Mackie 402-VLZ3

The Mackie 402-VLZ3 is a very small affordable mixer that is great for a home or personal studio. It cost less than 100 dollars and is a 4 channel analog mixer that has 2 microphone inputs and 4 different line inputs. The microphone pre amps are pretty decent though they could be a lot better but for less than $100 you really can expect much more. This mixer is perfect for home recording or out and about recording and running broadcast or “pod casting”. The small and compact size of the unit makes it very portable and easy to take around with you. I have dropped mine more times than I would have liked to but the only thing that happens is it will get a little scratched up, none of the knobs have ever broke off and I have had some pretty bad drops with it because I use to take it everywhere with me. I have been using the Mackie 402-VLZ3 for about 13 months now and it is still standing strong.


UTILIZATION

This mixer is simple to set up and only takes a few minutes before you are up and running like you have had it for a while. It does come with a manual but I don’t think I even opened it once. Mackie mixers are known for the quality and low price and this is no exception to that theory.


SOUNDS

The mixer is very quiet and does not generate much of any sounds like humming or hissing. EQ is decent, and depending on which microphones you use with it will depend on how good the final recording sound is. It is not just about the mixer, if you don’t have decent microphones to compliment it.


OVERALL OPINION

For the price, it will get you by for now at your home or small set up. Eventually I needed more which is why I don’t use this for home anymore. But I do keep it on me a lot when I am out an about to do certain things with it on the go and it works great for that. I am happy that I purchased it, and decided to keep it even though I don’t use it for a home set up anymore. It comes in handy when I have stuff going on outside because I am not afraid of something happening to it.

Mixer comprising:
- 2 main channels XLR (microphone with switchable 48V phantom globally) or TRS (line or instrument), adjustable gain, routable in mono (1 -> L / R and 2 -> L / R) or stereo (1 -> and 2 L -> R). These channels include a low-cut and serious basic corrective / treble.
- 2 side lanes TRS line level (1 L = mono jack, 2 jacks 3 and 4 = stereo).
In addition it is possible to connect a recorder (RCA tape in / out) and even monitor it ...
L / R outputs are TRS jack. It is possible to connect a stereo headphone (adjustable level).
All settings are made by rotary potentiometer, which is more than enough to use ...
Viewing the output level bar graph LED: 6 green, 1 orange, red (x 2). Perfect!
Warning!
- No PFL
- No Aux
this is not a mixer!

UTILIZATION

Use very simple. Never needed to read the instructions, everything is basic and obvious. I recommend a carrying case to protect it.
I especially appreciate the input jacks 1 and 2 switchable instrument ', ie high impedance (my bouzouki has K & K cells). The same effect as an active DI with basic corrections more ...
I regret that there is no exit 'DI', but hey, connect a DI and further behind, it's nothing at all ... and I put the other output to the auxiliary input of my amp Genz Benz, and presto, a personal back ...
Low -> Main Entrance Genz Benz (Shuttle 3.0 / 10T)
DI output Genz Benz -> PA
Tambura -> Track 1 Mackie (mono)
Bouzouki -> Channel 2 Mackie (mono)
The output of the Mackie -> DI -> PA
R output of the Mackie -> Genz Benz Auxiliary Input
So 3 instruments, 2 inputs on the console sound system ... It's cool ...

SOUNDS

I can reproduce the problem without instruments or sound level, including the bouzouki with high impedance sensors K & K.
Equalization is basic and I use little.
No breath detected if the gain and level course is correctly used ...

OVERALL OPINION

In use for 4 years. This is the only model on the market at the time that matched my needs. (Enter HiZ and phantom power). I think it has not changed and that the current model (2014) is equivalent VLZ4 802.
Unbeatable value for money when I bought it (100 € in 2011).
I see no reason to change, if not for a 4 way model with 2 auxiliary (pre, post), but not found with instrument inputs, making it necessary to use an active DI Input (not very complicated but the bazaar more ...) I do so wish there ...

Very good small mixer for small home studio.
I use it for my PC and MXL V67G studio mic.
The advantage is that with this mackie not need a microphone with push-10db and breaking capacity low because everything is already over.
I say YES and I recommend it to those who have a small budjet and a small home studio.
The least: there is no EQ on every track but hey we will not complain

UTILIZATION

no need to config it is an analogue desk.

SOUNDS

It is the fluid level I do not hear so well shuffle.
Effective EQ.

OVERALL OPINION

No other models tested but I read the reviews on Audiofanzine it and I have relied before buying.
Not even for € 10 + was a YAMAHA MG102C, perhaps it is as well I do not know.

This mixer has
2 XLR / Jack with EQ LOW / HIGH (phantom power)
1 x stereo (two jacks)
1 RCA input

The sound can come out of
1 x headphones (roughly jack)
1 RCA
2 stereo output jack (for mixer)

UTILIZATION

Although it takes a little getting used to the mix for a beginner, it is relatively easy to use.

My use of the mixer was able to use it in conjunction with a EMU404 to have the gain on the input of the soundcard.
It can also serve as a micro amp

I used to amplify mics / bass / guitar.

SOUNDS

The sound is pretty much correct, by the equalizers do against me was useless.

I had no problem with breathing.
My level mixing does not allow me to say that it is transparent but the pre amp seems good, they have much to boost the sound.

OVERALL OPINION

I have to use it for almost 2 years since I bought a motu so it does really useful.

What I disliked: I wish to use it for both address inputs and outputs of my sound card. This would have allowed me to expand my headphone with headphones output.
but in this context is the mixer output transplanted in the entries.

The gain did not really small indent in order to be able to store the gain level.

What's good: Solid, did its job, the input / output RCA convenient (can be injected into the mix or not the RCA)