Allen & Heath ZEDi-10FX vs Mackie ProFXv3 Series: In-Depth Product Comparison and Buyer’s Guide (2024)

You're ready to make a big purchase, but you're having trouble deciding between these two powerhouses, the Allen & Heath ZEDi-10FX and the Mackie ProFXv3 Series.

Trust me, I know how difficult that decision is… especially if you have no plans on whipping out that dreaded return postage label!

You know how the saying goes, buy right, buy once! Or something like that…

Either way, I've got you covered!

I've broken down the good, the bad and the ugly of these babies, so providing you have a clear idea of exactly what you plan on doing with it, you will have a clear idea on which one is best for you, by the end of this article.

Let get into it…

At A Glance:

Allen & Heath ZEDi-10FX

Allen & Heath ZEDi-10FX Pros & Cons

• Pros:
• Well built
• Good sound quality
• Solid preamps and EQ
• 4 track USB out for multitracking
• Clean preamps
• Low noise floor
• USB routing option button
• Easy setup with Windows 10 Professional
• Works well with various applications like games and recording software
• Cons:
• No per-track mute button
• No per-track faders
• Complicated and lacking advanced routing
• Main outs are XLR but no TRS main outs
• Monitor outs are RCA
• Odd form factor with wasted space around the edges
• Poor onboard FX
• Not the lowest cost multitrack mixer on the market

 

Mackie ProFXv3 Series

Mackie ProFXv3 Series Pros & Cons

• Pros:
  • Compact size mixer/interface.
  • All the analog inputs/outputs work as expected.
  • FX is pretty good.
  • Sound quality is crystal clear.
  • Effects are top-notch.
  • Easy-to-use interface.
  • Quickly adjustable levels of each channel.
  • Sturdy and durable build quality.
  • Sleek and modern design.
• Cons:
  • Difficulty in setting up USB IO when using with Mac.
  • Not truly 2×4 (2 track out from mixer, 4 tracks into the mixer at the same time).
  • Requires use of Mac's rarely used Midi app to get computer playback music to go to the main mix.
  • Insufficient information in the user guide.
  • No connection available for any kind of light for dark atmospheres.
  • No lip anywhere around the board to clip an aftermarket light to.
  • Lacks open area that can be used to label each fader or track.
  • No typical clipping light on each channel.
  • No channel pads available for high output items.
  • USB port is not powered.

Key Differences Between The Allen & Heath ZEDi-10FX And The Mackie ProFXv3 Series

The main differences between Allen & Heath ZEDi-10FX and Mackie ProFXv3 Series are largely based on their unique features, intended uses and budget range.

Allen & Heath ZEDi-10FX is a compact hybrid mixer, drawn from the popular ZED line, featuring 7 channels (3 in).

It can double as both a mixer and an interface, making it versatile for various musical settings.

Known for delivering studio-quality sound, it offers on-board processing and a convenient USB interface.

One key strength that stands out about the ZED series is its unbeatable sound quality, especially in terms of tonal balance.

Though priced slightly above average, the excellent performance of this compact device affirms the phrase “buy once cry once”.

Contrarily, Mackie ProFXv3 Series positions itself as an affordable solution for live sounds. A notable feature is its award-winning Onyx Mic Preamps which deliver a rich analog warmth.

This series includes 4 microphone inputs with 3-band EQ and 4 inserts. A key selling point of the Mackie mixers is these high-quality Onyx preamps which deliver up to 60dB gain.

The Mackie ProFxv3 series is appreciated for providing high performance at a more affordable price compared to Allen & Heath mixers.

• The ZEDi-10FX provides studio-quality sound with excellent tonal balance.
• The Mackie ProFxv3 offers good performance at a lower price.
• ZEDi-10FX serves as both mixer and interface whereas Mackie ProFxv3 mainly serves live performances.
• ZEDi-10FX has fewer microphone inputs than Mackie's 4 microphone inputs.

In conclusion, if you're seeking more budget-friendly options without compromising functionality, consider the Mackie ProFxv3 series.

However, if you have room in your budget and prioritize superior audio quality over cost then consider the Allen & Heath’s ZEDi-10Fx model.

