Pricing and availability
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Reviews
Price
Average Price: $904
Standard/Professional
$200
$1001+
Price Tier
Budget
Standard
High-end
Price History
Based on price data from 5 merchants for "Mackie CR1604-VLZ". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.
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Description
When it comes to crafting the perfect mix, the Mackie CR1604-VLZ stands as a testament to durability and pristine sound quality. With its 16-channel capability, this mixer is ideal for both ambitious home studios and bustling live sound environments. The CR1604-VLZ is packed with Mackie's renowned Onyx mic preamps, offering up to 60dB of gain, ensuring every detail of your performance shines through with natural transparency.
Designed for versatility, it features a 3-band EQ with sweepable mids on each mic/line channel, allowing for precise tonal adjustments. Whether you're recording a delicate vocal or a thunderous drum kit, this mixer provides a dynamic range of 128.5dB, delivering robust, punchy mixes that are clean and clear.
Built to withstand the rigors of constant use, the CR1604-VLZ is equipped with sealed rotary controls, safeguarding against dust and grime — a feature that any live engineer or studio owner will appreciate. This mixer isn't just built to last; it's built to excel in any situation. With its rugged construction and thoughtful design, the Mackie CR1604-VLZ is a reliable choice for professionals seeking consistent performance.
Key Features:
- 16-channel mixer with Mackie's Onyx mic preamps
- Offers 60dB gain range for compatibility with a wide variety of microphones
- 3-band EQ with sweepable mids for each channel
- 128.5dB dynamic range for clear, punchy mixes
- Sealed rotary controls for protection against dust and grime
- Four-bus design for versatile signal routing and submix creation
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
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What are the main connectivity options on the Mackie CR1604-VLZ mixer?
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The Mackie CR1604-VLZ offers 16 channels with 26 analog inputs and 23 analog outputs, including balanced TRS outputs for left and right channels. It also features a single headphone output for monitoring.
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Is the Mackie CR1604-VLZ suitable for live sound applications?
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Yes, the Mackie CR1604-VLZ is well-suited for live sound due to its robust build, intuitive layout, and versatile routing options, making it capable of handling various live performance scenarios.
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What kind of EQ does the Mackie CR1604-VLZ provide?
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The Mackie CR1604-VLZ features a 3-band EQ on each channel, allowing for precise tonal adjustments to enhance your audio mix.
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Does the Mackie CR1604-VLZ support digital inputs or outputs?
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No, the Mackie CR1604-VLZ is an analog mixer and does not support digital inputs or outputs. It is designed for analog audio processing.
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Can the Mackie CR1604-VLZ be used for studio recording?
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Yes, the Mackie CR1604-VLZ is suitable for studio recording, offering solid-state analog electronics and multiple input/output options to accommodate various recording setups.
Videos
FarewellOldFriends
Mackie CR1604-VLZ Mixing Console - Final Checks
Mackie CR1604-VLZ Mixing Console - Final Checks
FarewellOldFriends
Reviews
PROS
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Compact design ideal for space-constrained setups
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Offers extensive aux and sub outputs for versatile mix separation
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Excellent headroom and detail at high sound pressure levels
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Ability to mute channels and use channel inserts for preamping
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Reliable handling of various inputs with ease
CONS
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Might require tweaking if purchased secondhand
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Mackie CR1604-VLZ.
Setup and maintenance
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Cleaning pots and faders with Deoxit significantly improves movement and resolves sound quality issues.
Source -
Cleaning push buttons with contact cleaner and pressing them repeatedly can resolve dust and corrosion issues, improving functionality.
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It's essential to compare shaft play in trim/mic gain pots; excessive play indicates a broken locator pin.
Source
Features and functionality
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The mixer offers multiple aux sends, including a monitor send, which some users route up to seven ways.
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The inserts are post-fader, which can be unusual but manageable once accustomed to it.
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The VLZ is likened to older Behringer Eurorack mixers in terms of sound quality, indicating a less robust sound compared to the CR1604.
Source
User experience
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Users report that the gain overdrive sounds pleasing on x0x drum machines, offering a more desirable sound than other cheap options.
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Despite age, some users find the mixer reliable when channels are fully functional and cleaned properly.
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Thoroughly testing all sliders and buttons is recommended, as crackling issues can become quickly annoying.
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Owners have observed that applying fader grease is rarely necessary after using fader lube, as buttons typically don't require this extra step.
Source
Comparisons
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The VLZ preamps are considered less desirable for overdrive compared to the CR1604, which offers a more pleasing coloration to the sound.
Source
Use cases and applications
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The CR1604 is noted for its limited EQ and lack of subgroups, with only ALT3/4 out available, which could be a limitation for users needing more routing options.
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The mixer is noted for its excellent preamps, particularly when overdriven, which enhances sound quality for certain applications.
Source
Value and pricing
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A price of 150 euros is viewed as potentially suspiciously low, suggesting a careful inspection is necessary before purchasing.
Source
Critic Reviews
3.5 out of 5
Based on 1 Review and 2 Ratings
Artist usage
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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 CR1604-VLZ, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
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