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Average Price: $213

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$200

$1001+

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Description

Experience the perfect blend of durability and performance with the MACKIE 1202-VLZ Pro mixer, designed for musicians and audio engineers who demand excellence. This compact powerhouse boasts a robust steel chassis and sealed rotary controls, ensuring it stands up to the rigors of both studio and live environments. With its XDR studio-grade preamps, the 1202-VLZ Pro delivers ultralow noise and high-headroom performance, making it an essential tool for capturing crystal-clear sound.

The mixer features 12 line inputs, including 4 mono and 4 stereo channels, providing flexibility for various setups. Equipped with XLR and 1/4" inputs, the mono channels also offer phantom power, ideal for powering condenser microphones. The 3-band active EQ with a Lo-Cut filter allows for precise tonal shaping, while the DC-pulse transformer ensures powerful RF rejection, maintaining signal integrity in challenging environments.

Additional features include 2 aux sends and 2 stereo aux returns, offering versatile routing options and effects integration. The ALT 3/4 stereo bus and Control Room/Phones source matrix provide further customization, ensuring you have complete control over your audio output. Whether you're in the studio or on stage, the MACKIE 1202-VLZ Pro is your reliable partner in sound.

Key Features:

  • 12-line input mixer (4 mono, 4 stereo)
  • XDR studio-grade preamps for ultralow noise and high-headroom performance
  • XLR and 1/4" inputs on mono channels
  • Phantom power for condenser mics
  • 3-band active EQ with Lo-Cut filter
  • Two aux sends and two stereo aux returns
  • ALT 3/4 stereo bus
  • Control Room/Phones source matrix
  • Robust steel chassis with sealed rotary controls

Product specs

Brand Mackie
Model 1202-VLZ Pro 12-Channel Mic / Line Mixer
Finish Dark Gray
Year 2000 - 2007
Categories Audio Mixers, Consoles and Summing Boxes
Electronics Analog, Solid State
Format Desktop Standalone
Number of Analog Inputs 18
Number of Analog Outputs 10
Number of Channels 12
Number of Digital Inputs 0
Number of Digital Outputs 0
Number of Headphone Outputs 1
Number of MIDI Inputs 0
Number of MIDI Outputs 0

FAQs

How many channels does the MACKIE 1202-VLZ Pro mixer have?

The MACKIE 1202-VLZ Pro mixer features 12 channels, offering a versatile setup for various audio mixing needs.

What type of mic preamps are included in the MACKIE 1202-VLZ Pro?

The MACKIE 1202-VLZ Pro is equipped with XDR studio-grade mic preamps, known for their ultralow-noise and high-headroom performance.

Does the MACKIE 1202-VLZ Pro provide phantom power for condenser microphones?

Yes, the MACKIE 1202-VLZ Pro offers phantom power, making it compatible with condenser microphones that require this feature.

What EQ options are available on the MACKIE 1202-VLZ Pro mixer?

The mixer includes a 3-band active EQ with a low-cut filter, allowing for precise tonal adjustments on each channel.

How many aux sends and returns does the MACKIE 1202-VLZ Pro have?

The MACKIE 1202-VLZ Pro features 2 aux sends and 2 stereo aux returns, providing flexibility for external effects processing and monitoring.

Is the MACKIE 1202-VLZ Pro suitable for live sound or studio recording?

The MACKIE 1202-VLZ Pro is versatile enough for both live sound applications and studio recording, thanks to its robust build and comprehensive feature set.

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GLB Productions

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Reviews

PROS

  • Solid construction ensures durability

  • High quality mic preamps enhance sound clarity

  • Versatile with 12 inputs for various setups

  • Features two sends for added functionality

  • Multiple output solutions for flexibility in use

  • Excellent value for its range of features

CONS

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about MACKIE 1202-VLZ Pro.

Features and functionality

  • The control room feature allows live monitoring and playback integration, reducing the need for repatching when connecting to a DAW.

    Source
  • Muted channels route to Alt 3/4 outputs, enabling seamless integration with audio interfaces like the Scarlett 6i6 for DAW recording.

    Source
  • The VLZ series is noted for having exceptional routing options, which some users find second only to the SSL Big Six in compact analog mixers.

    Source

Build quality

  • The mixer is praised for its durability, with some units lasting over 25 years with minimal maintenance, such as occasional switch cleaning.

    Source
  • The substrate in older Mackie models can separate over time, causing performance issues.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • Ideal for setups with multiple synths and samplers, allowing for flexible routing and sampling through alternate output channels.

    Source
  • The 1202 VLZ is favored for live synth echo loops due to its solid performance in the 90s.

    Source
  • The VLZ4 is highly recommended for setups incorporating MPC One, multiple hardware synths, and guitars, where outboard effects are preferred.

    Source

Comparisons

  • Consider upgrading to the Mackie 1602 or 1402 for more inputs and future-proofing, especially if planning to expand your setup.

    Source
  • Older Mackie 1202 VLZ models have a unique, raw sound compared to the cleaner newer VLZ revisions.

    Source
  • The VLZ4 series is distinguished by its superior Onyx preamps and more robust build quality compared to the ProFX series, making it ideal for demanding environments.

    Source

User experience

  • Users report that the mixer is a solid choice for live modular performances due to its reliability and essential mixing capabilities.

    Source
  • Owners frequently report the VLZ4 series performing reliably for over two decades, emphasizing its longevity and consistent functionality in varied setups.

    Source

Software and compatibility

  • For those seeking the vintage Mackie sound, the Airwindows Mackity plugin emulates the input stage of a pre-VLZ 1202.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Mackie 1202 VLZ

soundonsound.com

The Mackie 1202 VLZ mixer is celebrated for its exceptional build quality and versatility, making it a great tool for both live and recording situations. It boasts a robust design, intuitive controls, and improved noise performance, thanks to innovative circuitry. The addition of a 3-band EQ and 4-buss routing adds flexibility, while the lack of faders may deter some users. Despite fierce competition, the mixer’s professional sound quality and features make it a standout choice in its class. Overall, it's a well-rounded mixer with the capability to handle a range of audio tasks efficiently.

positive
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4.0 out of 5

Based on 3 Reviews and 10 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
59slp

Great compact mixer

Great value, good preamps and very versatile.

N

Use it for live shows.

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Kanye West uses MACKIE 1202-VLZ Pro

Kanye West

Rapper, Music Producer

Sunday Service Choir

...
Verified via YouTube

In the Youtube Video "Kanye West’s 2002 home studio (pt. 1)" at 4.07 , Kanye can be seen using a version of the Mackie 1202.

See how Thomas Bangalter uses MACKIE 1202-VLZ Pro

Thomas Bangalter

Guitarist, Music Producer

Daft Punk

...
Verified via Photo

on this photo we see that thomas is touching the potentiometer of the 1202

See how Oren Ambarchi uses MACKIE 1202-VLZ Pro

Oren Ambarchi

Guitarist

Sunn O)))

...
Verified via Realtimearts

In a 2012 article from RealTime Arts, Oren Ambarchi is featured using the Mackie 1202-VLZ Pro mixer. Additionally, a ModWiggler forum post from 2017 includes a photo of the same mixer on his table, further highlighting its use in his setup.

See how Jan Jelinek uses MACKIE 1202-VLZ Pro

Jan Jelinek

Keyboardist, Music Producer

...
Verified via MEDIA LOCA

A Mackie 1202-VLZ Pro is featured in the diagram depicting Jan Jelinek's live setup.

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use MACKIE 1202-VLZ Pro, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

Community setups

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