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. Positioned above the ProFX10v3, the ProFX12v3 further expands the format with seven mic inputs, multiple stereo channels, two auxiliary sends, two subgroups, and additional compression – making it well suited to more complex live setups, multi-mic recording, and hybrid workflows that demand greater routing control, all while preserving the familiar hands-on ProFX layout.
The Mackie ProFX12v3 is equipped with seven Onyx microphone preamps, each offering up to 60dB of clean gain with low noise and ample headroom for vocals, acoustic instruments, and dynamic sources. Channels 1 and 2 use combo XLR/TRS inputs and include Hi-Z switches for direct instrument connection, while all mic channels feature three-band EQ, switchable 48V phantom power, and 100 Hz low-cut filters. One-knob compression is available on channels 1–4, making it easier to control dynamics on vocals or instruments without slowing down the mix process. Effects are handled by the preset-based GigFX engine, offering 24 reverbs, delays, choruses, and other time-based treatments that can be dialled in quickly for live enhancement or subtle creative shaping. Effects can be applied flexibly and muted via the dedicated button or an optional footswitch.
With its higher channel count and expanded routing, the Mackie ProFX12v3 is a strong choice for small bands, rehearsal spaces, project studios, and live setups that require more detailed control over monitoring and submixes. Two aux sends support multiple monitor mixes or external processing, while subgroups manage related channels – like drums, backing vocals, or instruments – as grouped submixes. Compared to the ProFX10v3, it offers greater flexibility for live sound and recording without stepping into full-scale console territory. For users who have outgrown compact mixers but still value a hands-on, efficient workflow, the ProFX12v3 strikes a practical balance between simplicity and control.
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 ProFX12v3 doubles 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.