Mackie 1642-VLZ3 Compact Mixer

Features:

VASTLY SUPERIOR XDR2™ MIC PREAMPS

The 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 1642-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. You simply won’t find preamps this good on any other mixer in this price range.

THREE KINDS OF CHANNEL STRIPS

1. Channels 1–8 are essentially the same as those on the 1604-VLZ3, with mono line-level input and ultra-high-quality XDR2 mic preamps. These VLZ (Very Low Impedance) mic pres offer superior sound quality and the best RFI rejection of any compact mixer on the market.

2. Channels 9/10 and 11/12 (two physical channel strips) each provide a stereo pair of line-level inputs and a mono XDR2 mic preamp.

3. Channels 13/14 and 15/16 (also in two physical channel strips) each provide a stereo pair of line-level inputs only, with fixed 4-band equalization at points that are specifically designed for line-level inputs, such as keyboards, sound modules, etc.

TWO UNIQUE EQUALIZATION FORMATS

High-quality equalization is a must for any good mixer, that's why Mackie didn't cut any corners on the 1642-VLZ3. Channels 1-8 feature the same world-renowned 3-band Active equalization that you'll find on the 1604-VLZ3. Tremendous resources went into optimizing the center points of these mic channel equalizers, with the Lows at 80Hz and the Highs at 12kHz. Midrange compensation is handled by a peaking control with a two-octave variable frequency center. This means the Mids can be swept from 100Hz all the way up to 8kHz—with a boost or cut of 15dB. Mackie designed a fixed 4-band, “musically-correct” EQ for the remaining channels, which are primarily intended for line-level signals, such as keyboards, sound modules, and drum machines. This all adds up to practical, useful equalization, with the tone-shaping facility to actually improve the musical nature of the original signal.

PROFESSIONAL FEATURES

The Mackie 1642-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, it also has a Control Room/Phones source matrix, Master Aux section with EFX to Monitor, tape outputs, a high-volume headphone amplifier, channels 1-8 direct outs, and balanced XLR and balanced/unbalanced TRS outputs.

BUILT MACKIE TOUGH

All VLZ3 mixers are built tough. The legendary solid-steel chassis can take the kind of abuse that would turn competitors' flimsy boxes into so much scrap. And instead of cheap, unsealed potentiometers, it uses co-molded pots, which offer substantial strain relief at all critical points. By design, the control knobs “ride” just above the surface of the chassis, so if something heavy falls onto the mixer, the impact is transferred from the knobs to the steel chassis—not to the potentiometers or circuit board. Finally, to eliminate potential circuit board damage, it uses a thick, horizontally mounted fiberglass PC board, braced with a shock-absorbing support structure. Nobody builds ’em tougher than Mackie!

SUPERIOR SOUND QUALITY

Above all, the 1642-VLZ3 has superior sound quality, wide dynamic range, tons of headroom and extremely low noise, allowing you to create high-quality professional output. Whether you're tracking in the project studio or laying down the truth in front of a live audience, you can always count on the Mackie 1642-VLZ3 to provide superb sound quality and extreme versatility.