Let’s compare the Mackie ProFX6v3 Audio Mixer against the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 Audio Interface. Both of these devices are popular for home studios, recording, and live streaming.
Quick Answer: We recommend the Mackie ProFX6v3 over the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 for every use case, such as home recording, live streaming, or live events, especially if space isn’t an issue.
Phantom Power
Mackie ProFX6v3 and Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 both have 48V phantom power, so you can connect a condenser microphone with both of these audio mixers.
Gain and Noise
Mackie ProFX6v3 has a gain of 60 dB while Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 has a gain of 56 dB, which means Mackie has 4 dB extra gain. This is a critical 4 dB difference for some microphones like the Shure SM7B. But, Mackie has an EIN of -126 while Focusrite has an EIN rating of -128, which means Mackie is just a little bit noisier than Focusrite.
Power
Mackie ProFX6v3 has a power switch, and it also has external power, whereas Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 doesn’t come with a power switch, and it is bus-powered.
EQ and Effects
Mackie ProFX6v3 has a 2 band EQ, which allows you to change the tone of your microphone. In contrast, Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 doesn’t have any EQ. Mackie also has 24 different effects built into the effects engine.
The Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 has an air mode which can color the sound of your recording. .
Other Features
On Mackie ProFX6v3, there are two combination jack inputs that accept XLR as well as 1/4-inch inputs (both line level and instrument level). So you can plug in an electric guitar or bass guitar directly into the mixer. But, you have to use the High-Z button if you’re plugging an instrument like an electric guitar.
Mackie also has stereo 1/4-inch line level input with its own volume knob. There is also a headphone jack or AUX input on channel 5/6. If you don’t want to use that input, you also have the option of doing a loopback from your computer using the USB 3-4.
Another great feature on Mackie is the blend knob, which blends between the audio software that you’re using and the zero-latency inputs on your audio mixer.
The Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 has two combination jack inputs that can accept both XLR and 1/4-inch line level or instrument level inputs. If you’re using an instrument-level input on Focusrite, you have to click the instrument button on the mixer. Focusrite has direct monitoring options as well, which allow you to directly monitor the audio interface. There also is an air mode on Focusrite as well.
Home Recording Recommendation
Generally speaking, an audio mixer like Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 is better optimized for home recording, but we recommend the Mackie ProFX6v3 for home recording. It’s because Mackie has the blend knob, which can blend between what’s coming from the computer with what’s coming from the mixer. This feature is super helpful when you’re doing something like guitar overdubs. And you can also multi-track record with Mackie the same way as the Focusrite using the stereo pan button.
In our opinion, the blend knob is better for home recording than the extra two dB of EIN noise the Focusrite prevents from getting in your recording.
Live Streaming Recommendation
We recommend the Mackie ProFX6v3 for live streaming because it allows you to do things like basic EQ and also has a low-cut button. Moreover, it also gives you more inputs, so you can have two different microphones. Not to mention, you can also have line level inputs and a USB loopback.
Live Event Recommendation
We again recommend the Mackie ProFX6v3 for live events. If you want to set up a sound system for live events, such as a wedding or corporate event, you can’t do that with Focusrite Scarlett, but you can do it with the Mackie ProFX series.
Mackie ProFX6v3 vs Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 Specs
Mackie ProFX6v3 | Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 | |
Phantom power | +48V | +48V |
Bit Depth | 24 | 24 |
Sample rates (kHz) | 44.1-192 | 44.1-192 |
Power switch | Yes | No |
Power | External | Bus-powered |
Gain Range (dB) | 60 | 56 |
EIN | -126 | -128 |
EQ | 2 Band | No |
Effects | Yes, 24 built-in | Air mode |
Combi Jack Inputs | Yes | Yes |
Blend Knob | Yes | No |
Multi-track recording | Yes | Yes |
Mackie ProFX6v3 vs Scarlett 2i2 Pricing
To help you find the best price of either of these mixers, we’ve linked the most up-to-date price from a variety of online retailers below
- Mackie ProFX6V3 Audio Mixer: https://currentprice.io/profx6v3
- Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 Audio Interface: https://currentprice.io/scarlett_2i2
- Electro-Voice RE20 Dynamic Microphone: https://currentprice.io/re20-black
- XLR Cable: https://currentprice.io/xlr_cable
- Mic Stand: https://currentprice.io/desk_stand
- Rode PSA1 Boom Arm: https://currentprice.io/boom_arm
Mackie ProFX6v3 vs Scarlett 2i2 Topics
- 0:00 – Introduction
- 0:25 – Pricing & Specs
- 0:45 – Phantom Power
- 0:55 – Bit Depth & Sample Rate
- 1:05 – Gain & Noise
- 1:56 – Power
- 2:20 – EQ & Effects
- 2:57 – Mackie ProFX Overview
- 4:31 – Scarlett 2i2 Overview
- 5:20 – Recording Recommendation
- 7:08 – Live Streaming Recommendation
- 7:52 – Live Event Recommendation
- 8:16 – Mackie vs Scarlett Comparison
- 8:46 – Final Thoughts
