Mackie 3204 VLZ3 Mixer - In-Depth Review

[@jwrsob]

I was crossed at either buying this board for my church ( I used at Mackie SR24VLZPRO board in the late 90's thru mid 2000's)... ...or the Allen & Heath GL2400 32 Channel (which I've used one for many years at another church). But I've decided to buy this one for several reasons: 1) Training church members in sound will be MUCH easier on this board. 2) There's not a whole lot of features that we will EVER need at my church. 3) Great Pricing.

[@CCISolutions]

You can record all 32 channels using the 4 buses or the main outputs. The 3204 VLZ3 has an integrated 24-bit USB interface. Call our mixer sales-techs 800-562-6006 to make sure this is the right mixer for you!

[@RCatRecords]

I'm going out to get one in less than 30 minutes!!! Thanks for your review... huge help!!!

[@dvamateur]

I just received 3204 VLZ4, it was a long wait, but it finally came in. I didn't have a chance to test all the features yet. The looks of the VLZ4 are very good, but I think that the VLZ3 knobs seems to be better made. Not sure, maybe the the cost of the Onyx pre-amps in VLZ4 made for cheaper knobs. Not sure what to think of it. I am not going to return VLZ4 and run buy 3204 VLZ3, I just don't know what to think of it. Nonetheless, I applaud Mackie for making such great products, still.

[@dvamateur]

This is fantastic mixer for '80s junkies like me with tons for MIDI modules. My Yamaha TX816 has 8 balanced out and my Roland R8 drum machine has 10 outputs. And I didn't even start listing my MIDI gear. So, 32-channels is JUST fine. (Sill would need to use some sub mixers and connected to this Mackie's stereo inputs.) A 1990 model Macintosh Classic with MOTU Performer can driver all the synths in real time via MIDI without noticeable latency. So, four USB channels for audio is enough.

[@japhethguardian9478]

Wow please teach me how to setup live band recording?

[@SelahShalom]

can you take already recorded vocal and send them back into the mackie to one of the 24 or 32 tracks and then resend them back into the recording program software with added compression from the mackie

[@braulio95112]

i thinky you must get a A/D converter,and a D/A for your audio return,i thimk a good idea for money is to get two presonus firestudio's daisy chained with firewire and get two presonus digimax fs as extension for each firestudio,chained up with adat wire,and if you run each direct out from this mackie you can multitrack your whole inputs into pro tools

[@gaansi77]

Small correction: it should be 800Hz or 200Hz instead of 800K or 200K in the explanation done for the EQ section.

[@Sytrusze]

@CCISolutions That's true, but i just love the look of a big board sitting in my room :D

[@smeltnight2002]

Can all 32 channels be run into the DAW that you are using with usb?

[@ce.nz0]

Wait, no pan controls for the subs?

[@StefLoMusic]

Can I record simultaneous analog track from this mixer into Pro Tools and edit them all separately digitally, or does it all go into Pro Tools as a 2 track? or would i need an interface with the number of tracks that I'd like to record in order to get multi tracks in pro tools with this mixer?

[@zippygogo3660]

I've been looking for that answer also,,none of the reviews seem to address it and I find the mackie reviews quite short and not as informative as other reviews,,dont know how they can say this is in depth ,, Im thinking on going with the tascam model 24 due to lack of info on the mackie reviews,,the tascam says straight out you can record all tracks at the same time so Im really leaning to investing in one

[@chaseriddle3346]

Im wondering the same thing. You ever figure it out? Did you have to download the drivers?

[@mtyricardo00]

@@chaseriddle3346 It just goes as an stereo mix, 2 channels

[@Ladywrip]

There are two questions on this thread that have yet to be answered, and I'm also interested in getting a reply too... (1) Is the Mackie 3204vlz4 compatible with Studio One Producer, and if so do I connect the Mackie directly into my pc or into my PreSonus audiobox (sorry if this is a dumb question, but I'm new to this whole process and I just want to be clear)? (2) Can you take already recorded tracks from your DAW, send them into the Mackie and then resend them back into the DAW with added compression & fx from the Mackie?

