Mackie 1402VLZ4 Vs. Zoom LiveTrak L 8: Compared And Rated

Choosing the right mixer when there are so many on the market these days isn't easy.
Especially when many of them are built for one specific need but being marketed as an all-rounder 🙄
But not to worry, I've got ya!
I have taken a deep dive into two beasts in the audio-mixing game and gone head to head with them: Mackie 1402VLZ4 vs. Zoom LiveTrak L 8.

We're looking at things like:
  • Sound Quality: This is the heart of the matter, right? How each mixer holds up in delivering crisp, clear audio. Are we talking about a mixer that makes your tracks sound like they're live from the garage, or are we hitting studio-quality sound?
  • Ease of Use: Nobody wants to spend hours figuring out which button does what. I’ll break down the user interface of both Mackie 1402VLZ4 and Zoom LiveTrak L 8. Are they plug-and-play easy, or will you need a PhD in mixology to use them?
  • Features and Functions: Ie. What's under the hood? Let's find out what sets them apart.
  • Durability: No matter your reason for buying, you want something that's gonna last, not fall apart after a few light sessions.
  • Price Point: Yep, money talks. When it comes to prices, we need to see which mixer gives us more bang for our buck. Is the higher price of one justified by its features, or is the other a hidden gem at a bargain price?
  • Customer Reviews and Feedback: What's the word on the street? Sometimes real-world use tells a different story than what the sales page says.

Mackie 1402VLZ4

I'll be honest, I only bought the Mackie 1402VLZ4, a 14-channel compact mixer, to test it out and review, but here's what I think…

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First Impressions

Right out of the box, the mixer's design caught my eye. It's sleek and not as bulky as some of its counterparts, making it a good fit for smaller spaces. The build, however, felt a bit different compared to the older VLZ3 models. The glide knobs, for instance, seemed a bit on the cheaper side. Despite this, the sound quality didn't disappoint. It's that clear, crisp Mackie output I've come to expect from their mixers.

Usability and Features

Functionally, this mixer does its job well. The monitor mix setup is simple and intuitive. Especially useful was the way the first monitor mix worked with the monitor master and the second with the slider control. This distinction is great for managing different vocalists or instruments. The mixer’s sound is good and quiet, which is a plus for recording or live settings.

Durability Concerns

A notable change from previous models is the move from a metal to a plastic case. This shift might raise some durability concerns. I can't shake off the feeling that it might not withstand the rigors of frequent transportation or heavy use.

Quality and Longevity

While the overall performance of the Mackie 1402VLZ4 is commendable, it's hard to ignore the change in quality over the years. There have been some issues with the volume trim pots becoming scratchy or cutting out prematurely, which can be frustrating. It seems like a step down from the legendary durability Mackie mixers used to boast.

Zoom LiveTrak L-8

Zoom LiveTrak L-8: The Portable Powerhouse

I got my hands on the Zoom LiveTrak L-8, and let me tell you, it's like having a field recorder on steroids. This thing's versatile and solid – despite some calling it cheap, my experience says otherwise. I've got two of these, and they've held up well.

Professional Features, Battery-Powered Convenience

The L-8 packs features you'd expect from a pro-level unit – backlighted buttons, effects, presets, recording options, and even a battery backup. After 12 months of use, not a single hiccup. It's got a very robust feel to it. Beginners, intermediates, pros – this mixer's a solid buy for all. David Shanhun on YouTube showcases its capabilities well, so check him out for some real-world usage.

Mac Compatibility and Customer Service Woes

Now, it's not all perfect. I've had issues with my Mac Mini M1 – the mixer doesn't always stay connected after a power cycle. Customer service hasn't been a great help either. Bypassing my USB hub with a direct connection seemed to improve things, though.

Pre-Amps and Recording Excellence

What really stands out are the six high-performance pre-amps, each with phantom power. It's tough finding a portable recorder with this quality. The board's layered menu-driven controls can be overwhelming at first, but they open up a world of great recording possibilities. Those 6 assignable Sound Pads with 13 preset sounds are a blast, adding an extra dimension, especially for podcasters.

