"Everybody that i talkes to says that the mic preamps and the eq are useless in the mackie console. My thought here is should i stay with the mackie or to what can i upgrade that is in a reasonable price. "
successful producers listen to what "Everybody" else thinks, but then decide for themselves. If you have looked at the posts on various sound and recording boards, you will see that many people love the Mackie's sound and many don't. Then there is another group which will trash it simply because it's "Mackie".
Besides, your original post refers to ONE mic. So you are probably using the line inputs on the Mackie, not the mic pres. Your equipment list doesn't mention anything about your speakers (which are second only to mics in affecting what you hear). You didn't say anything about your room or room treatments, which also affect the sound.
The questions for you are: Can you identify specific sound changes that you want for YOUR work with YOUR customers? What changes in YOUR studio will change the sound more toward what you want?
If your studio is a commercial project, which generates income, then consulting with your clients about improvements they would like to see is essential. Most clients won't be as interested in an improvement in sound as in improvements in flexibility, features (new mics, dynamics, etc.) and overall capabilities.
Cordially,
Tom