The latest technology finds its way into some of the most obvious of places, and often into the less-obvious. Having a background in audio makes me extremely excited to get my hands on the new Mackie DL-1608 iPad controlled mixer. Although it was announced at NAMM, we’ve been holding out until some of Mackie’s own PR was out–and that time is now.

The DL-1608 brings together superior ONYX pre-amps (16 channels worth) with six auxiliary sends, iPad audio playback, iPad recording of your main mix, and did I mention that everything is completely assignable? The best part: it’s all software controlled with your iPad! Wait- it gets even better… 

Your iPad slides in – yes. You have on screen control of everything from levels, mutes, solo, aux sends – add in custom EQ for each channel, compressor, limiter and gate for each channel (including your main out) and even stereo effects – but wait… Slide OUT the iPad and you still have all that power without wires. Head to the stage, roam about a venue and control everything as If you were right in front of the mixer.

Bonuses include snapshot photos assigned to channels to easily recall what each controls, bring in audio from any background playing app (iTunes, Sirius XM, etc) on its own channel – and record your main mix to the iPad for sharing later.

We’re still waiting on official pricing and availability but speculation is a $999 price point and hinting at May/June availability.

There are likely far more features that we’ll get to know as the launch gets closer, considering the software does the magic we can just imagine how much better things are going to get. Be on the lookout for our full hands-on review.