Mackie CR-1604

^# 38

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$200.00 Price Tier: Budget

4.5 (13)

2 Reviews

This product is Vintage or Discontinued

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1 community setup

12 wishlisted

38 saved

Page last updated Jun 02, 2026

Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 1 store. Prices updated June 2, 2026.

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5.0 (3)

$200.00 1 available Used

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Average Price: $200

Budget/Beginner

$200

$1001+

Price Tier

In the Mixers category, Mackie CR-1604 is priced in the Budget/Beginner range. This is great gear to get started with or for creators on a budget.

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Description

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The Mackie CR-1604 is a classic mixer that effortlessly combines professional performance with user-friendly functionality, making it a reliable choice for both budding and experienced audio engineers. Known for its 16-channel capability, this versatile mixer has been a staple in studios since its debut. Its robust design ensures durability while maintaining crystal-clear sound quality. Each channel features a three-band EQ, allowing for precise sound shaping, and the inclusion of six auxiliary sends provides flexible routing options for effects and monitor mixes.

Perfect for diverse applications, from live sound to studio recording, the CR-1604 stands out with its intuitive interface that welcomes both hands-on control and seamless integration into digital setups. With direct outs on each channel, it's ideally suited for multi-track recording, allowing for quick and efficient workflow management. Additionally, the Mackie CR-1604 is designed with an emphasis on reliability, ensuring it performs consistently even under the demands of live performances.

This mixer is celebrated for its rugged construction and dependability, often lauded by professionals for its straightforward operation and remarkable sound fidelity. Whether you're setting up a home studio or managing a live gig, the Mackie CR-1604 offers the flexibility and quality you need to produce outstanding audio results.

Key Features:

16-channel input with high-quality preamps
Three-band EQ on each channel
Six auxiliary sends for flexible routing
Direct outs for multi-track recording
Rugged construction for long-term reliability
Suitable for both studio and live sound applications

Product specs

Brand	Mackie
Model	CR1604 16-Channel Mic / Line Mixer
Finish	Dark Gray
Year	1990s
Categories	Audio Mixers, Consoles and Summing Boxes
Electronics	Analog, Solid State
Format	Desktop Standalone
Number of Analog Inputs	24
Number of Analog Outputs	18
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

What are the key features of the Mackie CR-1604 mixer?: The Mackie CR-1604 mixer features 16 channels, 24 analog inputs, and 18 analog outputs, making it versatile for various audio applications. It is a desktop standalone unit with solid-state analog electronics, ideal for both live sound and studio environments.
Is the Mackie CR-1604 suitable for live performances?: Yes, the Mackie CR-1604 is well-suited for live performances due to its robust build, flexible input/output options, and reliable analog circuitry, providing quality sound reinforcement for live audio setups.
How does the Mackie CR-1604 handle multiple audio sources?: The Mackie CR-1604 can manage multiple audio sources effectively with its 16 channels and numerous input/output options, allowing for seamless integration of microphones, instruments, and line-level devices in a single setup.
Does the Mackie CR-1604 have built-in effects?: No, the Mackie CR-1604 does not feature built-in effects. However, it provides ample routing options to integrate external effects processors for enhanced audio processing capabilities.
What is the build quality of the Mackie CR-1604 mixer?: The Mackie CR-1604 is known for its durable construction and reliable performance, featuring a solid-state design that ensures longevity and consistent audio quality in various studio or live settings.

Videos

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Restoring a Vintage Mackie CR-1604 Mixer (Part 1 of 3)

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Restoring a Vintage Mackie CR-1604 Mixer (Part 3 of 3)

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Reviews

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Owner Insights

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

User experience

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Owners enjoy the Mackie CR-1604 for its reliable performance and find its gain overdrive pleasing, especially compared to other budget mixers.
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Owners report that acquiring the CR-1604 can significantly change how they interact with their instruments, offering new creative avenues.
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Some users prefer using the Mackie CR-1604 for its aggressive preamp distortion, which is ideal for replicating 90s techno sounds.
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Setup and maintenance

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Some users have successfully restored smooth operation by dismantling the mixer and cleaning pots and faders with Deoxit.
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Features and functionality

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Users appreciate the multiple aux sends, including the monitor send, but note that the inserts are post-fader and not available on all 16 channels.
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The CR-1604's multiple aux outputs allow flexible routing, making it ideal for pairing with a 4-channel audio interface.
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The CR-1604's pre-VLZ preamps are preferred for their pleasing distortion, especially for overdriving kick drums without daisy-chaining channels.
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Comparisons

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The Mackie VLZ mixers are seen as lacking the CR-1604's charming overdrive and have perceived quality dips in recent models.
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Users highlight that the Mackie CR-1604 (pre-VLZ) delivers a more satisfying distortion compared to the VLZ series and the Onyx preamp modules.
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Use cases and applications

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The CR-1604 is favored for use with hardware setups, smoothly handling setups with nearly all channels full and multiple effects sends.
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Owners find the CR-1604 effective for sending synths and drums through for further processing in a DAW, leveraging its analog character.
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Build quality

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Older models may have scratchy pots but are usually structurally sound, unlike off-brand mixers that deteriorate quickly.
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Value and pricing

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Pre-VLZ Mackie CR-1604 models are valued at around $100-$150 on secondhand markets, making them an affordable choice for analog overdrive effects.
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4.5 out of 5

Based on 2 Reviews and 13 Ratings

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mkltesthead

140

over 6 years ago

An oldie but goodie, still going strong after 25 years

I purchased this board back in 1995 for my, at the time, tiny MIDI/recording studio I was setting up. It's gone through a lot of reconfigurations over the years and now it's my band's central hub and primarily feeds an IEM system. It has handled a lot of different configurations and options, thus I consider that its biggest benefit. The mic preamps are good and quiet, the output is clean, no noise or crackles, wish it had more mic inputs but it has an option to expand them if I want to seek it out. On the whole, it's been very good to me for many years.