Karaoke Forums

Specifically the C844 or the C1644 series. Too bad they don't make a C1244.

I have worked with the 2444 & 3244 (just larger models). They are ok, not the best.

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Why did you choose the Mackie CFX12 over the Carvins? Does either mixer have an advantage over the other?

The Mackie CFX12 is a little cleaner sounding due to better pre-amps in the channels. Was a little cheaper than the 1644 (although I could've used the extra 4 channels). Was rack mountable over the 1644 (844 can be racked). It basically had all the right features I was looking for at the time. If I were to buy a new board again, I would again go with the Mackie but get the 1604VLZ this time around.
The Carvin boards are ok. They sound decent. Price isn't bad. Fully expandable. All around, they work fine I just prefer the Mackie.
Now Carvin amps are another story...............Good Stuff!!

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Thanks Lonman. Sound quality and features were what I was most curious about. I probably will go with the ISP's TriWedge's and the Mackie CFX12. I can always get the Carvin 1644 + 1588 package later if I need to.

Marty,

I have a C1644 which I use in my home PA system. I don't have nearly the same experience (not even close) as Lonman and hasn't compared it to the VLZPro 1604. However, I am pretty happy with it, and contrary to the Mackie it has an octave band EQ and two decent stereo effect units built-in. The Mackie has more I/O for use as a recording board. I think the Carvin provides pretty nice sound and functionality for the price.

I also have a DCM 1500 which together with my 1584's kick (@$%&#!).

Morten

Marty,

I forgot to mention the Carvin is a true 4 bus (+L/R) mixer with six independent AUX sends (four monitor mixes and two effect sends).

The VLZPro does to my understanding not have six independent AUX sends.

Morten

Forgive my lack of knowledge, but what is a "bus"?

Also, what will an octave band EQ do for me?

Mort, he is not looking at the 1604, he is looking at the CFX12. Which has the eq & effects built in. It is a true 4 bus design as well. Has 2 Aux sends for monitors & 2 for effects (which I seriously doubt you'll need more than that for most karaoke applications).
Again, I said the Carvin boards are ok - i've used a couple of the Concert series (2444 & 3244) which is just the bigger version of yours also played with the Studio series (8 buss design). The Mackies are cleaner sounding. The effects on the Carvin aren't the greatest, but work fine. It does have a couple features the Mackie doesn't, but again, for karaoke, they more than likely will never get used. It does have a couple features that are cool as well. Dual eq's (although if you use them for the mains, chances are your going to set them both the same anyway). The eq can be switched for main & monitor - nice feature although not enough bands for monitor use for feedback control. Dual effects, again, not very good effects in them but they do work so now there are 2. The Carvins can't be racked, although they used to sell a kit for the 844.

Busses on mixers are geared more for bands but can be used in karaoke as well. Basically, takes 2 or more faders & assigns them to 1 so you don't need to control several faders at a time, they can be controlled with 1 fader (out of 4). In karaoke you could assign all vocal mics to buss 1, music to buss 2, fill music to buss 3.
The eq he is talking about is the built in 9 band which is on the CFX12 as well.

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Lonman,

I just wanted to give another perspective, but recognizing that you are much more experienced in these matters (this was _not_ meant in a sarcastic way!!!). I just have a home pa system, and don't gig with it. When I bought the mixer it seemed like a good trade-off in features and the sound seems fine to me. I haven't compared it to the VLZ-Pro though, as previously stated.

Cheers,

Morten

Again, we are not comparing the VLZ-PRO, we are comparing to the CFX12. Completely different boards.
The Carvin board is a good board. I have said this over & over. The CFX12 is a little cleaner & is a little cheaper. That's what he was initially asking about.

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Lonman,

not that I want to ague with you.

But the tread was about the Carvin C1644 mixer. You chose to relate it to the one you have (CFX12). I chose to compare it to the one I was considering (VLZPro 1604). I just wanted to give Marty another perspective on the C1644, which I am pretty happy with.

BTW. "A little cleaner" is a very ambigous statement, what do you mean? Do you refer to frequency response, intermodulation, noise, distortion?

Love and peace,

Morten

ACTUALLY

Go back & re-read, I never brought up the Mackie until he asked me specifically why I chose that model.

Cleaner being doesn't distort as hard (can take a little saturation before audibly coming through), frequency curve sounds fuller in the mid & high section, better mic pre-amps for more headroom per channel & don't have to eq the mics much (if at all) but then this could be due to the mics as well, less cross-talk.
Again, I have worked with the Carvins, they are a good board overall, I never disputed that. I've done alot of recommendations for Carvin products, as a matter of fact I think I talked to you a little about your final decision as well.

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