Mackie Mixers.. the difference?

  • Thread starter Thread starter Chris Fallen
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Chris Fallen

Chris Fallen

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I have the chance to pick up a Mackie CR 1604 for 300 bucks.

What I need to know is, how different are these from the VLZ (2nd version), and then the difference between them and the VLZ PROs.

Is it worth it to buy one of these, or should I just save up and go for the VLZ or VLZ PRO? I think the only difference between the VLZs and the PROs is the different pre-amps. Anyone know if this is true? If it is, then I just need to know how big of a jump it is from the normal CR 1604 to the CR 1604 VLZ.

Thank you in advance.

Christopher
 
You're right, essentially just different preamps. I would not suggest getting that 1604. Money would be better spend getting a mixer with better pres and not wasting the money.

Rev E
 
Sounds like you got a good deal on the board you have, but if your going to save up for something better, don't save up for another Mackie.
 
What should I save up for? I'm still up for suggestions, will be until I buy. I want at least 8 inputs AND outputs. I want to be recording track by track to a soundcard (probably a 1010).

What's better for cheaper (or a few bucks more)?

Christopher
 
The original CR1604 only has 6 mic inputs. So thats no good. The 1604vlz is the EXACT same layout/routing as the new one, just with "xdr" preamps. the 1604vlz can be had for $500 used, the delta 1010 for $490. There is no way you can get around spending money. Saving these $200 now will only become $300 lost when you resell it becuse 6 mic pres wouldn't be enough, the lack of direct outs etc etc.

In the grand scheme of things, does $200 make that much difference? no, save here and there, don't drink beer for a while. Record a shitty garage bands demo in one day for $50. You can put together $200 pretty easily if you want to.

One thing are you looking at... Are you remembering the costs of microphones, microphone cable, line level cables... etc etc?
 
I plan on getting the best I can for the prices I can afford. I'm not going to slack off on 100 or 200 bucks, but if I can find one that's cheaper then I'll go for it. That's why I asked here, because I didn't know about the CR1604 and now I do. Now I won't buy it, of course, cause it's not what I want.

In the grand scheme of things, 200 bucks doesn't matter, you're right. I didn't know about the CR 1604. See above paragraph.

And the last question. While I save up to buy all of these things, I'll be picking up stuff on my guitar center card. New mics, pretty much. Right now I have one, and I have a set of alesis m1s and a tascam 424 mkIII. I'm good to go, I just want some help with some other things, etc, etc.

Christopher
 
I just asked about the mics and cables etc. Because some people thing they can get everything for $1000. And then by the time they send two times what they wanted to they are shocked/disappointed. this is an expensive "game".
 
yeah...used to be,[pre ADATism era] you had to spend upwards of $50,000 or more for a decent multitrack and board. Now, people think that spending 5 grand is alot for recording....and ya get the Internet on your multitrack too!!!:D

Personally, I don't think you'll hear the difference in the older VS newer Mackie preamps, in THIS stage of your learning curve in recording.....and the mixer can always be used a submixer of some sorts down the line, or you could probably sell if for what you have in it. I personally think you draw the line on equipment, when it is OBVIOUSLY inferior, or cheaply made that it will break in a year or less with regular use. The number of mic inputs on the older 1604 might be an problem issue however, as noted earlier.
 
Whats the difference between the XDR preamps and the VLZ's? Which are considered superior?
 
mackie considers the VLZ XDRs superior to the VLZs. I don't know the technical differences, all i know is that you have the same mixer setup/layout on both, just diffrent pre amps. The 1604 is just a real pleasure to work with for routing.
 
Give the SOundcraft M-series a fair chance, too. More versatile it seems, and better EQ and probably preamps too.
 
send me one and i'll try it out. i will put it through a test. the band im currently recording requires 11 tracks at once before overdubs. If the soundcraft M can handle that even would be a good start. :) but i don't think even the 12 channel one can. i would use up 11 channels and then have 1 left to monitor with. im sure its equivalent in standards, i just have never used it.
 
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