Never looked into Mackie gear before, and a new mixer is down at number 2 or 3 on my wish list, but just thought I'd ask whether this is a good deal if it's in good working order. It seems like a really low price, but I have no clue. It's about an hour away from me. Thoughts?
http://knoxville.craigslist.org/msg/1529993872.html
Good Deal on a Used Mackie 1604 VLZ Pro?
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David Carter
- Posts: 1824
- Joined: Mon Jan 01, 2007 7:20 am
- Location: (East) Tennessee, USA
Good Deal on a Used Mackie 1604 VLZ Pro?
Dave
Built:
- Omni 10 (S2010 + piezo array)
- 2 x DR250 (DL II 2510 + melded array)
- 2 x Titan 39 (BP102 - 14"W)
- 2 x Titan 39 (3012LF - 20"W)
- 4 x DR200 (Delta Pro 8B + melded array)
Built:
- Omni 10 (S2010 + piezo array)
- 2 x DR250 (DL II 2510 + melded array)
- 2 x Titan 39 (BP102 - 14"W)
- 2 x Titan 39 (3012LF - 20"W)
- 4 x DR200 (Delta Pro 8B + melded array)
Re: Good Deal on a Used Mackie 1604 VLZ Pro?
I'm not a Mackie fan, but that's a lot of analog board for cheap. Just be sure to test operation of EVERYTHING before commiting to buy.
I know money often seals the deal, but seriously, quality is an investment, not an expense... Grant Bunter
Accept the fact that airtight and well-braced are more important than pretty on the inside. Bill Fitzmaurice
Accept the fact that airtight and well-braced are more important than pretty on the inside. Bill Fitzmaurice
Re: Good Deal on a Used Mackie 1604 VLZ Pro?
I often see those listed—and selling—at about $350 each in good working order here in the S.F. Bay Area. My first thought with that one is "what's wrong with it? Why are they selling it so cheap?"
The pics look clean (often they are much dustier), and if it works it's well worth the drive IMO. I use that model all the time for corporate talking heads shows where all I need is a rack mount mixer with four groups and a couple aux.
The pics look clean (often they are much dustier), and if it works it's well worth the drive IMO. I use that model all the time for corporate talking heads shows where all I need is a rack mount mixer with four groups and a couple aux.
Slowly working on a pair of T30s...
Re: Good Deal on a Used Mackie 1604 VLZ Pro?
you can not tell how well it is just by its looks but mackie makes great boards and for the price you cant conplain on an 1 hr travel if they say that the board is in good working condition
happy new year pal!
happy new year pal!
There is a very thin line between fail and success. It is very thin so, why are you scared???
MADE
4- OT12'S BETAII
4 T39'S 20" 3012LF LOADED
ON THE BENCH: 2 OT212
MADE
4- OT12'S BETAII
4 T39'S 20" 3012LF LOADED
ON THE BENCH: 2 OT212
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Paul Norman
- Posts: 115
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- Location: IA.
- Contact:
Re: Good Deal on a Used Mackie 1604 VLZ Pro?
I have own this mixer for about 7 years and it's been to the shop twice. The tech says there is a problem with the ribbon connector on this model. The 1604 has some good points but all and all used I'd be a little careful. Mine runs hot all the time. There are better units on the the market. I say do some research and find a Allen Heath. $175 sounds cheap, so something is probably wrong.
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bgavin
- Posts: 5738
- Joined: Thu May 04, 2006 10:58 am
- Location: Sacramento, Moderator/Licensed BF Builder
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Re: Good Deal on a Used Mackie 1604 VLZ Pro?
I have the VLZ Pro 24-4.
It also runs hot, but I can correct that with better heat transfer paste on the power IC, and some fans.
Evidently this 16v regulator IC is the part that craps out most of the time.
Overheating is no doubt the cause.
From what I understand, ribbon cables are a chronic problem in the 8-bus mixers.
It also runs hot, but I can correct that with better heat transfer paste on the power IC, and some fans.
Evidently this 16v regulator IC is the part that craps out most of the time.
Overheating is no doubt the cause.
From what I understand, ribbon cables are a chronic problem in the 8-bus mixers.
My biggest worry is that when I'm dead and gone, my wife will sell my toys for what I said I paid for them.
Re: Good Deal on a Used Mackie 1604 VLZ Pro?
Re: ribbon cables
According to Mackie tech support, they had a supplier issue with the connectors. The socket was a tiny bit too big and over time the contacts built up corrosion. Once the problem was discovered, they got a new supply of properly sized connectors and sent replacement ribbon cables to anybody that asked. If you call with your serial number they can tell you if your board was built during the problem period. They can also tell you the part number to look for on the cables to tell if they have been replaced. (Or at least they could a couple years ago; Mackie is now owned by LOUD, which has been going through some turmoil lately.)
According to Mackie tech support, they had a supplier issue with the connectors. The socket was a tiny bit too big and over time the contacts built up corrosion. Once the problem was discovered, they got a new supply of properly sized connectors and sent replacement ribbon cables to anybody that asked. If you call with your serial number they can tell you if your board was built during the problem period. They can also tell you the part number to look for on the cables to tell if they have been replaced. (Or at least they could a couple years ago; Mackie is now owned by LOUD, which has been going through some turmoil lately.)