Mackie 2402 VLZ4 Audio Mixer
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Editor's Note 12-7-13:
This First Impression article was written in early August, before we had a chance to get our hands on the new VLZ4 mixer. All that has changed. Last month Mackie sent us a review unit, and our full review of the new 3204VLZ4 is now scheduled for the January/February 2014 Winter NAMM issue of Church Production Magazine.
We can however, give you a preview. Here is what reviewer, Nolan Rossi, monitor engineer for Kari Jobe (and others) says about the new Mackie 3204VLZ4 32-Channel, Four-bus FX Mixer with USB:
“This mixer sounds fantastic, and I'd have no problem using it to mix a Sunday morning service.”
“This mixer has all the cool stuff that defines the new hybrid analog/digital console category.”
“It has a list of features that you may not be used to seeing in a Mackie mixer.”
I am impressed that Mackie is keeping the same price points as their previous models
“You can EQ the effects and ride the faders for your effects like you would on a larger format console. Pretty cool!”
“How do the compressors sound? Really good! I was pleasantly surprised that these sounded so natural.”]
Mackie first revealed the new VLZ4 series mixers to select dealers, distributors and press at a covert, off-site event just before InfoComm this past June. But before we were allowed access, we had to agree not to publish the announcement, and our thoughts on the new line until after August 1. While we did have some hands-on time with the new series, we haven't yet received a review unit. So we'll have to wait to tell you how it sounds.
Here's what we do know: Mackie has announced the new VLZ4 Series of analog mixers. The eight new mixers will take the place of the previous VLZ3 line. Mackie is promoting three types of upgrades in the new series: new ergonomic design, the addition of Mackie's reknowned Onyx preamps, and new op amps that are designed to produce a very low noise floor.
The VLZ4 series has a new look and ergonomic design that includes upgraded faders with “improved feel,” high-contrast knobs built to be easy to see in low-light situations, and a sleek black, powered-coat finish. The “built like a tank” design, as the company calls it, features a wrap around chassis and grime-resistant sealed rotary pots. Based on my experience with earlier VLZ models, and the demonstration at the InfoComm press event where they had a guy stand up on one, I imagine this will live up to the expectation. I must say I do like the new look and feel.
Onyx preamps are now included in the entire VLZ4 line. With the M80 op-amp, the VLZ4 series is said to have the highest headroom with the lowest noise floor ever. Providing better channel separation and better high-frequency response, Mackie says that their Onyx preamp can go “toe-to-toe” with boutique preamps. In fact in their VLZ4 overview video Mackie emphasize this point by putting images of high-end preamps (such as Neve, Grace Design, and Manley) next to an image of the Onyx logo and preamp. I've got to hand to Mackie because you need to have a lot of confidence in your product to say this. They are essentially saying that 32 channels of Onyx preamps are as good (and cost less) than two channels of Neve preamps. No offense to Mackie or the Onyx preamp designers but that is a bold notion to suggest. I'll believe it when I hear it.
I am impressed that Mackie is keeping the same price points as their previous models. From the smallest model, the 402VLZ4 desktop mixer (MSRP $129.99) to the largest, the 3204VLZ4 live sound mixer (MSRP $1699.99), it's nice to see consistent upgrades across the entire line with a competitive pricing structure.
Look I know it can be hard to get excited about analog mixers because they have come to be a meat-and-potato product compared to their digital counterparts. But the fact is that we use them everyday in one situation or another. Without all of the flashy features of a digital mixer, it'd be easy to breeze past the improvements here, but at the end of the day Mackie is continuing to improve upon a product that you'll probably be using this Sunday. So it'll be worth checking this out. Stay tuned for a more in-depth, hands-on review in the coming weeks.
