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WONKO/MUSIC

Mackie ProFX12v3

The Mackie ProFX12v3 is a 12-channel analog mixer with a USB audio interface, built-in effects, and Onyx microphone preamps, part of Mackie's ProFXv3 series.
Mackie ProFX12v3
Photo: Mackie

What it is

The ProFX12v3 is the plain (non-plus) model in the ProFXv3 line, which Mackie lists alongside the 6, 10, 16, 22 and 30 channel versions. Mackie describes it as an analog mixer with a USB audio interface, effects, and Onyx mic preamps, aimed at musicians and creators who want high-resolution audio. What distinguishes it from the ProFX12v3+ is that the plus model adds Bluetooth, USB-C, a color LCD for editing effects, and separate FX, monitor and subgroup buses. The plain v3 has no LCD and no Bluetooth. Several listings and reviews mix the two models, so catalogue data for the plain v3 should be checked against the model name on the unit. The v3 name is shared across the ProFXv3 family, which followed the v2 (released 2015) and v1 (2012). Sound On Sound describes the v3 as a slightly sideways step from the v2, losing some features and gaining others. The mixer is a budget product. Reviewers have described it as suitable for small live setups and basic studio recording. Published reviews are mostly several years old, and no independent measurements or long-term durability reports were found.

Specifications

Channels and inputs
12 channels. Sources disagree on the layout: Bill's Music lists 8 mono and 1 stereo channel; a Guitar Center listing describes six balanced XLR mic inputs and 12 balanced/unbalanced line inputs; Sound On Sound reports seven mic/line input channels, the first two with combi jack/XLR sockets and Hi-Z switches.
Mic preamps
Mackie states seven low-noise, high-headroom Onyx preamps providing 60 dB of gain.
Phantom power
48 V on every mic input (Bill's Music). A Sweetwater reviewer notes it is global and cannot be switched per channel.
Frequency response
Flat within 1 dB from 20 Hz to 30 kHz (Sound On Sound, for the v3 range).
Maximum level
Up to +22 dBu input; +28 dBu available at the output (Sound On Sound, for the v3 range).
Noise and crosstalk
Residual output noise below -95 dB with faders down; crosstalk better than -90 dB (Sound On Sound, for the v3 range).
Channel EQ
Three fixed bands: high and low shelving filters at 12 kHz and 80 Hz, and a fixed mid at 2.5 kHz, each with a range of ±15 dB. An on/off hard bypass switch is included (Mackie).
Compression
Single-knob compressors on channels 1-4 (Music On Stage). The Podcast Consultant mentions one of four compressors; Bill's Music lists built-in channel compression.
Filters
100 Hz low-cut filter on all channels (Bill's Music).
Effects
24 included effects, including reverbs, delays and choruses, via the GigFX engine (Mackie). Sound On Sound reports 34 preset effects. Effects are presets with level as the only adjustment (Sound On Sound).
USB
Class-compliant USB audio interface, described as USB 2 x 4 with a USB-B connector. Optimized for recording at sample rates up to 192 kHz, with a dual stereo USB return (Mackie).
Instrument inputs
Switchable Hi-Z inputs for guitar, bass and other instruments (Mackie).
Faders
11 x 60 mm faders (Bill's Music).
Headphones
Headphone output with independent volume control (Mackie).
Software
Avid Pro Tools First and the Mackie Musician Collection (Sound On Sound); Waveform OEM software (Mackie).
Price
$359.99 USD in one retailer snapshot (The Podcast Consultant). Prices change over time.

How it's used

The mixer is used for small live sound, such as a small band or a coffee-shop performance, and for podcasting, streaming and capturing live performances. Reviewers have used it to record ideas in two-track through USB, and as a submixer or practical live mixer in home studios. Sources also describe daisy-chaining a second mixer to add channels. Mackie positions it for recording a podcast or performing at a coffee shop.

Suggested usage

What reviewers said

Sources