Specifications	Allen & Heath ZEDi-10FX	Mackie ProFXv3 Series
Microphone Preamps	GS-Pre XLR microphone preamps, developed from those featured in the highly acclaimed GS-R24 studio console	Equipped with 2 Onyx mic pres offering up to 60dB of gain and ultra-low noise performance
HiZ Connections	Two HiZ connections for direct connection of high impedance sources such as electric, electro-acoustic or bass guitars	Not specified
High Pass Filter	100Hz High Pass Filter on every mono input	Not specified
EQ	3-band MusiQ EQ uses carefully selected frequencies	Not specified
FX Unit	Built-in, studio quality multi-FX unit provides 61 different, tweakable FX types	24 different FX options, from reverbs to delays
USB Interface	Built-in, high quality, 96kHz 4×4 USB interface	24-bit/ 192kHz quality 2×4 USB I/O
Inputs	4 x Mic/Line Inputs, 2 x Stereo (2 Left, 2 Right), 2 USB Audio	Not specified
Additional Features	Can be connected to Mac, Windows computers and many mobile devices such as tablets or even smart phones	Designed for maximum versatility making it perfect for live sound, home recording, content creation, and live streaming with included Waveform OEM

What You Need To Know About Allen & Heath ZEDi-10FX

The Allen & Heath ZEDi-10FX is a compact mixer that packs a punch! It has the same high-level audio and build quality you see in large format touring consoles. This means you get amazing sound from a tough, reliable device.

To start with, it has GS-Pre XLR microphone preamps. These are based on the ones used in the popular GS-R24 studio console. They give you low noise, huge headroom and plenty of clean gain. So, expect the best from your microphone: full, warm sound every time.

This mixer also includes two HiZ connections for high impedance sources like electric or bass guitars. You can even connect stick-on pickups for acoustic instruments without needing a separate DI box.

It also features a 100Hz High Pass Filter on every mono input to cut unwanted low frequencies. Plus, its 3-band MusiQ EQ allows you to shape your sound with precision and ease. You can tweak highs, mids and lows for just the right tone.

What's more? The ZEDi-10FX comes with an inbuilt studio quality multi-FX unit that provides 61 different FX types like reverbs, delays and modulation – all developed by Allen & Heath's own DSP experts.

It also includes a built-in high-quality USB interface for easy capturing or streaming of your mix or individual channels.

And great news – it's class compliant and requires no drivers! So feel free to connect Macs, Windows computers or even mobile devices like tablets and smartphones effortlessly!

In terms of inputs it offers 4 x Mic/Line Inputs, 2 x Stereo (2 Left, 2 Right), plus 2 USB Audio inputs – everything you need to make great music!

So why wait? Check out the Allen & Heath ZEDi-10FX today!

My 1 Month Review Of The Allen & Heath ZEDi-10FX

Initial Impressions

Right off the bat, I was impressed with how compact and solid the Allen & Heath ZEDi-10FX felt in my hands.

The build quality immediately assured me that this was a product built to last.

Daily Usage Experience

As a frequent user of mixers and audio interfaces, I found this one to be incredibly easy to use. The compact design meant it fit comfortably on my studio desk, without taking up too much space.

The layout and functionality were intuitive, allowing me to quickly and easily adjust levels, switch inputs, apply effects and more.

Sound Quality

After a month of everyday use, what stood out the most for me was the outstanding sound quality. This mixer brought new life into my recordings – each track sounded clearer and more detailed than ever before.

The built-in effects were both versatile and high quality – adding just the right touch of reverb or delay when needed.

User-Friendly Features

Some key features that made my experience great include:

• GSPre preamps: Provided a clean, low-noise signal which greatly enhanced my recording experience.
• Faders instead of knobs: A small but very appreciated feature – made adjusting levels smoother.
• Built-in FX:An excellent assortment of quality built-in effects meant I didn't have to rely on (or pay extra for) additional plugins or hardware.
• Cubase LE software included:This really added value – an awesome tool for recording and mixing tracks.

A Little Criticism

While overall, my experience has been overwhelmingly positive, there are a couple areas where there's room for improvement:

• The power supply feels slightly budget compared to rest of unit,, but it does its job efficiently nonetheless.
• I wish they added another stereo channel as it would come in very handy especially when dealing with multiple instruments/stereo sources at once.

In summary, after using Allen & Heath ZEDi-10FX for a month now, I am thoroughly impressed by its performance.

Its build quality is rugged yet compact; operation is simple yet powerful; sound quality is exceptional; user-friendly features are numerous; small drawbacks are present but heavily outweighed by positives.+

What You Need To Know About Mackie ProFXv3 Series

The Mackie ProFXv3 Series is a game-changer when it comes to sound quality and convenience.

This mixer comes equipped with 2 Onyx mic pre's that offer up to 60dB of gain and ultra-low noise performance, making it ideal for high-gain microphones often used by content creators.

