TEST: Mackie 402VLZ3

 Don't we all know this problem from our own experience? Instrumental equipment for the rehearsal room or the rehearsal studio is available in abundance, only a minimal vocal system with the most important function is missing once again. The only console available is the 64 channel monster from F.O.H. Platz, which is not only completely oversized for this application, but also rests nicely packed in a flight case safely stowed in the band truck.

Everything longs for a mini mixer, which on the one hand has a good audiophile sound, possesses all important connections, but nevertheless fits from its dimensions into a small suitcase, or better still into a small briefcase. In order to satisfy these demands, the company Mackie has created the midget mixer 402-VLZ3, a product which is in the demanding line of VLZ products, but which is limited by its field of application only to the most important points of a mixing console.

In addition to the above-mentioned field of application, such a product line can score especially in the broadcast area and can be expanded in combination with a powerful laptop within a very short time to a broadcast workstation, which can also be used in modern broadcast areas such as audio and video podcasts. The device was developed in the USA, but is assembled in China.

Construction:

At just a cute 1.1 kilograms fighting weight, the 402 is almost impossible to talk about weight. The device fits easily in a strong man's hand and is really more than handy, measuring 15 centimeters wide, 19 centimeters long, and 4 centimeters high. The device comes in a silver anodized case and makes a good impression in terms of workmanship. The case unit is fixed with a bottom part in eight different places using Phillips screws. A front part covers the access to the electronics, on the front side there is the connection for the power supply, as well as a simple on/off switch to activate the device. All other controls and connections are located on the top of the case.

In terms of channel moves, it is primarily a two-channel mixer, which has been supplemented with a line-in stereo input. The main channels one and two are full-fledged microphone strips, which can choose between XLR and jack in the input section. Phantom power for condenser operation can be globally activated for the two microphone channels via a push switch. Above the input sensitivity controls, there are two pushbuttons that can be used to activate the subsonic filter on the one hand and to set the input sensitivity for line operation (guitar preamp) on the other. By means of the gain control, the input signal can be lowered by fifteen db or raised by 45 db, as desired.

As always, Mackie's "U" marking provides a clear visual control of when the signal at hand is looped through in its pre-amplification without further processing. I can still remember well how about 25 years ago a colleague of mine appeared for the first time with a Mackie mixer to a small club gig and showed me the until then unknown U-knob. What at that time seemed to be rather annoying for my untrained eye and ear, has developed over the years into one of the best control options in terms of preamplification for me.

In order to keep the mixer as small as possible in terms of its dimensions, Mackie has focused on a two-band equalizer. The shelving equalizers have their center frequencies at 12 kilo Hertz for the treble range, and 80 Hertz for the bass range respectively. With both equalizers, you can set a gain plus / minus 15 db. The respective volume of the channel is adjusted via rotary controls. A push button switch, which is located between the two channels one and two, ensures the possibility to convert the two mono channels to a stereo channel with a right / left split.

Channels three and four are combined into one stereo channel. The supplied signal is applied via two optionally balanced or unbalanced jack sockets. A preselection of the preamplification by means of a gain control is not possible. Preferably instruments with a high line level will be connected here, such as keyboards or MP3 peripherals.

Above the input jacks, the output signals of the mixer are available in the form of jack sockets, also optionally in balanced or unbalanced signal routing. A total of four RCA jacks can be used to route external devices such as an MP3 player or a cassette recorder to or from the mixer. A standard headphone 6.35 millimeter stereo jack is located on the right side of the unit. The headphone volume can be fixed via a separate control.

Two LED chains provide information about the final level of the output signal by means of eight LEDs each. A small green LED provides information about whether the device is switched on. Four small rubber feet on the bottom of the course give sufficient grip on a flat surface. Via three small holes, the mixer can also be mounted on a microphone stand. With such housing dimensions, it is of course no longer possible to accommodate the transformer in the housing, so the 402 is powered by an external power supply. The external power supply is connected to the housing via a three-pin plug and supplies an operating voltage of 18.5 volts times two with a power consumption of 18 watts. The power supply is attached with a slightly hooky snap closure, which snaps into place on the case.

Practice:

Right from the start, I was of course mainly interested in whether the 402 variant from the VLZ series could also maintain the high sonic standards known from the other products in this line. I myself have been working with a 1202 mixer from the VLZ series for many years and have come to appreciate the sound of the preamp and filters in particular. I was also very interested to see if the missing midrange filter, which otherwise intervenes at 2.5 kilohertz with a tasteful Q-factor, would not be a problem.

The mixer announces its operating state with a quiet power-on crackle. Right at the beginning, the gain controls were subjected to an intensive test. An even signal boost and the mentioned quality of the preamplifiers were fortunately found to be the same as with the big brothers of the series. Even with the small 402 series, the preamps are characterized by generating a soft saturation above the 0 db limit. Slight peaks up to plus fifteen db are driven good-naturedly into the compression and are responsible for a pleasantly increasing compression of the signal. The channel volume controls, which are designed as rotary knobs, complete an even control path up to plus 12 db.

