Mackie Master Fader 5 User Reviews

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Frustrated DL32s User

In version 5.2 It takes several attempts to connect the mixer whether using an external router or mixer wi-fi. Attempts include restarting both the mixer and wi-fi router. If only I could revert to 5.1 😒

For this you get 1 star. This includes not developing a personal mixer-console (like the Behringer Powerplay P-16) which can link to your Awesome DL-SERIES via Ethernet/Danté.
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Usb recording issues

Master fader is a mixed bag. Version 4, on my dl32r, I could put a drive on the back and record to it all night. No issues.

Now, I have to stop and restart between songs cause it will frequently write out tracks that are glitched out. Like some sort of buffer issue. But I’m recording to a ssd. A fast ssd. Considering getting the Dante card to see if I could grab glitch free tracks that way.

Also Seriously considering moving to a x32 rack and their card that allows it to record.
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Updates are rare and severe bugs go unfixed for years

Mackie requires you to TURN OFF automatic app updates for your ENTIRE iPad so you don’t fall victim to a lengthy firmware update during the middle of a show.

Once your iPad has updated the app to newer version and it forces you to update the mixer, you are stuck and can’t go back to any older version unless you save that older app on another iPad and permanently turn off updating, forever.

A more problematic weakness of this product is in the networking between the control app and the mixer: it is always disconnecting and reconnecting during a show.

There doesn’t appear to be a roadmap for this product anymore and there were no updates released in 2021.
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Terrible technical support

I noted their technical support hours were from 8-5 PST and organized my day around my DL32R not able to extract drivers for brand new laptop running Reaper. I called ar 7:59 am and the machine said they were closed. I called two minutes later and I was allowed to try and connect to technical support....which went directly to VM. I called again....and again....and again...for more than 15 minutes, leaving multiple messages. I waited for 35 minutes and called again.....this time I was seemingly routed to tech support but was bounced into VM again, after 15 minutes on hold. I left a message and called back.....same deal; routed, seemingly, to tech support.....which went to VM after another 15 minute hold. The third time got me connected to Dave that told me the tech support hours are from 8-5, M-F. I asked about the best way to optimize the tech-support experience. It’s impossible. He offered no solutions. He did suggest I update to version 5....after reading the reviews, I’m afraid I’ll have to look for a new mixer....not a Mackie, this time ( I have owned and sold more of this product than any other.....just gets worse).
Good luck, be safe out there!
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Dl32S router problem.

Since updating my control iPad to IOS 14.1, I find that I can no longer connect to the onboard router in my DL32S. My iPad indicates that the router security used (WPA2) is not secure and will not connect to the DL32s onboard router.
Is anyone else experiencing this same 32S router problem after iOS update?
I do have a external Apple router that I use with my 32R, which I can hookup to the 32S, but I would rather use the 32S internal router if possible. It’s easier to use the 32S onboard router.
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Jumpy Faders Ruin This

Having used Master Fader 4 for around 10 years with very little issues. I was excited to get MF5 when we upgraded our desk. However that excitement was short lived when I realised it is going to be a complete nightmare in a live situation. The faders either don’t work when you press them or they jump through the roof.
You guys need to fix this issue sooner rather than later. Not good at all!!
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Doesn’t support $2000 upgrade card

Does not protect existing assets!!! If I could give it no stars I would!

So disappointed

Hi there Mackie, is it just me or do the sliders keep jumping to full decibel higher or lower depending which way you want to go?? It’s driving me and my production crew around the bend!! Is this supposed to be a feature? If so can it be removed?? I may have to go Soundcraft. I’ve been using master fader for years now and love the design but this really is a such a pain in the a**! Please help us out, thanks,
JB
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Great app except for 3 critical issues

I’m a fan of Mackie products. I own a DL32R, a DL1608, 2 DLM8, and 2 DLM12S. I am a fan of MasterFader 4, and I like the added effects built into Master Fader 5, BUT Master Fader 5 has three critical issues that despite the numerous complaints has not been corrected. Jumping Faders. How can this simple issue be allowed to remain uncorrected on MF5? It makes running your one monitor mix from a phone next to impossible while trying to perform and it leads to volume spikes in FOH as the faders jump when you touch them. The second major issue for me has been that the iPad docked in my DL1608 which worked flawlessly with MF4 now disconnects regularly with MF5. This is another major issue that just shouldn’t be happening. The third issue is related to musicians controlling their mix with iPhones. Despite setting the appropriate access limits to show only their monitor; when they start the app, MF5 defaults to the Main mix. I’ve had musicians inadvertently controlling the Main mix until I taught them all to select their monitor mix. Once they hit “Main”, only then does their monitor aux mix show up. After that, the only mix available to them is theirs, but when they start the App next gig, the app defaults to main. None of these issues occurred with the excellent MF4
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No Axis System Support!

So very disappointed that the Axis system we spent $5k on is not supported in this version of Master Fader. Mackie should rethink their strategy here. You’re going to loose customers fast over this kind of stuff. You lost one here.

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