Mackie’s ProFX series of compact mixers have long been a byword for ruggedness and dependability, and they’re a common sight in small venues everywhere. The all‑conquering mixer makers have now announced a complete overhaul of the range, adding newly designed preamps and a new effects section. The ProFX family also has two new members at either end of the range, one an expanded 30‑channel model, the other a small four‑channel mixer.
The ProFX v2 mixers promise improved sonic performance over the current generation thanks to the new Vita preamps, designed specifically for the demands of live sound. The new design features a Class‑A front end, dual feedback stabilisation and bias current optimisation. Mackie say that the end result is more life and presence and very low noise, even at high gain levels. Meanwhile, the ReadyFX engine boasts floating‑point DSP, more processing power and all‑new algorithms, with a choice of 16 reverb, chorus and delay patches.
There are six models in the new range — the ProFX4 v2 ($169.99), ProFX8 v2 ($299.99), ProFX12 v2 ($359.99), ProFX16 v2 ($629.99), ProFX22 v2 ($809.99) and ProFX30 v2 ($1149.99). All six feature onboard graphic EQ for tackling feedback and, from the ProFX8 v2 upwards, built‑in USB recording and playback. The ProFX16 v2, ProFX22 v2 and ProFX30 v2 are also blessed with four‑bus architecture and in‑line compression on selected channels. The ProFX v2 mixers are set to become available from May 2015.
