Korg SoundLink MW-1608 16-channel Hybrid Mixer

Part of Korg’s SoundLink series, the MW-1608 is a power-packed 16-channel mixer. It features a true hybrid design developed by Greg Mackie and Peter Watts — two guys who know a few things about mixers. Premium components, including HiVolt mic preamps, Velvet Sound AD/DA, and ALPS faders ensure top-notch sound and feel, while powerful features like streamlined per-channel 3-band EQs and 1-knob compressors, mute groups, and an elegant monitor section make operating this mixer child’s play. The MW-1608’s 8-bus configuration makes it useful in a variety of studio and live applications, while super-convenient touches like feedback suppression, all-XLR speaker outputs, and a built-in spectrum analyzer give it best-in-class performance. And thanks to a virtual rack full of studio-quality Korg digital effects, you can imbue your mix with a stunning, pro-level sheen. The Korg SoundLink MW-1608 sets a new standard for small-format mixers.

Peter Watts-designed analog circuits and preamps

Those in the know recognize the name Peter Watts as one of the engineers who worked on the fabled Trident mixing console. He also played a large part in the development of Korg’s SoundLink series, most notably its analog circuits and HiVolt mic preamps. These warm, musical pres possess an amazing level of headroom for a mixer in this price range, due to their 16.5-volt internal voltage — even on stereo channels. And the mixer’s EQ and dynamics have Mr. Watts’ sonic fingerprints all over them. At City Music, we’re impressed by the SoundLink MW-1608. Its claim of low-noise, high-headroom isn’t mere boasting — it really delivers the goods.

Powerful features that make your life easier

The Korg SoundLink MW-1608 comes loaded with a multitude of powerful features geared towards making your life easier. A streamlined 3-band EQ and 1-knob compressor on each channel make dialing in your mix a breeze. Four mute groups enable you to call up different combinations of channels instantly. To top it off, a well-thought-out monitor section supplies a simple 1-knob solution for getting “more me” in a performer’s monitor mix. Best of all, navigating the MW-1608 is intuitive — it was clearly designed for ease of use.

Polish your mix with studio-quality Korg digital effects

The SoundLink MW-1608 is packed with a myriad of studio-quality Korg digital effects. You can use up to ten of these 32-bit effects at any time, complete with recallable parameters. Most importantly, they sound incredible, with some algorithms having been culled from Korg’s uber-powerful Kronos workstation. And what kind of effects are we talking about? Six reverbs for starters, with alternate “warm” versions, make adding a studio-quality sheen to your mix easy. Delay, including one harvested from the SDD-3000, is on hand to add dimension to your tracks. Chorus, flanger, exciter, and a sub-bass booster are also onboard. Need feedback suppression, multiband EQ, compression, limiting, or a noise gate? You get those, too. You also get a built-in spectrum analyzer with test tone generators, something you’ll rarely find in the MW-1608’s price range.

Korg SoundLink MW-1608 Hybrid Mixer Features:

• 16-channel mixer with a true hybrid design developed by Greg Mackie and Peter Watts
• HiVolt mic preamps, Velvet Sound AD/DA, and ALPS faders ensure top-notch sound and feel
• Streamlined per-channel 3-band EQs and 1-knob compressors make dialing in your mix a breeze
• Four mute groups enable you to call up different combinations of channels instantly
• Well-thought-out monitor section supplies a 1-knob solution for getting “more me” in a performer’s monitor mix
• 8-bus configuration is useful in a variety of studio and live applications
• Studio-quality Korg digital effects — some culled from Korg’s Kronos workstation
• Super-convenient feedback suppression eliminates unwanted squealing
• Built-in spectrum analyzer with test tone generators — a rarity the MW-1608’s price range