All user reviews of 4/5 for the Mackie 1604-VLZ Pro

Classic analog mixer 16 among mono (48V XLR mic / line TRS) + 2 among stro (Line TRS)
Outputs L / R and SUB (<75Hz to subwoofer) XLR. L / R TRS
2 auxiliary bus PRE / POST (returns or effects)
2 POST auxiliary buses (effects, including a built-)
I / O analog recording (CINCH)
Corrections:
- Mono: Grave / Medium paramtrique / Acute
- Stro: Grave, Medium 1, Medium 2, Treble
Mini graphic equalizer on the L / R

Dtails here: http://www.mackie.com/fr/products/cfx20mkii/
Manual: http://www.mackie.com/pdf/CFXMKIISeries_OM.pdf



USE

Operation is simple and intuitive. The manual is very clear and gives many examples of use (missing, however the console coupling, but it is very simple with 2 among STREO ...).

The only point a little strange is the lack of direct assignment of a path to L / R. While not pass SUB, which is somewhat surprising departure. But it is well explained in the manual.

For example, for a basic operation:
Assign each channel 1/2
Assign subs 1 and 2 L / R
Set the level of subs 1 and 2 U

Once we understand a, a roll.

You can also assign a group of 3/4, which enables rapid mixing a group (drums, chorus, violin section etc.)

Note the presence of an output STREO (mix) supplmentaire (Utility) with indpendant level rglage (but taken after the main mix) for sound to another room or the back of the room etc.


SONORITS

It is the quality Mackie. Net and are right, no coloring, no breath if we know rgler its levels ...
equalizers formidable. Use with prcaution!

The equalizer output is a little gadget, but it can help in simple cases ...


NOTICE GLOBAL

I use it for over a year. Absolutely nothing wrong, except that I want another one for 32 channels on hand! (Last sono: 28 tracks with 12 channels + 2 extension pr-mix 2-> 1 ...)

In the 80s, I had an Allen and Heath 16/4/2 I'd improves (recblage buses, mute, level LEDs per channel direct outputs, headphone amplifier etc. ) .dropoff window With Mackie, I have everything!

I appreciates the sound quality, the precision of rglages, 2 among stro that allow me extension, SUB output (for subwoofer) ...

I only regret the absence of direct assignment L / R by, but that's a detail. Also, two departures AUX / PRE have more t ... apprcis (never enough mix back ...). Too bad the AUX 3 and 4 may not be in the PRE connects ...

Too old to move to digital ...

The Mackie 1604 VLZ presents great ... in a small space rackabble format std 19 "
first has already seen everything looks very solid, steel table, short fader (80mm) and solid knobs not the type to let go after six months .... OK

16 mono tracks, four subgroups and a master. each slice with a gain control (10 - 40db)
To 6 (2 pre / post, 2 post and switchable between 2 to 3 / 4 and 5 / 6 post fader)
qualisation a very correct with sweepable mid frequency (low medium recess semiparametric would have been better but ...
the low a 80hz / 15 db, the medium range from 100 Hz to 8 kHz + / - 15 db and a high 12kHz / 15 db

connection level while TRS is 6.3, balanced XLR, inserts. D.out etc.. insert master, all but ... master XLR output! which for an ideal table size for the live gives an impression of slight rat!

The master section is very correct with The possibilities of routing effects returns, in the tape, the control of the C / R etc.. but I think a control for the headphone spar would have been better (again this is a table that most live studio although it may well be used in the studio.
I just added a possibility to choose headphones 0db (pre or post master)

48V phantom power supply overall has obviously (a power supply on each track would have been pretty good but the chipottte I)

UTILIZATION

The use is a denfant games .... it is very flexible and allows a lot of'astuce whether for recording or live use.

the manual is clear and is dotted with small jokes signs makie.

the EQ is very clean (although a short breath when you shoot), there is a button aussin a 70Hz low cut very useful, especially on the HH and snares in complex mixes (which avoids the breath and provides a better Fair Resort snares an example of a tom)

SOUNDS

The pure sound mackie .... we like it or not ..... I personally find it a bit cold compared to an Allen & Heath GL or soundcraft .... but the two schools of thought: the sound of American mackie vs soundcraft sound English ..... each style (and budget) for the mackie costs 2 times cheaper than Allen & Heath 16 tracks (!) Obviously ca account but must also consider the difference in price between a nine and a Mackie MIDAS venice ... and Yappa picture because for less than twice the price midas balance are 10 times more! Finally, good short ...

anyway it sounds good even when, pushing it a bit especially if you put a compressor as an insert on the master out.

and then if it is used for the live she does her taf without flinching!

OVERALL OPINION

Matos very strong nothing to say, it holds the road .... exception of small mute button that is jumping a few times and that I had to glue together (2 times in 6 years ...)

after is a matter of taste is what we like or not the mackie?
In any case, value for price is very Reglo!

The console is by adding back rack ears provided with.
The upper block of the console, or is all the connections can be set to dissociate themselves in different ways. By setting the block on the back of the console, it saves the units when the front rack.

