The Mackie CR1604 is a 16 channel analog mixer. It has 16 built in mic pres with both XLR inputs and 1/4" connections. There are also four assignable channels as well, with auxiliary sends and controls on each of the sixteen main channels. Each channel also has a three band parametric equalizer. Other features include a pan knob and a mute button for each channel. Basically, the CR1604 has all of the bells and whistles that you need and expect from an analog mixer.

UTILIZATION

The configuration of the Mackie CR1604 is generally simple and straight forward. This is your standard, run of the mill analog mixer. There isn't anything out of the ordinary here, so those who know a bit about analog mixers will be able to adapt quickly to using this one. I haven't seen the manual, so I can't say anything about its make up, but if you're new to analog mixers it would be a good idea to have it around.

SOUNDS

While the sound of the Mackie CR1604 isn't necessarily anything to write home about, this also means that is isn't too bad sounding. The preamps will get the job done more times than not, and are perfect for situations in a professional studio where you might need some extra preamps in addition to your outboard ones. They are decently clean sound enough where they will be fine for recording most things, although they're certainly not up to par with most mid and high end preamps out there. The EQ sounds real and is generally pretty clean sounding...

OVERALL OPINION

While the Mackie CR1604 is pretty decent, I don't think that I'd recommend using it as your main analog mixer, at least certainly not in a professional studio. Even in a home studio, unless you need a lot of preamps, I'd recommend just picking up a few really good ones. Having said this, on the plus side the CR1604 won't cost you too much money at all. Keeping this in mind, you're definitely getting a good amount for a relatively small amount of money...