I own an M-12 which is the same as the M8 just more mono inputs.
There is really no comparison in sound of the M series comparing to any Mackie compact mixer.
I own a mackie 1604 and heard a lot of the VLZ pro series of Mackie. The sound is just not a detailed as the Spirit.
The Spirit sounds fatter clearer and amazingly quiet!..

Here is the reasons why I believe the Spirit M is a much better value than the MAckie 1604VLZ Pro
1.plain sounds better- more headroom, puncy, warm
2. Direct out on every mono input!
3. Mic Preamps are the same as in the SoundCraft Ghost large format console!!
4. Fantastic semi parametric EQ (sweepable mids)warm and rich
5. 100mm faders
6. Better layout of controls (room to move your fingers
7. Much lighter
8. S/pdif 24 bit out (just in case)
9. Cheaper!


I don't have anything against Mackie. I had the CR1604 for 8 years until it died. I just thought people should know that if they want to buy a compact mizer...mackie isn't the only option.

Feature:
Excellent - plenty of headroom to play with with +10dB on each fader, 4 band eq on each mono channel. The Mix Pre-amps are brill, I use the AudioTechnica 4033a mic and I can't fault the preamp. The SPDIF out on the back makes it useful for connecting to a soundcard. As well as a Master Insert to process the whole mix, each Mono channel also has an Insert point so you can process your mics!

Quality:
Faders are a bit "plasticy" in their travel but it is built like a fortress

Value:
Spent about

After spending some time with a 24 ch Soundcraft/Spirit Ghost board in a pro studio, I checked out the RW5632US M8 for my home studio. Damn, that thing sounds good! I'm getting one today. Mackie is built like a tank, has tons of routing options, and they've got good customer service- but the Soundcraft sound soooooo much better to my ears...and to nearly everyone elses too.