Mackie CR-1604 VLZ

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$25.00 to $1,049.99 Price Tier: Standard

3.5 (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 8 stores. Prices updated June 30, 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 (6)

$25.00 2 available Used

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5.0 (2)

$1,049.99

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5.0 (2)

$1,049.99

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5.0 (3)

$1,049.99

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4.9 (24)

$879.00 $874.00 $5.00 · All time low

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Average Price: $900

Standard/Professional

$200

$1001+

Price Tier

In the Mixers category, Mackie CR-1604 VLZ 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.

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Standard

High-end

Price History

Based on price data from 6 merchants for "Mackie CR-1604 VLZ". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

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Description

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The Mackie CR-1604 VLZ Mixer is a powerhouse for any studio, offering a blend of rugged construction and pristine sound quality. Designed for both professionals and enthusiasts, this mixer is equipped with 16 Onyx mic preamps that deliver a warm, transparent sound, ensuring your recordings are as true-to-life as possible. Whether you're broadcasting live or mixing in the studio, the CR-1604 VLZ stands out with its impressive dynamic range and ultra-low-noise performance.

Engineered to withstand the rigors of live environments, this mixer features sealed rotary controls that resist dust and grime, making it reliable even in the most demanding settings. The high-resolution stereo meters provide clear visual feedback, allowing you to monitor signal levels with precision. With a four-bus design and intuitive signal routing, the Mackie CR-1604 VLZ offers the flexibility you need to create complex submixes effortlessly.

For those who require both durability and exceptional sound quality, the Mackie CR-1604 VLZ is a dependable choice, embodying Mackie's reputation for crafting mixers that can handle whatever you throw at them.

Key Features:

16 Onyx mic preamps offering up to 60dB of gain
Ultra-low-noise performance for clean, clear sound
Sealed rotary controls to protect against dust and grime
High-resolution stereo meters for easy monitoring
Four-bus design for flexible submixing
Rugged construction suitable for live and studio environments

Product specs

Brand	Mackie
Model	CR1604-VLZ 16-Channel Mic / Line Mixer
Finish	Dark Gray
Year	1997 - 2002
Categories	Audio Mixers, Consoles and Summing Boxes
Electronics	Analog, Solid State
Format	Desktop Standalone
Number of Analog Inputs	26
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

How many channels does the Mackie CR-1604 VLZ mixer have?: The Mackie CR-1604 VLZ mixer features 16 channels, making it suitable for various studio and live sound applications.
Does the Mackie CR-1604 VLZ have digital inputs or outputs?: No, the Mackie CR-1604 VLZ is an analog mixer with no digital inputs or outputs, focusing on analog signal processing.
What are the main connectivity options on the Mackie CR-1604 VLZ mixer?: The Mackie CR-1604 VLZ mixer includes 26 analog inputs and 23 analog outputs, offering extensive connectivity for microphones and line-level equipment.
Is the Mackie CR-1604 VLZ suitable for live sound applications?: Yes, the Mackie CR-1604 VLZ is suitable for live sound applications due to its robust build and versatile channel options.
What type of electronics does the Mackie CR-1604 VLZ use?: The Mackie CR-1604 VLZ uses solid-state analog electronics, providing reliable performance for studio and live settings.

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Mackie CR1604-VLZ Mixing Console - Final Checks

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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 VLZ.

Setup and maintenance

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Deoxit is effective for cleaning pots and faders, restoring smooth movement and resolving sound quality issues on older units.
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Features and functionality

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The CR-1604 includes multiple aux sends, allowing up to seven routes, which users find beneficial for reverb and delay effects.
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The inserts on the CR-1604 are post-fader, which is unusual but manageable once accustomed.
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The VLZ Pro is likened to older Behringer Eurorack mixers in sound, though it's considered better than those.
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It's been highlighted that the Mackie CR-1604 VLZ lacks sufficient headroom, which might limit its performance in demanding live setups.
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User experience

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Some users experience issues with channel functionality over time, necessitating maintenance or repair.
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Owners recommend thoroughly testing all sliders and buttons for crackling issues, as these can become irritating quickly.
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Owners note the Mackie CR-1604 VLZ struggles with preamp saturation, quickly leading to distortion, which may appeal to those seeking a raw, gritty sound.
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Value and pricing

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Despite its age, owners find the CR-1604 worth trying due to its pleasing overdrive and robust features for the price.
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A price around 150 euros for the VLZ Pro is considered suspiciously low, prompting a thorough check before purchase.
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Use cases and applications

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Users find the mixer particularly effective for electronic music setups, especially when utilizing sends for effects.
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The VLZ Pro's overdrive is generally not favored, with some users preferring external gear or software for overdrive effects.
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Despite its age, the CR-1604 VLZ remains desirable for its unique grain and distortion which some users find perfect for creative sound processing.
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Comparisons

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The CR-1604 is noted for its pleasant overdrive compared to the VLZ Pro, which some users describe as having a less appealing gain circuit.
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Pre-VLZ Mackie models reportedly have a rawer sound compared to the cleaner, more recent VLZ revisions, appealing to those seeking a vintage character.
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Critic Reviews

Mackie CR1604 VLZ

soundonsound.com

The Mackie CR-1604 VLZ mixer is a robust, feature-rich upgrade on its predecessor, offering excellent sound quality and versatile routing options, making it ideal for both studio and live recording. Its EQ, aux busses, and lack of an external power supply are standout features. However, the lack of EQ bypass and slightly cramped controls may be a drawback for some. Overall, it's a superb choice for musicians seeking a compact yet powerful mixing solution.

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3.5 out of 5

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