There are 16 single units with panoramic parametric equalizer, gain control, mute, solo and 6 auxiliary sends.
The auxiliary 1 and 2 are switchable pre / post fader.
A button "low cut" below the low setting potentiometer is used to cut the infra low (the difference is really obvious).
In addition to the faders are the buttons on bus route to the 4 "sub" or directly to the stereo master output "main mix".

each of the 16 votes are equipped with XLR microphone input, insert and line inputs on balanced jack 6.35. The console has a 48 volt power supply.
Every 1 to 8 in a direct output jack 6.35 (for 8-track recording).
The buses and the stereo outputs "main mix" are balanced jack 6.35.

At the back are usually insert a "hand insert" to address all of the console with a processor dybamique example.
There are conference and out "tape" on RCA for recording and playback K7, DAT or other recording device.
Output "control room" on 6.35 jack can connect monitors with the front volume knob and switches to select what one wants to listen (pat, sub 1-2, 3-4 sub hand mix.

Section of returns "stereo to return" allows different assignments, through switches, the "subs" or "main mix" and other routing.

UTILIZATION

Who has the habit of using analog consoles there's not rocket science.

Meanwhile compact leaves little room for fingers between the various switches and potentiometer but the fact that it gives him the ability to be rack is quickly forget this more or less annoying. For me, mine is in a rack with my expander and effects, it is a good space saving and is convenient in its use.
The switch to turn on the console and the 48 volt power supply located on the back side with the connectivity and rack when it's really not very practical

Memory the manual was pretty clear, although in English. the different possible configurations of the consoles were explained and illustrated with diagrams.

SOUNDS

I'm not an engineer and I'm not trained to listen very much precision, but for having had the opportunity to try and listen to other consoles I've always preferred the sound of the Mackie . There really is a very good preamp which provides an excellent listening and dynamics, the "big" sound as some would say.

The parametric EQ is really effective when you turn the knob means and notament real difference in the bass that have made an excellent especially in the lower frequencies. The switch "low cut" removes the sub bass.

May be a small trainer must Suffle and if so I've never paid attention. This is one of the charms of the analog and for those looking for a sound console of this type will satisfy the Mackie pleinenement.

OVERALL OPINION

I've had a little over 10 years and is an integral part of my home studio.

I really like the insert general "main insert" that allows you to connect a dynamics processor to handle all of the console. I have connected with an Aphex Aural Exciter and Big Bottom gives me all her final.
To the downside, if there really negative aspect, the switch and phantom power on the back which is not practical rack and can be the eternal lack of voice, but 16 votes rack c ' is already pretty good ...

I bought it new and at the time she was around for 7000 francs. I did it revise once there it 3 or 4 years. He just had to change the volume control of the "control room" and the technician told me that apart from that it is in perfect condition.

I have a hard time separating myself today, and if I had to buy a console of this type I will take this model without hesitation.

for features, the easiest way is to go to the Mackie website and download the description in pdf

http://www.mackie.com/pdf/1604vlzpro_ss.pdf

the gain is a strong point of this console, to saturate the preamp should do it on purpose!

it'll have been perfect with a switch on / off the eq

UTILIZATION

Console easy to use, if a neophyte find her soon. attention all the same with the aux can be injected at all, or part returns 1 and 2 in the aux send 1 and 2. Wholesale feedback guaranteed.

The bus system is still interesting for the registration night, it can send a strong signal on your tape recorder, while having a different volume on the master.

using a patch see two 2 * 24 is most useful when you start to have much possibility of routing.

I liked a switch on / off the equalizer.

the image of the series sr-xx-04 still the same brand, have an auxiliary section 100% usable simultaneously would have been a big plus. then we can not use that 4 simultaneously on each track. we must choose between the pair 3 / 4 or 5 / 6.

Despite racing 60mm faders, their movement can be smooth, they offer a slight resistance avoiding the jumps when they are moving slowly. Moreover, all the knobs on this console have a slight resistance to movement.


SOUNDS

I would say that this console has body. before this one had a phonic, see notice filed for those concerned, here one feels the difference, really, and immediately the entire registry! is at once more dynamic. to side, it could put the word "fairly" to all floors: one can get a result quite late, we may get a kick powerful enough, rather twisted, we just get way hot enough, it can get quite easily all characters sound.

coupled to various audio processors, the results can be quite impressive!

after, it is clear that if we want to excellence finesse, excellent kick punchy, with a twist and extreme music, a way like hot embers, bin, will go on very high end . 1500% after the euro tranche. this is not the same budget!

Note 10/10 is for me the value price for the second hand market.


OVERALL OPINION

this console will be able to render great service, see be used as the centerpiece of a project. She will be able to receive all kind of sound, with a result good enough to claim the final draft over mix, be it in home or studio setup small musical scenes.

if you want to ride quality, must immediately spend more than double!

coast decreases so does not, normal, well maintained, they do not age, keep a 10 years? no problem.