Mackie 1604 VLZ3 Mixer

While keeping the features and functionality of its predecessor, the Mackie 1604-VLZ3 offers even greater headroom than the original. The redesigned the Mix Bus circuitry upgrades to the EQ give the 1604-VLZ3 a highly intuitive, more musical feel.

Vastly Superior XDR2 Mic Preamps

Our new XDR2 (Extended Dynamic Range) second-generation mic preamps are better than ever. They offer incredibly low noise, with individual mic pre THD below 0.0007, and overall mixer THD less than 0.0025. With 60dB of available gain per channel, the 1604-VLZ3 can handle inputs ranging from a whisper to a scream, and can even handle hot line-level signals up to +22db, without any added coloration.

Professional Features

The Mackie 1604-VLZ3 mixer is packed with premium features on every channel; 75Hz Low-Cut filters, four Aux Sends, inserts, phantom power, constant-loudness Pan controls, OL (overload) and signal present LEDs, sub and main mix assign switches, and assignable AFL/PFL Solo switch. And since you can never have too many output options, Mackie provided a Control Room/Phones source matrix, Master Aux section with EFX to Monitor, tape outputs, high-volume headphone amplifier, channels 1-8 direct outs, and balanced XLR and balanced/unbalanced TRS outputs.

Three-band equalization with Sweepable Mids

High-quality equalization is a must for any good mixer, and Mackie didn't cut any corners when it came to their 3-band Active EQs included on every channel. Midrange compensation is handled by a peaking control with a two-octave variable frequency center. This means the Mids can be swept from a low of 100Hz, all the way up to 8kHz with a boost or cut of 15dB. This gives VLZ3 mixers practical, useful equalization, providing not only sonic enhancement and correction, but also the tone-shaping facility to actually improve the musical nature of the original signal.

Split-Monitoring

With split monitoring, you can use the first eight channels for your sound sources: vocal mics, drum mics, etc. From there, the channels manipulate the sound, but are not assigned to the output section. Instead, they're patched from the channel's DIRECT OUT jacks to the corresponding multitrack input (DIRECT OUT 1 to multitrack input 1, 2 to 2, 3 to 3, etc.). The signals will now be recorded or passed directly through the multitrack, depending on each track's record-ready status.

Features/Specifications:

• New ultra-low noise VLZ3 design with highest possible headroom
• 16 studio-grade XDR2 Extended Dynamic Range mic preamps with:
• Ultra-wide 60dB gain range
• 130dB dynamic range
• +22dBu line input handling
• Extended low frequency response
• Distortion under 0.0007 (20Hz - 20kHz)
• Phantom power for studio condenser mics
• 16 high-headroom line inputs, 16 channel inserts
• Advanced DC pulse transformer RF rejection
• 60mm long-wearing logarithmic-taper faders
• 4 Aux sends, level, pan, -20dB/Solo and Overload/Mute_LEDs on each channel
• 4 stereo Aux returns, 8 Direct outs, 4 Group/Bus outputs
• 3-band Active EQ with sweepable midrange
• 18dB/oct. 75Hz Lo-Cut filter
• Control Room/Phones multi-input source matrix
• Balanced 1/4" inputs and outputs (except inserts)
• Rack-mountable design with three physical configurations via rotating I/O pod
• Sealed rotary controls to resist dust and grime
• New Multi-Voltage power supply for worldwide use
• Rugged steel chassis
• Includes Tracktion 3 Music Production Software for Mac or PC