixer in a live setting to mix backing tracks, guitar, keyboard, and vocals. Having the USB volume control is important to me, and previous mixers did not have such a capability.

[@rveurope]

@@steviejseeley9547 , woow adjustable Usb input volume control, love it no need of fiddling around with the lock screen and phone / tablet..volume.....when playing backing tracks and a eq in reach! Thanks Sir, very helpful

[@longstrideproductions4345]

I decided against it the second you said it does not have a compressor.

[@TheAngrySoundTech]

Yeah and I now have another input failing on another one of these mixers. It's seems to be a very prominent issue. I don't think I will be buying any more of these in the future.

[@cursedsound]

Which mixer you decided to get?

[@TheAngrySoundTech]

@@cursedsound I actually have not purchased a replacement yet. I've still been limping along on these Mackies. I'm down to basically 2 out of 4 of the inputs working on the 4 mixers I have. I'll do a review video as soon as I buy a replacement mixer and use it a bit.

[@longstrideproductions4345]

@@cursedsound I ended up with the Behringer Xenyx X1204USB Premium 12-Input 2/2-Bus Mixer with USB/Audio Interface.

[@markzemlak1544]

Great video - appreciate the 2 year in review. Just bought this mixer based on this video for some podcasting. You said $249 price so I am assuming you are in Canada? I am in Calgary, you can send to me for repair if you like. I have an electronics repair company and could use these to train a younger tech. Circuits should be pretty simple even without a schematic. I'd do it as thank you for the video.

[@TheAngrySoundTech]

Hi Mark I'm not in Canada. There was a price reduction after I bought mine. I believe in the US they are now $219 US which makes them an even better deal.

[@pascalrossignol5569]

Hello this table has such effects in the returns and where do you? please Thank you

[@TheAngrySoundTech]

The Mackie ProFX8v2 has 16 built in effects but if you want to use an external effects processor there is a 1/4" effects send and stereo returns.

[@pascalrossignol5569]

So thank you no effect in the returns on this table originally. I do not want anything added. Pity.@@TheAngrySoundTech

[@TheAngrySoundTech]

It doesn't automatically put effects on but there are built in effects that you can use if you want to.

[@neilcox1911]

Another great video, love your reviews, I use the Soundcraft Signature 10 absolutely fantastic mixer, as lexicon Preset effects built in and monitor out, so much for the buck, had mine few years now and it’s fantastic mixer very warm eq on the Chanel’s, look into them Soundcraft Harman 😍 also as 3 AuX inputs, 4 x XLR microphone, TRS inputs, two stereo in puts for iPad etc, usb, £240.00 UK 🇬🇧 Thomann cheaper again. Highly rate this mixer I’m a solo artist singing to backing tracks, my pa is a EV ETX 12p, this mixer Soundcraft signature 10 warms up my sound. Also getting the new Yamaha DZR 12 next week non Dante.

[@mattcero1]

Would the graphic EQ tailor my voice for ham radio? Or is it just for listening? Thanks boss!.

[@TheAngrySoundTech]

The graphic EQ affects the master output of the board or the monitor send (it's your choice). But 7 band is pretty small. It takes some wide notches out so it's more for creating a master EQ curve than corrective EQing.

[@8bitOG]

Should i take a guess that if you're an OCD home studio user that keeps bevos away from the gear, I'd have no problems? ya?

[@TheAngrySoundTech]

I think if you're a home studio user this would work just fine for you. I won't guarantee the pre-amps won't ever go out but it should last you a bit longer than it lasted me.

[@LOW_BAND]

When I use the usb cable with my loptop my left speaker doesn't work.

[@TheAngrySoundTech]

I've never used the USB so I don't have any trouble shooting tips. Sorry

[@roialby7118]

Noobish question here. Do I need to run this through an amplifier if I wanted to use this with a PA system or is there already an amp built in? Thanks!

[@TheAngrySoundTech]

You will need either powered speakers or an amp with passive speakers to use this mixer.

[@DJZobe]

I have the same problem. My channel 1 & 3 just went out as well. Manufacturing defect? Weird lol

[@TheAngrySoundTech]

I think it's just a lower quality failure prone component. The rest of the mixer seems fine it's just that one part.

[@selectorerwin1don12]

Hey bro with the cons on the mixer I guess the Potentiometer is gone all u need to swap it out

[@TheAngrySoundTech]

Yeah... I tried to replace one myself 😬 that was the last thing I tried to fix 🤣 I gotta work on my soldering skills.

