Does master fader work on Android?
What is Master Fader?
Master Fader is an audio mixing app developed by Mackie that provides wireless control over Mackie digital mixers. It allows users to control mixing functions like levels, EQs, effects, auxes and more from a mobile device like a smartphone or tablet (1).
The app connects wirelessly to compatible Mackie mixers over Wi-Fi, giving mixing engineers flexible control options. They can walk around a venue and adjust mixes as needed. Master Fader also enables remote mixing, allowing engineers to make live audio adjustments without being behind the mixing console (2).
Master Fader started as an iOS app but expanded to Android in 2018. It offers full mixer control and settings management. Key features include channel strip control, playback control, effect editing, scene management and more. Master Fader aims to provide complete wireless mixing capabilities from Android and iOS devices (3).
In summary, Master Fader is Mackie’s wireless mixing app for controlling their digital mixers, offering flexible mixing options for audio engineers and performers.
Master Fader Availability
Master Fader was originally developed exclusively for iOS by Mackie and released on the App Store in 2018 [1]. For the first few years after its initial launch, Master Fader was only available as an iOS app and could not be downloaded on Android devices.
This restricted Master Fader’s availability to users of iOS devices like iPhones and iPads. Android device users were unable to utilize Master Fader to control their Mackie digital mixers during this period. The app’s iOS exclusivity was a disadvantage for mixer owners who used Android smartphones or tablets.
It was not until 2021 that Mackie brought Master Fader to Android, releasing it on the Google Play Store. This expanded the app’s availability to the considerable Android user base. However, during its first three years in existence, Master Fader was confined solely to iOS.
[1] https://apps.apple.com/us/app/mackie-master-fader-5/id1393186048
Master Fader Release on Android
Master Fader was first released for Android devices in 2018, several years after the initial iOS launch. According to the Mackie website, “Today we are officially releasing Master Fader 5.1. We know the long delays, the changing timelines and the lack of updates were frustrating – and we truly appreciate everyone’s patience” (https://mackie.com/en/news/all/MASTER_FADER_5.1_OFFICIAL_RELEASE.html).
The Android release brought the app’s key mixing features like channel strip control, EQs, effects, and more to Android smartphones and tablets. This allowed Android users to wirelessly control their compatible Mackie mixers, achieving parity with what iOS users had enjoyed for years.
How Master Fader Works
The core functionality of Mackie’s Master Fader app is providing wireless mixing and effects processing for their DL Series digital mixers and controllers[1]. Master Fader connects to the mixer over WiFi, with the app interfacing replacing the hardware controls. This allows for complete mixing and editing of all channels from a mobile device.
Some key features enabled by Master Fader include:
- EQs, compression, effects, aux sends, and more for every channel
- Multi-track recording directly to a phone/tablet
- Real-time metering and spectrum analysis
- Custom scene recall for quick mixing snapshots
- Wireless router networking for range up to 300 feet
In summary, Master Fader provides a robust toolset for remote mixing, allowing engineers the freedom to walk the venue while retaining full multi-track control.
[1]Mackie Master Fader Control App | MACKIE
Key Master Fader Features
Master Fader provides users with a comprehensive set of features for mixing and effects. Some of the key features include:
- Waveform display – Master Fader allows users to view wavforms for each channel, making it easy to see audio levels at a glance.
- Parametric EQ – Users can apply 4-band parametric EQ to shape the tone of each channel.
- Compressors – Integrated compressors on each channel can be used to control dynamics and get consistent levels.
- Effects – Master Fader includes a selection of effects like reverb and delay that can be applied to channels.
- Graphic EQ – A 31-band graphic EQ is available for precisely sculpting the overall mix.
With its professional-grade mixing tools like per-channel processing, graphics, and routing, Master Fader provides comprehensive control for live mixing right from a mobile device. According to Mackie’s product page, the app is designed to deliver the same mixing experience users get from their DL series mixers.
Advantages of Master Fader
One key advantage of Master Fader is that it allows for professional quality mixing. By routing all tracks through the Master Fader, you gain precise volume control over the final stereo output. This gives mixing engineers a powerful tool to shape the overall sound and balance of a mix.
