Develop great-sounding mixes with the subgroup compression, dedicated channels and USB interface of the Mackie 3204VLZ3.
11 People rated this product:
Rate and Review This Product
The 32-channel Mackie 3204-VLZ3 combines VLZ3 low-noise, high-headroom technology with increased channel count and superior processing that's perfect for real-world live gigs. 28 XDR2(tm) mic channels, each with 3-band, sweepable mid EQ, offer more clean and useable gain than the competition. Create great-sounding, professional mixes using dedicated channel and subgroup compression, dual RMFX+(tm) effects processors and true 4-bus architecture. You can even connect to your laptop to record the show, stream house music or use your favorite plug-in live using the built-in 4x2 USB interface. Define your sound, create your mix and record the whole show with the 3204-VLZ3.
This video from Mackie highlights the 3204-VLZ3 and the smaller 2404-VLZ3:
Vastly Superior XDR2 Mic Preamps
Mackie's XDR2 mic preamps offer incredibly low noise, with individual mic pre THD below 0.0007%, and overall mixer THD less than 0.0025%. With 60dB of available gain per channel, the 3204-VLZ3 can handle inputs ranging from a whisper to a scream, and can even take hot line-level signals up to +22db, without any added coloration. You simply won't find preamps this good on any other mixer in this price range.
Optimized 3-Band EQ
Tremendous resources went into optimizing the center points of the channel EQ, giving VLZ3 mixers practical useful equalization, providing not only sonic enhancement and correction, but also the tone-shaping facility to actually improve the musical nature of the original signal. The 3204-VLZ3 features 3-band EQ on all channels, with a sweepable mid on channels 1-28.
More Headroom and Less Distortion
High headroom and low noise have always been hallmarks of Mackie mixers. The VLZ3 mixers are a perfect example -- Mackie was able to get even more headroom and less noise thanks to a better use of negative summing architecture. They mix all signals in the summing amp at -6dB, for lots of headroom right off the bat. Then they add 6dB of gain to the standard 10dB found in the fader gain stage. The net result is the ability to mix more hot signals without distortion.
"Gig Ready" Effects
Dual (as in 2) RMFX+ effects processors bring "gig-ready," useable effects to your mixes, including an extremely useful tap function for delay. Basically, Mackie delivered a full rack of gear at your fingertips that is easy to master, allowing you to look and sound really good at your next gig. Really, really good.
Dedicated In-Line Compressors
Compressors are a critical tool for both live sound and recording. The 3204-VLZ3 features eight dedicated in-line compressors, delivering simple, sweet dynamic control with the single twist of a knob. Use the compressors on channels 25-28 for your most important vocals and instruments. There is also a compressor on each of the four subgroups, which is great for compressing common groups like drums for live or recording applications.
Aux Sends with Inserts
The 3204-VLZ3 houses six independent aux sends, perfect for many standard live and recording applications. Each and every aux send has an independent master level control and AFL (after fader listen) solo button to quickly check what you're sending to that mix destination. And to top it off (and unlike the vast majority of the competition), every aux send features a TRS insert, allowing you to hook up a 31-band graphic EQ for each of your monitor mixes.
4-Track Recording via USB
That's right... the 3204-VLZ3 has a built-in 24-bit, 48kHz USB interface that's ideal for both live and studio recording. The 4x2 built-in 24-bit, 48 kHz USB system goes above and beyond what the other guys can offer, providing out-of-the-box 4-track recording straight to your Mac or PC. Perfect for recording and archiving great live performances, true multi-track outputs deliver real flexibility in post-production so you can create a meaningful mix instead of being stuck with the exact stereo feed from the show. With flexible routing, you can even route your favorite DAW plug-in and use it live. The two-channel DAW return can route to the mains for playback during breaks or feed into channels 31/32 with access to EQ and aux sends.
Small Footprint, Big Time Construction
VLZ3 4-Bus mixers offer the best footprint-to-channel count ratio available, delivering more features in less square footage. After all, it can get pretty crowded up at front of house... why mess with bulky boards that have a ton of unnecessary real estate? Taking the time and effort to design their boards with the engineer in mind may not be the easiest or cheapest route, but Mackie knows that compact is where it's at. And in true Mackie tradition, the 3204-VLZ3 is "Built-Like-A-Tank". Just check out this cool video of its little brother, the 802-VLZ3. There is no doubt that Mackie boards are road worthy, willing to take the abuse that would simply destroy the competition.
zZounds is an authorized dealer of
Mackie products.
