Optoproductions Throws Down: Mackie 1604 VLZ4 as the Techno Mixer Street Weapon

Optoproductions wastes zero time: the Mackie 1604 VLZ4 is front and centre, and it’s all about speed. Forget endless menu screens and those laughably tiny knobs – this mixer gives you big, satisfying faders for every channel. That means instant access, muscle memory, and no risk of blowing out the crowd’s eardrums when things get wild.

He’s running a tight hardware setup – Analog Rytm, Minitaur, Beatstep Pro, and a rack of effects – and the Mackie’s layout lets him label, organise, and grab what he needs in real time. The point? When you’re in the heat of a live techno set, you want control at your fingertips, not buried in a submenu. The Mackie delivers that in spades.

The Mackie 1604 VLZ4 isn’t just about volume – it’s a playground for send effects, group channels, and sneaky master inserts. Optoproductions shows off how easy it is to throw a delay or reverb on any channel, then route those returns for feedback mayhem or dubby washes. Dedicated effect returns? Sure. Want to EQ your effects or send them back into themselves for feedback loops? Easy.

Group channels are where this desk starts flexing. Four groups on a mixer this size is rare, and it means you can slam all your drums to a single fader, route synths or effects wherever you want, and even patch in external compressors or filters using the group outputs. The master insert is perfect for dropping a DJ filter or slamming on some end-of-chain compression. And if you’re feeling cheeky, there’s a cable hack for makeshift direct outs – just don’t bump it mid-set unless you like living dangerously.

Here’s where Optoproductions gets critical. He lines up the Mackie against the usual suspects – Tascam Model 16, Soundcraft Spirit FX16 – and calls it straight. The Mackie wins on sheer function-per-pound: six sends, four groups, 16 mono channels, direct outs, solo, mute, and more. The competition might have a few nice touches, but they can’t match the Mackie’s combination of features at this price.

He’s honest about the sound: it’s not a Neve, and it won’t make your kicks sound like gold-plated thunder. But if you want a mixer that actually does what you need on stage, without charging boutique prices, the Mackie 1604 VLZ4 is tough to beat. It’s not about prestige – it’s about getting the job done and surviving the gig.