Thread: Radio Frequency Interference Problems with Mixers
There are some mixing consoles that have a problem picking up radio frequency interference.
Some people have experienced this problem with Mackie mixers, while others have not. This
interesting thread has a unique component - one of the designers of the Mackie consoles, Rick
Chinn, is a frequent contributor in our group and was able to speak authoritatively on this issue.
By the way, it also spun off a separate dialog - see the thread entitled "Things That Go Pop".
From: Scott & Kathy Hanson (Ames, IA)
Subject: Mixer ideas needed
Our church is looking for a new mixer. Are there any mixers out there
that have 32 channels and can handle 6 pre-fader monitor mixes?
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
From: Matthew McCowan (Biloxi, MS)
Subject: Re: Mixer ideas needed
Allen & Heath GL2000 for about $2300.00
But it depends on how much you have to spend.
Matthew McCowan
First Pentecostal Church of Biloxi Mississippi
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
From: Chris Joyce (Bedford, TX)
Subject: Re: Mixer ideas needed
I have had to remove two Mackie 1604VLZ from churches in the Dallas area
because of poor RFI rejection. Mackie was very helpful and aware of the
problem they offered a LC filter network as a possible solution. I tried
it and had moderate success I later found out I did not construct the
filter properly so I can't say if it would fix the problem or not.
The meters, mono & left outputs on my 32.4 have all failed and I have
had 3 24.4VLZ DOA
I personaly own:
1 1202VLZ
1 1604
1 32.4VLZ
For small low budget jobs if it is a low RFI invironment I think Mackie
is the best bang for the buck around
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
From: Robert Enlow (Norwalk, OH)
Subject: Re: Mixer ideas needed
Hey guys!
Rather than just throw rocks at Mackie, or anyone's product, how about
some specifics. Sometimes rumors of one instance grow into multiples
really quickly.
Can you tell us exactly what the problems were, when did it occur,
(because there might have been a design problem that has long since
been corrected)and what was done to correct them?
Thanks.
Bob Enlow
RESOUND Co.
Norwalk, Ohio
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
From: Kevin Potts (Las Vegas, NV)
Subject: Re: Mixer ideas needed
Thanks Blake on your reference to Mackie, I have used Yamaha for years
and have been very pleased with overall performance. You can buy a
better board than a Yamaha, but in the Bang for the buck department I
think they are top notch. Anyone purchasing a board should research
the failure rate. You would not want to invest thousands in a system
only to have a board kill the entire works.
Kevin Potts
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
From: Blake A. Engel (Chicago,IL)
Subject: Re: Mixer ideas needed
Rob Parpatt wrote:
<"Perhaps you can elaborate a bit on what the problems might have
been or are? Also, what models of Mackie do they have?">
Dont know of what Kevin has seen, But I've struggled with RF
interference--even with NOTHING plugged into the board--bring in a diff.
board (not a mackie) and all is well.
has anyone had amps and speakers blow for no reason when a mackie is
being used?? I havn't seen it personally, but have heard many a story
of power amps and or speakers blowing out for no reason...and a mackie
mixer is being used. Anyone else seen this??
1 thing I don't like is that the XLR connectors don't lock the plug in
place...not a huge deal, but I don't like that.
Blake A. Engel (A.K.A. "Sound Guy")
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
From: Curt Taipale (Taipale Media Systems, Inc.)
Subject: Re: Mixer ideas needed
<"Perhaps you can elaborate a bit on what the problems might have
been or are? Also, what models of Mackie do they have?">
I'd be curious to hear more as well. I've been very successful with
Mackie consoles. I've placed them in several churches, and not a one
has expressed any problem with them at all.
Curt
curt@churchsoundcheck.com
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
From: Kevin Potts (Las Vegas, NV)
Subject: Re: Mixer ideas needed
Church Number One [NOTE from Editor: This portion of the message can
be found in the parallel thread titled "Things that Go Pop".]
Church Number Two Eight Bus Series 32.8, this mixer was bringing in
radio frequency. I took our Yamaha MX series mixer over, that we use
for our portable mixer. We hooked it up and ran it for three weeks and
had no problems. On the same day of our final three wks. we hooked the
mackie back up and instantly got radio station sound. We were amazed.
