Introduction
The Mackie 402VLZ4 is a compact mixer designed for those seeking good audio performance in a small package. With its robust build and intuitive design, this mixer aims to deliver professional-grade sound for various applications.
Design and Build
- Compact and sturdy build
- Intuitive layout for easy operation
- Durable construction suitable for travel or on-the-go use
Performance
- Superior sound quality with low-noise circuitry
- Versatile input/output options for various audio sources
- Reliable preamps for clean and clear audio signals
Features
- Four channels with line-level and microphone inputs
- Phantom power for condenser microphones
- EQ and level controls for precise audio tweaking
Pros
- Compact and durable design makes it portable and long-lasting.
- High-quality sound output due to low-noise circuitry.
- Versatile features cater to different audio sources and preferences.
- Easy-to-use interface for beginners and professionals alike.
Cons
- Limited to four channels, may not suit larger setups or complex audio requirements.
- Lack of effects might require extra equipment for certain audio enhancements.
Conclusion
Basically, the Mackie 402VLZ4 is a small and strong mixer that’s great for different sound needs. It’s well-made, sounds really good, and is easy to use for both beginners and experts. However, it doesn’t have lots of channels or fancy built-in effects, so it’s better for simpler setups and basic audio requirements.
PD –
This littleÂ
Mackie 402VLZ4
 is a lifesaver for a small home desktop solution when you want to use one pair of studio/near field monitors, so I want to share my setup. My main goal was to have a QUIET pair ofÂ
PreSonus Eris E5’s
 on each side of my 30″ monitor for multiple uses, but the RF interference was unbearable. The Mackie (and GOOD cables) provided the solution and make the whole system really flexible. Here’s what I wanted to accomplish:
1) Audio from my desktop PC for video editing and simply listening to music
2) Audio from my AlienWare 17 R2 laptop which is my main DAW running Studio One 3 Pro
3) Audio from my iPad Pro when fooling with Notion, GarageBand and any other audio source
4) Ability to plugin my Taylor acoustic to play solo or along with any of the above
5) Ability for someone to listen to a finished mix on my studio headphones while I monitor the track through the Eris 5s at a low level so I know what they are hearing at any given point
And most of all I needed to eliminate the VERY bad RF interference I was getting from the Eris 5s, because while the sound is TRULY accurate given the price range, the RF shielding is pretty bad, due to the price range. But I got it 99% solved. Here’s how:
· Connect the Eris 5s to the Mackie with cables such asÂ
Mogami 2549 XLR Male to 1/4″ TRS Cable with Neutrik Gold Connectors – 6 Feet by ChromaLeaf
. Speakers are done.
· Connect my desktop editing PC to aÂ
Creative Sound Blaster X-Fi HD USB Audio System with Phono Preamp
, and from there connect that to the Mackie’s Tape In inputs. IMPORTANT: I used cheap RCA cables and a cheap USB cable between the PC, Creative DAC and Mackie, and got horrible RF noise! I then tried, believe it or not, anÂ
AmazonBasics USB 2.0 Cable
 which are very well made, and a pair of Monster RCA cables I already had, and I get NO RF noise from the Eris 5s now. PC is done.
· In Channels 3 & 4 I run thisÂ
Ugreen Gold Plated 3.5mm 1/8″ TRS to 6.35mm 1/4″ TS Mono Y-Cable Splitter Cord
 which I can use for iPad (NOT iPhone, more on that in a min) or other device with a 3.5mm headphone jack or line out, or even the headphone jack on the AlienWare DAW in a pinch. For serious mixing with the AW I use aÂ
Fiio E17K ALPEN 2 USB DAC Headphone Amplifier
, again with a good AmazonBasics USB cable, and then the UGreen Y cable goes into the Fiio. iPad and DAW and other audio devices done.
· Channels 1 & 2 are open to accept XLR or line input from my Taylor or mic or preamp or a second device, anything really.
With a mixer the headphones being plugged in don’t mute the main output, everything has its own level knob, so i can control everything, even those listening to headphone.
It’s a bit extensive, but this gives me a totally flexible, clear, RF-free environment, all possible by this little Mackie control center of a mixer. I can honestly say I can’t think of a thing I don’t like about it. It’s heavy metal construction and sports a power switch which many mini mixers don’t have. And now my Eris 5s sound quiet and amazing, and my range of inputs is totally flexible.