[@selectorerwin1don12]

@@TheAngrySoundTech lol

[@selectorerwin1don12]

@@TheAngrySoundTech i changed 2 on mines and they are perfect now

[@jeffersonpantonia2061]

Hi sir this mixer can i use to my android phone to connect tape out or monitor out to TRRS cable to my android for external audio source?

[@TheAngrySoundTech]

I wouldn't see why you wouldn't be able to hook your android phone up. But you'd have to find an RCA to TRRS if that's what you need. I use my iphone all the time connected but I use a standard RCA to TRS 3.5mm.

[@JaySilva88]

2 years of use and inputs are failing? Going to skip this like the plague. Thanks for the review.

[@TheAngrySoundTech]

Jaime Almeida Yeah inputs are now failing all all 4 of the ones I own. It’s really getting to be time to replace mine. I think I’m going to try out the Yamaha mixers. I’ve been having good luck with their speakers.

[@JaySilva88]

@@TheAngrySoundTech I'm looking at the Soundcraft ones, they look well built. Plus, I haven't found negative comments about them still. Have you tried Soundcraft? Good luck!

[@TheAngrySoundTech]

I had a ui16 a while back and it was ok. It didn’t like hot sunny days but then most of the cheap digital mixers don’t. The only thing that worries me a bit about anything under the Harmon umbrella is that Samsung owns it all. Not that that’s a huge negative. I just don’t window what their plans are with the pro Audio brands.

[@GorgeousRoddyChrome]

I've been going back and forth between the Mackie and the comparable Yamaha Yamaha (MG12X) models, but the 12 channel model. I've used the Yamaha - it's good but the high end is a bit brittle and it appears that Mackie has better on-board EQ options. (I do like the footswitch feature too.) Both get very high consumer ratings on Amazon, Sweetwater and Musician's Friends. The Mackie is a less money, and has a couple feature's (like separate XLR and 1/4in inputs) I like that Yamaha does not. But you bring up something that I have been reading on user forums: Mackie reliability may not be the best. I hear this over and over, yet I do not hear this about the Yamaha.What to do... what to do

[@TheAngrySoundTech]

It's a tough one. I've been thinking about trying out a Yamaha or RCF L-Pad. But I think I'll probably stick with Mackie even though I've had channels go out on 2 of the 4 mixer's I have. My mixers do get used a lot and go out on rental so I'm sure they get abused a bit. It's hard to beat the $199 price tag.

[@GorgeousRoddyChrome]

The Angry Sound Tech Thanks very much for your thoughts. Your video has been a big help to me.

[@soundknight]

How do the Mic preamps sound? Dull, clear, weak, hyped?

[@TheAngrySoundTech]

I'm a live guy not a studio guy so I don't pay as much attention to the sound of the preamps. When the board works I think it sounds good. When an input begins to go you can start to hear the sound quality go down prior to the input going out. I just think it sounds like your average analog board.

[@VideoJames.]

Are the aux sends ore or post fader. I didn’t see a selection button.

[@TheAngrySoundTech]

The aux send for the Monitor Mix is pre fader. The FX send to the monitor is post fader.

[@extraangie]

Does this have an echo effect ?

[@TheAngrySoundTech]

Yes, it does.

[@extraangie]

The Angry Sound Tech I just bought it but when I streamed with the echo effect on nothing happen. Do I need to download a program or am I just not turning certain nobs not right? Sorry for the questions.

[@TheAngrySoundTech]

Are you using the yellow knob to send the channel to the effects processor? Then turning up the FX Master and also turning up the FX Return?

[@extraangie]

The Angry Sound Tech thank you I’ll try doing that later today

[@DJDeei]

Definitely can't get an accurate gage of usage if you rent equipment I must try it

[@TheAngrySoundTech]

Personally I think rental equipment is the best gauge on durability. Remember Mackie's slogan is "Built Like A Tank". If it can't handle a few rental customers it can't handle long term gigging and isn't "Built Like A Tank". But the v3 is out now so I would look into that model instead.

[@zoemartinez2340]

This vid was super helpful

[@peterl497]

The effects are noisy on mine. Is this common? You can hear what almost sounds like low level feedback when its idling. The chorus setting is especially loud. Any thoughts?

[@TheAngrySoundTech]

I currently own 4 of these mixers and I haven't experienced any issues with noisy effects. The only issues I've experienced with mine are mic inputs failing.

[@mititeimaricei]

I believe that the pots solder joints got bad on Mackie from using soft caring case. This is a must watch vido: kzbin.info/www/bejne/f2qYi6JsrZKkgK8

[@ademolaokunola8047]

Send me the bag

[@TheAngrySoundTech]

I totally would if I still had it.. Sadly the dumpster got it.