You’ve been using the d2 mixer for a while, what are your thoughts?

I love that mixer, its definitely pro-audio level, and I think it’s the best mixer I’ve used—and I’ve used a lot. I’m definitely digging the Firewire connectability. I can use it directly with Serato, or record directly into another mix from an iPod. It’s definitely a new step in mixer technology.

How do you use it?

Well, I’m basically using it with Serato Scratch Live and a laptop, so its really nice because I don’t have to hook up all the cables from the Serato box and eat up inputs on the mixer. I just put the Firewire into the laptop, and boom—I’m ready to roll.

Is the sound quality there for you?

Oh yeah, its definitely there!

As a mixer, does it hold up?

Yeah, the crossfader is nice and loose, which is great for scratching. I like the feel of the transform switches, and the ability to position them depending on your personal style is dope. The EQ is incredible, it lets me completely kill any band—all in all it’s a work of art to me.

Is the d2 going to be your main mixer from now on?

Definitely! The first time I tried it, I knew it was gonna be my main mixer—I love it!

Are there any features you wished it had?

Ummm… It has every function I need—there is nothing more I would ask for.

How does it work for you live and in the studio?

I just got off a tour and I used it the whole time. I DJ’d everything from the huge Snowboard World Jam in Mammoth CA in front of over 10,000 people, to an afterparty for a Vann’s skateboard contest, and it really held up to all the abuse that a long tour throws out—which is more than I can say for some other mixers I’ve used. Everybody was trippin' on it cuz they had never seen anything like it. I shared it with some other DJs, and they really dug it as well.
I’ve been too busy touring to use the d.2 in the studio, but the first chance I get I’m gonna give it a workout there too.

You have some other Mackie gear, don’t you?

Yeah, I have a 24.8 analog 8-bus. The 24.8 has been a real workhorse for many years and I really love it. I’ve recorded bands and mixes and all sorts of stuff with it. Now I use it with a digital/analog converter box to track, and do all my mixing in the computer. The 24.8 really helps warm up the digital stuff. I’m really excited about that new dXb—I wanna check that thing out! I bought a ProTools HDII system for my studio and I hear the dXb hooks up great to it.

Is there any other Mackie gear you have your eye on?

I wanna get some HR 824 Studio Monitors. I’ve mixed a lot of projects on those monitors, and I’ve always loved the sound—especially the low end. I need to get me some of my own!

Any last words?

I love Mackie—I’m a huge fan. The stuff has never let me down and I’m always hyped to see a new Mackie product.