Mackie 3204VLZ4 is a 32-channel analog 4-bus mixer from the studio and recording equipment category, equipped with 28 Onyx microphone preamplifiers offering a 60 dB gain range and an equivalent input noise of -128.5 dBu. Two 32-bit RMFX+ effect processors with 24 live-ready algorithms, a 24-bit 4x2 USB interface and eight single-knob compressors — four on key input channels and four on subgroups — make the 3204VLZ4 the first mixer in the VLZ history that genuinely eliminates the need for an outboard effects rack and a separate dynamics processor on the road.
Onyx preamp — 128.5 dB dynamic range, distortion below 0.0007%
The Onyx preamp is a fully balanced discrete amplifier with a single continuous gain control spanning 0 to 60 dB — no switched gain ranges, no character shift at different settings. The 128.5 dB dynamic range and THD below 0.0007% across 20 Hz to 50 kHz are figures that hold up against dedicated outboard preamps. Each of the 28 mono channels carries a 3-band EQ with sweepable mid (100 Hz to 8 kHz, ±15 dB) and an 18 dB/octave low-cut filter at 100 Hz. The four stereo channels have a 4-band fixed-frequency EQ. Six aux sends with pre/post fader switching and dedicated inserts cover stage monitoring, effect returns and parallel outboard processing without compromising the main signal path.
RMFX+, 4x2 USB and compressors on every subgroup
Both RMFX+ processors run simultaneously and independently — each delivering 24 effects including reverbs, choruses and tap delay accessible from the front panel without navigating menus. The processed signal routes directly to the main mix or to the stereo channels, where it passes through EQ, aux sends and a 60 mm fader for precise level control. The 4x2 USB interface at 24-bit/44.1 or 48 kHz lets you stream up to four signals simultaneously to a DAW — subgroups 1-4 or the master L/R — and return a stereo mix from the computer to a mixer channel or directly to the mains for playback. Sealed rotary controls keep dust, grime and spills out of the potentiometers during live operation. A powder-coated steel chassis closes the picture of the durability that has defined the VLZ line throughout its history.
KEY FEATURES
- 32 channels, 4-bus architecture (4 subgroups + L/R main bus)
- 28 Onyx mic preamps — 60 dB gain range, EIN -128.5 dBu, THD < 0.0007%
- 28 high-headroom line inputs — maximum +22 dBu
- Dynamic range: 128.5 dB
- Mono EQ (channels 1-28): 3-band with sweepable mid 100 Hz – 8 kHz, ±15 dB + 18 dB/oct low-cut @ 100 Hz
- Stereo EQ (channels 29-32): 4-band with fixed frequencies
- Single-knob compressors: 4 x on key mono inputs (ch. 25-28) + 4 x on subgroups
- 6 aux sends with pre/post fader switching and inserts
- 2 stereo returns, 4 group outputs with inserts
- Dual 32-bit RMFX+ processors — 24 effects each (reverbs, choruses, tap delay)
- 24-bit 4x2 USB interface (44.1/48 kHz) — 4-channel DAW streaming, stereo return
- +48 V phantom power
- PFL/AFL solo modes
- 60 mm log-taper faders
- 12-segment stereo meters
- Sealed rotary controls
- Powder-coated steel chassis, universal power supply
- Weight: 17.7 kg
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
- Channels: 32 (28 mono + 4 stereo)
- Architecture: 4-bus (4 subgroups + L/R main bus)
- Main mix noise (fader unity, channels down): -84.5 dBu (S/N 88.5 dB ref +4 dBu)
- Main mix noise (fader unity, channels unity): -80.0 dBu
- THD (1 kHz @ 15 dB gain): mic in → insert send < 0.001% / mic in → main out < 0.005%
- EIN (mic input → insert send, max gain, 150 Ω): -128.5 dBu (20 Hz – 20 kHz)
- Dynamic range: 128.5 dB
- CMRR: > 70 dB @ 1 kHz
- Frequency response: +0/-1 dB, 20 Hz – 50 kHz
- Attenuation/crosstalk (1 kHz): channel mute -90 dBu / channel fader down -88 dBu
- Maximum input levels: mic in +21 dBu / all other inputs +21 dBu
- Maximum output levels: main XLR out +27 dBu / all other outputs +21 dBu
- Mic input impedance: 2.7 kΩ
- Other input impedances: 10 kΩ or greater
- Output impedances: 120 Ω (tape out < 10 Ω)
- Mono EQ (3-band): High shelf ±15 dB @ 12 kHz / Mid peak ±15 dB sweep 100 Hz – 8 kHz / Low shelf ±15 dB @ 80 Hz
- Stereo EQ (4-band): High shelf ±15 dB @ 12 kHz / Hi-Mid peak ±15 dB @ 2.5 kHz / Lo-Mid peak ±15 dB @ 400 Hz / Low shelf ±15 dB @ 80 Hz
- Low-cut filter: 18 dB/oct, -3 dB @ 100 Hz (mono channels)
- USB: format 1.1, 4-channel output + stereo input, 24-bit, 44.1/48 kHz
- Power consumption: 65 W
- Power supply: 100–120 V AC / 200–240 V AC, 50–60 Hz (universal)
- Operating temperature: 0°C – 40°C
- Dimensions: 96.4 cm (W) x 48.6 cm (D) x 15.3 cm (H)
- Weight: 17.7 kg (39.0 lbs)
