Mackie has introduced the DL32R, a new 32-channel digital mixing system completely controlled wirelessly—including full DSP and multi-track recording/playback—from Mackie’s Master Fader iPad app.
The DL32R presents a mix of flexible, professional I/O in a compact 3U rack-mount design. Each of the 32 inputs (24 XLR, 8 XLR/TRS combo) has Mackie’s all-new Onyx+ recallable mic preamps, with remote control over preamp gain and phantom power. The new Onyx+ preamps outperform the orignal Onyx design, which itself garnered rave reviews.
“You get frequency response that goes all the way down to 20 Hz within 1 dB at all gain settings,” adds Ben Olswang, Mackie senior product manager. “Noise is minimized at every gain setting, not just minimum and maximum like other mixers. Designed for the rigid standards of professional live sound, DL32R’s gain changes are completely silent.”
Fully-assignable using the Master Fader control app, there are 14 XLR outputs great for anything from stage monitors to matrix outputs. The front panel also includes a stereo AES digital output for connecting gear like loudspeaker processors. A dedicated stereo monitor output is ideal for connecting an in-ear monitor system for detailed listening from anywhere in the venue.
“Early on, Mackie believed that we can bring the user incredible benefits if we just let go of old conventions,” Olswang states. “By ensuring that each and every feature can be controlled wirelessly without compromise, we are delivering benefits to users that were simply not possible before now.”
Complete wireless control of the system using the Master Fader iPad app eliminates the need for a fixed front of house position. The mixer can be placed wherever desired—next to the stage, backstage or even in a utility closet. It can also eliminate the need for a bulky analog snake. Users can tune the system from problem spots and get on stage to ring out monitors or work with the band to dial in monitor mixes.
In addition, multiple engineers can work wirelessly from a single DL32R mixer using their own iOS device, including monitor engineers and performers who wish to control their own monitor mixes. The lead engineer can apply access limiting to additional control devices, keeping the user from making unwanted changes.
The DL32R also provides two flexible methods for multi-track recording and playback. The first is direct to USB hard drive, which is currently a 48 kHz, 24-bit, 24 input by 24 output platform that will be expanded soon to 32 x 32 via a free firmware update.
“Just connect a USB hard drive loaded with your media directly to the DL32R and you can control it all from anywhere in the venue,” notes Olswang. “It’s an amazing way to control things like backing tracks and intermission music all while recording the show. Plus, who wants to run back and forth to a separate recording rig?”
An additional USB 2.0 computer audio interface is available for 32 x 32 recording and playback that can directly connect with any DAW, particularly useful for studio applications and rehearsal spaces. Both methods provide the ability to record the band and perform a virtual sound check at the next show.