The Yamaha which is on their low end did not pick up the station, but
the Mackie did pick the station. Bad news.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
From: Rob Parpatt (Chilliwack, BC, Canada)
Subject: Re: Mixer ideas needed
<"1 thing I don't like is that the XLR connectors don't lock
the plug in place...not a huge deal, but I don't like that.">
Our Allen & Heath (albeit about 10 years old) does not lock the XLR
connectors either.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
From: Bob Lewis (Garrisonville, VA)
Subject: Re: Mixer ideas needed
<"Church Number One was using a SR24.4, this mixer killed the
entire sound system, as determined by an independent electronics
consultant.">
It sure would be nice to know exactly what happened in the mixer to
wipe out the amp and speakers. Was it an avoidable problem, improper
adjustment or operation or what.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
From: Jim Brown (Chicago, IL)
Subject: Re: Mixer ideas needed
Mackie mixers are well known to have problems with
interference from radio stations, particularly those
operating in the high end of the AM broadcast band. Mackie
has been aware of the problem for several years, but has so
far not fixed it (although I've been told unofficially that
it might be.)
From the symptoms I've heard, I suspect oscillation. The
same defects which allow it to pick up radio stations would
also allow it to have problems with rf noise from dimmers
and other electrically generated emi, and some
professionals using Mackie consoles in theatrical
situations have reported that kind of problem.
On the other side of things, the same Mackie consoles that
have problems with AM broadcast rfi do NOT have problems in
downtown Chicago, which is a VERY tough environment for VHF
and UHF rfi.
Jim Brown
Audio Systems Group, Inc.
Chicago
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
From: Robert Enlow (Norwalk, OH)
Subject: Re: Mixer ideas needed
<"1 thing I don't like is that the XLR connectors don't lock
the plug in place...not a huge deal, but I don't like that.">
Is this really important in a permanent install? I can see where it
might be necessary in a portable system, but...
Bob Enlow
Resound Co.
Norwalk, Ohio
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
From: Blake A. Engel (Chicago, IL)
Subject: Re: Mixer ideas needed
NLSpaz wrote:
<"The Spirit Live 8 got kicked off my list after a friends board
blew 3 times and it's only 6 months old.">
I'd be interested in knowing how his board blew! :-)
Blake A. Engel (A.K.A. "Sound Guy")
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
From: Blake A. Engel (Chicago, IL)
Subject: Re: Mixer ideas needed
<"Is this really important in a permanent install? I can see
where it might be necessary in a portable system, but...">
eh, no--not REALLY--but the jacks seem very loose and when the
connector is jiggled, the signal drops at times (gold pins on the
XLR, even)
Just a pref. that connectors are tight and lock when possible...thats
all.
Blake A. Engel (A.K.A. "Sound Guy")
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
From: Bob Puff (Rochester, NY)
Subject: Re: Mixer ideas needed
<"I'd be curious to hear more as well. I've been very successful
with Mackie consoles. I've placed them in several churches,
and not a one has expressed any problem with them at all.">
Hi Curt,
I've also had some bad experiences with Mackie mixers. One church was
picking up at least three radio stations on a channel!
I've got a friend who has a SR24-4 who does a lot of live sound gigs.
He's fried some stuff due to ultrasonic oscillations that pass right
through the Mackie. Sometimes that wide bandwidth is too wide!
Bob
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
From: Jens W. Skov (Denmark)
Subject: Re: Mixer ideas needed
Personally I would prefer A&H for live production if the choice fell
between these two. The Mackie mic pre amps sound great and I'm sure
it's great for a medium-budget installation. I wouldn't dare to bring
it on the road. It doesn't have the robustness of the "real" FOH-mixers.
At one of the companies I work for we buy all the old DDA-mixers we
find. There's great. Both EQ's and pre amps are some of the best I've
heard in live boards. The only new mixers (after my boss' opinion)
capable of handling the touring jobs and also sounding great are Midas
XLx and Yamaha PMxxxx.
Even the never DDA-boards are "too plastic."
Just a bit from my experience.
Jens W. Skov
St.Sc.E.E.
Technical University of Denmark
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
From: Jens W. Skov (Denmark)
Subject: Re: Mixer ideas needed
<"Is this really important in a permanent install? I can see
where it might be necessary in a portable system, but...">
On many larger live-boards there are no lock on the XLR-inputs. If
there are, we use to remove them (for road jobs). We also remove
the locks on all the stagebox systems we build. When using quality-plugs,
the plugs won't fall out. I've never had problems with the missing
locks. I've only had problems with locks that took too long time to
get out, when you are in a hurry (and you are in a hurry, when doing
stage-changes or when you take the system down after 12+ hours of work)
Jens W. Skov
St.Sc.E.E.
