Description
The Axis DC16 interests me because it turns the closed console idea on its head: it's an ultra-thin Dante control surface that drives the DL32R engine and lives alongside up to three iPads. You keep motorised faders and per-channel screens, but you can also step away and mix from a tablet. It's a clever hybrid approach, aimed at mobile work and installation alike.
Technical
Specifications
Inputs / Outputs
| Inputs / outputs | XLR talkback input, mini-jack stereo input, control-room and headphone outputs |
|---|
Processing
| Max sample rate | 48 kHz |
|---|---|
| Bit depth | 24 bits |
| Architecture | SmartBridge holder for up to 3 iPads (wireless Master Fader mixing) |
| Processing engine | DL32R engine: 36 inputs, 28 buses, 14 outputs, 44.1/48 kHz, 16/24-bit |
Surface
| Physical faders | 17 |
|---|---|
| Motorized faders | Yes |
| Touchscreen | No |
| Faders | 17 touch-sensitive 100 mm motorised faders (Alps) |
| Screens | 26 backlit full-colour screens (including 16 channel displays) |
Recording
| Onboard recording | No |
|---|---|
| Recording | 32-channel multitrack recording to USB hard disk (via DL32R) |
Networking
| Networking & protocols | Dante |
|---|---|
| Redundant PSU | No |
| Redundant networking | No |
| Audio networking | 4×4 Dante over dual locking etherCON; up to 2 DC16 on one DL32R |
Physical
| Dimensions | Ultra-thin surface (8.4 cm thick) |
|---|
Strip & details
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Rotate your phone to landscape for a better view of the strip.
Rotate your phone to landscape for a better view of the strip.
Rotate your phone to landscape for a better view of the strip.
Rotate your phone to landscape for a better view of the strip.
Rotate your phone to landscape for a better view of the strip.
Diagrams
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Software
Master Fader v5.2.1Wireless mixing app for the AXIS/DL system, up to 3 simultaneous iPads via SmartBridge.Download
Other screenshots
Editorial & artists
Our take
History & design
The Mackie Axis DC16 is the control surface of Mackie's AXIS digital mixing system. Unlike a conventional console, it does not house the audio engine: that role falls to the DL32R rack, to which the DC16 connects over Dante (4×4 on dual locking etherCON). Two DC16 units can drive a single DL32R. The surface offers 17 touch-sensitive 100 mm motorised faders and 26 backlit colour screens, including 16 channel displays showing name, colour and icon. Its SmartBridge holder accommodates up to three iPads and automatically senses their presence, blending physical control with wireless mixing via the Master Fader app. Local connectivity includes an XLR talkback input, a mini-jack stereo input and control-room and headphone outputs. The DL32R engine provides 36 inputs, 28 buses and 14 outputs at 44.1/48 kHz and 16/24-bit, with per-channel processing (EQ, dynamics, reverbs, delay) and 32-channel multitrack recording straight to a USB hard disk. The whole modular system targets both mobile mixing and fixed installation.
Links
Related consoles
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