Details

Until now, mixers built for low-input, two-mic or one-mic-and-a-guitar applications really skimped on quality. With their flimsy construction and dismal sound, they resembled and performed like children's toys. So Mackie created the 402-VLZ3, the perfect ultra-compact mixer for applications that require few inputs, but demand full-on professional sound.

The 4-channel 402-VLZ3 audio mixer delivers pure VLZ3 quality in Mackie's smallest form factor ever, making it ideal when your input counts are low, or when space is at a premium. In a sleek, small package, you get the signature VLZ3 high headroom, low noise design, complete with 2 XDR2 preamps, premium EQ, and modern mix bus architecture, for the best-sounding, mini-est pro mixer on the planet. You also get Tracktion 3 Music Production software free. At last, you no longer need to buy more mixer than you need just to get the quality sound you deserve.

Among the features that have earned the Mackie VLZ3 mixers their stellar reputation are the XDR2 "Extended Dynamic Range" mic preamps. That's because serious amounts of time and energy went into their design, and the result is phenomenal. You simply won't find preamps this good on any other mixer in this price range. The XDR2 preamps deliver pure, clean, studio-grade sound ” the kind of quality you'd expect to find in pricey boutique mic pres. They have an incredibly wide frequency range, especially in the low end, and even at extremely high gain settings. They offer incredibly low noise, amazing RFI rejection, and with 60dB of available gain per channel, the 402-VLZ3 can handle inputs ranging from a whisper to a scream. With the superior sound of the 402-VLZ3's two XDR2 preamps, rest assured you will always get optimum performance out of your professional ribbon, dynamic, and condenser mics.

EQ Knobs The 402-VLZ3's ultra-musical 2-band Active EQ provides just the right amount of sound shaping flexibility. Mackie invested tremendous resources into optimizing the center frequencies of Mackie's EQs, and improved the interaction of the separate EQ bands, so your tracks can be molded and tweaked for the perfect result. The 402-VLZ3's low shelving at 80Hz and high shelving at 12kHz mean you can quickly and effectively sculpt your tone for the ultimate in punch and brilliance ” and with up to 15dB boost/cut capability per band, you get loads of latitude. There's also a 100Hz low cut/high pass switch for each mic input, so you can keep the ultra-low frequency muddiness out of your sound ” and give your bass that extra punch if used in conjunction with the Low EQ.

Though small in stature, the 402-VLZ3 provides an incredible abundance of professional features and mission-critical tools to enhance your mixing experience ” and your creativity. In addition to essential features like phantom power for your condenser mics, you get a variety of user options that make the 402-VLZ3 a surprisingly versatile mixing machine. Two switchable Hi-Z instrument inputs allow you to plug instruments like electric guitar or bass in direct ” no external gear required ” or, disengage the switch to connect line level sources such as keyboards, or CD or mp3 players. Use the high pass filters on channels 1 and 2 to cut the rumble with the touch of a button. Connect line level stereo gear like DJ decks using the assignable stereo RCA input, and either route to your phones for queuing up, or to your main mix for overdubbing while monitoring back from your computer on phones. Flexibly monitor and record mono and stereo sources using the stereo pan function ” when the switch is out, a mono source will be split between the left and right of the main mix equally, and when the switch is in, channels 1 and 2 are hard-panned left and right (perfect for recording stereo mics). Keep an eye on your levels with the bright 8-segment stereo meters, as well as the responsive overload LEDs that warn you when you're overdoing it with the gain and/or EQ. No matter how you use it, the 402-VLZ3 supplies everything you need to get the job done.