[Illustrated Guide] How Analog Mixers Work and How to Use Them | MACKIE 802VLZ4

In this article, I will introduce the MACKIE analog mixer "802VLZ4" that I love using for live performances, and explain its mechanisms and how to use it.

For those who are not familiar with analog mixers or are not confident in operating them, I will focus on key points and explain them as clearly as possible.

If you understand the flow of audio signals and the basic mechanisms, I believe you can apply this knowledge regardless of the mixer model.

Deepening your understanding of mixers expands the fun of planning setups when you have more equipment and broadens the range of your performances.

Please note that the content is based solely on my subjective opinion.

( * Channel is abbreviated as CH )

What is a mixer?

Advantages of having a mixer

For example, if you try to connect multiple synthesizers to speakers individually, you would basically need a speaker (or input) for each instrument.

However, by inputting all audio signals into a mixer and consolidating them, you can output to a single pair of speakers from the mixer.

Also, it becomes easier to adjust the volume balance of each instrument using the mixer.

In other words, in an environment where multiple pieces of equipment are used simultaneously, a mixer is almost essential. (Regardless of whether it is hardware or software)

MACKIE 802VLZ4

Below is an excerpt from the MACKIE official website's explanation of the 802VLZ4.

The following is my supplementary explanation.

By the way, Mackie (Mackie) is an audio equipment brand founded in Seattle, USA, in 1988.

(The import agency for Japan has been Onkyo Tokki Corporation since 2009)

It is surprising that it is still actively sold as of June 2026, but to describe the appeal of this 802VLZ4 in one word,

"Compact, good sound quality, and easy to use"

is the point.

Personally, it is necessary and sufficient for live use, so I have been using it for many years.

Every time I use it, I feel that it is a product designed with the user's convenience in mind.

LR output difference issue?

It doesn't bother me much with the one I own, but looking at product reviews, it seems that some 802VLZ4 units have a difference of about 1.7dB in the main output LR depending on the individual unit. (The volume does not match left and right)

As for the cause, in the case of the round stereo volume type, there is a possibility that a left-right level difference will occur, and that problem does not seem to occur with the stereo slide fader type.

Since it seems that not all products have the same problem, it is possible that individual differences or differences in lots are also involved.

By the way, the AC adapter that came with the 802VLZ4 I purchased was labeled,

OUTPUT: 18.5V

but,

for those currently on sale,

OUTPUT: 12.0V

the specifications have been changed.

This is just a guess, but it is possible that the timing of the specification changes for internal parts, etc., may have influenced the LR volume difference.

Difference between analog and digital

Roughly speaking, the difference between a digital mixer and an analog mixer is

whether the audio signal processing inside the mixer is performed in the analog domain or converted to digital first

and then processed.

For example, in a digital mixer, the input analog signal is converted to a digital signal by an A/D converter, processed digitally (EQ, compressor, fader, mixing, etc.), and if outputting as analog, it is converted back to an analog signal by a D/A converter at the end.

Digital mixers are characterized by having many more features than analog mixers, such as the ability to save and recall settings. is a feature.

The advantages of an analog mixer may be few, but personally, I like the fact that the signal flow is easy to understand and it can be operated intuitively.

Roles of Each Part (802VLZ4)

From here, I will explain the role of each part of the 802VLZ4.

Input/Output Terminals

Author's Point:

Author's Point:

Channel Section

Author's Point:

Author's Point:

802VLZ4 is not equipped with multi-track recording to an SD card, multiple built-in effects, MIDI terminals, pads, or USB terminals like the latest compact digital mixers.

However, because all operations can be performed intuitively with buttons and knobs, it is less likely that you will get confused or struggle with operations during live performances, etc..

Also, since there is a fair amount of flexibility in the routing of terminals and signals, I feel that it can flexibly handle various applications.

Useful points to know

The difference between GAIN and FADER

For example, many microphones do not have a function to adjust the volume.