[@dvamateur]

I have the 3204 VLZ4 version, and first thing I have to tell you, you need to invest in an FX processor. As much as I love the Mackie console, the FX group doesn't sound good. I use Sony DPS-V55 instead, and the results are fantastic. Of course you don't have to use the Sony, it's just my personal choice and long discontinued (I might need to grab another unit before they are totally gone, once I find one MIND on eBay). You should be able to use Lexicon MX400 or something like that with the same or better results as the Sony. Also, I would stay away from USB 1.1 digital interface built into the 3204 consoles. I'd get either an external IEEE 1394 interface, or Thurnderbolt (I'd stay away from buffer type interfaces as USB, and stick to the ones designed for real-time bit transfer). Or, in my case, I am planning to get the four channel Edirol R-44, and not only the sound quality will be great, but also I will be computer free altogether during the recording sessioin. So, these are my suggestions. You see, the 3204 mixers from Mackie are very reasonably priced, so you can't expect it to be better than $3,000 or $4,000 mixers from Soundcraft or Yamaha or whatever. I'd treat the 3204 as a wonderful analog mixer, and bypass the internal effect and interface. When it comes to your question, yes, you can send two channel audio into the Mackie via USB. Whether you can resend back via USB, I'd have to check in the manual. As I said above, I only tested the USB briefly, and I must say it works, but I am only using the analog outputs of the mixer, and it works great that way. Also, you have full flexibility of sending oudio in and out using analog ports without introducing any latency problems.

[@ramccy]

which one do you prefer the mackie or the allen heath? which do you think is better?

[@AsaphAce]

does it do multi-track recording via usb?

[@jakeschmidt21]

Is the Mackie 3204 VLZ3 mixer compatible with Studio One 2.5? Somebody answer please!

[@yanking610]

Hi there! How are you? I want to know how to connect this mixer to the computer to use them as an interface

[@ARMYStrongHOOAH17]

Have you referenced the manual? It sounds like you would just plug it in via USB, locate and download the drivers and off you go.

[@CSBentertainment777]

The built-in effects with presets on my mackie 3204vlz3 does not work....bummer

[@gabrielisaac4711]

Theres no light to indicate that the channel is muted?

[@carlosalgusto2100]

To com uma mesa dessa queria saber se ela é 110 ou 220 voltagem

[@CCISolutions]

Power Consumption: 65 W, 100 to 120 VAC, 50 to 60 Hz

[@dvamateur]

I have the VLZ4 version of the 3204. I muss say that the VLZ3 looks better. The VLZ3 knobs also seem to feel more sturdy and professional.

[@mattcharlton8437]

Hi, is there a way to seperate and send a stereo master out of this desk to a portastudio and then out of the portastudio and back into the desk to monitor whilst sending further stuff to the portastudio without causing a feedback loop? My older 24.4vlz pro version had a control room facility that worked fine but I notice this desk does not??

[@CCISolutions]

@JimmyV2009 Yes this mixer would work in the studio to mix dance music tracks. How many individual tracks or stereo tracks do you plan to mix? It is possible that you could use a smaller VLZ3 mixer and get the same quality and similar features for a smaller investment. The best way to make sure your maximizing your investment and getting the right mixer is to call our friendly experts toll free at 800-562-6006

[@maniskss5107]

Price ?

[@gjc82071]

Unfortunately, both headphone jacks on the Mackie SR32-4 VLZ pro are mono only. (?!?!) Other than that, it's a great board. Fairly quiet, smooth faders & knobs (not motorized) & you get a ton of inputs, outputs & features, all at a very reasonable & affordable price. ($1,500 New in 2001) It's really more of a live mixer & in that regard it's almost unbeatable for the price. But it serves as a decent recording console as well, especially for anybody who needs a lot of inputs. Nice board. B-

[@mrtupong6392]

Mixer itu buat aku saja besok lusa kalau punya uang buka usaha sound system sewaan