Really reaching back for this one Nick, damn! When I started making synth music, I found one of these at a garage sale for $100 and picked it up. After trying out some other smaller mixers and audio interfaces, I keep coming back to this one. I'm not an audio expert by any means, but something about it just sounds so good. I keep running into problems with my live setup and hunt around for gear that can help solve them, and then BAM I realize that this can do pretty much what I want to do. It's crazy that after this long, it's still great. The only downside is that I just have to haul it to the gig, and damn is it heavy! Not a huge footprint on the table, which is nice, but yeah it's just an absolute unit and could probably survive a plane crash easily. So if you're finding yourself here in the year of our lord 2023 or later, I can report that as of right now, this is still a fantastic sounding mixer, and at the prices it's currently going for, kind of a no-brainer.
I got mine used and faulty in 2021 for just 35€. But until today it had remained on its unopened box!. So I have opened it and upon powering it, the problem seems to be dirty pots, connectors and switches. Getting into it to clean them is bit of a nightmare, though. But, well, after one hour and a half, I have it on the workbench ready for some cleaning, using DeoxIT D5, which IMO is one of the better generic contact cleaners. I hope this makes the trick and I can use it for an upcoming home music event!
Very good review, as always! Thanks, Sonic State. Seems like the VLZ3 and the new EQ's are a great improve over the original ones (from the first VLZ series). I still have my Mackie 1202-VLZ working after almost 11 years. It's a rock solid mixer, thou i don't use their pre's that much nowadays.
Question . . . Let's say I have a 6 channel drum mix on the 1202, is there a way I can send the stereo output of these channels to a single channel on a Yamaha MG124CX? This would allow me to mix drums on the 1202 and mix vocals, gtr, bass and keys on the 124.
Probably right now with the Mackie Onyx preamps (they also have a 1220) you will be left in the dust. The EQs even on this are amazing, you wont be able to EQ as good in MBox/Pro Tools without some $500 plugin. Most EQs will create underwater effects and weird noises. This clearly does not. On the Onyx you can also send with or without the EQ settings, and send the tracks back through after you have done (whatever else in Pro Tools, etc).
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!
if you're looking for a cheap decent interface for basic recording look at the M-Audio Audiophile 192 good little card, if you want something more powerful you will need a pci/pci-e interface with a breakout box.
I have a question: I want to replace my MAckie 24-8bus with this one, does it have the same sound quality, and I cant seem to find a talkback function on this one :-(
Really reaching back for this one Nick, damn! When I started making synth music, I found one of these at a garage sale for $100 and picked it up. After trying out some other smaller mixers and audio interfaces, I keep coming back to this one. I'm not an audio expert by any means, but something about it just sounds so good. I keep running into problems with my live setup and hunt around for gear that can help solve them, and then BAM I realize that this can do pretty much what I want to do. It's crazy that after this long, it's still great. The only downside is that I just have to haul it to the gig, and damn is it heavy! Not a huge footprint on the table, which is nice, but yeah it's just an absolute unit and could probably survive a plane crash easily.
So if you're finding yourself here in the year of our lord 2023 or later, I can report that as of right now, this is still a fantastic sounding mixer, and at the prices it's currently going for, kind of a no-brainer.
Watching in 2018 and hearing this guy say "brand new" is freakin hilarious!
They are still selling them brand new out of the box.$299.00
'this guy'
Oh dear
I got mine used and faulty in 2021 for just 35€. But until today it had remained on its unopened box!. So I have opened it and upon powering it, the problem seems to be dirty pots, connectors and switches. Getting into it to clean them is bit of a nightmare, though. But, well, after one hour and a half, I have it on the workbench ready for some cleaning, using DeoxIT D5, which IMO is one of the better generic contact cleaners. I hope this makes the trick and I can use it for an upcoming home music event!
How is this 14 years old now!! Wow I feel extra old now!!!
Awesome video ... i just bought a used 1202 and you have helped a ton
Great review! You've helped me understand my Mackie 1202-VLZ Pro. Thanks! 5 stars here.
Very good review, as always! Thanks, Sonic State.
Seems like the VLZ3 and the new EQ's are a great improve over the original ones (from the first VLZ series).
I still have my Mackie 1202-VLZ working after almost 11 years. It's a rock solid mixer, thou i don't use their pre's that much nowadays.
I have this, used it two times. I sounds pretty damn awesome, don't know if i should sell it.
cheers for the info. much appreciated
Question . . . Let's say I have a 6 channel drum mix on the 1202, is there a way I can send the stereo output of these channels to a single channel on a Yamaha MG124CX? This would allow me to mix drums on the 1202 and mix vocals, gtr, bass and keys on the 124.
Great review - thanks!
Probably right now with the Mackie Onyx preamps (they also have a 1220) you will be left in the dust. The EQs even on this are amazing, you wont be able to EQ as good in MBox/Pro Tools without some $500 plugin. Most EQs will create underwater effects and weird noises. This clearly does not. On the Onyx you can also send with or without the EQ settings, and send the tracks back through after you have done (whatever else in Pro Tools, etc).
Great video
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!
I have same one except it’s VLZ4...the meter lights don’t come on. Anybody know why??
@angerisay
figured it out ... i just took a stereo out of the ALT 3-4 bus AKA MUTE bus and went into a stereo channel on the yamaha
if you're looking for a cheap decent interface for basic recording look at the M-Audio Audiophile 192 good little card, if you want something more powerful you will need a pci/pci-e interface with a breakout box.
I have a question:
I want to replace my MAckie 24-8bus with this one, does it have the same sound quality, and I cant seem to find a talkback function on this one :-(
Is this Moby?
How did you connect the mixer to the laptop?
whats the diference 1202 vlz3 vs 1202 vlz pro
could you hook a keyboard in the back
are the preamps on this better than the Mbox2?
Through an audio interface.
Is it still worth getting?
every read any old Mackie manuals?? tells you right in not to patch with phantom on
If you wanted to add reverb to the mics, is there a device that you would recommend, or do the higher-end mixers have reverb built in?
Thanks
uhhh you dont??
en españolpor favor
Inn portuguerse plis! !!!!