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Average Price: $400

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$200

$1001+

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Description

Step up your studio game with the Mackie 32-8 Bus Analog Mixer, a staple for both aspiring and professional audio engineers. Known for its exceptional sound quality and versatility, this mixer stands out in its class, offering features often reserved for high-end models. Whether you're setting up in a project studio or preparing for a live sound gig, the Mackie 32-8 Bus is engineered to handle it all with ease.

The mixer boasts 32 channels, each equipped with Mackie's renowned low-noise, high-headroom mic preamps, ensuring every detail of your recording is captured with clarity. Its intuitive design includes 100mm log-taper faders and a 4-band EQ with parametric Hi-Mid and sweepable Low-Mid controls, providing precise tonal shaping and control. With extensive routing options, including direct outs and channel inserts, this mixer offers flexibility for complex setups, making it ideal for multitrack recording.

The Mackie 32-8 Bus also features six aux sends and returns, allowing for seamless integration of external effects and processing. Constructed with a solid steel chassis and gold-plated interconnects, this mixer promises durability and reliability, session after session. Its user-friendly interface, complete with easy-to-read LEDs and a built-in talkback mic, ensures smooth communication and operation during sessions.

Perfect for both studio recording projects and live performances, the Mackie 32-8 Bus Analog Mixer is a powerful tool that delivers professional results without breaking the bank.

Key Features:

  • 32 channels with Mackie's premium low-noise/high-headroom mic preamps
  • 100mm log-taper faders for smooth operation
  • 4-band EQ with parametric Hi-Mid and sweepable Low-Mid controls
  • Six aux sends and returns for flexible effects routing
  • Durable construction with solid steel chassis and gold-plated interconnects
  • Integrated talkback mic for easy communication
  • Extensive routing capabilities including direct outs and channel inserts

Product specs

Brand Mackie
Model 32.8 32-Channel 8-Bus Mixing Console
Finish Gray
Year 1993 - 2005
Categories Audio Mixers, Consoles and Summing Boxes
Electronics Analog, Solid State
Format Desktop Standalone
Number of Analog Inputs 76
Number of Analog Outputs 70
Number of Channels 32
Number of Digital Inputs 0
Number of Digital Outputs 0
Number of Headphone Outputs 2
Number of MIDI Inputs 0
Number of MIDI Outputs 0

FAQs

How many channels does the Mackie 32-8 Bus Mixing Console offer?

The Mackie 32-8 Bus Mixing Console provides 32 channels, making it suitable for handling complex mixing tasks in studio environments.

Can the Mackie 32-8 Bus Mixing Console handle digital inputs or outputs?

No, the Mackie 32-8 Bus Mixing Console is an analog mixer and does not support digital inputs or outputs.

What is the intended use of the Mackie 32-8 Bus Mixing Console?

The Mackie 32-8 Bus Mixing Console is designed for studio recording and mixing, offering extensive analog input and output options for professional audio production.

Does the Mackie 32-8 Bus Mixing Console include built-in effects?

No, the Mackie 32-8 Bus Mixing Console does not include built-in effects; it focuses on analog mixing capabilities.

How many headphone outputs are available on the Mackie 32-8 Bus Mixing Console?

The Mackie 32-8 Bus Mixing Console features two headphone outputs, allowing for monitoring and cueing during mixing sessions.

barkingeye

barkingeye

GLEN YAPS - I Still Use My Analog Mackie 32 x 8 Mixer In My Studio

Video thumbnail for GLEN YAPS -   I Still Use My Analog Mackie 32 x 8 Mixer In My Studio by barkingeye

GLEN YAPS - I Still Use My Analog Mackie 32 x 8 Mixer In My Studio

barkingeye

barkingeye

Reviews

PROS

  • More hits mixed on it than any other desk, excellent for learning

  • Superior quality and workmanship compared to Behringer MX 9000

  • Exceptional preamps and low noise ratio enhance sound quality

  • Durable build designed to withstand voltage fluctuations

  • Offers crystal-clear sound and nearly unlimited routing capabilities

  • High gain without much noise, great for summing with analog sound

  • Versatile use in both studio and live stage settings

CONS

  • Outdated technology compared to modern digital mixers

  • Large size may not fit in smaller spaces

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Mackie 32-8 Bus Analog Mixer.

Value and pricing

  • A Mackie 32-8 mixer can be found for as low as $98, though typical prices for used ones are around $300.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The Mackie 32-8 does not contain a soundcard; it is completely analog and requires external interfaces for digital conversion.

    Source
  • The Mackie 32-8 mixer lacks automation, making it less suitable for modern recall-based workflows.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • Using Deoxit D100L on ribbon cable connections is recommended to improve functionality and longevity.

