The perfect ultra-compact mixer for applications that require few inputs.

Until now, mixers built for low-input, two-mic or one-mic-and-a-guitar applications really skimped on quality. With their flimsy construction and dismal sound, they resembled and performed like children's toys. So Mackie created the 402-VLZ3, the perfect ultra-compact mixer for applications that require few inputs, but demand full-on professional sound.

The 4-channel 402-VLZ3 audio mixer delivers pure VLZ3 quality in Mackie's smallest form factor ever, making it ideal when your input counts are low, or when space is at a premium. In a sleek, small package, you get the signature VLZ3 high headroom, low noise design, complete with 2 XDR2 preamps, premium EQ, and modern mix bus architecture, for the best-sounding, mini-est pro mixer on the planet. And the price is mini too. At last, you no longer need to buy more mixer than you need just to get the quality sound you deserve.

XDR2 preamps
Among the features that have earned the Mackie VLZ3 mixers their stellar reputation are the XDR2 "Extended Dynamic Range" mic preamps. That's because serious amounts of time and energy went into their design, and the result is phenomenal. You simply won't find preamps this good on any other mixer in this price range. The XDR2 preamps deliver pure, clean, studio-grade sound — the kind of quality you'd expect to find in pricey boutique mic pres. They have an incredibly wide frequency range, especially in the low end, and even at extremely high gain settings. They offer incredibly low noise, amazing RFI rejection, and with 60dB of available gain per channel, the 402-VLZ3 can handle inputs ranging from a whisper to a scream. With the superior sound of the 402-VLZ3's two XDR2 preamps, rest assured you will always get optimum performance out of your professional ribbon, dynamic, and condenser mics.

Musical EQ for Your Tweaking Pleasure
EQ Knobs The 402-VLZ3's ultra-musical 2-band Active EQ provides just the right amount of sound shaping flexibility. Mackie invested tremendous resources into optimizing the center frequencies of Mackie's EQs, and improved the interaction of the separate EQ bands, so your tracks can be molded and tweaked for the perfect result. The 402-VLZ3's low shelving at 80Hz and high shelving at 12kHz mean you can quickly and effectively sculpt your tone for the ultimate in punch and brilliance — and with up to 15dB boost/cut capability per band, you get loads of latitude. There's also a 100Hz low cut/high pass switch for each mic input, so you can keep the ultra-low frequency muddiness out of your sound — and give your bass that extra punch if used in conjunction with the Low EQ.

Small Yet Powerfully Flexible
Though small in stature, the 402-VLZ3 provides an incredible abundance of professional features and mission-critical tools to enhance your mixing experience — and your creativity. In addition to essential features like phantom power for your condenser mics, you get a variety of user options that make the 402-VLZ3 a surprisingly versatile mixing machine. Two switchable Hi-Z instrument inputs allow you to plug instruments like electric guitar or bass in direct — no external gear required — or, disengage the switch to connect line level sources such as keyboards, or CD or mp3 players. Use the high pass filters on channels 1 and 2 to cut the rumble with the touch of a button. Connect line level stereo gear like DJ decks using the assignable stereo RCA input, and either route to your phones for queuing up, or to your main mix for overdubbing while monitoring back from your computer on phones. Flexibly monitor and record mono and stereo sources using the stereo pan function — when the switch is out, a mono source will be split between the left and right of the main mix equally, and when the switch is in, channels 1 and 2 are hard-panned left and right (perfect for recording stereo mics). Keep an eye on your levels with the bright 8-segment stereo meters, as well as the responsive overload LEDs that warn you when you're overdoing it with the gain and/or EQ. No matter how you use it, the 402-VLZ3 supplies everything you need to get the job done.

