The popular original Mackie CR-1604 mixer is everywhere you turn, but few engineers know to watch out for a major wiring issue. Sweetwater has the issue and the fix posted on their site.

I just have to mention ... I have a 1604-VLZ PRO right by my side and Welcome 2023 ... it still works. Has some road rash ... but, a tank. I also have to say ... I agree with the phantom power switch. More than once I have turned it on and didn't want to ... what a well designed mixer. Good ole US Made Mackie stuff.

old is gold

It is pretty easy to connect these to your computer. You need an audio interface box, such as the Mackie Blackjack, Focusrite Scarlett, or the Lexicon Alpha. You connect one of the outs to the interface, and that connects to the computer via USB or Firewire (depending on the interface). We're doing this at our church for PC-based sermon recording. Works great!

@RhondaGaines

Жыл бұрын

We have this exact setup with an alesis mixer/interface connecting to laptop running OBS. I’m an audio newbie. My challenge is where am I supposed to be managing volume/gain for the livestream? I have channels mapped to aux 4. I know I can change volume using gain, faders, aux 4 channel knobs, alesis channel gain/volume & master volume, plus’s the OBS audio mixer. I’m confused and just when I think I’ve figured it out…it’s not right. For preaching/speaking I’m good, but the band and singing gets challenging. No clipping showing in Mackie, but I will see it on the Alesis. Any ideas, help, directions you can point me, flow/order for getting the stream audio correct would be greatly appreciated. I know this post is 9 years old, but I just ran across it 😊

I remember buying 2 of the older one with the link to make a 32 channel board from a NY doctor. Sold the more used board and the link and kept one for a cost of $30. Still have it. Great little board.

Thanks I always wondered what the difference between those two 1604s was . I still have my original 1604 and I never had problems with it .

i use an old Mackie CR1604VLZ for Dub Music ! i love it

Hi thanks for the reply, yeah i was referring to the 8 channel access. I use a mackie designs 1604 and don't have 8 direct outs that are post aux..as so i can have the effects from the aux in the output sound. yeah i use that method of just inserting to the first click... But iam i missing something here ? just want to record outputs individually at the same time with aux effects if that makes sense.

Thanks! Cool to know! George

I have a question: In the newer mixer, what is the best output signal for live streaming ??? What is the best output for monitors ??? Having in mind that I need volume control for monitors, live streaming and headphones separately. I will really appreciate your opinion, Thank you.

Someone told me they are going to turn me on to an old 1604 today. So I've been trying to learn about these Mackie 1604 units, but I'm getting all mixed up. Get it? All mixed up. Seriously though I wish it was a vlz unit because I'm going to use it with my Teac a-3440 reel to reel. I like the "tape" rca plugs Mackie started with the vlz's.

nice job !

Well, I'll usually record tracks dry and add FX later... nothing worse than a great performance stuck with an FX you can't stand three days later! But, if you're sure about the FX you want on the track-- Try running the dry track into one channel, send it out the insert to the FX, and return the FX back into another channel. Send both those channels over to one of the four busses, and tap the recording from the buss out. Yeah it'll be a post-everything feed, but you'll get the FX to tape...

Are the rack mounts identical between the 1604 and the 1604VLZ4?

Not sure if you're referring to the individual channel inserts, or the 8 direct-out jacks. The inserts are pre everything (except the trim). The direct-outs are post everything-- trim, EQ, and fader. There's a trick of using the channel inserts as pre-outs: inserting a T/S plug only to the FIRST click. Of course then you've lost the use of that insert for anything else (and the plug hanging halfway out, yikes)... but hey it works for getting a pre-everything signal out to your recorder.

I used a 1604 in audio school...very respectable mixer for studio application. I wouldn't use it if you are recording a potentially grammy-winning production because the on-board pres really aren't THAT great, but for an engineer or musician wanting to have a project studio...can't go wrong with them. As you say, they are built like tanks. It's harder than hell to kill a Mackie (I've tried! LOL) I certainly recommend them for people who don't want to spend $5k-$500k on a mixer ;-)

Is this comparison basically identical between the CR1604 and the 1604VLZ4?

Hi Wondering if you can help, are the individual outs on this mixer post aux eq etc.

Big difference between the sounds of these mixers: You can get tons of awesome grit from the old 1604. And the grit sounds good on drums. The newer stuff is clean and the distortion sounds crappy.

Could you please tell me exactly where I can find that issue and fix topic? Using Google I could not find anything. Thank you very much.

What is the differences between this VLZ3 and the 1642VLZPRO?. Cheers😊

so any conclussion soundwise? 1604 vs VLZ3?

I have a 1604VLZ Pro....looks exactly like the one you are comparing here. You called it a "3"...is that the same thing? At any rate my main question is ...do you have any videos on how to set up custom ..or individualized monitor mixes. You know how band members want "More me...less him...or more drums and more guitar only....etc." Thanks for any help.

I am planning to order 1604 VLZ4, which should be available in about a month. It's supposedly has Onyx pre-amps, which should be a good thing. Of course I went against all advises. A friend of mine told me to get a Soundcraft or Allen & Heath instread, but I find the Soundraft crowd from U.K. too much of elitists and criticizers of Mackie stuff, so I figured, that's what I need to get :) Let me know if I made a good choice. Also, I am not planning to spent over a $1000 on a mixer.

I purchased the 1604 and the person I purchased it from begs me to sell it back to him. Wondering if these would become rare over time?

I will take it

Picked up a 1604vlz in 95 for 1000$ used, now I can get 32 ch for under 1000$ gtta love technology, and china.......

Is there a little more recent comparison anyone is aware of? For Vlz4?

Do you know how to re-orient the back part of the CR1604 so that the inputs are on top rather than on the rear? I know it's possible but I don't know how.

@bigfel3240

2 жыл бұрын

Need to buy an additional piece to connect it

They should have put separate phantom power switches for every XLR. I don't know anyone that uses all dynamic mics or all condenser mics,it's almost always a mix of the 2.

@searchiemusic

3 жыл бұрын

dynamic and condenser mics work together though?

@PapawCulberson

Жыл бұрын

Dynamic mics are not affected by phantom power. And I have never heard of something blowing up by accidentally turning on phantom power when it wasn't needed.

Ive been using software for over 10 years and the past couple years ive started buying synths and now its time i get a mixer. I am at a high level so i want something serious but still for personal home studio. Ive been recommended mackie. Can someone who has real experience give me some honest advice on what mixer would be ideal for me? Extremely serious hobby so i am after quality. Thank you!

@MonsterMidi

7 жыл бұрын

Maybe a Presonus board would work for you and studio one software?

no sound comparison :(

so where is the sound?

You