Pricing and availability
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Price
Average Price: $170
Budget/Beginner
$200
$1001+
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Budget
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Description
Dive into the realm of unparalleled audio mixing with the Mackie 1604-VLZ Pro, a legendary mixer that stands as a beacon of reliability and exceptional sound quality in the studio recording gear landscape. Building on the legacy of its predecessors, this mixer not only preserves the cherished characteristics of the Mackie 1604 series but elevates them with its refined design and performance. Ideal for both burgeoning musicians and seasoned audio engineers, the 1604-VLZ Pro embodies Mackie's commitment to excellence. Its Extended Dynamic Range mic preamps ensure your mixes breathe with clarity and depth, making it a staple piece in any studio setup aspiring for professional-grade sound without breaking the bank.
Key Features:
- Extended Dynamic Range mic preamps for superior sound quality
- Robust construction and compact design for durability and ease of use
- Low-noise, high-headroom design for the purest signal path
- Comprehensive routing options to accommodate various audio setups
- Versatile functionality, perfect for both live sound and studio recording environments
Product specs
| Brand | Mackie |
| Model | 1604-VLZ Pro 16-Channel Mic / Line Mixer |
| Finish | Black |
| Year | 2000 - 2007 |
| Categories | Audio Mixers, Consoles and Summing Boxes |
| Electronics | Analog, Solid State |
| Format | Desktop Standalone |
| Number of Analog Inputs | 28 |
| Number of Analog Outputs | 23 |
| Number of Channels | 16 |
| 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
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How many channels does the Mackie 1604-VLZ Pro mixer have?
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The Mackie 1604-VLZ Pro mixer features 16 channels, allowing for versatile mixing and routing options suitable for both studio and live sound applications.
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Does the Mackie 1604-VLZ Pro have any digital inputs or outputs?
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No, the Mackie 1604-VLZ Pro is an analog mixer and does not have any digital inputs or outputs. It is designed for analog audio mixing with solid-state electronics.
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What kind of inputs and outputs are available on the Mackie 1604-VLZ Pro?
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The Mackie 1604-VLZ Pro offers 28 analog inputs and 23 analog outputs, providing extensive connectivity for various audio sources and destinations.
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Is the Mackie 1604-VLZ Pro suitable for live sound applications?
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Yes, the Mackie 1604-VLZ Pro is well-suited for live sound applications, thanks to its durable build, flexible routing options, and high-quality preamps that ensure clear audio performance.
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Does the Mackie 1604-VLZ Pro have built-in effects?
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No, the Mackie 1604-VLZ Pro does not include built-in effects. Users may need to integrate external effects processors if needed for their setup.
Videos
Mr.Electricity
Restoration Mixer Table 16-Chanel Mic/Line MACKIE 1604-VLZ Pro
Restoration Mixer Table 16-Chanel Mic/Line MACKIE 1604-VLZ Pro
Mr.Electricity
Using DeoxIT to bring back life to an old Mackie 1604-VLZ-Pro
AudioCraZ
Mackie 1604 VLZ Pro board and HR 824 studio monitors for sale!
Bobby Rock
Reviews
PROS
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Good preamps enhance sound quality
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Durable over 20+ years of use
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Versatile for live gigs and studio
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Portable design for musicians on the go
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Low noise for clear audio output
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Compatible with various music equipment
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Affordable for its range of features
CONS
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Out of production, may be harder to find
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Requires disassembly and cleaning for optimal performance
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Limited EQ capabilities as noted by users
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Mackie 1604-VLZ Pro.
Comparisons
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The CR1604 is preferred for its overdrive quality, while the VLZ is likened to older Behringer mixers, but with better mic preamps.
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VLZ preamps are noted for having more clean headroom compared to older models, but they quickly transition to distortion, lacking gradual preamp saturation.
Source
Features and functionality
Setup and maintenance
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It's crucial to test all sliders and buttons for crackling, as it can become a significant annoyance if present.
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Front bumper repair may require removing the back panel to access internal screws, suggesting potential internal alignment issues.
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Using gaff tape as a spacer between the side pieces and the front bumper can increase friction and stability.
Source
Use cases and applications
Value and pricing
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A price of 150 euros for a Mackie 1604-VLZ Pro is considered a good deal, but thorough testing before purchase is advised.
Source
Build quality
Software and compatibility
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For those seeking the old Mackie sound, there's an emulation of the pre-VLZ 1202 input stage available at airwindows.com/mackity, offering a similar tonal character.
Source
Critic Reviews
4.5 out of 5
Based on 2 Reviews and 16 Ratings
Take To The Street
I bring this mixer with me to my live gigs as a hub to stem out the sounds I use. I don't do much eq-ing on it as I believe the 909, Octatrack and Minitaur are full ranged enough. It's nice and portable and sounds good enough to pack a Analog punch in the club. For efx I have a foot pedal wired up to a Cathedral so that I can do so dramatic build-ups..
Artist usage
Add artist
In this "Rig Rundown" interview with Premier Guitar magazine, it's explained that Lanois runs his pre-recorded loops/tracks rig through a 1604 mixer onstage.
Simon uses it for personal monitor mixing in a rack on his left
From an article about recording with Jonathan Rado: "The D’Addario brothers’ home studio has a smattering of new gear and a bunch of stuff from their father’s heyday including; a Tascam 80-8 eight-track, which runs 1/2-inch tape at 15ips, Mackie 16-channel 1604-VLZ Pro, Yamaha HS7 monitors, an old Alesis XT reverb, and a dbx 1066 compressor."
Described on facebook as "Mackie 1604 VLZ, Alesis Nanoverb, Lexicon MX200 and Doepfer filterbank"
16-channel mixer for live performances
Aeroplane is seen using the Mackie 1604-VLZ Pro mixer in a YouTube video, highlighting its reputation as the original Daft Punk mixer.
A Mackie 1604-VLZ Pro can be seen in Martin's studio (second photo).
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 1604-VLZ Pro, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
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