The equalizers do a good-natured and unspectacular job in their frequency range, but there is quite a large frequency gap in the midrange, which can't be readjusted. This should be taken into account when working and a balanced midrange signal should be fed in. Similar to a HiFi amplifier, one can only influence the high and low frequency range of the 402 in its coloring, real sound bending, as it is guaranteed in the higher class, can not be accomplished with this two-band equalizer, as expected.

Conclusion:

Mackie delivers with its 402 VLZ3 mixer a miniature mixer, which advances exactly into a gap that needs to be filled in many situations. Compact dimensions, high-quality basic sound and a decent finish make the product an optimal working device, where fast handling and easiest transport are important criteria. A highly recommendable device.

Additional Informations:

Company Report: Mackie Audio
Introduction: Mackie Audio is a well-established audio equipment manufacturer that specializes in producing a wide range of professional audio gear, including mixers, monitors, loudspeakers, and studio recording equipment. With a strong reputation for delivering high-quality products at affordable prices, Mackie Audio has become a trusted name in the audio industry. This report provides a comprehensive analysis of Mackie Audio, including its history, product offerings, technologies, market position, and future prospects.

History: Mackie Audio was founded in 1988 by Greg Mackie and Peter Watts, two industry veterans with extensive experience in the audio engineering and manufacturing sectors. The company started with a simple vision: to create professional audio equipment that was both affordable and accessible to a wide range of users. Through their innovative designs and commitment to quality, Mackie Audio quickly gained recognition and became a leading brand in the pro audio market.

Products and Technologies: Mackie Audio offers a diverse range of audio products designed to meet the needs of musicians, sound engineers, and recording studios. The company's product line includes analog and digital mixers, studio monitors, portable PA systems, audio interfaces, and more. One of Mackie Audio's notable product lines is the ProFX series, which comprises compact mixers with advanced features such as built-in effects, USB recording, and intuitive controls.

Mackie Audio is also renowned for its high-performance studio monitors. The HR and XR series of studio monitors are widely praised for their accurate sound reproduction and robust build quality. These monitors incorporate innovative technologies such as logarithmic waveguides, advanced transducer designs, and acoustic room correction features, ensuring precise and reliable audio monitoring in professional recording environments.

Furthermore, Mackie Audio has embraced the digital revolution in audio production by offering a range of digital mixers and audio interfaces. The DL and Onyx series feature intuitive touchscreens, wireless control capabilities, and extensive connectivity options, providing users with a flexible and efficient workflow in both live sound and studio settings.
Market Position: Mackie Audio has established a strong market position as a trusted and reliable brand in the pro audio industry. Its products are widely recognized for their combination of affordability, performance, and user-friendly design. Mackie Audio has successfully catered to the needs of various customer segments, including musicians, live sound engineers, and recording studios.

The company's commitment to quality and value has earned it a loyal customer base. Mackie Audio's products are used by professionals at all levels, from home studio owners to touring musicians and major recording studios. Additionally, Mackie Audio has built strategic partnerships with major distributors, retailers, and rental companies worldwide, ensuring widespread availability of its products and contributing to its market success.
Innovation and Research: Mackie Audio has consistently demonstrated a commitment to innovation and research, striving to stay at the forefront of audio technology. The company invests in product development and actively engages with customers and industry professionals to gather feedback and identify emerging trends.

Mackie Audio has been quick to adopt new technologies and integrate them into its product offerings. For instance, the company embraced the shift towards digital audio by introducing digital mixers and audio interfaces that leverage the power of digital signal processing. Mackie Audio also focuses on improving user interfaces, workflow efficiency, and connectivity options to provide seamless integration with other audio devices and software.

Future Prospects: Looking ahead, Mackie Audio is well-positioned for continued success in the competitive pro audio market. The company's commitment to offering high-quality products at affordable prices appeals to a broad customer base, including professional users and enthusiasts. With the increasing demand for audio equipment in various industries, including live sound, music production, podcasting, and broadcasting, Mackie Audio stands to benefit from these market opportunities.

Furthermore, Mackie Audio's ability to adapt to emerging technologies and customer needs will be crucial to its future prospects. By continuing to innovate and deliver products that address evolving industry trends, Mackie Audio can further solidify its position as a leading provider of audio equipment.

Conclusion: Mackie Audio has proven itself as a reputable and reliable audio equipment manufacturer with a strong market presence. Its commitment to delivering high-quality products at affordable prices, combined with a focus on innovation and customer satisfaction, has contributed to its success in the pro audio industry. With a diverse range of products, strategic partnerships, and a customer-centric approach, Mackie Audio is well-positioned to thrive in the evolving audio market and continue to meet the needs of audio professionals and enthusiasts worldwide.