Therefore, once you connect a microphone to the mixer, you need to adjust the gain to set an appropriate input level accordingly.

Gain is used to adjust to an appropriate input level when connecting instruments or microphones to the mixer. Basically, you set this during the sound check before the performance.

On the other hand, if you want to adjust the volume balance of each channel during a performance, you operate the fader.

If you just raise the fader because the volume is low without the gain being set properly, the noise will also increase, and feedback will occur more easily.

It is recommended to first set the appropriate input level with the gain, and then adjust the volume balance with other instruments or vocals using the fader.

Important! Steps for adjusting the input level

I will explain using the following steps.

Since a contact microphone is used, turn the Hi-Z button ON and increase the gain.

The reason for turning the low-cut button ON is to cut unnecessary low frequencies.

When you turn the SOLO button ON and play sound, only the L-side LED on the meter will react.

When you set the CH1 fader to U (unity gain), you can send the input level set by the gain directly to the main output.

In the example, I adjusted the input level with a kalimba, but the basic procedure is the same when connecting electronic instruments such as a synthesizer to CH 5/6.

Since CH 5/6 is not equipped with gain, you adjust the main output, etc., of the synthesizer itself to match the appropriate input level.

The flow explained here is the basic flow. Once you get used to it, there is no problem with skipping steps.

The point is that it is important to understand the meaning of each step.

Pre-fader and Post-fader

802VLZ4 signal flow can be checked in the block diagram located at the end of the manual.

Pre-fader signals are not affected by the fader, so they are often used for things like sound checks during rehearsals or when you want to check the sound of equipment you are about to play in your headphones during a performance.

Practical Examples

I will introduce an example of how I actually used the 802VLZ4 in a live performance.

The following is an example of its use at Ambient Live, which I hosted on June 21, 2026.

CH 7/8 was connected to a 2-mix of the setup used by my co-performer, J SMITH, when he performed.

AUX SEND was connected to a Hologram Microcosm, allowing me to use that effect on all channels. (The amount of effect applied is adjusted with the AUX knob for each channel)

TAPE IN was connected to a Model:Cycles, and I turned on TAPE in CONTROL ROOM SOURCE to output to the main out. (Used only for surprise performances, not for regular playing)

Model:Cycles volume was adjusted with the CR / SUBMIX fader.

TAPE IN jacks are commonly used to connect portable players or similar devices to play background music before a show or during set changes at live events.

Tips for Adjusting Output Levels

Set each channel fader to unity gain (U), then listen to the overall balance and adjust slightly higher or lower as needed.

Using unity gain as a reference makes it easier to take advantage of the dynamic range (volume range) of the connected equipment.

For the live performance, I used YAMAHA HS4 as the main speakers.

After adjusting the speaker volume to about halfway, I set the mixer's main output to unity gain (U).

If you want to increase the volume, it is easier to operate by adjusting the mixer's main fader rather than the speaker volume.

The key is to adjust the volume levels of the connected equipment and speakers based on the mixer's unity gain.

In this article, we explain the MACKIE analog mixer 802VLZ4 to cover the mechanics and operation methods of mixers.

Currently, many mixers with various specifications are being released by numerous manufacturers.

Since every user has different needs, I think it is difficult to definitively decide which model is the best.

For example, even if you choose a model with a large number of channels because you want to use a lot of equipment, the unit itself may become large, taking up installation space or making it difficult to carry to live performances.

Also, if you are producing music primarily using a DAW, an audio interface alone may be sufficient. (There are also many models that include audio interface functionality in the mixer.)

If you are going to introduce a mixer, we recommend that you thoroughly check the manual and specifications in advance.

It might be a good idea to organize your thoughts by considering the number of devices you own, equipment you might add in the future, how many microphone terminals you need, and whether your main use case is for live performances.

As your hardware equipment increases, I think that consolidating sound with a mixer while creating music or performing will make music production even more enjoyable.

Thank you for reading to the end.

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