    Source
  • Removing all knobs is necessary for disassembly, complicating maintenance and repairs significantly.

    Source
  • Internal ribbon cables are prone to deterioration, affecting long-term reliability and performance.

    Source
  • Building a custom power supply is feasible with specs of +18V, -18V, +48V, +5V, and possibly +12V; costs around €150 if labor is free.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • The mixer is ideal for managing multiple audio outputs from samplers and drum machines, especially for genres like jungle music.

    Source
  • Ideal for capturing live performances with multiple sound sources, allowing artists to control their sound directly.

    Source

Comparisons

  • The Mackie 32-8 is compared to the Presonus StudioLive Series III and Behringer/Midas 32, which offer digital conveniences like internal routing and effects.

    Source
  • Compared to the Behringer Xr-18, which offers internal routing and DSP, the Mackie is seen as less versatile.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • Replacing capacitors on the channel strips can drastically improve sound quality, as demonstrated by users modifying older Mackie models.

    Source

Build quality

  • Owners note that the mixer board was quiet and low distortion when new, but headroom saturation occurs rapidly.

    Source
  • It's noted that these mixers are robust, described as "built like tanks," highlighting their durability.

    Source

User experience

  • Multiple owners highlight the bulkiness and space requirements, making it impractical for small studios.

    Source
  • The lack of a power supply can be a significant hurdle, with used supplies potentially costing more than the board itself.

    Source
Add

4.5 out of 5

Based on 4 Reviews and 7 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
trashsmash

Mixing tank

What to say? It was and industry standard in the 90's studios, now cheaper than ever but still a great choice over some digital gear: just add a good audio interface, maybe behind its 8-submixes as if it was a multitrack tape recorder. Crystal-clear sound, near unlimited routing attitude (what a school is it!), almost uncolored mix and very high dynamics. Robust and made to last, even PSU can resist to herky-jerky voltage fluctuations... and a beast on stage too with all these send/return knobs...

rik_munoz

I still love it!

OK - so its a loooong way out of date, but whop cares?! I bought a digital mixer, and I've tried to do it on the PC, but nothing compares to the way this machine works!

jessico

classic analog 32 channel mixer!

i bought one of this but i sold it 3 months later because it was big console and i had no space in my room...i did not use it so much but it was e great experience for me to have a console like that!

bendeguz_rendes

Pretty clean

You can get very high gain without a lot of noise, and the harmonic distorion is awsome. At least for its price if you use it just a summing box with some analog sound, still worth that money.

Artist usage

Add artist
See how The Chemical Brothers uses Mackie 32-8 Bus Analog Mixer

The Chemical Brothers

Music Producer

The Chemical Brothers

...
Verified via Soundonsound

The Chemical Brothers utilize the Mackie 32-8 Bus Analog mixer during their live performances, as noted in the Sound On Sound article by Matt Cox.

See how Vangelis uses Mackie 32-8 Bus Analog Mixer

Vangelis

Keyboardist, Music Producer

Vangelis & The Future Sound of London

...
Verified via jeremyirons.net

A Mackie 32-8 bus mixing desk can be seen in photos from Vagnelis' December 2011 concert in Qatar. Also seen in this Youtube video at 2'52 https://youtu.be/GWggDMDhwIA?t=172

See how Liam Howlett uses Mackie 32-8 Bus Analog Mixer

Liam Howlett

Music Producer

The Prodigy

...
Verified via Soundonsound

"The Prodigy sound owes a lot to Mackie because I've been using their stuff for years. The first mixer I ever bought was a Mackie CR1604, which I got when I was a teenager, and I've now got a 32:8 analogue eight-buss console that I love because it gives us our distinctive Prodigy sound. It's a desk that lends itself to being driven very hard. It has a naturally warm sound that allows you to push the channels as far as they'll go. Part of the appeal of The Mews was that it had a 32:8, so I immediately felt at home."

See how Gavin Harrison uses Mackie 32-8 Bus Analog Mixer

Gavin Harrison

Drummer

King Crimson

...
Verified via Musicplayers

"I’ve got an old Mackie analogue desk, a 32:8 bus. I use Apogee digital converters. I’ve got a huge amount of microphones which I’ve collected over the years, mainly from working in studios and remembering which microphones I really liked the sound of. I do a lot of experimenting with mics and placement. I’ve got a huge live room at home, which I’m lucky enough to have. I’m placing different mics at different distances. It all gets recorded into Logic Pro on a Mac. Then I’ve got the chance to fiddle around with the effects, the delays, the phase reversals, things like that. But I very much want to get a performance and a whole track down."

