He's confused. The only automated console, while large, was the d8b
(and now the dXb) digital console. Mackie made a line of larger 8-bus
consoles intended for live sound, the 32-8, 40-8, and 56-8. Those had
many problems and have been gone from the product line for a long
time. Good intentions + inadequate attention to road rigors = bad
reputation. Ribbon cables were a major problem in some models,
including the d8b and the large format live sound consoles.

The mutes & scenes were automated on the xx-8 large format PA desks, & they
were very flaky. Must have been a processor issue, but I sometimes found them
frozen on power up (all mute, & unresponsive to commands) & occasionally had
them crash mid show. The most fitting end to one of these pieces of crap was
the time a pipe burst in the attic above a sound booth, leaking profusely on
the Mackie during a show. The lighting designer & I took turns holding buckets
over the desk until the show was over. Then we walked away & just let it rain
on the board.

Scott Fraser