You can create your own tracks with amazing 24-bit/192kHz quality for crystal clear recordings.

The 2×4 USB I/O provides you the option to make two custom mixes on your computer which you can then send back into the mixer.

This feature is especially useful if you need to listen to specific tracks during playback in addition to the full mix.

Add a touch of drama and depth to your sound through its 24 different FX options, including reverbs and delays – oh, you'll love how easy this makes it.

The handy single knob design allows you to toggle between monitoring your computer's output and a direct feed from the mixer, perfect for recording overdubs along with a pre-recorded track.

And last but not least, let's talk versatility – whether you're into live sound, home recording, content creation or live streaming, this mixer has got you covered!

It also comes bundled with Waveform OEM software for added convenience.

Check out more details about this fantastic piece of kit on the official Mackie ProFXv3 Series page.

My 1 Month Review Of The Mackie ProFXv3 Series

First Impressions

After a month of testing the Mackie ProFXv3 Series, here are my thoughts.

Right out of the box, it looked solid and well-built.

The mixer had a good heft to it – not too heavy, but substantial enough to feel sturdy and well constructed.

User Experience

Owning and using this mixer has been a pleasure, largely due to its user-friendliness.

The knobs and sliders feel firm, the inputs are all clearly marked and easy to plug into.

It's simple enough for a beginner to get started with but also has plenty of features for more advanced users.

Sound Quality

I noticed the sound quality immediately.

The Mackie ProFXv3 Series has amazing preamps which produce clear, detailed audio.

• The sound is clean even when you push the volume.
• No unwanted noise or distortion came up during my usage.
• The effects are really good quality too – there's lots of them and they're easy to tweak until you get just the sound you want.

Versatility & Features

If diversity is your thing, then Mackie ProFXv3 Series offers just that!

• Multiple in/out options mean that I can hook up almost any kind of audio gear I want to it.

• It also doubles as an audio interface for recording which is an awesome plus!

Its built-in USB interface actually allows you record directly into your computer or playback from it directly – very handy!

In Conclusion:

To sum up, after a month of testing, I can confidently say that the Mackie ProFXv3 Series is a standout product.

It's perfect for both live performances and studio use thanks its high-quality components and multiple features.

It's worth noting that a beginner can make great use out of this while professionals will appreciate all it has in stock as well.

Overall, I highly recommend this mixer!

Who The Allen & Heath ZEDi-10FX Is For & Why You Might Choose It Over The Mackie ProFXv3 Series

The Allen & Heath ZEDi-10FX is a solid choice for electronic musicians and individuals seeking to elevate their audio mixing quality in both live performances and studio settings.

You might consider this mixer if you're focused on the following elements:

Solid Build and Sound Quality:
If robustness of hardware and excellent sound quality are primary concerns, the ZEDi-10FX stands out with its well-built structure and superior audio output.

This mixer's preamps provide a clean, noise-free sound which makes it an upgrade compared to other devices like Mackie VLZ 402 or Zoom H4n Pro.

Multitrack Recording:
Equipped with a 4 track USB out, this mixer caters to those who need multitracking capabilities.

If you're looking for cost-effective multitrack mixers, the Allen & Heath ZEDi-10FX – touted as one of the best studio mixers, can be a good option.

However, there are certain features missing that some users might find critical. These include:

• Lack of per-track mute button – standard on most mixers in this range.

• Absence of per-track faders, essential for gradually altering sounds across tracks.

• Limited advanced routing options – if you use a lot of FX routing in your music production process.

• Unique form factor – some may find its design leads to cramped control spaces.

While these points may be deal-breakers for some users, others may not see them as essential based on their specific requirements.

Furthermore, one can't ignore the seamless setup experience with Windows 10 Professional which involves no additional driver installations unless necessary.

Ultimately, your decision to buy should be governed by your specific needs.

If top-notch preamp quality is your priority over advanced routing options or track muting features – then the Allen & Heath ZEDi-10FX is worth considering.

Who The Mackie ProFXv3 Series Is For & Why You Might Choose It Over The Allen & Heath ZEDi-10FX

The Mackie ProFXv3 Series is a versatile and feature-packed option aimed at musicians, sound engineers, and professionals requiring a high-quality audio mixer.

Some potential buyers might be drawn to features such as its compact size, multiple analog inputs/outputs, and impressive on-board effects.

For those seeking a compact yet powerful mixer/interface for their setup, the ProFX6v3 variant from the series could be an ideal fit.

