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Average Price: $53

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$200

$1001+

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Description

Compact, robust, and packed with features, the Mackie 402-VLZ3 4-Channel Mixer is a versatile solution for musicians and audio engineers seeking high-quality sound mixing in a streamlined design. This mixer is a part of Mackie's renowned VLZ series, known for its ultra-low noise performance. With its solid build and intuitive layout, the 402-VLZ3 is ideal for small setups, home studios, or live performances where space is at a premium.

The mixer offers two mono mic/line channels with Mackie's signature premium XDR2 mic preamps, delivering clean, transparent audio with an impressive headroom. Additionally, it includes a stereo RCA input for integrating external devices, like music players or other audio sources, into your mix seamlessly. Each channel is equipped with a 2-band EQ for precise tonal shaping, allowing you to craft the perfect sound for any situation.

Its compact size doesn't compromise on functionality. The 402-VLZ3's rugged metal chassis ensures durability, making it a reliable companion for gigs and studio sessions alike. The mixer also features control room/phones source matrix, providing flexibility in monitoring options and making it easy to switch between different audio sources.

Key Features:

  • Two XLR mic inputs with Mackie's premium XDR2 mic preamps
  • Two stereo line inputs
  • 2-band EQ on each channel
  • Control room/phones source matrix
  • Phantom power for condenser microphones
  • Rugged all-metal chassis for durability
  • Compact design for easy portability

Product specs

Brand Mackie
Model 402-VLZ3 4-Channel Mic / Line Mixer
Finish Dark Gray
Year 2008 - 2014
Categories Audio Mixers, Consoles and Summing Boxes
Electronics Analog, Solid State
Format Desktop Standalone
Number of Analog Inputs 6
Number of Analog Outputs 2
Number of Channels 4
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

What are the main inputs and outputs on the Mackie 402-VLZ3 mixer?

The Mackie 402-VLZ3 features 6 analog inputs, including 2 mic/line inputs with XLR connectors and 2 stereo line inputs with 1/4" connectors. It also has 2 main outputs and a headphone output, making it versatile for small setups.

Does the Mackie 402-VLZ3 have built-in preamps?

Yes, the Mackie 402-VLZ3 includes high-headroom, low-noise preamps, ensuring clear sound quality for microphones and line-level sources.

Is the Mackie 402-VLZ3 suitable for live performances?

The Mackie 402-VLZ3 is compact and durable, making it suitable for small live performances, rehearsals, and home studio setups where space and simplicity are priorities.

Does the Mackie 402-VLZ3 support phantom power?

Yes, the Mackie 402-VLZ3 provides 48V phantom power, allowing you to use condenser microphones that require external power.

Can the Mackie 402-VLZ3 be used for podcasting?

The Mackie 402-VLZ3 is a great choice for podcasting due to its compact size, high-quality preamps, and ability to handle multiple audio sources, ensuring clear and professional sound.

MackieTV

MackieTV

Mackie 402-VLZ3 & 802-VLZ3 Ultra-Compact Mixers

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Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Mackie 402-VLZ3 4-Channel Mixer.

Build quality

  • The mic preamps are lauded as phenomenal, highlighting their superior performance in a compact form factor.

    Source
  • Owners appreciate its robust construction, describing it as "built like a tank," suggesting long-term durability.

    Source

User experience

  • After nearly a year of use, one owner reported zero problems, emphasizing its reliability.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • Besides vocals, users effectively record hardware synths and turntables, showing its versatility in small studio setups.

    Source
  • The Mix8 is highlighted as a better option for users needing more channels and features in a compact mixer for small, portable setups.

    Source

Comparisons

  • It's considered a better option compared to Behringer counterparts, reflecting user preference for Mackie's build and sound quality.

    Source
  • The Mackie 402VLZ4 is noted for its higher quality Onyx mic preamps, which are said to offer a slightly cleaner sound compared to the Mix8.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The Mix8 is appreciated for its additional mid-band EQ and an aux output with a separate stereo return, enhancing its utility in portable setups.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Mackie 802 & 402 VLZ3

soundonsound.com

The Mackie 402-VLZ3 mixer impresses with its robust build and quality preamps, making it an excellent choice for basic home-recording and live-sound tasks. Its compact size and durable construction are ideal for mobile setups. While it lacks some features like faders and monitor switching, its affordability and versatility shine through. Perfect for musicians needing a reliable, small-format mixer without breaking the bank.

positive

Mackie: 402-VLZ3 & 802-VLZ3 compact mixers | Tape Op Magazine | Longform candid interviews with music producers and audio engineers covering mixing, mastering, recording and music production.

tapeop.com

The Mackie 402-VLZ3 4-Channel Mixer impresses with its compact design, intuitive layout, and versatile functionality, making it a perfect fit for both beginners and seasoned pros needing a simple, zero-latency monitoring setup. The mixer offers clear and quiet XDR2 mic preamps, smart channel configurations, and a convenient "tape" feature for DAW integration. However, its main level knob affecting both speaker volume and tape send concurrently could pose a limitation for some users. Overall, its utility-focused design and quality build make it a valuable addition to compact setups.

positive
Add

4.5 out of 5

Based on 2 Reviews and 6 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
m_thirteen

Great for small live shows

I use this for stripped back, live shows using 3 pieces of gear maximum

soloprosquad

Simple

Built like a tank....sounds clear and honest....great onboard tools. Can't find a better mixer at this price point.

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Minilogue uses Mackie 402-VLZ3 4-Channel Mixer

Minilogue

Music Producer

Minilogue

...
Verified via YouTube

Minilogue's studio is surrounded by serene nature outside of Malmö, Sweden. It's here that Sebastian Mullaert and Markus Henriksson compose their lush, evolving techno suites with a variety of hardware and software - with Live at the center of each musician's setup. In the video below, Sebastian gives us an overview of Minilogue's technology.

See how KT Tunstall uses Mackie 402-VLZ3 4-Channel Mixer

KT Tunstall

Singer, Guitarist

7 Worlds Collide

...
Verified via YouTube

Pedalboard at 4:27 Published on 19 Jul 2016 In this episode of Song Stories, Scottish songwriter and guitarist KT Tunstall walks us through her songs “Black Horse and the Cherry Tree” and “Evil Eye,” discusses the importance of rhythmic playing in her performing, what makes looping interesting (and not so interesting), and performs the hit off of her most recent EP, Golden State.

See how Étienne de Crécy uses Mackie 402-VLZ3 4-Channel Mixer

Étienne de Crécy

Music Producer, DJ

Motorbass

...
Verified via YouTube

Etienne de Crécy - We, Computers Live Studio Session

See how Evgeniy Gorbunov uses Mackie 402-VLZ3 4-Channel Mixer

Evgeniy Gorbunov

Singer, Guitarist

?? (Glintshake)

...
Verified via Look At Me

Evgeniy Gorbunov has confirmed the use of the Mackie 402-VLZ3 4-Channel Mixer in an interview with Look At Me, where he stated: "Mackie 402-VLZ3 mixer. It's not the worst mixer, but our sound engineer friend, who knows his stuff, says the Mackie is crap. But I think the Mackie in this series is a pretty decent little thing, and it's perfect for home use."

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 402-VLZ3 4-Channel Mixer, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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