Technical University of Denmark
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
From: Rick Chinn (Seattle, WA)
Subject: Mixer ideas wanted
The small Mackies have known sensitivity to AM radio interference.
The SR40-8 does not. During the development process, I took one to
Seattle Center (home of the Space Needle), which is at the north-end
of downtown Seattle. Directly to the north, and up about 400 feet are
three TV towers that I have nicknamed, Moe, Larry and Curly. About 1
megawatt ERP of VHF TV comes off of them at channels 4, 5, and 7.
There's also some FM up there. About 3 miles away, there's another two
towers that radiate at channel 9 and 13, as well as spewing some more
FM.
About 5 miles southwest, there's 3 5kw am guys (950khz, 1150khz,
1300khz), whose antennae are bounded by salt water (can you say
"good ground"), and perhaps 10 miles away, there's 3 or 4 50kw AM
rigs (710khz, 770khz, 910khz, 1000khz).
If you haven't figured it out, this is a very nasty RF environment.
If your mixer is going to have trouble, it will be here. The
transformer-coupled Yamaha mixers used (PM2000, M916, M1516) there
do not, nor does a Soundcraft Delta 200. There is also a Mackie 8-bus
in a permanent install (but input lines are inside EMT). It too is
clean. There's also a bunch of Shure and Altec stuff, and we all
know that stuff is bulletproof.
I connected 250 feet of braided shield mike cable onto the mixer's
mic input, put a 150-ohm pad on the end as a termination (I also
tried a microphone), and tried various degrees of making parts
of the cable vertical, etc.
No RFI of any sort. I also tried connecting the cable into the
building's internal cable system, some of which is more than 30
years old. Again, no problems. I don't think that I could have
done much more, test wise. Yes, it could have been more
scientific.
The same tests, repeated with a 1604VLZ rendered the mixer
unusable. Same for a 1202-classic. Another 1202, which had been
modified with Jensen 1:1 iso transformers was usable. So was
a 1202 modified with common-mode chokes at its inputs.
The SR40/SR56 have different RF proofing than the little guys. No
comparison.
The factory is well aware of the AM radio problem and there is a
project underway to fix the problem once and for all.
--rick chinn
Uneeda Audio
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
From: Steve Harper (Norfolk, VA)
Subject: Re: Mixer ideas needed
I have been using a Mackie SR40 (still waiting for the SR56) for almost
a year now and have recently replaced a submixer with a CR1604VLZ for
choir mics. I have not had the RF problems that I have heard about in
the past concerning Mackie mixers. I understand that they have
corrected many issues. Wiring can be a great antenna for your local
AM stations if you're not careful!
Steve Harper
First Baptist Church of Norfolk
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
From: Jim Brown (Chicago, IL)
Subject: Re: Mixer ideas needed
On Tue, 03 Mar 1998 10:18:40 -0500, Steve Harper wrote:
<"I have not had the RF problems that I have heard about in the
past concerning Mackie mixers. I understand that they have corrected
many issues.">
So far, not this one.
Jim Brown
Audio Systems Group, Inc.
Chicago
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
From: Steve Harper (Norfolk, VA)
Subject: Re: Mixer ideas needed
<"For those of you who have heard of problems with Mackies, What
kind of problems were they? I'm thinking of purchasing a 56-8
for my live production company in a few months and would be
interested in knowing what's happened. I own an 8 buss and the
only problem I've had was a wire that had broken in the power
connector.">
In January of 1997 I ordered a Mackie SR56 (sight unseen of course)
based upon features/price/expected performance. It is March 1998 and
I continue to be promised a console-- the latest date is and of March
1998 - we'll see. Our order is among the first 5 in the country. I
have been using the SR 40 since March of last year and have generally
been pleased sonically. Punching in the EQ with all controls flat
changes the sound a bit which seems odd to me. It has some bugs like
the really annoying digital clocking noise in the solo function, a
meter that doesn't work, and an out-of-the-box problem with a ribbon
connector. I have been told that one reason for the delay is engineering
resources being devoted to the digital 8-bus. This same person is
concerned that if they don't get the SR56 out soon, they will miss the
spring console purchases of reinforcement companies jeopardizing the
whole project. I appreciate Mackie's committment to getting it right,
but does it have to take so long?
The contractor who is selling me the console has been approached by
Soundcraft about having us look at a k2. I am going to see what he
can offer me and may consider the console even though it will have 8
fewer inputs and will cost more.Based on my experience with Soundcraft
products that we do own, I expect it to sound better than the Mackie,
especially the mic pre and EQ.