Its small footprint allows it to fit into most setups without the need for extensive reorganization.

Key features include:

• Professional-grade build quality
• Easy-to-use interface
• High-quality sound output
• Impressive FX options.

However, users with Mac systems should be prepared for some initial setup challenges when interfacing via USB IO.

It might take some time to configure settings via Mac's rarely used Midi app to direct computer audio playback to the main mix correctly.

Musicians and professionals looking for a stark enhancement in their sound might find the 10-channel variant of this series an excellent choice.

The ProFxV3 series 10 channel professional effects mixer offers clear output and top-notch effects, making it perfect for bands or recording studios.

On the flip side, potential buyers who require detailed channel fader/track labeling or intend to use this board in dimly-lit environments may need reconsideration due to lack of lighting options or space for labeling.

Additionally, current design lacks individual clipping lights on each channel and pads for high-output items which might require some workaround.

Furthermore, if you plan on powering a light through its USB port, you'd be disappointed as the USB port is not powered – meaning it won't work well in dimly lit areas.

In conclusion, whether you choose Mackie ProFXv3 Series depends on your specific needs – whether they lean towards audio refinement achieved through advanced features or practical usability considerations like lighting options and labeling spaces.

If you find the Allen & Heath ZEDi-10FX and Mackie ProFXv3 Series mixers don't quite hit the mark, fear not! I have additional posts comparing similar products that might be just what you're looking for.

You might find your perfect fit in my comparison of the Allen & Heath ZEDi-10FX vs Tascam Model 12.

Or perhaps you'd prefer diving into the differences between Allen & Heath ZEDi-10FX vs Zoom LiveTrak L-8.

If your interest lies more with Behringer or Mackie, I also have a post on Behringer Xenyx 1204USB vs Mackie Mix Series Mix8.

And last but certainly not least, there's an insightful comparison of Behringer Xenyx 1204USB vs PreSonus StudioLive AR8c awaiting for your review.

Whatever your needs may be, these posts will help guide you towards the right product.

FAQs

Buyer's Guide: Important Things To Consider & Look Out For When Buying A Mixer

1. Understand the Different Types of Studio Mixers

Before heading out to buy your studio mixer, it is crucial to understand the different types available on the market.

The four main types are audio mixer, digital mixer, analog mixer, and USB mixer. Each type has unique features tailored for specific needs and preferences.

Analog mixers, with their tactile knobs and faders, offer a hands-on mixing experience, great for DJs or live performers who want instant control over their sound.

Digital mixers provide more flexibility with extra routing options, onboard effects, digital signal processing (DSP), and preset scene recall for consistently identical audio setups.

Audio mixers, or soundboards as they are sometimes called, are basic mixers that allow you to blend multiple audio feeds into one output.

They're ideal for smaller performances or simple podcasting setups where fewer channels and inputs are needed.

Lastly, a USB Mixer can function as both a traditional mixing console and an audio interface.

They allow for direct connection to your computer – this can be really useful if you plan on doing any digital recording.

2. Assess Your Input-Output Needs

The number of channels on your mixer matters greatly – it will determine how many devices (microphones, instruments etc.) you can plug in simultaneously.

Most small-scale productions will work fine with an 8-channel audio interface while larger recording studios may require more than 32 channels!

Keep in mind what you need now but also consider future-proofing; think about potential gear additions in the future.

3. Investigate Extra Features

Beyond basic channel input/output functionality, many studio mixers are packed with added features like built-in effects processors or advanced routing capabilities.

These bonuses can be tremendously helpful depending upon the complexity of your setup and specific use cases – from podcast editing to multi-instrument recordings.

4. Whether Analog or Digital: Factor in Ease of Use

Your choice between analog vs digital often comes down to preference.

Some enjoy the tactile control of an analog board while others prefer digital's flexibility software-control integration abilities stop before committing to purchase either a digital or analog studio mixer – try them out if possible – ease of use should be at top priority regardless!

5. Check its Quality & Durability

Don’t overlook the importance of quality materials! A well-constructed mixing console not only offers increased durability but improves overall sound quality too.

6. Consider its Portability

Professional recording equipment isn’t always known for being lightweight – consider portability especially if you’re planning on traveling with your gear!

7. Evaluate Options within Your Budget Range

Finally yet importantly remember that buying a studio mixer is an investment—don't break bank unless necessary good news: there variety reliable affordable options market.

Thanks growing technology high-quality sound doesn’t have cost fortune You find great entry-level intermediate professional-grade mixers fit wide range budgets happy shopping!

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