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Average Price: $554

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$200

$1001+

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Description

For those seeking a versatile and reliable mixing solution, the Mackie LM-3204 is a formidable contender in the studio recording gear realm. This 32-channel line mixer is designed to seamlessly integrate into any live sound or studio setup, offering extensive connectivity and pristine audio quality. Its robust build and intuitive layout make it a favorite among both amateur and professional musicians. The LM-3204 stands out with its ability to handle a variety of inputs, making it ideal for complex audio environments.

Each channel on the LM-3204 is equipped with a stereo line input, providing you with the flexibility to connect multiple musical instruments, audio interfaces, or playback devices. The mixer also features a comprehensive routing system, allowing for detailed control over signal paths. With its four stereo auxiliary sends, you can fine-tune your mix with precision, whether you're recording in the studio or performing live. The LM-3204 ensures high-fidelity sound with low noise, making it an essential tool for any serious audio professional.

Key Features:

  • 32 channels for extensive connectivity
  • Stereo line inputs on each channel
  • Four stereo auxiliary sends for detailed control
  • High-fidelity sound with low noise
  • Ideal for live sound and studio environments
  • Reliable and durable construction suitable for professional use

Product specs

Brand Mackie
Model LM-3204 16-Channel Stereo Line Mixer
Finish Dark Gray
Year 1997 - 2002
Categories Audio Mixers, Consoles and Summing Boxes
Electronics Analog, Solid State
Format 19-inch Rackmount
Number of Analog Inputs 46
Number of Analog Outputs 12
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 total inputs does the Mackie LM-3204 mixer have?

The Mackie LM-3204 mixer features 46 analog inputs, making it a versatile choice for handling multiple audio sources in a studio setup.

Is the Mackie LM-3204 suitable for rackmount installation?

Yes, the Mackie LM-3204 is designed in a 19-inch rackmount format, allowing for easy integration into rack-based studio systems.

What type of electronics does the Mackie LM-3204 use?

The Mackie LM-3204 utilizes analog, solid-state electronics, providing reliable performance and quality sound for mixing tasks.

Does the Mackie LM-3204 have any digital inputs or outputs?

No, the Mackie LM-3204 does not have digital inputs or outputs; it is an analog mixer focused on high-quality analog audio processing.

How many headphone outputs are available on the Mackie LM-3204 mixer?

The Mackie LM-3204 mixer includes one headphone output, suitable for monitoring the mix directly from the console.

TRAXUS

TRAXUS

Another Sky - DSI Prophet 08, Yamaha TX81Z, Korg ER-1 MKII, Roland SP-404SX, E-mu Proteus 1

Video thumbnail for Another Sky - DSI Prophet 08, Yamaha TX81Z, Korg ER-1 MKII, Roland SP-404SX, E-mu Proteus 1 by TRAXUS

Another Sky - DSI Prophet 08, Yamaha TX81Z, Korg ER-1 MKII, Roland SP-404SX, E-mu Proteus 1

TRAXUS

TRAXUS

Video thumbnail for RSF Polykobol / Demo with Chord Memory & Arpeggiator / in live (NightBirds Electronic) 2012 by NightBirds Electronic

RSF Polykobol / Demo with Chord Memory & Arpeggiator / in live (NightBirds Electronic) 2012

NightBirds Electronic

NightBirds Electronic

Reviews

PROS

  • Excellent headroom and routing options for stereo line audio

  • Durable build, easy to maintain and service

  • Low noise with high audio ceiling

  • Useful EQ and great effects patching capabilities

  • Compact 5U size packed with features

  • Offers many stereo inputs with a very fatty analog sound

CONS

  • Shows its age sonically after 25 years

  • Requires maintenance like DeoxIT for contact issues

  • 1604 model considered more value by some users

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Mackie LM-3204.