See how Laurent Garnier uses Mackie 32-8 Bus Analog Mixer

Laurent Garnier

Music Producer

...
Verified via Soundonsound

"I've got a 32-channel, eight-buss Mackie and there isn't anything in particular I like about it. It's just convenient. I bought it a long time ago and I didn't buy it for any special reason, I bought it for the price they gave me. It wasn't too big and there wasn't too many knobs, it was quite simple and straightforward."

See how Peter Christopherson uses Mackie 32-8 Bus Analog Mixer

Peter Christopherson

Keyboardist, Music Producer

Coil

...
Verified via Photo

A Mackie 32-8 with Meter Bridge can be seen in this photo of Coil's home studio

See how Gareth Jones (producer) uses Mackie 32-8 Bus Analog Mixer

Gareth Jones (producer)

Music Producer

Depeche Mode

...
Verified via Tapeop

" In those days, I had a Mackie 32x8 console, loads of racked outboard and synths, because it was the '90s."

See how George Michael uses Mackie 32-8 Bus Analog Mixer

George Michael

Singer

WHAM!

...
Verified via Soundonsound

List of equipment in George Michael's studio, from the July 1996 issue of Sound on Sound:

RECORDING

AKG LSM50 cube monitors Aphex Expressor compressor Denon tape deck * Dynaudio Acoustics M1 monitors Lexicon PCM80 effects Lexicon LXP15 effects Mackie 32*8 32:8:2 8‑buss console Otari RADAR 24‑track hard disk recorders (x2) Tascam DA20 DAT * Yamaha NS10 monitors

SOUNDS

Akai S3000i samplers (x2) Akai S3200 sampler * Emu Procussion percussion module Emu Vintage Keys Plus module Emu Ultra Proteus synth module Korg Prophecy keyboard synth Korg Trinity Plus keyboard synth Kurzweil K2000 sampler/synth Roland JV1080 synth module Roland Juno 106 analogue keyboard synth Roland Vintage Synth MVS1 sound module Studio Electronics SE1 synth module * Yamaha SY77 keyboard synth Yamaha TG500 synth module

MISCELLANEOUS

DAC hard drive * Opcode Studio 4 MIDI interface (x2) Powermaster drive *

See how Photek uses Mackie 32-8 Bus Analog Mixer

Photek

Music Producer

...
Verified via Photo

In the February 2011 issue of Future Music magazine (Issue No. 236), an interview with Photek about his classic album Modus Operandi features images showing him with the Mackie 32-8 Bus analog mixer.

See how Ed Rush & Optical uses Mackie 32-8 Bus Analog Mixer

Ed Rush & Optical

Music Producer

Ed Rush & Optical

...
Verified via reddit

Optical lists the item in this reddit AMA comment.

See how DJ Koze uses Mackie 32-8 Bus Analog Mixer

DJ Koze

Music Producer, DJ

...
Verified via Photo

In this photo by Yves Krier for Keys magazine we can see DJ Koze in his studio standing over the [Mackie 32-8 bus analog] console. Source is here http://yveskrier.com/dj-koze/

See how Pat Mastelotto uses Mackie 32-8 Bus Analog Mixer

Pat Mastelotto

Drummer

King Crimson

...
Verified via Modern Drummer Magazine

"At home I do most of my mixing in the box–that’s to say, inside Pro Tools. For serious mixing I go off campus. On the input side I have a few nice pre-amps like Amek, Neve, API, Daking, and the underrated Drawmer 1960. And for overflow I have several Mackies (32×8, 1604, 1202) and a few Presonus pre’s."

Album Usage

The Mackie 32-8 Bus Analog Mixer has been featured on the following albums:

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Mackie 32-8 Bus Analog Mixer, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

Ableton Live
Ableton Live DAW Software
3
Apple Logic Pro
Apple Logic Pro DAW Software
3
Akai S1000
Akai S1000 Audio Samplers
3
KORG 01R/W
KORG 01R/W Synthesizers
2
Yamaha NS10 Studio Monitor
Yamaha NS10 Studio Monitor Active & Passive Monitors
2
Alesis ADAT XT
Alesis ADAT XT DAT Recorders
2
Roland AIRA TR-8
Roland AIRA TR-8 Drum Machines
2
E-mu Pro/Cussion
E-mu Pro/Cussion Controllers
2
Kurzweil K2000
Kurzweil K2000 Synthesizers
2

Community setups

Show yours
noisengineer

noisengineer

Gear IQ 196

theweekendwarrior

theweekendwarrior

Gear IQ 552

alf_kagg

alf_kagg

Gear IQ 57

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