Mackie 1604VLZ4 – 16-Channel 4-Bus Mixer with Onyx Preamps

The Mackie 1604VLZ4 is a professional 16-channel, 4-bus mixer designed for live sound, studios, broadcast environments and installations that demand pristine audio and rugged reliability. With Onyx mic preamps on all 16 channels, flexible routing options and Mackie’s signature high-headroom/low-noise architecture, it delivers clean, powerful performance in a compact, road-ready design.

Key Features

• Sixteen Onyx microphone preamps: Premium preamps offer 60 dB of gain, ultra-low distortion and excellent RF rejection—ideal for broadcast and demanding live environments.
• Extensive routing & connectivity: Eight direct outs, four group buses, four AUX sends and four stereo returns support multi-track recording and complex live setups.
• 3-band EQ with sweepable mids: Flexible tone-shaping on every channel allows precise sculpting for vocals and instruments.
• High-headroom design: +22 dBu line handling and low-noise circuitry ensure clean mixes with ample dynamic range.
• Rugged build for touring & installation: Sealed rotary controls resist dust and grime, while the steel chassis is built to withstand heavy use.

Customer Benefits

The 1604VLZ4 gives engineers a powerful, dependable analog workflow with professional-grade preamps and intuitive control. Its combination of flexibility, durability and sound quality suits everything from band gigs and club installations to broadcast studios and field recording. With included rack ears, it integrates easily into mobile rigs and fixed setups.

Quick Specs

• Channels: 16
• Mic preamps: 16 Onyx preamps
• EQ: 3-band EQ with sweepable mids
• Filters: 75 Hz low-cut (18 dB/oct) on mic channels
• Inserts: 16 channel inserts
• AUX sends: 4
• Direct outs: 8
• Subgroups: 4 buses
• Faders: 60 mm log-taper
• Meters: 12-segment stereo
• Construction: Steel chassis, sealed rotary knobs
• Rackmountable: Rack ears included

What’s in the Box

• Mackie 1604VLZ4 mixer
• Rack ears
• Power cable
• Documentation

Use Cases / Ideal For

Live sound mixing, band setups, worship spaces, clubs, event venues, conference rooms, broadcast applications, multi-track recording, video post-production and field recording.

Compatibility

Works with all microphones, line-level devices, outboard processors, PA systems and monitoring setups. Phantom power supports condenser microphones on all preamp channels.

Pros & Cons

✅ Pros:

• Sixteen high-quality Onyx preamps for clean, detailed sound
• Extensive routing with direct outs, AUX sends and subgroups
• Rugged, professional build quality
• Sweepable mid EQ for precise tone shaping
• Rack ears included for flexible installation

⚠️ Cons:

• No USB interface or built-in effects
• Analog-only workflow may not suit hybrid digital setups

The Mackie 1604VLZ4 combines premium audio performance with rock-solid reliability, making it a trusted choice for live engineers, studios and broadcast environments — available at Soundium.