Mackie 1642VLZ4 is a 16-channel compact analog 4-bus mixer from the studio and recording equipment category, equipped with 10 Onyx microphone preamplifiers offering a 60 dB gain range, -128.5 dBu equivalent input noise and distortion below 0.0007%. The compact format with optional rack-mount kit, powder-coated steel chassis and sealed rotary controls place it at the same reliability level as the larger VLZ4 models — at just 8.3 kg and a footprint small enough for a desk or field bag.
Two EQ types on one console — sweepable mid on mono channels
Channels 1-8 (mono) carry a 3-band EQ with a fully sweepable midrange from 100 Hz to 8 kHz at ±15 dB, allowing precise targeting of any frequency region without collateral correction in adjacent bands. Channels 9-16 (stereo) use a fixed 4-band EQ at 80 Hz, 400 Hz, 2.5 kHz and 12 kHz — optimised for fast, predictable correction of stereo sources. An 18 dB/octave low-cut filter at 75 Hz is available on all channels, effectively removing mechanical rumble and low-frequency environmental noise before summing. Four aux sends per channel support independent monitor mixes and effect loop configurations without competing with the main bus signal path.
Control room section, ALT 3/4 bus and eight direct outputs
The dedicated control room section with a source matrix (main mix or tape in) and independent level control enables monitoring of different signals without disturbing the main bus — useful when checking a recording return alongside the live feed. The ALT 3/4 stereo bus provides additional routing flexibility: subgroups can be directed independently from the L/R bus, enabling parallel submixing or additional zone feeds. Channels 1-8 each carry a direct output for multitrack recording without patching. Four stereo returns accommodate effect processors or additional stereo sources. The mixer's multi-voltage power supply covers worldwide mains without an external adaptor.
KEY FEATURES
- 16 channels, 4-bus architecture (4 subgroups + L/R main bus + ALT 3/4)
- 10 Onyx mic preamps — 60 dB gain range, EIN -128.5 dBu, THD < 0.0007%
- 16 high-headroom line inputs — maximum +22 dBu
- Dynamic range: 128.5 dB
- Mono EQ (channels 1-8): 3-band with sweepable mid 100 Hz – 8 kHz, ±15 dB + 18 dB/oct low-cut @ 75 Hz
- Stereo EQ (channels 9-16): 4-band fixed frequency + 18 dB/oct low-cut @ 75 Hz
- 4 aux sends per channel (pre/post fader)
- 4 stereo returns
- Direct outputs on channels 1-8
- ALT 3/4 stereo bus for additional routing flexibility
- Dedicated control room section with source matrix
- +48 V phantom power (global switch)
- PFL solo
- 60 mm log-taper faders
- 12-segment stereo meters
- Sealed rotary controls
- Powder-coated steel chassis, optional rack-mount kit
- Multi-voltage universal power supply
- Weight: 8.3 kg
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
- Channels: 16 (8 mono + 4 stereo pairs)
- Architecture: 4-bus (4 subgroups + L/R main bus + ALT 3/4)
- Main mix noise (fader unity, channels down): -86.5 dBu (S/N 90 dB ref +4 dBu)
- Main mix noise (fader unity, channels unity): -86.0 dBu
- THD (1 kHz @ 35 dB gain): mic in → insert send < 0.0007%
- 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): mute -82 dBu / gain down -82 dBu
- Maximum input levels: mic in +22 dBu / all other inputs +22 dBu
- Maximum output levels: main TRS and XLR out +28 dBu / all other outputs +22 dBu
- Mic input impedance: 2.5 kΩ
- Other input impedances: 10 kΩ or greater
- Output impedances: 120 Ω (tape out 1.1 kΩ)
- Mono EQ (3-band, ch. 1-8): High shelf ±15 dB @ 12 kHz / Mid peak ±15 dB sweep 100 Hz – 8 kHz / Low shelf ±15 dB @ 80 Hz / low-cut 18 dB/oct @ 75 Hz
- Stereo EQ (4-band, ch. 9-16): 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 18 dB/oct @ 75 Hz
- Power consumption: 50 W
- Power supply: 100–120 V AC / 200–240 V AC, 50–60 Hz (multi-voltage)
- Operating temperature: 0°C – 40°C
- Dimensions: 42.5 cm (W) x 48.3 cm (D) x 13.1 cm (H)
- Weight: 8.3 kg (18.2 lbs)
