Mo Says...

A proper old-school Mackie workhorse: masses of hands-on routing, XDR preamps and no menu-diving nonsense. This one has clearly earned its stripes, but remains a formidable live or studio command centre.

Notable Particulars

• 24-channel analogue format with 20 mono mic/line channels plus 2 stereo line channels, giving ample room for bands, recording rigs and larger setups
• 20 XDR Extended Dynamic Range mic preamps provide high headroom, low noise and strong RFI rejection
• True 4-bus architecture offers flexible subgrouping and routing for live sound and multitrack recording
• 6 aux sends per channel, comprising 2 pre-fader, 2 post-fader and 2 switchable pre/post sends, ideal for monitors and external effects
• Comprehensive analogue connectivity with channel inserts, subgroup outputs, main outputs and extensive rear-panel I/O

The Details

The Mackie SR24•4-VLZ Pro is a substantial 24-channel analogue sound-reinforcement console built for the days when a mixing desk was expected to survive gigs, studios and touring without requiring a software update before soundcheck.

Its 20 mono channels combine XLR microphone and 1/4" TRS line inputs with Mackie's XDR mic preamps, while channels 21-24 operate as two stereo line channels. Mono channels feature 3-band EQ with sweepable midrange and switchable 75Hz low-cut filtering, while the stereo channels use 4-band fixed EQ. Each channel also provides six aux sends, pan, mute, solo, bus assignment and a 60mm fader.

The true 4-bus design provides considerable routing flexibility, with four subgroups feeding the main mix as required and plenty of connections for external processors, monitoring and recording equipment. Mackie's specification also lists rugged steel construction and sealed 60mm faders, very much in keeping with the company's famously robust analogue desks of this period.

This example is the 230V version, as shown on the rear panel. Cosmetically it shows clear signs of previous professional use, including marks, scratches and general wear across the chassis and front edge. Please study the photographs carefully for the condition of the actual unit offered.

A splendid great battleship of a mixer, from an era when routing was done with buttons, knobs and a mildly alarming quantity of cable.