I have been frustrated about the delivery time of this console, but
hope that Mackie can catch up to their growth and promises. They have
produced some good products that have a low price tag. For us serving
in the church, that helps us be good stewards and at the same time
allowing us to deliver technical excellence.
Steve Harper
First Baptist Church of Norfolk
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
From: Calvin Wilson (Garland, TX)
Subject: Re: Mixer ideas needed
I must say at this point, in the entire history of our church, EVERY
sound system installed since 1959 has picked up radio. But then again
we ARE only 1/4 mile for a 50,000W transmitter. I honestly don't think
our problem can be blamed on bad Mackie design. We get radio on the
phone, on intercoms, on radios tuned to different stations. No kidding.
If you have your radio tuned to any station other than 1080 and drive
down the road next to the transmitter field, you WILL be listening to
1080. It even happens to FM but not as bad. I consider myself lucky to
be able to throw a few dollars of ferrite at the problem to fix it. To
give you an idea of the power I'm talking about, this station is picked
up in Chicago on the weekends when the FCC grants them a clear channel.
And the transmitter is in Dallas!
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
From: Blake A. Engel (Chicago, IL)
Subject: Re: Mixer ideas needed
"<I must say at this point, in the entire history of our church,
EVERY sound system installed since 1959 has picked up radio.">
Hm--I wonder if the FCC knows of the power they are putting out....I
thought there was some sort of control over that--that your station
couldn't block other signals and couldn't interfere with normal local
operations....
Blake
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
From: Jim Brown (Chicago, IL)
Subject: Re: Mixer ideas needed
<"Hm--I wonder if the FCC knows of the power they are putting
out....I thought there was some sort of control over that--that
your station couldn't block other signals and couldn't interfere
with normal local operations">
Blake, clear channel stations were licensed by the FCC in
the 20's, and have maintained them ever since. A clear
channel station is licensed for 50,000 watts, and is
protected from interference within their primary coverage
area. They were originally set up to provide coverage to
vast rural areas outside cities, but are generally licensed
to major cities.
When these stations originally went on the air, they built
their transmitting antenna sites far outside of populated
areas, and rarely interfered with homes and businesses. In
the intervening years, particularly the last 20 years,
suburban sprawl has moved outward, and most of the clear
channel stations are now in someone's back yard. Not their
fault, and they are operating perfectly legally and
correctly.
No audio or telephone equipment should pick up radio
interference if it is properly designed or properly
installed. The problem is that designers of audio and
video equipment try to cut corners, and leave out the
electronic components when every electrical engineering
student learns in school are needed to prevent this kind of
interference. They do this because they get away with it,
but it is the equipment manufacturers who are wrong, not
the broadcaster (or the ham next door).
Jim Brown
Audio Systems Group, Inc.
Chicago
(ex-broadcast First Class Engineer, and still W9NEC,
Amateur Extra)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
From: Barry Birdwell (Nashville, TN)
Subject: Re: Mixer ideas needed
<"But then again we ARE only 1/4 mile for a 50,000W transmitter.
To give you an idea of the power I'm talking about, this station
is picked up in Chicago on the weekends when the FCC grants them
a clear channel. And the transmitter is in Dallas!">
WOW...Break out the sunscreen and the shades...it's barbeque time!!!
Barry
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
From: Robert Enlow (Norwalk, OH)
Subject: Re: Mixer ideas needed
<"But then again we ARE only 1/4 mile for a 50,000W transmitter.
I honestly don't think our problem can be blamed on bad Mackie
design. We get radio on the phone, on intercoms, on radios tuned
to different stations.">
Hey guys,
I had a similar situation and went to the FCC for help. They were very
surly witrh me and said automatically that the problem was in the
equipment receiving the noise.
Bob Enlow
RESOUND Co.
Norwalk, Ohio
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
From: Russel L. O'Toole (Chicago, IL)
Subject: Re: Mixer ideas needed
Gentlemen:
Remember you get what you pay for! Audio gear is not an exception.
When you open up the Mackie Boards and see how they are constructed
compared with a quality Soundcraft or Yamaha Console, you will see
a BIG difference. In the former consoles, if a channel goes bad,
you have the whole mother board to work on. In the latter consoles,
if a channel fails, usually you pull the channel card...
We have a few Mackies in the field and as far as I am concerned they
were disasters. The factory support was less than satisfactory and
when we confronted them with RFI problems and a lack of pre-fade
monitor on the mic channels, they made a big joke out of the problem.
