In 1986, an album titled Texas Campfire Tapes by U.S. songwriter Michelle Shocked became a cult hit. The album was recorded on a Sony Walkman Professional during an impromptu set around a campfire at the Kerrville Folk Festival in Texas. This album, released by Cooking Vinyl, reached the top spot on the British independent record chart, showcasing the magic of time, place, and spontaneity in creating something rare and special. Today, with advancements in technology, capturing such impromptu and atmospheric recordings may be done using portable digital recorders or good condenser microphones, if one were to find themselves in a similar situation in the Texan countryside.
Fast forward almost 40 years, Mackie, the U.S. audio brand founded by Greg Mackie in 1970, has introduced the MobileMix, a portable analog mixer that offers studio-quality tracks that can be recorded on analog tape recorders or digital recorders. Powered by a USB power bank or adapter, the MobileMix can handle up to eight separate input channels, with various features such as XLR/Combo inputs, 48V Phantom Power, high-pass filters, stereo inputs, and Bluetooth streaming capabilities. The mixer also includes EQ controls, FX settings, headphone outputs for monitoring, and the ability to adjust the mix levels for recording overdubs.
The Mackie MobileMix, designed purely as an analog mixer, is compact and sturdy, making it easy to carry in a messenger bag for on-the-go recording sessions. Despite lacking a USB interface for direct computer recording, the MobileMix offers excellent sound quality, low floor noise in microphone preamps, and versatile recording options. Additionally, the mixer includes a built-in slot for holding a tablet or smartphone and a battery compartment to accommodate most smartphone power banks for portable power. Priced at $229.99, the MobileMix is now available and offers exceptional value for money and flexibility for recording anywhere, whether for live performances, podcast mixing, or remote broadcasting applications.
With features like USB power compatibility, dedicated mix outputs for various recording devices, Bluetooth input/output, two mic/instrument inputs, stereo inputs, and reverb settings, the Mackie MobileMix provides a range of options for recording and mixing on the go. The mixer’s compact size, versatile connections, and solid build quality make it a great choice for musicians, podcasters, and broadcasters looking for a portable and reliable recording solution. Overall, the MobileMix offers a top-notch recording facility with almost entirely analog capabilities, making it ideal for creating high-quality mixes in various settings, and showcasing the innovative potential of modern recording technology.
