I have a little over a grand into a system that rocks. I'm convinced it would cost twice that to get a better sound.

You can always use more channels but over all the features on the EMX88S are what you want (Stereo EQ, Effects, Phantom Pwr, Enough Power for 99% of gigs

Everything is in front (except speaker outs) this is very user friendly!

I've played it out hundreds of times, never a problem.

I've been playing for years and I've never had a better sound system anywhere near this price range.

I've never had a problem and have never dealt with the support team.

Sex Appeal? It's a sguare black box and has a bunch of knobs...I bought it because it works.

Active in a variety of bands

Rock, Blues

hook up a BBE sonic enhancer to this bad boy for $99 and it immediately is a 10, but the onboard equalizer is a bit too sensative in the mids and not sensetive enough in the lows and highs

Does everything I need as a KJ and acoustic performer

I have been using this twice weekly for 3 years and have had no problems whatsoever

If it doesn't ever break and I don't have to use the support, I woudl say the support is top notch

KJ, Performing acoustic guitarist

folk rock

Powerful!.. For what we use it for. Small gigs, practice.. stuff like that

Dont use much of the effects...but they seem cool!

Alot better than the TWO behringer's I had before.

Best! Used only for 6 hours!

Never had a problem to contact them with

Black is sexy.. for a rock band.

Active Musician

Rock, Grunge

I think for a product at the price range, the sound is fantastic. I've been able to make vocals have drive and sound very present above a full band using nothing but a microphone plugged in direct. The reverb settings are quite useful and sound great.

I would prefer that this mixer has at least 1 channel that can accept inserts so you could easily patch in outboard gear while using the preamps. I also wish the effects had more volume - they seem to be always light as compared with the direct sound regardless of the volume setting, probably a result of the quality of the effect. Perhaps this is an issue of taste.

Very durable, very rugged, yet light.

It's the right price for what you are buying.

Manual is clear, everything is explained.

Mackie perhaps has more 'sex appeal' but the Yamaha will give you solid product that you will enjoy using without question. It is possible that the Yamaha sounds more transparent than the equivalent Mackie. I don't have experience with the exact same product made by Mackie but I have enough experience with Mackie to think this may be the case.