I don't want or need a supplier who does not take his workmanship,
product, or ability to provide product in a timely and advestised
manner seriously.
Russel L. O'Toole
AUDIO ELECTRONICS, Inc.
Romeoville, Illinois
P.S. I apolgize for being so biased, but once bitten, twice shy.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
From: Calvin Wilson (Garland, TX)
Subject: Re: Mixer ideas needed
I know what you're talking about. I talked to the station's technical
director when I was first selected to run the church sound system. When
I explained the problem, he said something like "Oh, I'm sorry you're
have difficulties, but we are operating within specified limits, and
we were here before you were. Bye now, thanks for calling. <click>.
It seems that the radio station was built prior to developments in the
area, and they have a waver for interfering with devices in the area
installed AFTER the radio station was built. PROVIDED, that they
continue to transmit within FCC specified limits. And, they are.
From Friday night to Sunday night, they are granted "clear channel"
access and allowed to crank up the transmitter power to 50KW for very
wide area coverage.
During the week, we have NO problems. But on Sunday...
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
From: Bob Lewis (Garrisonville, VA)
Subject: Re: Mixer ideas needed
<"I had a similar situation and went to the FCC for help.">
Actually, I don't think there's much the broadcast station can do about
it other than reduce their power or moving. It's ultimately the
responsibility of the sound equipment to be shielded and filtered well
enough to keep the RF signal out. In defense of the equipment manufacturer
a 50,000 watt station 1/4 mile away is not your typical situation and
putting that level of protection into every mixer would increase the
cost for everyone. The manufacturer should however be willing to help
with solutions for those having problems.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
From: Ray A. Rayburn (Boulder, CO)
Subject: Re: Mixer ideas needed
<"I had a similar situation and went to the FCC for help. They
were very surly with me and said automatically that the problem
was in the equipment receiving the noise.">
Bob -
But they were absolutely correct! All radio stations must meet strict
FCC standards and are regularly tested to show they are meeting the
standards.
Thus the problem IS with the equipment receiving the noise! Very
little equipment sold for audio today is totally immune to RF problems
due to the cost (or lack of consideration of these problems by the
designers!) Mackie consoles for example have a well known problem
with RF in the top half of the AM band, but are great values for
the money for most of us. Also some of the installation practices
seen are less than ideal in a high RF environment.
Ray Rayburn
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
From: Rick Chinn (Seattle, WA)
Subject: Mackie Bashing
I'll try to be brief:
The Mackie mixers aren't perfect. They ARE affordable. If their
vision of imperfection serves your needs and budget, then you will
be hard pressed to find a better mixer.
The RFI subject is touchy, and for a long time the factory was in
denial over this. The mixers are quite impervious to anything over
5mhz, but they can pick up AM radio stations if given half a chance.
The factory is no longer in denial over this and is working hard to
find a cure that won't poison the audio.
RF interference in any audio equipment is a touchy thing. If it's a
telephone or a ghetto blaster, then it may be possible to just add
some filtering inside to slightly poison the audio and totally wipe
out the interference.
Many years ago, my cat was diagnosed with leukemia. I was amazed
when my vet suggested that we try chemotherapy. She explained the
process, and then gave me an analogy that made total sense: the
stuff we're giving the kitty is poison, and given in sufficient
quantity will kill her. The trick is to find the dosage that kills
the leukemia and doesn't hurt the kitty. btw, it worked.
Fixing RFI in audio equipment is no different. You have to find where
it's getting in, what part of the circuit is acting as the detector,
and what you can do to stop that. Generally this takes the form of RF
bypassing, which is audio poison. So, you want enough of this to stop
the radio/tv interference without harming the audio.
There's no sure cure for RFI except for several kilos of plastique
below the tower of the station. Of course the station management
and/or law enforcement may frown on this cure and rightly so. This
may also only be a temporary cure. Better hire a lawyer too.
It's not the radio station's fault, it's your equipment. It's not
always a cost-driven issue; it's a complex thing. I can't just point
my finger and say...AHA! they didn't do xxx or yyy or zzz. Sometimes
you can get away with not doing xxx or yyy or zzz and it just doesn't
matter. Other times it comes up and bites you where it hurts.
Common sense advice: if you're doing site selection for a new
church, go out, visit the site, find the highest point on the
land. Stand there. Turn in a 360 degree circle. See any
transmitter towers? Better go check them out before you buy
the land. Even if you do buy the land, at least you know that
you're in an RF rich environment. Plan for it.
