The 24-channel Mackie 2404-VLZ3 combines VLZ3 low-noise,
high-headroom technology with increased channel count and improved processing that’s perfect for real-world live gigs. Twenty XDR2 mic
channels - each with 3-band, sweepable mid EQ - offer more clean and
useable gain than the competition. Creating great-sounding, professional
mixes is easy, thanks to 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 2404-VLZ3.
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 2404-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.
Optimized 3-Band EQ
Tremendous effort 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 2404-VLZ3 features 3-band EQ on all channels,
with a sweepable mid on channels 1-20.
More Headroom and Less Distortion
High headroom and low noise have always been hallmarks of
Mackie mixers. The VLZ3 mixers are a perfect example - they're able to get
even more headroom and less noise thanks to a better use of negative
summing architecture. Mackie mixes all signals in the summing amp at -6dB - for
lots of headroom right off the bat. Then they added 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, we’ve 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 2404-VLZ3 features eight dedicated in-line compressors,
delivering simple, sweet dynamic control with the single twist of a
knob. Use the compressors on channels 17-20 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 2404-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 2404-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, 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 23/24 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 our boards with the engineer in mind may not be the
easiest or cheapest route, but Mackie knows that compact is where it’s at.