Mackie 1604VLZ4 16-channel Compact Analog Low-Noise Mixer w/ 16 ONYX Preamps

The Mackie 1604VLZ4 is a 16-channel compact analog 4-bus mixer for bands, houses of worship, broadcast rooms and project studios that need a mic input on every channel. All 16 channels carry a boutique-quality Onyx preamp with a 60 dB gain range, 128.5 dB dynamic range, +22 dBu line input handling and distortion under 0.0007%, so a full drum kit, horn section and vocal group can run at the same time without thin or noisy channels. Switchable phantom power feeds studio condensers.

Sixteen balanced inserts let you patch a hardware compressor or gate into individual channels without giving up an input. Three-band EQ with a sweepable midrange lets you hunt down feedback and boxy tone instead of guessing at fixed points, and an 18 dB/oct 75 Hz low-cut filter clears stage rumble. Four aux sends cover monitor mixes and effects, with four stereo returns coming back in. Eight direct outs feed a multitrack recorder or interface, and four group outputs plus per-channel solo and overload LEDs give you real subgroup control.

The control room and phones matrix pulls from multiple sources for cueing, and 12-segment stereo meters read clearly in low light. Sealed rotary controls resist dust and grime, and the steel chassis with powder-coat finish takes the abuse of weekly load-ins. The optional Rotopod accessory reconfigures the chassis three ways, so the same mixer works on a desk, at front of house or in a rack. The multi-voltage power supply runs anywhere in the world.