28 studio-grade XDR2(TM) mic preamps
130dB dynamic range
Distortion under 0.0007% (20Hz - 20kHz)
Phantom power for studio condenser mics
4 subgroups, featuring dedicated compressors for total dynamic control
Dedicated inline channel compression for critical inputs (ch. 25-28)
3-band active EQ with carefully selected frequency ranges for maximum flexibility
Dual 32-bit RMFX+ processors featuring 24 "Gig Ready", useable reverbs, choruses, and tap delay for live applications
Integrated 4x2 24-bit USB interface
Stream subgroups or master L/R to your PC or Mac for recording
Use your favorite plug-in live via auxes 5/6
Convenient stereo return to mains for music playback or return to channel and implement EQ, auxes and more
6 aux sends with inserts, pre/post fader and internal/external FX send options available
18dB/oct. 100Hz low cut filter
60mm long-wearing logarithmic-taper faders
All steel, classic Mackie "Built-Like-A-Tank" chassis design
Smallest footprint in class saves precious desk space
Includes Tracktion 3 Music Production Software for Mac/PC
What Our Customers Are Saying About zZounds
"I am extremely pleased. My order was placed on a Tuesday evening, and the package arrived unexpectedly Thursday afternoon. Wow! Thanks zZounds." - customer on May 4th, 2012
Sound:
The parts that work sound very good.
Feature:
The faders could be better, but they're not too bad. The USB interface is a nice touch, and is a class-compliant audio device (meaning, it works without any special drivers).
Ease of Use:
EQ sounds great, compressors are simple and musical, effects aren't bad at all.
Quality:
We just sent back our third defective VLZ3 in as many weeks. (The turnaround time from order or RMA to delivery is several days.) It is hard to believe that Mackie's quality control is that bad. Two of them had bad headphone outputs, two of them had one or more defective busses, and the latest one had non-functional stereo channels and returns, and the PFL solo didn't work at all (AFL worked fine, though).
Manufacturer Support:
Never dealt with Mackie support; just returned the defective products to Zzounds.
The Wow Factor:
I would definitely want it. But I want one that works right!
18 of 20 people
(90%) found this review helpful. Did you?
Mention Reference
Number
MFV-9DCY When You Call.
Toll Free En Español: 800-460-7976 m-f 1AM to
1AM EST
Follow zZounds on:
Customize Search Results for Your Location
A temporary customer reference number is assigned to each customer only while they are shopping on zZounds.com. If you call our customer service department for assistance, this number makes it easier for us to answer any questions you have about products, services or purchases.
close [x]Warehouse ResealedThis is typically a customer return. This inventory includes all parts, components, manuals (hard copy or downloadable) and the full factory warranty. However, the packaging may be slightly compromised and thus it is not in absolutely perfect unused condition like our new inventory. This inventory is a great value. *Manufacturer's warranty term for Mackie, PreSonus, Tapco, Crate, Blackheart, Ampeg, Alvarez, X2 Digital, and Line 6 Warehouse Resealed merchandise is 90 days. Avalon, Chauvet, and Ibanez do not offer a manufacturer's warranty on Warehouse Resealed products.
close [x]Limited InventoryWe only have 1 left. Though our system does indicate availability for this item, there is a chance that the item will not be available. Multiple orders may be placed within a short period before our system can update the availability on our website. If there are any problems shipping this item, you will be notified.
close [x]B-StockThis is typically a purchase directly from the vendor, who may have used the product at a training session or at a trade show, but this may also be a refurbished product. This inventory includes all parts, components, manuals (hard copy or downloadable) and the full factory warranty*. It has been tested to manufacturer’s specifications and it is guaranteed to work perfectly, but it may have a cosmetic blemish. It may be less attractive than Warehouse or Factory Resealed inventory, but it's priced even lower! This inventory is a great value. *Manufacturer's warranty term for Mackie, PreSonus, Tapco, Crate, Blackheart, Ampeg, Alvarez, X2 Digital, and Line 6 B-stock merchandise is 90 days. Ibanez, Chauvet, and Avalon do not offer a manufacturer's warranty on B-Stock products.
You don't have to trade service for savings when you shop at zZounds!
We'll beat any price
Really. It's not a problem for us. In fact, we'll thank you
for the chance to live up to our lowest price guarantee!
It's fast and easy
Just tell us where you saw the lower price - another
website, an email offer, your local store - and we'll send
you our lowest price offer in a matter of hours.
Simply click the Seen it for less? link
Next to the item you want, or give us a
call at 800-zZounds (800-996-8637).
With zZounds you'll never have to worry that you paid too much.
We'll beat any price
Really. It's not a problem for us. In fact, we'll thank you
for the chance to live up to our lowest price guarantee!
It's fast and easy
Just tell us where you saw the lower price - another
website, an email offer, your local store - and we'll send
you our lowest price offer in a matter of hours.
Simply click the Seen it for less? link
Next to the item you want, or give us a
call at 800-zZounds (800-996-8637).
A temporary customer reference number is assigned to each customer only while they are shopping on zZounds.com. If you call our customer service department for assistance, this number makes it easier for us to answer any questions you have about products, services or purchases.
