How good are the effects on the Mackie CFX boards?

[DrummerBoyJ Registered Member Find all posts View Profile Close DrummerBoyJ]

I'm looking at getting a soundboard to run my V-drums through and am considering the Mackie CFX12. I just wondered of those of you that have one of the CFX boards how would you rate the effects on it. Mackie claims that their effects are as good as that of outboard processors. I've never gotten to listen to them and was curious as to the opinions of those of you that use these boards.

Thanks,

James

[rudi-mint Registered Member Find all posts View Profile Close rudi-mint]

I am not sure about the mackie efx., but I have a carvin mixer with efx. and I don,t use them. I find for the music I play, (modern rock)offspring, train, lincoln park, ect. I don't need any efx. If I had to do it again I would buy the mackie w/out efx. and add a bbe (a must have). Then if you feel you want some efx you can add them later.

I am sure that the mackie efx are much better than the carvin efx. but out board efx usually sound much better than on board efx + you will have much more control with outboard efx. My drums sound great with just the mixer and the bbe. Just my opinion. I am no xpert though.

Kurt

[Tom Berry Registered Member Find all posts View Profile Close Tom Berry]

DrummerBoyJ,
I have a CFX12. I like it. I don't know a lot about outboard effects, but my friend who owns the music store I bought the Mackie at was impressed with the CFX series enough to recommend it to me. He IMHO has a very critical ear and could have sold me many other products. I hope this helps you.

[DrummerBoyJ Registered Member Find all posts View Profile Close DrummerBoyJ]

Rudi-mint & Tom,

Thanks for your replies. I think I'll go ahead and get the Mackie. Certainly the less weight I have to drag around when I move my V-drums the better, not to mention spending additional green on the effects.

Thanks,

James

[Bruce Registered Member Find all posts View Profile Close Bruce]

Hi James,
I have a Mackie CFX16 that I use with my V Customs and the effects are not the very best but they do a nice job for adding just that touch of reverb to wetting up the sound. I found that the advantage of not having to carry around an extra effects box really simplifies the sound rig and speeds my setup time. My only wish was that Mackie would provide dual effects built in instead of just one effect. I would have gladly paid extra for it. I think Soundcraft makes a mixer or a powered mixer with dual built in Lexicon effects. You may want to check that out as well.

Bruce....