Mackie 1604VLZ4 is a 16-channel compact analog 4-bus mixer from the studio and recording equipment category in which every one of the 16 channels carries an Onyx preamp, a line input and a balanced insert — with no exceptions and no division into first- and second-class channels. Main mix noise of -88.5 dBu (92 dB S/N ref +4 dBu), EIN of -128.5 dBu and THD below 0.0007% at 35 dB gain place the 1604VLZ4 above most compact mixers in this format. It is a long-established platform in professional broadcast and post-production facilities, on stage and in conference rooms across more than two decades.
16 Onyx preamps and 16 balanced inserts — one quality level across every channel
Unlike the 1642VLZ4, where stereo channels carry a different EQ and some channels lack inserts, the 1604VLZ4 treats all 16 channels identically: each has an Onyx preamp with a 60 dB gain range, 3-band EQ with sweepable mid (100 Hz to 8 kHz, ±15 dB), an 18 dB/octave low-cut filter at 75 Hz and a full balanced insert. That means 16 parallel insert points through which an external compressor, EQ or effect unit can be patched without any routing behind the console. Six aux sends — four standard and two additional via a SHIFT 5/6 button — support complex monitoring configurations and multi-loop effect setups simultaneously.
Control room section, eight direct outs and four stereo returns
Channels 1-8 carry direct outputs for recording each of those channels to a separate track without affecting the rest of the mix. 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 — standard practice in broadcast and post-production applications. Four stereo returns accommodate effect processors or additional stereo sources. The mixer mounts in a rack in three physical configurations via the Rotopod accessory (sold separately) or with the included standard rack ears. A powder-coated steel chassis and sealed rotary controls close the picture of a console built for both studio and road.
KEY FEATURES
- 16 channels, each with Onyx preamp, line input and balanced insert
- 4-bus architecture (4 subgroups + L/R main bus)
- 16 Onyx mic preamps — 60 dB gain range, EIN -128.5 dBu, THD < 0.0007%
- Dynamic range: 128.5 dB
- 16 balanced inserts on every channel
- EQ (all channels): 3-band with sweepable mid 100 Hz – 8 kHz, ±15 dB + 18 dB/oct low-cut @ 75 Hz
- 6 aux sends (4 standard + 2 via SHIFT 5/6)
- 4 stereo returns
- 8 direct outputs (channels 1-8)
- 4 group/bus outputs
- 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, rack ears included
- Multi-voltage universal power supply
- Weight: 9.1 kg
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
- Channels: 16 (all mono, identical specification)
- Architecture: 4-bus (4 subgroups + L/R main bus)
- Main mix noise (fader unity, channels down): -88.5 dBu (S/N 92 dB ref +4 dBu)
- Main mix noise (fader unity, channels unity): -82.5 dBu
- THD (1 kHz @ 35 dB gain): mic in → insert send < 0.0007% / 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): mute -84 dBu / gain down -84 dBu
- Maximum input levels: mic in +22 dBu / all other inputs +22 dBu
- Maximum output levels: main TRS 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)
- EQ (all channels, 3-band): 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
- 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: 44.0 cm (W) x 43.3 cm (D) x 12.9 cm (H)
- Weight: 9.1 kg (20.0 lbs)
