Mackie's ProFXv3 series of compact USB mixers upholds the company's long-standing reputation for reliable, professional-grade mixing across live performance, broadcast, and studio environments. Designed for real-world workflows – from home studios and streaming setups to rehearsal rooms and small venues – each model features high-resolution 24-bit/192kHz USB recording, onboard GigFX effects, Mackie's signature Onyx mic preamps with EQ, and latency-free monitoring via dual USB returns. Building on the ProFX12v3, the ProFX16v3 significantly extends input count and routing, offering eleven mic inputs, four auxiliary sends, four subgroups, and compression on eight channels. This expanded format makes it well suited to full-band setups, demanding live productions, and studio environments where flexible monitoring and subgroup control are essential.
The Mackie ProFX16v3 is equipped with eleven Onyx microphone preamps, each delivering up to 60dB of clean gain with low noise and ample headroom for vocals, acoustic instruments, and dynamic sources. All mic channels feature three-band EQ with a hard bypass switch and variable mid-frequency control, along with switchable 48V phantom power and 100Hz low-cut filters. Built-in one-knob compression on eight channels provides fast, effective dynamic control for vocals, drums, and instruments – no complex setup required. Effects are provided by the preset-based GigFX engine, offering 24 reverbs, delays, choruses, and other time-based treatments that can be applied quickly for live reinforcement or subtle creative shaping. Effects routing can be managed easily and muted via the mixer's dedicated controls or an optional footswitch.
With its expanded input count and advanced routing, the Mackie ProFX16v3 is designed for bands, venues, and production setups that require serious flexibility without moving to a full digital console. Four aux sends support multiple monitor mixes or external effects chains, while four subgroups make it easy to control and balance related sources such as drum kits, backing vocals, or playback channels. Compared to the ProFX12v3, it's a clear step up in scale and control – ideal for live engineers, rehearsal rooms, and studios managing larger ensembles. For users who need hands-on mixing with robust routing and monitoring options, the ProFX16v3 delivers a practical, no-nonsense solution that still feels familiar and easy to operate.
In 1988 Greg Mackie, already a successful co-founder of a pro audio company, founded Mackie Designs Inc. with the goal of producing affordable, high-quality mixers. The company's first official product, the LM-1602 line mixer, was initially produced within the four walls of his home. As sales figures were encouraging, its successor model CR-1604 soon followed - and in 1991 the company finally moved into its first proper production facility. The combination of reliable quality and low prices quickly brought the company enormous success, so that by 1995 Mackie had already sold 100,000 products. In 2003, the company was renamed LOUD Audio, LLC so that there is no longer any confusion between the Mackie brand and its former parent company of the same name.
The Mackie ProFX16v3 functions as a 2-in/4-out audio interface, capturing the main mix at up to 24-bit/192kHz while providing two independent stereo returns from the DAW. This makes it straightforward to work with backing tracks, reference audio, or click tracks alongside live inputs – whether recording vocals, rehearsing arrangements, or capturing a livestream or live performance straight to disk. To support recording and production, the mixer comes bundled with Waveform OEM – a powerful DAW with unlimited audio and MIDI tracks – along with the DAW Essentials Collection, a suite of 16 professional plug-ins covering EQ, compression, reverb, delay, and modulation.
ProFXv3 vs ProFXv3+
All ProFXv3 models share Mackie's core hallmarks, including Onyx mic preamps, 24-bit/192kHz USB audio, and a bundled production package. The standard ProFXv3 range focuses on classic live and recording duties, with fixed GigFX presets and USB-B connectivity suited to straightforward DAW and stage setups. The ProFXv3+ models build on this foundation with editable GigFX+ effects, USB-C recording modes, and bi-directional Bluetooth for wireless playback or call-in sources, with effect editing and preset management handled via a full-colour LCD screen. In practice, both ranges deliver reliable, professional sound, but the "Plus" models add a small set of practical tools, aimed at streamers, podcasters, and hybrid creators working across live and digital environments.