DL1608 vs. DL16S

[WK154]

Maybe you should be looking at a Presonus 16R since you mentioned the Midas series ($) or a Ui24 Soundcraft.
https://www.presonus.com/products/StudioLive-16R

[James91104]

Though there is no immediate need for any new purchase or acquisition, yes, I am well aware and informed of those two products, as well as with all the currently manufactured and comparable product offerings. 
Six years on, and IME, the MasterFader Classic & 4 UI still proves not just functional, but enjoyable, as well as the most approachable UI for newbies. Add in the
Reverb upgrade with the latest version4 upgrade, and I look forward to continued use so long as the hardware holds up.

[Wynnd]

I usually use Master Fader at breakfast to setup for a show.  I did it yesterday for Today's show.  It's the first time out with this configuration of a band.  Being able to setup a show without the mixer present is great.

[WK154]

Back to the subject, I forgot a new tool not in the DL1608 and that is the Oscillator (pink, white and sine wave).  Once the Reference Guide is released there will be more differences identified such as 2 more DCA (VCA), mute, view, subgroups etc.

[Wynnd]

I was wondering if the DL1608 was going to get the 6 groups and 6 VCAs and I just expected the Oscillator to be there, but that probably requires special hardware than doesn't exist on the 1608.

[WK154]

Time will tell  It's all software

[Harpman]

I should have compared the DL1608 to the "New" DL16S instead of the XR18, my bad. Let's see what is new and exciting with the DL16S that's not on the DL1608. The clear and obvious difference of course is the form factor. The DL16S is a stage box not a desktop. Then the preamps are totally digitally controlled. For me that was never a problem since I don't mix adjusting preamp levels once setup along with the recall ability (mics seem to keep moving position). The small digital adjustment was more than sufficient. The universal phantom power 48V is finally gone. So  there is also the recording/playback of individual channels, instead of just stereo, with a external computer via USB. Then there is the addition of internal WiFi for  practice, certainly not for serious work. The internal power supply is a welcome change except for those running off batteries like me  . The biggest change however is the multi-platform MF additions. Although they are the same for both units except for new hardware controls not available on the DL1608 (Preamps, Phantom Power, Recording, form factor). If any of these tickle your fancy then by all means upgrade but don't throw your router away. Don't forget to upgrade your iPad (three or lower won't work) or trade it in for two new Android tabs.

Well, good to see your still fighting the fight. I basically gave my DL1608 away to a friend and after going with the XR18 for 6 months, bought the Midas M32C and Midas DL32 and never looked back. My XR18 is now my backup and mostly collects dust .

Sent from my SM-G955U using Tapatalk

[WK154]

Long time no hear. Well I see things are looking up based on your gear. Should get together again. PM me.  My DL been in a box for 3 yrs or so. Still trying to get all this stuff under 50lbs.

[WK154]

I was wondering if the DL1608 was going to get the 6 groups and 6 VCAs and I just expected the Oscillator to be there, but that probably requires special hardware than doesn't exist on the 1608.

The quick answer is NO. No extra subs or VCA's (DCA's) or OSC . Simply put none of the DLxxS improvements are in the DL1608/806 product. The rest of the details are here.
https://mackie.com/sites/default/files/Master%20Fader_V5_0_RG.pdf
Cheers

[Wynnd]

I don't use groups but I do use the VCAs but 4 has always been more than enough.  The Oscillator would have been nice.

[WK154]

Four DCA's on the X-air are also sufficient for my use. I still prefer my Pink Stick for the oscillator since  internal ones usually get generated in the digital section and won't test cables, connectors, phantom power, mic pre's or A/D converters in the channel signal chain for troubleshooting.

[WK154]

Torsten,
"Still want to understand why you consider Mackie's  built-in Wifi solution only applicable to rehearsals - you remain vague about this..."

https://forum.musictribe.com/showthread.php?8128-A-former-believer-turns-sour&highlight=WiFi+XR12+XR18

Been there, done that, wonder no more.

[ToH2002]

After reading the thread you linked to (which is about the Behringer XR-18, not about Mackie mixers), I just want to understand what you mean: are you saying that one shouldn't rely on wifi at all, or are you saying that built-in wifi solutions are more prone to connection drops and other mess-ups than separate wifi routers connected via LAN cable?

I've been using iPads with my DL32R for years now with varying audiences, large and small, never had an issue with losing connections. I've been using an Apple Airport Extreme as my main access point, with an ASUS router as backup, both stable with no issues.

Yes, I'm looking forward to MasterFader 5.1, when I can actually run it on a Microsoft Surface and connect it directly via LAN cable in cases of severe wifi congestion, but I haven't yet encountered major issues with wifi dropping with my setup.

But if you have some specific facts on the built-in wifi port on the DL16S/DL32S and why it could be problematic compared to a separate wifi access point, I'm all ears.

Cheers,

Torsten