From my experience, input and output transformers are one of the most
effective ways of combatting RFI. If you choose to locate your sound
system near an AM radio transmitter, this may be your salvation.
Transformers cost money. We want more for less. Transformers cause
audio pollution (sometimes)...so manufacturers have been designing
them out. What's wrong with this picture...
The Mackies are not SSLs, Neve's or Cadacs. Never will be. Weren't
intended to be. Thing is, most of us can afford them. I know that the
insides are sound from an electronic standpoint. I know that they sound
good. I know that they're rugged. I use them. I own several. I also own
a Soundcraft 200B. It has pin 1 trouble. I can't sell it because Mackie
has blown the bottom out of the market.
Your mileage may vary.
--rick chinn
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
From: Curt Taipale (Taipale Media Systems, Inc.)
Subject: More Mackie Stuff
<"My main reason responding is because of my concern that you might
be unreasonably influenced by some of the comments made in this
discussion list not to consider the Mackie products, which I believe
when properly installed in a suitable environment provide a church
with a real value product.">
Bob,
Many thanks for your comments and voice of reason. I don't doubt for a
moment that some have had frustrating problems with their Mackie consoles.
Still, Mackie did not get to where they are by manufacturing a second-rate
unit. I have Mackie 8-Buss installs in Colorado and Iowa, I have a rather
elaborate personal stage monitor mix system with eight Mackie 1604VLZ's in
moveable racks on stage at a church in St. Louis, I already have several
Mackie SR32 and SR40 installs in Georgia plus one in Illinois, and not once
have I had a customer complain about a problem with RF or their Mackie
blowing up the rest of their sound system.
The ONLY problem I've had with a Mackie was with the SR40 installed in
Illinois. The church is located across the street from a Christian college,
and the college has a very aggressive contemporary Christian music program.
In fact, the group Jars of Clay came out of that program. Anyway, they were
fairly serious about their audio needs, and are very pleased with the results.
The college has a student-run Christian radio station nearby, and while the
signal isn't all that strong, it's strong enough for people to complain of
hearing the radio station through their toilets and their toasters. And in
fact, I could hear some RF over the headphones whenever I hit solo on a
channel, but the system can get quite loud and there's not a hint of RF in
the house system, the stage monitors, or the foyer system.
On top of that, I own a CR1604 that I've used in my workshops in over 60
cities all over the US, and never have I found a problem with it. The thing
has been bounced around in air cargo a great many times, it's rusted on at
least the outside from being left out (in its flight case) on the airport
tarmac in a Florida thunderstorm, and yet to this day its performance has
been absolutely flawless everywhere I've taken it.
So my suggestion is, rather than spend time cutting down the product, that we
try to be part of the solution instead. Jim has already invested some effort
in trying to communicate with Mackie, but the larger a corporation grows the
slower things move, the longer it takes for change. I suggest that we try to
communicate with Mackie directly rather than talk behind their back. For
goodness sake, we've got Rick Chinn as a member of this group - THE guy who
helped design the Mackie consoles! What better audience could we ask for?
Blessings!
Curt
curt@churchsoundcheck.com
P.S. I believe this general kind of topic is helpful for everyone in
the group. It's wonderful to be able to hear comments from experience,
and it sounds like we've heard from folks with good experiences and
folks with bad experiences. And I didn't picture anyone pounding their
fist with their eyes bulging out as they talked poorly of Mackie, but
there was one point that this thread was starting to stray to the dark
side. My one request is that we keep our dialog positive.
I made up a sign for my office that says "No Stinkin' Thinkin' - If it
doesn't Edify, if it doesn't Lift Others Up, if it doesn't Honor God,
then Don't Say It In This Office". As much as possible, I'd like us to
honor that request in our discussions as well.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
From: Mike A. Anderson (Wichita, KS)
Subject: Thanks Rick!
Rick, thanks for your thorough attention to the feature questions/issues
re. the Mackie goods. I much enjoyed the read; it was no surprise to learn
that the mighty $ was playing a significant role in those decisions.
Though they may not succeed in making the best user-friendly decisions 100%
them this week.
Thanks again Rick,
Mike Anderson
 

Main Menu | Soundcheck Articles | Consulting | Church Soundcheck Discussion Group

Discussion Group Threads | Job Listings | Links | Workshops & Seminars

Who Are We? | Soundcheck Resources | Contact Us

 

Taipale Media Systems, Inc.
Voice: 888-547-1727 or 972-747-8083 / Fax: 972-747-8084