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 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+ 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.… read more 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. read less