With the Master Fader, subtle adjustments can be made to the level of the entire mix with just one fader move. This helps maintain consistent volume across a project as you mix. It also enables smooth fading in and out when bringing different elements like vocals, drums, etc. in and out of a mix.
Mastering engineers also rely on the Master Fader for applying compression, EQ, and other processing across the full mix. This global processing helps glue all the parts together into a cohesive, polished final track. According to the Pro Tools experts at Evercast, the Master Fader is “one of the most important things that separates pro mixes from amateur ones.”
Disadvantages of Master Fader
One potential disadvantage of Master Fader is that it can be complex for beginners to use and understand. As an advanced audio production tool, Master Fader includes many parameters and settings that may seem overwhelming to those just starting out in music production. According to discussions on Gearspace, touching the master fader requires an understanding of gain staging and headroom to avoid clipping or distorting the final mix when adjusting levels.
Additionally, as pointed out on the Avid forums, inserting plugins on the master fader rather than on individual tracks requires extra care. Processing the entire mix through compressors or EQs could negatively impact the balance between tracks. Beginners may find it easier to apply effects on each track separately.
While power users can benefit from the fine-tuned control of Master Fader, inexperienced producers may want to learn the basics of mixing first before manipulating the master output. The complexity of Master Fader’s advanced features can present a steep learning curve for novices.
Master Fader on Android vs iOS
The Mackie Master Fader app is available on both Android and iOS mobile platforms with very similar features on each. According to Mackie’s website, Master Fader provides complete wireless control over Mackie DL series digital mixers on both operating systems. The core functions like mixing, EQ, dynamics, effects, scenes, and routing are identical between the Android and iOS versions.
Some of the key features available on Master Fader for both Android and iOS include:
- Real-time wireless mixing control
- 32-channel mixing capabilities
- 4-band EQ with sweepable mids per channel
- Built-in effects like reverb, delay, chorus
- 30 scene recall with fade option
- Flexible input and output routing
The user interface and layout is nearly the same between the mobile platforms. Experienced Master Fader users on iOS should feel right at home when switching over to Android. The mixing workflow and capabilities are equivalent.
In summary, Mackie has implemented Master Fader with feature parity across Android and iOS. The core mixing functionality and user experience are virtually identical, providing flexible control for live sound engineers on both mobile operating systems.
User Reviews on Android
The Mackie Master Fader app has received mostly positive feedback from users on the Google Play store. It currently has a rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars based on over 500 user reviews.
Many reviewers praise the app for providing seamless wireless control over their Mackie mixers. They say it is easy to connect and provides an intuitive interface to control all parameters of the mixer. Some of the key benefits highlighted include the ability to control levels, EQs, effects, scenes, mutes, solos, and more from a mobile device.
Users mention the app is stable and works well for both live sound mixing as well as in studio applications. It allows remote control of the mixer from anywhere in the venue which improves workflow. Some users did note occasional WiFi connectivity issues but these were not widespread.
There are some requests for additional features like multi-track recording, more FX options, and the ability to control additional Mackie mixers. But overall most users seem very satisfied with the core functionality of the app.
Based on user reviews, the Mackie Master Fader app provides an effective way to wirelessly control compatible Mackie mixers from Android devices. The interface and features offered by the app receive positive feedback from end users.[1]
Conclusion
Based on the information presented, Master Fader is fully functional and works well when running on Android devices. The Android version contains all the key features and capabilities of Master Fader, allowing users to wirelessly control their compatible Mackie mixers. Reviews from Android users have been overwhelmingly positive, with many praising the app’s responsiveness, low latency, and intuitive interface. While there are some minor limitations compared to the iOS version, such as certain advanced effects being unavailable, Master Fader on Android provides the core wireless mixing experience Mackie customers expect. For those looking to control their live sound wirelessly using an Android tablet or smartphone, Mackie’s Master Fader app is a proven solution that interoperates seamlessly with their digital mixer hardware.
