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Average Price: $135

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$1001+

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Description

Discover the Mackie Micro-Series 1202, an iconic mixer known for its exceptional reliability and sound quality. Designed for both budding and professional musicians, this compact yet powerful mixer is perfect for small studios and live performances. The 1202 is part of Mackie's first series of mixers, celebrated for their durable build and user-friendly interface. It offers a versatile range of inputs and outputs, making it adaptable to various recording and mixing needs.

The mixer features four high-quality XDR (Extended Dynamic Range) mic preamps, delivering pristine audio performance with low noise. These preamps ensure your vocals and instruments sound clear and natural, capturing every nuance of your performance. The 1202 also includes stereo line inputs for keyboards, drum machines, or other stereo devices, allowing seamless integration into your setup.

With its intuitive layout, you can easily adjust levels, panning, and EQ to tailor your sound precisely. The 3-band EQ on each channel provides smooth and accurate tonal shaping, helping you achieve the perfect mix. Additionally, the 1202 includes a built-in effects loop for external processors, expanding your creative possibilities.

Whether you're recording in a home studio or performing live, the Mackie Micro-Series 1202 offers the flexibility and quality you need to bring your sound to life.

Key Features:

  • Four XDR mic preamps for clear, noise-free audio
  • Intuitive layout with easy-to-use controls
  • 3-band EQ on each channel for precise tonal shaping
  • Stereo line inputs for versatile connectivity
  • Built-in effects loop for external processors
  • Compact design ideal for small studios and live performances

Product specs

Brand Mackie
Model Micro Series 1202 12-Channel Mic / Line Mixer
Finish Dark Gray
Year 1990s
Made In United States
Categories Audio Mixers, Consoles and Summing Boxes
Electronics Analog, Solid State
Format Desktop Standalone
Number of Analog Inputs 18
Number of Analog Outputs 4
Number of Channels 12
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 Micro-Series 1202 mixer have?

The Mackie Micro-Series 1202 mixer features 12 channels, providing flexibility for various audio sources and applications.

Does the Mackie Micro-Series 1202 have built-in preamps?

Yes, the Mackie Micro-Series 1202 includes high-quality preamps, ensuring low noise and clear sound for microphones and other audio inputs.

What is the primary use of the Mackie Micro-Series 1202 mixer?

The Mackie Micro-Series 1202 is ideal for small studio setups, live performances, and general audio mixing tasks, offering versatile connectivity and control.

How many analog inputs are available on the Mackie Micro-Series 1202?

The Mackie Micro-Series 1202 provides 18 analog inputs, allowing you to connect multiple audio sources simultaneously.

Is the Mackie Micro-Series 1202 suitable for desktop use?

Yes, the Mackie Micro-Series 1202 is designed as a desktop standalone unit, making it convenient for home studios and portable setups.

Espen Kraft

Espen Kraft

This Mackie 1202 mixer from 1995 has survived it ALL! (and it's built in the US)

Video thumbnail for This Mackie 1202 mixer from 1995 has survived it ALL! (and it's built in the US) by Espen Kraft

This Mackie 1202 mixer from 1995 has survived it ALL! (and it's built in the US)

Espen Kraft

Espen Kraft

Video thumbnail for RECORDING WITH MACKIE MICRO SERIES 1202 MIXER OEVR 20 YEARS OLD SOUNDS GREAT! 2019 by R Trib's Indie Music

RECORDING WITH MACKIE MICRO SERIES 1202 MIXER OEVR 20 YEARS OLD SOUNDS GREAT! 2019

R Trib's Indie Music

R Trib's Indie Music

Reviews

PROS

  • Stereo line inputs cater to synths and samplers

  • High headroom with low noise for clarity

  • Durable, "bomb-proof" USA-made construction

  • Versatile for both live and studio use

  • Portable design suitable for various applications

  • Phantom power available for condenser mics

  • Equipped with two post-fader aux sends

  • Unique sound character not found in modern mixers

CONS

  • Preamps lack accuracy and pleasantness

  • Limited to lo-fi aesthetic for recording

  • Phantom power applies to all mic channels, risking equipment damage

  • EQs are not effective for shaping sound

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Mackie Micro-Series 1202 (First Series).

Use cases and applications

  • The original Mackie Micro-Series 1202 can be effectively used for overdriving electronic drum sounds to achieve a classic 90s distortion effect.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • This mixer allows users to overdrive inputs for extra bite and pad it down before reaching the converter, a feature not found in modern interfaces.

    Source

Comparisons

  • Though not boutique, the Mackie's preamps differ from modern all-in-one interfaces by offering harsher distortion when over-biased, which can be desirable depending on the source.

    Source

Software and compatibility

  • The Mackity and MackEQ plugins by airwindows are designed to emulate the 1202's input stage and distortion characteristics, providing a digital alternative.

    Source

User experience

  • Some users find the mixer less effective as a headphone mixer for artists, citing a janky user experience that may not meet all expectations.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Test Drive: The Mackie Micro Series 1202 12-Channel Mic/Line Mixer - Radio And Production

rapmag.com

The Mackie Micro-Series 1202 Mixer delivers exceptional value for a mere $399, offering a robust build and impressive audio quality that rivals pricier competitors. Its compact design and versatile input options make it ideal for small studios and remote broadcasts. The preamps are quiet and phantom power is included, accommodating professional mics. While the EQ is basic, it's sufficient for minor adjustments, and the mixer excels with its intuitive layout and durable construction. The limited channel inserts might be a downside for some, but the overall functionality, backed by a three-year warranty, makes this mixer a standout choice for budget-conscious users.

