Mackie 1604VLZ4 Mixer

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$849.99 to $1,049.99 Price Tier: Standard

5.0 (2)

1 Critic Review

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Page last updated Jul 04, 2026

Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 7 stores. Prices updated July 4, 2026.

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4.5 (6)

$1,049.99

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5.0 (3)

$1,049.99

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4.6 (841)

$1,049.99 New

$693.33 Used (Like New)

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5.0 (2)

$849.99 20 available New

$345.00 20 available Used

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5.0 (2)

$1,049.99

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5.0 (2)

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5.0 (3)

$1,049.99

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Average Price: $937

Standard/Professional

$200

$1001+

Price Tier

In the Mixers category, Mackie 1604VLZ4 Mixer is priced in the upper end of the Standard/Professional range. This is quality gear at a fair price point, suitable for beginners, hobbyists, and pros alike.

Budget

Standard

High-end

Price History

Based on price data from 5 merchants for "Mackie 1604VLZ4 Mixer". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

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Description

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Elevate your audio production with the Mackie 1604VLZ4 Mixer, a trusted choice for both seasoned sound engineers and aspiring musicians. Renowned for its Onyx mic preamps, this mixer ensures pristine audio capture with a remarkable 60dB gain range, making it compatible with a wide array of microphones. The 1604VLZ4's design speaks to Mackie's commitment to durability and reliability. Its rugged, steel chassis is built to withstand the rigors of live sound environments, while its sealed rotary controls protect against dust and grime, extending the life of your investment.

This 16-channel, 4-bus mixer is not just about toughness; it's engineered for superior sound quality. The VLZ (Very Low Noise) architecture promises a clean and clear audio signal, with a dynamic range that allows for full, punchy mixes. High-resolution stereo meters provide a quick visual guide to your signal levels, ensuring you're always in control of your sound. Whether you're setting up for a live gig or a studio session, the Mackie 1604VLZ4 offers versatile routing options that accommodate various input and output needs.

The mixer’s intuitive layout features 3-band EQs with sweepable mids on each channel, allowing precise tone shaping. With six auxiliary sends and assignable sub-groups, creating complex mixes has never been easier. From the studio to the stage, the Mackie 1604VLZ4 Mixer is your reliable partner in achieving professional-grade sound.

Key Features:

16 Onyx mic preamps for high-quality audio performance
Rugged steel chassis with sealed rotary controls
Ultra-low noise design for clean sound
3-band EQ with sweepable mids on each channel
High-resolution stereo meters for easy monitoring
Versatile routing with six AUX sends and four buses
Balanced main outputs and inserts per channel

Owner's manual

Mackie 1604VLZ4 Mixer User Manual

Product specs

Type	Analog
Channels	16
Faders	21 x 60mm Throw
Inputs - Mic Preamps	16 x XLR
Phantom Power	16
Inputs - Line	16 x TRS
Inputs - Other	2 x RCA (Tape)
Outputs - Main	2 x TRS, 1 x TRS (Mono)
Outputs - Direct	8 x TRS
Outputs - Other	2 x RCA (Tape), 4 x TRS (Bus), 2 x TRS (Control)
Aux Sends	2 x Pre/Post, 2 x Post
Send/Return I/O	6 x TRS (Send), 8 x TRS (Stereo Returns)
Busses/Groups	4 x Bus
Channel Inserts	Yes
Headphones	1 x 1/4"
EQ Bands	3-band, Sweepable Mid
Rackmountable	Yes (Rotopod Accessory Sold Separately)
Height	5.1"
Width	17.3"
Depth	17"
Weight	20 lbs.