Great for Podcasting and Mixing

It's not just for recording; the L-8 is a fantastic tool for podcasting and mixing. The phone integration is a nice touch too. As an audio interface, it's a winner – plug it into a USB power bank, and you're set for high-quality recordings anywhere.

Live Streaming and Solo Acts

For church livestreaming or solo acts, it's a breeze to use. It's got way more features than I've tapped into yet, but it's been smooth sailing so far. The effects are usable, unlike many other mixers I've encountered, which is a major plus for live performances.

Recording and Interface Capabilities

As an audio interface, it's top-notch. You can record at 48/32, which is a step up from most interfaces offering a fixed 24-bit rate. The digital recorder is simple to use – just record your gig, pop the SD card into your computer, and drag and drop the audio files into your DAW.
Final Verdict

This mixer is a dream device for podcasters and small bands. It combines mixing and recording in a portable package that runs on batteries or power banks. The preamps sound amazing, making mics like the Shure Beta 58 sound fuller and richer. The only downside? You can use only one effect for all tracks, so no combining effects or using different ones on different tracks. But overall, highly recommended!

Head 2 Head: Mackie 1402VLZ4 or Zoom LiveTrak L 8

Mackie 1402VLZ4: The Compact Contender

The Introductory Meet and Greet

So, you've got your eyes on the Mackie 1402VLZ4, huh? Well, let's get acquainted. This analog mixer is compact and sleek, perfect for those tight studio spaces. It's like sliding into a slim-fit suit that just works. But, don't be fooled by its size; it's still a powerful piece of studio equipment.

Usability and Features

Got a bunch of vocalists or instruments to manage? The Mackie 1402VLZ4 has got you covered with its intuitive monitor mix setup. It's practically whisper-quiet too, making it ideal for recording or live settings.

Durability Concerns

Now, here's where we hit a bit of turbulence. With the shift from metal to plastic casing, there might be durability concerns for this soundboard in the long run or if you're lugging it around frequently.

Quality and Longevity

While it delivers on sound quality (oh boy, does it deliver), there have been rumblings about volume trim pots getting scratchy or cutting out prematurely. A bit like an aging rockstar losing his high notes. Zoom LiveTrak L-8: The Portable Powerhouse

The Introductory Meet and Greet

Next up is the Zoom LiveTrak L-8 . This digital mixer is like a pocket-sized powerhouse that packs robust features into its small form factor, making it an excellent portable mixer.

Professional Features, Battery-Powered Convenience

This battery-powered wonder gives you professional-level features, including backlit buttons, effects, presets and recording options. Talk about a feature-heavy recording console!

Mac Compatibility and Customer Service Woes

There's a slight hiccup though. It may struggle to get along with your Mac Mini M1 and customer service might not be the knight in shining armor you'd hope for.

Pre-Amps and Recording Excellence

Now for the pièce de résistance! The L-8 boasts six high-performance pre-amps with phantom power – the kind of quality that's hard to find in a portable recorder.

Great for Podcasting and Mixing

Podcasters rejoice! The L-8 is your new best friend. And if mixing is your game, this little beast has got your back.

Live Streaming and Solo Acts

Performing live or want to stream your church services? The L-8 makes it as easy as pie with its comprehensive features that even include usable effects.

Recording and Interface Capabilities

As an audio interface, it's top-tier. You can record at 48/32 – beating most interfaces stuck at a fixed 24-bit rate. Pop in an SD card, record your gig and drag-and-drop the files into your DAW – easy peasy! The Final Verdict After going toe-to-toe with each other, there can only be one winner here: The Zoom LiveTrak L-8 takes the crown! This versatile digital mixer integrates mixing and recording capabilities into one compact unit that delivers outstanding sound quality anywhere. Despite its minor Mac compatibility issue, its excellent preamps, podcast-friendly features, robust build quality, battery-powered convenience and superior recording capabilities make it outshine the Mackie 1402VLZ4. Whether you're a podcaster, small band, or even a solo performer, the Zoom LiveTrak L-8 is your go-to tool for all your audio needs.