Ultra-compact, sleek, rugged chassis
ProfileNow you can have your pro mixer, and take it with you, too. The 402-VLZ3 features a tight, low-profile design that fits the most modest — or congested — areas perfectly, including your backpack or laptop case. Like all VLZ3 mixers, the 402-VLZ3 is built like a tank, too. Mackie's legendary solid-steel chassis can take the kind of abuse that would turn competitors' flimsy boxes into twisted chunks of debris. Instead of cheap, unsealed potentiometers, Mackie uses co-molded pots, which offer substantial strain and impact relief. By design, Mackie's control knobs 'ride' just above the surface of the chassis, so if something falls onto the mixer, the impact is transferred from the knobs to the chassis — not to the potentiometers or circuit board. Finally, Mackie uses thick, horizontally mounted fiberglass PC boards to eliminate the potential for damage and brace them with a shock-absorbing support structure. And not only is the 402-VLZ3 tough, but it can be flexibly positioned, thanks to a bottom panel that lets you easily mount an optional mic stand adapter with just a few screws. Attach your 402-VLZ3 to a mic stand, and you can adjust its height and angle to suit your unique—or weird — work style.

Applications A-Plenty
With its professional features and ultra-compact footprint, the 402-VLZ3 is ideal for a variety of applications, including home studio and on-the-go recording, multimedia projects, field mixing, broadcast use, and post-production work. (Check out Mackie's hookup guide to see how you can put it all together.) And the included Tracktion 3 Basic Bundle music production software makes it that much easier to get right to work, and get inspired. Boot up T3, connect the 402-VLZ3 to your computer's sound card, and start recording your masterpiece.

Less Really Is More
The best-sounding, most professional ultra-compact in its class, the 402-VLZ3 gives new meaning to the old adage, less is more. While there are other ultra-compact mixers out in the world these days, none provide the performance or sound quality of the 402-VLZ3. Thanks to its ultra-flexible, super-versatile, professional design, you get the low input count you want, the extra space you need, and the quality you deserve — all at an unbelievably low price. Put simply, the 402-VLZ3 is the go-anywhere, fit-anywhere professional mixer, delivering superior sound quality — and unbeatable value.

Mackie 402-VLZ3 Compact Audio Mixer Features:

• Ultra-compact 4-channel mixer featuring Mackie VLZ3's signature low noise, high-headroom design
• 2 studio-grade XDR2™ Extended Dynamic Range mic preamps with:
• Ultra-wide 60dB gain range
• 130dB dynamic range
• +22dBu line input handling
• Extended low frequency response
• Distortion under 0.0007% (20Hz - 20kHz)
• Phantom power for studio condenser mics
• 4 high-headroom line inputs
• 2 selectable Instrument inputs no DI box needed
• 2-Band Active EQ (80Hz, 12kHz) and Lo-Cut filter on mic channels
• Phantom power for studio condenser mics
• Dedicated Stereo Line Input and Tape Input channels
• High-resolution 8-segment stereo meters
• Sealed rotary controls to resist dust and grime
• Sleek, rugged steel chassis
• Includes Tracktion 3 Basic Bundle for Mac/PC (download required)

Now you don't have to buy more mixer than you need to get Mackie's VLZ3 quality in an ultra-compact mixer.

Mackie 402-VLZ3 Compact Audio Mixer Specifications:

• Main Mix Noise:
• (20 Hz 20 kHz bandwidth, 1/4" main out, channels 1 2 gain @ unity, channel EQs flat, stereo-pan button in.
• Main mix knob down, channel level knobs down: 103 dBu
• Main mix knob unity, channel level knobs down: 98 dBu (102 dB Signal to Noise Ratio, ref +4 dBu)
• Main mix knob @ unity, and channel level knobs @ unity: 92 dBu
  
  Total Harmonic Distortion (1 kHz @ 35 dB gain):
• 20 Hz 80 kHz bandwidth <0.005%
• 20 Hz 20 kHz bandwidth <0.003%
  
  Attenuation (Crosstalk):
• (1 kHz relative to 0 dBu, 20 Hz 20 kHz band-
• width, line in, 1 4" main out, gain @ unity.)
• Main mix knob down: 70 dBu
• Channel level knob down: 94 dBu
  
  Frequency Response (Mic input to any output.):
• 20 Hz to 50 kHz: +0 dB/ 1 dB
• 20 Hz to 90 kHz: +0 dB/ 3 dB
  
  Equivalent Input Noise (EIN) (Mic in to main out, max gain.):
• 150 ohm termination: 129.5 dBu , 20 Hz 20 kHz
  
  Common Mode Rejection Ratio (CRMM): 1 kHz: better than 70 dB
  
  Maximum Levels:
• Mic in: +21 dBu
• Tape in: +24 dBu
• All other inputs: +22 dBu
• All outputs: +22 dBu
  