FAQs

What type of preamps are used in the Mackie 1604VLZ4 mixer?: The Mackie 1604VLZ4 mixer features 16 of Mackie's premium-quality Onyx mic preamps, known for delivering natural and transparent sound.
How many channels does the Mackie 1604VLZ4 mixer have?: The Mackie 1604VLZ4 mixer is equipped with 16 channels, providing versatile input options for various audio sources.
Can the Mackie 1604VLZ4 mixer be rack-mounted?: Yes, the Mackie 1604VLZ4 mixer can be rack-mounted using the Rotopod accessory, which is sold separately.
Does the Mackie 1604VLZ4 mixer support phantom power?: The Mackie 1604VLZ4 mixer supports phantom power for all 16 XLR mic inputs, making it suitable for condenser microphones.
What kind of EQ does the Mackie 1604VLZ4 mixer offer?: The Mackie 1604VLZ4 mixer features a 3-band EQ with a sweepable midrange on each mic/line channel, allowing for precise tonal adjustments.
How many auxiliary sends are available on the Mackie 1604VLZ4 mixer?: The Mackie 1604VLZ4 mixer provides four auxiliary sends, two of which are pre/post switchable and two that are post-fader.

Videos

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Mackie VLZ4 Series

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AudioSavings.com & Mackie VLZ4 1604 Contest

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Reviews

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PROS

Transparent sounding with a low noise floor
Easy to use with minimal EQ adjustment needed
Durable construction and good control feel
Features indented pots for easy center position finding
Clean Onyx pre-amplifiers provide great headroom
Four dedicated aux buses for flexible monitoring options
High-quality sound with lots of range and headroom
Metal case enhances durability
Provides identical sound to without-the-mixer setups
Offers character with small saturation at high signal levels

CONS

Some users find it less loud compared to previous models
Slider knobs design makes it harder to see settings
Sound may be perceived as cold by some users
Lacks built-in DSP for effects, requiring external units

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Mackie 1604VLZ4 Mixer.

Features and functionality

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The Mackie 1604VLZ4 offers 8 direct outs, 4 aux sends, and 4 stereo returns, enhancing ease of use with outboard effects.
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The Mackie 1604VLZ4 has been noted to only have TRS outputs, which may require additional adapters for certain setups.
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The VLZ series preamps offer more clean headroom than earlier models, but quickly transition into distortion when overdriven.
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Comparisons

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The Allen & Heath MixWizard 16:2 offers more auxes and built-in dual effects, though lacks subgroups compared to the Mackie 1604VLZ4.
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The Allen & Heath MixWizard provides XLR main outputs versus the Mackie 1604's TRS, offering a better setup for professional environments.
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Pre-VLZ models are described as having a more raw sound compared to the newer, cleaner VLZ revisions.
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User experience

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Owners note the VLZ4's reliability over previous models, which often had glitches, emphasizing the importance of choosing newer versions.
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Some users miss the pleasant crunchiness of overdriven channels on older models like the CR1604, which is harsher on newer VLZ4 models.
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Reports indicate that VLZ series mixers, including older models, have been durable and long-lasting in educational settings.
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Build quality

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Some users mention that the VLZ4 has a less robust casing compared to earlier models, despite maintaining the same feature set.
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Mackie mixers from the 90s are noted for not being bulletproof against physical abuse, with issues arising under hard wear and tear.
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Use cases and applications

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The VLZ series is frequently chosen for rehearsal spaces, indicating its reliability and suitability for practice environments.
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The old Mackie 1604 mixers are valued for their unique grain and distortion, appealing to those seeking vintage tone characteristics.
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Mods and upgrades

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Airwindows offers a "Mackity" plugin emulating the input stage of a pre-VLZ 1202 for those seeking the vintage Mackie sound.
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Critic Reviews

MACKIE 1604 VLZ4 Mixer Review | Performer Mag

performermag.com

The Mackie 1604VLZ4 Mixer impresses with its robust build and exceptional sound quality, thanks to great-sounding EQ and versatile format use. Ideal for small clubs or home studios, it offers 16 channels with clear audio and reliable preamps. While it might be overkill for smaller bands, its adaptability and value make it a strong contender in its price range. Lacking onboard effects may deter some, but external options enhance performance, maintaining its status as a go-to mixer for professionals.

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