Build quality

  • The original USA-made Mackie boards, such as the LM-3204, are noted for superior build quality compared to similar units from Roland, Yamaha, and Alesis.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • Regular cleaning with de-oxit is necessary for maintaining the inputs and busses, especially on mixers over 25 years old.

    Source
  • A faint hum in the Phones output might suggest a grounding issue, possibly linked to the continuously flashing solo light.

    Source
  • Utilizing an air-can duster is recommended to ensure cleanliness around the solo button to potentially resolve the flashing light issue.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The LM-3204 was specifically designed for integrating drum machines and synths in mid-90s studios, offering unique features for this setup.

    Source
  • The LM-3204 supports expansion with the rare LM-3204E ribbon unit, which adds more inputs.

    Source
  • The LM-3204's layout is praised for effectively accommodating 32 mono or 16 stereo inputs in a compact design, ideal for synth-heavy setups.

    Source

Comparisons

  • Unlike the CR1604, the LM-3204 offers features specifically beneficial for synth and drum machine setups.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • A Sound on Sound article from 1995 provides valuable insights into the LM-3204's capabilities and quirks.

    Source
  • The mixer is noted for its suitability in synth setups due to its extensive input options and compact footprint.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Mackie LM3204

soundonsound.com

The Mackie LM-3204 impresses as a versatile stereo line mixer, offering 40 inputs in a compact design, ideal for live musicians and studio use alike. It boasts clean sound quality, high-quality mic preamps, and useful routing capabilities, though its effects send system might limit more demanding applications. While the lack of input gain trim control and panel space constraints pose minor inconveniences, the mixer’s clever design makes it a reliable choice for those needing multiple inputs without the bulk. Overall, it's a well-conceived mixer that balances function with innovative design.

positive
Add

4.5 out of 5

Based on 3 Reviews and 7 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
m4ntr0n1c

My GoTo Line Mixer

This is a no brainer type of mixer. It will never let you down, and sounds really good; low noise, high ceiling, useful EQ, great effects patching. For the 5U size it offers the most packed full of features mixers one can find.

I keep two of these. Love the FX routing.

enorthby

It's no 1604

Stereo channels are nice but the 1604 is still more value. Which is why I have two 1604 mixers and only 1 3204.

R

Why do you say it's no 1604? Does it sound the same?

ministerstwoantykultury

Good!

many ( stereo ) inputs, very fatty analog sound

Artist usage

Add artist
See how TIM SIMENON uses Mackie LM-3204

TIM SIMENON

Keyboardist, Composer

Interference

...
Verified via Gearslutz

Tim Simenon is noted to have used the Mackie LM-3204 mixer during the recording of Depeche Mode's album "Ultra," as mentioned in a discussion on Gearslutz.

See how Jerome Froese uses Mackie LM-3204

Jerome Froese

Guitarist, Keyboardist

Tangerine Dream

...
Verified via Jeromefroese

Found on Jerome's Website.

See how David Newman uses Mackie LM-3204

David Newman

Composer

...
Verified via Soundonsound

"There's no real mixer any more — we have a Mackie 3204, but that's really just for monitoring."

See how Michael Bradford uses Mackie LM-3204

Michael Bradford

Guitarist, Composer

Uncle Kracker Band

...
Verified via Photo

In this photo taken in Mike's studio a Mackie LM-3204 can be seen on the left rack.

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 LM-3204, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

Kurzweil K2000RS
Kurzweil K2000RS Synthesizers & Sound Modules
2
Roland Jupiter-8
Roland Jupiter-8 Synthesizers
2
Akai S1100
Akai S1100 Audio Samplers
2
Korg Wavestation A/D
Korg Wavestation A/D Synthesizers & Sound Modules
2
Roland D-550
Roland D-550 Synthesizers & Sound Modules
1
Akai S1000
Akai S1000 Audio Samplers
1
Roland TB-303
Roland TB-303 Synthesizers
1

Community setups

Show yours
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x0d

Gear IQ 161

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