  Impedances:
• Mic in: 3.4 kilohms
• All other inputs: 10 kilohms or greater
• Tape out: 1.0 kilohms
• Phones output: 60 ohms
• All other outputs: 120 ohms
  
  EQ:
• High Shelving ñ15 dB @ 12 kHz
• Low Shelving ñ15 dB @ 80 Hz
  
  Power Consumption: 8 watts
  
  Dimensions (H x W xD): 7.3" x 5.8" x 1.6", (185.5 mm x 146.9 mm x 40.7 mm)
  
  Weight:
• With power supply 3.0 lb (1.36 kg)
• Without power supply 2.5 lb (1.1 kg)

Mackie 402-VLZ3 Compact Audio Mixer

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Average of 5 User Ratings

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Will the 3rd time be the charm?

Posted by Parkerhead from Ventura, CA on Nov 5, 2009

Experience w/product: I own it

Reviewer's Background: Active Musician, Music Supervisor

Reviewer's Play Style: Rock, Alternative, Country, etc.

If it worked, I'd be really happy with the 402-VLZ3. I use it in my office to route music from my computer and a POD to my KRK monitors. It's the perfect size and has just the right combo of ins/outs and features for my needs, and it feels more solid than most pint sized mixers, due in large part to the metal enclosure but...

The first unit I had, had a faulty channel. I returned it within the 30 day return period and received a new one. Within a few months, one of the channels in the phone jack crapped out, and this weekend, the main outs stopped working. It's still in the warranty period, so Mackie is sending me my 3rd unit. Their customer support was great, but at this point, I'm not optimistic that the 3rd one will fair much better. I realize this is an inexpensive, Chinese made unit, but I'm still very disappointed in it. You get what you pay for I guess...buyer beware.

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Clean sound, easy to use

Posted by Nucular from Chicago area on Sep 25, 2009

Experience w/product: I own it

Reviewer's Background: Active musician

Reviewer's Play Style: Jazz

I bought the Mackie 402-VLZ3 to boost the level of a vocal mic for driving my Crate KX-40 amplifier on gigs. It behaves beautifully, producing a clean, crisp sound for vocals. It worked right out of the box, and I particularly found the manual to be very clear and helpful. The mixer is solidly built, and it looks like it will easily survive being used on gigs. The removable power cord locks into position, preventing sudden power loss if the cord is suddenly stressed, as can happen in live situations. The LED VU meters are very visible. In summary, the Mackie 402-VLZ3 is a quality product.

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Wow! What great sound.

Posted by Andy Davis from Indiana on Sep 17, 2009

Experience w/product: I own it

Reviewer's Background: INterviews/pocasts/hobbyist

Reviewer's Play Style: Vocal

I do mainly audio interviews and podcasts. I don't know of a better podcast rig. This is incredible sound. I have it hooked up to a JK Audio Broadcast Host to capture phone interviews. I originally bought a Behringer 1622 because it has so many more inputs and other " fancy" options. Needless to say, I use the Mackie now every time. I could not believe the headroom and preamp quality. The headphone is true and transparent for sure.

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You get what you pay for

Posted by Bucket of Truth from Seattle, WA on Dec 25, 2008

Experience w/product: I own it

Reviewer's Background: Professional Hobbyist

Reviewer's Play Style: Rock, Jazz

Comparable mixers that have similar features or number of channels will not come close to the quality of this little guy. It's really just good for playing along with a MP3 line in while wearing head-phones, or mixing with you partner through a post-powered PA. It even does a good job for a small session recording.

The controls are very intuitive and the sound is stupendous.You can't go wrong

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Small but powerful!

Posted by Pablo Stanley from San Diego, CA on Apr 15, 2008

Experience w/product: I have heard about it

Reviewer's Background: Active Musician

Reviewer's Play Style: Electronic

I have used this mixer for live gigs and it works great! I connect 1 stereo synth, 1 mono synth and my laptop with effects and everything comes together as I need it. No noise, great control and doesn't use any space. Great buy!... Come on, it's a mackie!

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Mackie 402-VLZ3 Compact Audio Mixer

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