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4.0 out of 5

Based on 2 Reviews and 7 Ratings

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T

Classic Mackie

I miss mine... I dont care what people say. I know its noisy, but i love its sound. Not harsh at all, it has a cool mojo going on. It makes a vibey 4ch preamp! Eqs are not usable. Lots headroom, compared with todays cheaper mixers.

digital_steve

Oldie but a goodie

I have had this mixer since sometime in the 90's. It came out before the popular VLZ series. It has been used for TV audio production on site and in a studio, sub mixing and it has been used for internet radio. Portable and clear...

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Daft Punk uses Mackie Micro-Series 1202 (First Series)

Daft Punk

Music Producer

...
Verified via Photo

Per this screenshot from a late-'90s interview Daft Punk provided to a Japanese publication, a Mackie MS-1202 was used during the Homework era of recording and live performance. Additionally, the unit can be seen in this photo from https://daftbootlegs.tumblr.com, dated Dec. 11th, 1996.

See how Brian Eno uses Mackie Micro-Series 1202 (First Series)

Brian Eno

Singer, Keyboardist

David Bowie (band)

...
Verified via Photo

This blog about the recording of the Eno/Karl Hyde album Someday World discusses Eno's setup during the sessions. "The remaining inputs included a spare channel, plus ones for Karl’s guitar, the stereo feed from a Mackie Micro Series 1202 sub mixer, and Brian’s laptop computer from which he fed a number of pre-prepared loops. The mixer’s two send channels were assigned to the Kaoss Pad’s left and right inputs respectively so any combination of the main mixer inputs could be fed into it (and the Air FX), and an auxiliary channel was used for the return."

See how Stanley Clarke uses Mackie Micro-Series 1202 (First Series)

Stanley Clarke

Singer, Bassist

Return to Forever

...
Verified via Stanleyclarke

Stanley's usual live signal path is split between bridge and neck pickups. From there signals go into a power supply/preamps (one per pickup), to a Mackie 1202 mixer then into two QSR RMX 2450 power amps, which drive two SWR Goliath III 4x10 cabinets (from the bridge-pickup signal) and two SWR Big Ben 1X18 subwoofer cabinets(the neck-pickup signal).

See how Thomas Bangalter uses Mackie Micro-Series 1202 (First Series)

Thomas Bangalter

Guitarist, Music Producer

Daft Punk

...
Verified via Photo

By counting the number of potentiometers, it is confirmed that Thomas Bangalter uses the Mackie Micro-Series 1202 (First Series), as evidenced by the image provided.

See how Guy‐Manuel de Homem‐Christo uses Mackie Micro-Series 1202 (First Series)

Guy‐Manuel de Homem‐Christo

Keyboardist, Composer

Daft Punk

...
Verified via Photo

In a user-uploaded photo from the Crydamoure studio, Guy-Manuel de Homem-Christo is shown with two Mackie Micro-Series 1202 mixers positioned to the right of a Neve mixing console.

See how Scanner uses Mackie Micro-Series 1202 (First Series)

Scanner

Music Producer

...
Verified via YouTube

Scanner, also known as Robin Rimbaud, is confirmed to use the Mackie Micro-Series 1202 (First Series) mixer, as evidenced in the video titled "Scanner Live at FoxFest 2022" by Robin Rimbaud-Scanner on YouTube.

See how Robert Parker uses Mackie Micro-Series 1202 (First Series)

Robert Parker

Composer

...
Verified via Twitter

11 sept. 2016 Robert Parker mentioned the item in a tweet : "Favorite mixer: Mackie 1202/the "Daft Punk Mixer".Great for punchy kicks and snappy snares. #Mackie #1202 #daftpunk"

See how Patrick Alavi uses Mackie Micro-Series 1202 (First Series)

Patrick Alavi

Singer, Guitarist

...
Verified via Instagram

In a video on Instagram, Patrick Alavi is seen using the Mackie Micro-Series 1202 mixer while previewing the original version of "Experience," titled "Make Love 2 Me," from 2010.

See how Steve Roden uses Mackie Micro-Series 1202 (First Series)

Steve Roden

Music Producer

...
Verified via Photo

In this image from an interview with A Closer Listen, you can see the Mackie Micro-Series 1202 front and center. In the interview Steve Roden talks about how he is not a fan of more fancy mixers, and that he finds them some what confusing. The reason he has stuck with this one is because its simple and he has had it for 20 years, meaning he knows it very well.

Album Usage

The Mackie Micro-Series 1202 (First Series) has been featured on the following albums:

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 Micro-Series 1202 (First Series), it is most commonly used with the following gear.

Lexicon MPX 550
Lexicon MPX 550 Effects Processors
1
SWR Super Redhead bass combo
SWR Super Redhead bass combo Bass Combo Amplifiers
1
SWR Big Ben 1x18
SWR Big Ben 1x18 Bass Amplifier Cabinets
1
QSC RMX 2450
QSC RMX 2450 Power Amplifiers
1
SWR Spellbinder Blue Bass Amp
SWR Spellbinder Blue Bass Amp Bass Combo Amplifiers
1
Focusrite OctoPre MkII
Focusrite OctoPre MkII Preamps & Channel Strips
1
Fender Twin Reverb Head
Fender Twin Reverb Head Guitar Amplifier Heads
1
SWR Goliath III 4x10
SWR Goliath III 4x10 Bass Amplifier Cabinets
1

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