VO-BB - 20 YEARS OLD!

jasbart · Posted: Thu Dec 10, 2009 2:50 pm Post subject: Mackie CR1604-VLZ question

I have a 13-14 year old Mackie CR1604-VLZ mixer that has been giving me trouble for the past few years, and now I'm thinking minor annoyance is becoming something more concerning.

First, I use the mixer for monitoring Pro Tools only, so none of these symptoms effect my outgoing audio.

That said, the left master channel will drop to alarmingly low levels with no warning. Over the years I've resorted to increasing the trim pot at the top until it pops back to normal, then back the trim off to unity. (I've tried plugging Pro Tools into a different pair of channels and the same thing happens.) Now this problem is exhibiting itself more often than ever, and I'm beginning to think that there's something blown (or about to blow) in the Mackie.

One other contributing factor:

I've just repositioned my speakers (Tannoy PBM 6.5) out of two corners (I know, bad placement) to a more neutral position. I realize that by moving the speakers out of their corners I'll be hearing less bass, but the sound I'm hearing now is quite alarming...very harsh, nothing what I was used to. I've listened to other male voices, and the same phenomenon happens, so I don't believe it's in the record chain.

Is it time for a new mixer, new speakers, or (gasp) both?

Any opinions will be appreciated. Thanks,

Jim
_________________
Jim Barton
Barton Voice & Sound
www.bartonvoice.com

Mandy Nelson · Posted: Thu Dec 10, 2009 5:14 pm Post subject:

I'm going to refer this to my favorite mackie/pro tools guru and see what I get back. Meanwhile, I know that Mackie loves a good cleaning from time to time. Like most boards, pots start to stick. Mackie is very easy to open up and dust out, if you are so inclined, and see if that works.
_________________
006 member of the Sisterhood of the Traveling Mic. Bonded by sound.

Manfillappsoc: The Mandy and Philip mutual appreciation Society. Who's in your network?

Have you seen my mic closet? ~ me to my future husband

Dayo · Cinquecento Joined: 10 Jan 2008 Posts: 544 Location: UK

I've also got an old Mackie board that I use for monitoring duties only. Mine is pre VLZ! Recently I bypassed the board and took a feed straight out of my Fireface 800. Result? a much rounder, less brittle and hazy sound.

Sp just a coincidence, and doesn't really help you, but I'm about to retire mine in favour of something else to control my monitors. What, what I'm not sure. I've heard good things about the Mackie Big Knob (which is hilarious if you come from the UK) - but then I've also heard some people knock it too. Still shopping for ideas.

jasbart · Posted: Mon Dec 14, 2009 9:16 am Post subject:

Thanks Mandy and Dayo...I'm looking forward to hearing what you find out.

Jim
_________________
Jim Barton
Barton Voice & Sound
www.bartonvoice.com

SkinnyJohnny · Posted: Mon Dec 14, 2009 10:41 pm Post subject:

Until recently, I used a Mackie to monitor, but took mine out and replaced it with a simple passive volume control made by ATTY made by A Designs. It was only $99. It's placed in between the output of the sound card and the input to the powered studio monitors. It sounds much better.
http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/ATTY/
It doesn't allow you to use headphones or to monitor other tracks while recording, both of which are not issues for me.
_________________
John Weeks Voice Overs
www.johnweeksvoiceovers.com

georgethetech · Posted: Wed Dec 16, 2009 1:01 pm Post subject:

I find with the Mackies that the push buttons in the Control Room Source section are often the problem when they get dirty. Exercise them and see if it makes a difference. If so, then dust them out with compressed air. There certainly is a lot of unneeded circuitry in the Mackie boards, as in any other small, inexpensive console. I intend to create a solution to the monitoring needs of VO actor studios in the coming year. In the meantime, swapping for a Mackie Big Knob might be a nice way to go. Still not as pristine than a passive volume control, but far more flexible.
_________________
If it sounds good, it is good.
George Whittam
GeorgeThe.Tech
424-226-8528
VOBS.TV Co-host
TheProAudioSuite.com Co-host
TriBooth.com Co-founder

jasbart · Posted: Thu Feb 25, 2010 8:40 pm Post subject:

Well, it sounds like my old Mackie 1604 VLZ is close to being on its last legs. The playback is undependable...left channel still fades out on me. And the panners are extremely noisy. Plus the sound is extremely high-endy and brittle.

I've cleaned the various contacts as best I can, but it's just not working out.

As I've mentioned, all I use the mixer for these days is to monitor my Pro Tools, and occasionally do an analog phone hookup. Is there any reason why I shouldn't consider purchasing a Mackie 802 VLZ3 for these purposes?

Thanks, Jim
_________________
Jim Barton
Barton Voice & Sound
www.bartonvoice.com

SkinnyJohnny · Posted: Thu Feb 25, 2010 8:54 pm Post subject:

Hi Jim,
I have the 802 and used it for about 3 or 4 months. I'm not using it anymore, so I'd be glad to sell it to you for $140 plus shipping. It's in practically new condition.
John
_________________
John Weeks Voice Overs
www.johnweeksvoiceovers.com

jasbart · Posted: Fri Feb 26, 2010 9:11 am Post subject:

SkinnyJohnny · Posted: Fri Feb 26, 2010 9:21 am Post subject:

I used to use it to feed my monitor amp. Since I got the ATTY passive volume control and bought some self powered monitors I don't need it for that. Plus, I don't use headphones and don't have ISDN, so no need there. For phone patch stuff I'm just using my speaker phone and have had no problems going that way.
The reason I bought it was to replace my 1604. I bought the 1604 when they first came out and the pots were getting really scratchy, plus it was taking up a lot of space, so I bought the 802 to save some space.
It's back in the original box in the closet. I'm not trying to sell it at the moment, so if you decide you want it in the future let me know (I'm sure it will be sitting in the same spot). Laugh

By the way, if you want the 1604, it's just gathering dust upstairs somewhere. You might could use it for parts. It's yours for the price of shipping.
_________________
John Weeks Voice Overs
www.johnweeksvoiceovers.com

jasbart · Posted: Mon Mar 01, 2010 1:48 pm Post subject:

John:

I think I'll take you up on your offer. Please email or PM me. Thanks, Jim
_________________
Jim Barton
Barton Voice & Sound
www.bartonvoice.com

SkinnyJohnny · Posted: Mon Mar 01, 2010 1:55 pm Post subject:

PM sent!
_________________
John Weeks Voice Overs
www.johnweeksvoiceovers.com

todd ellis · Posted: Mon Mar 01, 2010 2:00 pm Post subject:

ok - since we've put jim's issue to bed ...

SkinnyJohnny · Posted: Mon Mar 01, 2010 2:18 pm Post subject:

Todd,
It does what I need. It's very simple, but like Soundgun said, if you need more flexibility, the Mackie Big Knob would offer that.
_________________
John Weeks Voice Overs
www.johnweeksvoiceovers.com

todd ellis · Posted: Mon Mar 01, 2010 2:56 pm Post subject:

i've looked at it - $100 seems like a lot for a knob & a resistor.
_________________
"i know philip banks": todd ellis
who's/on/1st?