Mackie 402VLZ4 vs 402VLZ3, which is better of the two? Which of the mixers has the better audio quality? Which of the two has better build quality? Which of the two Mackie mixers has the better features? Which of the two is better for recording? What are also the other compact mixers you can choose for small setups? When it comes to purchasing a mixer, it is important to make some comparisons before you buy a new one so that you can get the best equipment that will suit your needs.
Both the Mackie 402VLZ4 and 402VLZ3 are compact mixers; however, the latter’s production has already been discontinued as it is a predecessor to the former. As we compare the two mixers, we will look at their sound and build quality while we also check their additional features to make a better conclusion that could help you make your decision. We will also include other mixers that you can choose from.
Mackie 402VLZ4
The Mackie 402VLZ4 is categorized as a 4-channel ultra-compact mixer because of its miniature size. It comes with highly-renowned Onyx preamps and can be used for any professional low-input applications. So, if you want a handy mixer that you can bring anywhere you go, the 402VLZ4 is an excellent option for you.
As a Mackie mixer, the 402VLZ4 can be a trusted gear that you can rely on. As it comes with two mic preamps, which are both Onyx preamps, you can really be sure that the sound quality that comes out through your mixer is really high quality. It also has two 1/4 inputs, which can be used as stereo inputs, or you can use the left input as the mono input for a mono connection.
The mixer has a frequency response of 20 Hz up to 20 kHz and has two EQ knobs for the high frequency, which is set at 12 kHz and for the low frequency, which is set at 80 Hz. Its gain can be boosted up to +40 dB, and its volume level can also be boosted up to 12 dB.
Its other features are a phantom power control button, RCA outputs and inputs, eight-segment stereo meters, headphone output, and many more. The mixer has a steel chassis and is shock-resistant. Its knobs are also sealed to protect your mixer from dust and grime. So, not only will this mixer make your sound quality great, but it also can last for a long time.
Mackie 402VLZ3
The predecessor of the famous Mackie 402VLZ4, the Mackie 402VLZ3, is also a 4-channel compact mixer, although it has been discontinued because of the introduction of the 402VLZ4 in the market. It is known for its low noise and high headroom, so it can be used for small professional recording setups.
The Mackie 402VLZ3 can be your first choice when it comes to affordability but still maintaining its high quality. The secret of its exceptional sound quality is that it comes with two XDR2 microphone amplifiers, which are studio-grade, so you won’t have any problems with your recording. It also has two 1/4 inputs that can be either stereo or mono.
This mixer has a 2-band EQ to shape the tone that comes out of it. Its low frequency is fixed at 80 Hz and can be cut or boosted up to 15 dB, while its high frequency is fixed at 12 kHz and can also be cut or boosted up to 15 dB. It also has a 100 Hz low-cut button to filter out the low frequencies that muddy your sound quality.
Thanks to its rugged steel chassis and a circuit board that is resistant to shocks and vibrations, this mixer was known for durability before it was discontinued. It has phantom power also for your condenser microphones. It also comes with eight-segment stereo meters for monitoring and has sealed rotary knobs to protect your mixer from dust and grime.
Other Highly Recommended Compact Mixers
Behringer Xenyx 1002
If you are looking for a more affordable analog mixer that you can bring anywhere, then the Behringer Xenyx 1002 is one that you should check out. This compact mixer comes with six input channels: two for mono and four for stereo, which is perfect for a small recording setup. It also has a peak LED per channel so that you can protect your mixer from blowing off when it is peaking.
It comes with two Xenyx mic preamps and four stereo channels with 1/4-inch inputs. Apart from its XLR inputs, it also has a 1/4-input option for the two channels, so you can have a studio-quality recording when needed to. It has an effects knob and pan control per channel also.
The Behringer Xenyx 1002 has a 3-band EQ to shape the mixer’s audio quality. Its low-frequency knob is fixed at 80 Hz and can be boosted or cut up to 15 dB, while the mid-frequency is also fixed at 2.5 kHz and can be cut or boosted up to 15 dB. Like the other two, its high frequency is also fixed at 12 kHz and can be boosted and cut up to 15 dB.
Its other features are it comes with phantom power to power up your condenser microphones, a 60mm master fader, which is pretty impressive for its price point, and it also has a headphone output if you prefer sound monitoring using one. So, if you want a very affordable mixer that you can depend on, the Behringer Xenyx 1002 is the way to go.
Yamaha MG06
If you are looking for a more expensive option compared to the Mackie 402VLZ4, then you should check out the Yamaha MG06 analog mixer. This 6-channel compact mixer is known for its rich sound quality that is perfect for small mixing and recording applications.
This analog mixer comes with Yamaha’s famous D-PRE mic preamps, giving it a clean, natural, and transparent audio quality. It has two XLR inputs and two pairs of 1/4-inch stereo inputs that can also be used as mono by plugging in the male plug of the cable to their respective left input. It has a high-pass filter to remove the low frequencies that could muddy up your sound.
The Yamaha MG06 has a 2-band EQ to shape the audio quality that comes out of the mixer. Its high frequency is fixed at 10 kHz and can be boosted or cut up to 15 dB, while its low frequency is fixed at 100 Hz and can be cut or boosted up to 15 dB. You can also make the first and second channels become stereo channels.
It has a phantom power button, so you can use your condenser microphones, especially when you are recording. It also has six-segment stereo meters, so you can monitor the input signal that goes through your mixer to see if it is peaking or not to avoid damaging it. Thanks to its metal chassis, you get the durability that will make your mixer last for a long time.
So, 402VLZ4 vs. 402VLZ3, which is better? Although the two analog mixers have almost similar specifications, the 402VLZ4 would be the better option, as it comes with Onyx mic preamps, which is pretty known for its quality, especially when recording. Its knobs also look better compared to its predecessor.
