OVERVIEW
Mackie's 1642-VLZ Pro is a semi-compact, fully featured analog mixer, designed for advanced home/project studios and multi-media post-production. The main function of this mixer is combining multiple audio signals (drums, bass, keys, sampler, etc) to mix into one output (monitors, headphones, master recorder, etc.). For example, it could be used for recording an entire band, giving each sound an individual channel or it could be used if you have a lot of gear like a sampler, drum machine, microphone, synth, etc and want to hear them all at the same time. In addition it allows you to adjust levels, eq (3 band), and add effects to the individual channels of audio. After you are satisfied with the mix, you can output that signal into a computer or cd burner. The 1642 is especially useful for those using a multi-track recorder, the four-buss system can be used to direct single audio signals to individual multi-track channels, without having to plug cables in and out or use a patch bay. In terms of quality, the 1642 offers the same ultra-low noise level that has made Mackie the industry leader in semi-pro mixers, while its semi-compact design and strong steel chassis make it ideal for live situations where separate audio signals need to be mixed.

USES:
- Mixing multiple (maximum of 16) audio signals
- Microphone pre amplification
- Adding EQ to audio signals
- Multi-track recording with four-buss system

FEATURES
The main advantage of the 1642 over smaller models is its four buss system. Each channel is equipped with control buttons, when engaged they direct the channel's sound to a individual buss' input. The user connects each of the four buss' outputs directly to an individual input on their multi-track. With this set-up, the push of a button can send a sound directly to a channel of the multi-track with out any need for rewiring.

The 10 XDR™ (Extended Dynamic Range) pre-amps with the available phantom power included on the 1642 will allow the user to record an entire band with both pro and semi-pro mics. Engineered to give professional, clean results with plenty of headroom, these mic pre-amps will greatly improve your microphone based recordings.

The EQ section of the 1642 is strategically designed to give the user parametric control on all mono channels and a set 4-band EQ on the stereo channels. The four mono AUX sends and stereo AUX returns as well as eight inserts make using out board effects (like reverb, echo, compression, etc, which are not included) a simple matter of plug and play. The advanced matrix style monitor control section, gives the user plenty of options for setting up the proper monitoring environment, for both musicians and the engineer. With sixteen channels the 1642 is a the right mixer for those who want to breakout the parts of their song and mix each section individually.

OUR OPINION
Mackie has a tried and true reputation for making solid products at reasonable prices. As stated earlier, the main benefit of the 1642 over smaller Mackie models is its four-buss system. In creative hands, the busses' uses can go way beyond the scenario described earlier (e.g. sub-grouping compression).

The 1642 has other advantages over smaller models, the four-band EQ gives the user much more control over their sounds. On the channels with parametric EQ the user is not only able to control the volume of the cut/boost curve, but also the frequency that is cut and boosted, a very useful tool for shaping sounds.

Having 10 XDR™ mic pre-amps will enormously benefit those who want to record live bands. This way five pre-amps can be used to boost the drum set's gain levels, while the remaining five can be used for guitar, bass, vocals or whatever configuration you dream up.

As with all Mackie boards the 1642 incorporates the ultra-low noise circuitry that has made them the market leader in compact mixers. While the 1642 isn't as compact as the 1202 it is still small enough to fit in a rack mount and its strong construction and steel chassis make it a great companion for touring.

- Ultra-low noise, high headroom
- 16 channels (8 mic/line plus 2 stereo mic/line plus 2 stereo line)
- 10 new precision-engineered XDR (tm) Extended Dynamic Range premium studio-grade mic preamps with:
Ultra-wide 0-60dB gain range
- 130dB dynamic range for 24-bit, 192kHz sampling rate inputs
- +22dBu line input handling
- Distortion under 0.0007% THD (20Hz-20kHz)
- 48V phantom power
- 8 TRS channel inserts
- Advanced DC pulse transformer RF rejection
- 60mm long-wearing log-taper faders
- 4 aux sends, level, pan, -20dB and OL LEDs on each channel
- 4 stereo aux returns, 8 direct outs
- 3-band active EQ with sweepable midrange on mono channels
- 4-band active EQ on stereo channels
- 18dB/oct. 75Hz Lo-Cut filters on mic channels
- Control Room and Phones outputs with multi-input source matrix and separate level controls for each
- Balanced inputs & outputs (except inserts)
- Steel chassis, sealed rotary controls
- Rack mountable