Mackie Ships dXb 200 Digital Console

dXb 200 (Click for a close-up)

Mackie announced that their new dXb*200 Digital Production Console has begun shipping to authorized U.S. dealers. The first of these dealers will receive dXb*200 consoles by the end of this week. This includes RSPE in North Hollywood, West LA Music in Santa Monica, and West LA Music in Universal City. Additional dealers across the United States are being evaluated and selected daily.

"We have identified more than 50 U.S. dealers that have a successful history in selling Mackie's pro-audio recording products while also providing exceptional service and support to those customers that have purchased them," commented Nigel Toates, National Sales Manager for Independent and Pro Recording Dealers. "The first of these dealers will receive their dXb*200 consoles this week and we fully expect all 50 to have the console in their showrooms by the end of July."

A complete list of authorized dXb dealers will be available at the Mackie website early next week on Mackie's web site.

The dXb platform is offered in two applications-specific variations-the dXb*200 and dXb*400. Both models shares the same basic architecture and footprint including a unique dual touch-screen interface, 96kHz operation (optional to 192kHz), on-board automation and DSP, 25 high-quality 100mm Penny+Giles touch faders, configurable I/O card cage and a FireWire I/O card option for streaming to/from desktop or laptop computers. In addition, both models are compatible with select VST plug-ins and both integrate Mackie Control Universal functionality for controlling Pro Tools, Logic and other popular audio software applications.

The dXb*200's individual feature set and price point make it the logical progression for current Mackie Digital 8*Bus users. It features a 72 x 72 channel I/O matrix (36 x 36 at 192kHz) or 64 channels with DSP at 96kHz (32 channels with DSP at 192kHz). Channel DSP includes compressor/limiter, gate/expander, and four-band parametric EQ. A UAD-1 Powered Plug-ins card can be installed in the dXb*200 as an option.

The dXb*400, which will begin shipping later this year, is designed for post-production and broadcast applications. It features a more expansive 96 x 96 channel I/O matrix (48 x 48 at 192kHz) or a minimum of 72 channels with DSP at 96kHz (36 channels with DSP at 192kHz). The dXb*400 also includes 24 busses (12 on the dXb*200), flexible panning assignment and complete surround monitoring features. Additionally, the dXb*400 ships with a UAD-1 DSP Card pre-loaded, providing instant access to popular powerful plug-ins like the Teletronix LA-2A and 1176LN compressors, Pultec Program EQ, and DreamVerb high-end reverb.