Mackie's new ProFX22 mixing console packs a lot of features into a small package, and into a small price tag.
It features 16 of Mackie's “low-noise, high-headroom” preamps, four stereo channels, four channels with inline compression, USB connectivity and a 32-bit RMFX processor with 16 reverbs, choruses and delays all for a list price of $809.
This mixer is also really small. With a footprint of only 16 inches deep by 25.1 inches wide, the ProFX22's construction seems quite sturdy with a steel body and ABS plastic shoulders on each side. Unlike some inexpensive mixers, I'd have no concerns with recommending this mixer for a portable church that requires a durable board that can survive the set-up and tear-down process each week. For added flexibility and protection, the board comes with a switching multi-voltage power supply designed for use anywhere in the world.
I was intrigued with the USB functionality—a feature that is becoming very common in analog and digital boards—though the ProFX22's USB output only allows recording or streaming of subgroups one and two, or the main left/right output, as well as returning playback audio to the console. The board does come with a copy of Mackie's Tracktion 3—a music production software that has garnered some very respectable reviews. Nice touch.
The three-band EQ with a swept midrange on the mono channels is the bargain variety, but for smaller worship teams or more traditional churches with simple monitoring needs, it could prove adequate. Having four channels that exchange their inserts for built-in compressors is a nice option for those inputs that are especially critical or inconsistent in level. The built-in effects offer 16 types of reverb, delay and chorus. Mackie says the effects are “Gig-Ready,” meaning the parameters are set in such a way that they could add a touch of color to a mix if used judiciously. The seven-band master EQ is not a reason to buy this mixer. Use an outboard graphic EQ or a real loudspeaker processor for best results. The four full-featured subgroups, PFL solo, and a 100 Hz lo-cut round out the mixer's feature set.
The overall sound quality of the ProFX22 is reasonably good considering its price range. It has a low noise floor from which to build a nice mix, and it could be a good choice for a small church, portable church or for use in the children's or youth areas. For situations with limited space or money requiring 16 preamps, it is a solution worth considering.