One last note regarding RF interference: You still hear that “fax machine” sound faintly when an iPhone is nearby, does it on my wife’s PC too, with simple shielded computer speakers. When the iPhone checks for mail for anything else, you hear it. Not horribly but it’s there. There is one other Apple product that actually makes noise when you move it about: iTunes for Windows running on my PC! If I scroll a window or something similar, you hear faint RF noice! Other media playing software doesn’t so this. WEIRD. Anyway, hope this info helps. If anything, use great cables.
Amazon Customer –
I use this mixer for online dj’ing, voice overs, and game tutorials. I absolutely love it! The build quality is just phenomenal! I have a bird so I was a little concerned about her chewing and ruining the nobs. She had her first go at it the other day, she didn’t even leave a scratch! The sound going through this thing is amazing, it doesn’t add in any white noise at all. The built in eq is a nice touch for live streaming so I don’t have to set up and run a bunch of software every time. I haven’t tried the pre-amp on it as I use a Presonus bluetube v2 to power my blue yeti pro. I am very happy with this addition to my set up. If you don’t need the extra channels you really can’t beat this for quality, it’s worth the extra money!
Marcus –
This Mixer is built like a tank. Solid steel construction with nice low profile and is easy to use. Only thing that was disappointing was product description mentioned power supply port had screw system however manufacturer is now installing regular connection. Overall I am very happy with this product and recommend .
R56A –
I love this thing! I just got it today, it is sturdy and professional looking and was packaged very well. I have been playing guitar for over 50 years. I still jam now and then, but mostly I play to backing tracks at home. I have an eggnater tweaker with effects processor that i play thru while running backing tracks from my computer thru a stereo amp. Balancing the two volumes is always a pain, and i usually end up too loud once i find the balance. I like to record sometimes, using a tascam recorder with built in microphones. Its not bad, but it picks up room noise and wont register below a certain volume. I bought this mixer hoping to consolidate my devices into some kind of audio system.
I have had mixers before and they always have limitations or dont have features i need, so i was skeptical. I set this baby up and plugged my processor into channel 1 and computer into channel 2. I ran the main output thru my 100 watt stereo amp powering a pair of 12″ speakers. Turned everything on and both channels came thru loud and clear with no crossover. The volume controls are pretty linear, but it drops off a little on the low end. It was easy to match the two channel volumes. Guitar and backing track sound seamless coming from a single source. I just crank the master volume up and down without losing the mix. The EQ is impressive. I like that there is a knob for bass and a knob for treble (hi and lo). So much easier than trying to adjust your tone with 7 slide pots. Both bass and treble have surprising range and work fine together. They give me an excellent range of tones. The channels have seperate gain controls, which come on smooth and have a lot of punch without making it too distorted. This device otherwise adds nothing to the signal in the form of noise, distortion or carryover that i can tell, all my favorite processor effects sound just the same thru this as they do thru my amp.
My room recorder has a line in that i connected to the tape out jacks, but there is no volume for tape out, so i used the headphone out, which does have a volume control and it works perfectly. Now I can record at any volume while playing at any volume, which my family will love. No more blasting just so my recorder will pick it up. All the right features without a bunch of fluff like effects, and it accomodates a mix of stereo and mono inputs and outputs with no special adjustments. I am totally stoked with this thing and highly recommend it to anyone looking for a simple and functional mixer.
Richard J Thompson –
I’m using this with an AT2020 mic. It’s got phantom power and the sound quality is good. It’s also fairly compact so it doesn’t take up too much room on my desk. I like the fact it doesn’t have some weird multi-pin power plug like the beringer’s do, it was easy to DIY a new plug so it could be run from a 12 deep cycle battery, making it portable.
Marcus –
Well built, great headroom, low noise. Wish the pots had a bit more of a rubberized or textured grip. The smooth eggshell finished hard plastic of the pots is a bit slippery. All steel construction except for curved front panel will take abuse. Took off one star because the power supply socket is not the 3 pin locking socket shown on the Mackie website manual or on the units i’ve seen reviewed on Youtube. The balanced TRS output jacks are too close together to fit two 1pc XLR adapters. You will need pig tail adapters with slim 1/4″ connectors.
Yvan Arshoun –
1- The power connector, they need to go back to the “new” style, not the “old” style. The “new” style is much better (locking).
2- The nobs are >very< slippery.
Aside from that it’s top notch…