Podcast Academy

In most cases I recommend the Mackie Onyx 1220 mixer to those interested in a high quality, small footprint device that offers excellent quality preamps and firewire I/O compatibility. This of course is based on budget considerations as well. In my opinion, Mackie quality is unsurpassed.

If you are in the market for a high quality, low-noise mixer option that costs less than the Onyx 1220, and firewire I/O is not a requirement, let’s not forget the Mackie VLZ Pro line. In fact, the classic 1202 VLZ Pro has been revised recently. The new model - 1202 VLZ3 has improved XDR2 preamps, improved equalization circuitry, and improved headroom.

Besides these enhancements, the build quality of this piece provides extreme durability. There is nothing else like it. It is for this reason the 1202 VLZ is one of the most popular and widely used pieces of affordable, high quality audio gear available.

The mixer retails for $299 US. This is an excellent choice for a high end podcast/new media production studio.

-ptfigg.