Mackie 402VLZ4 Talkthrough & Uses For DJs

[@GabrielRodriguezInjectedFusion]

My Girlfriend bought one of these for christmas and I love it. I've used it from everything from DJ'ing to adding additional interfaces and controls to my Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 and have used it for podcasting and video streaming.

[@TrNdke]

Another use for a small mixer like this: if you DJ using in ear monitors to protect your hearing, you can can run a 'house mic' into this and mix with your usual headphone out from your setup. This would let you hear the sound of the room and people talking to you without having to remove your in ears.

[@digitaldjtips]

Great tip!

[@allstar930]

This review was so timely, I just picked one up for a gig next weekend with rented pa gear

[@jasonkuy7100]

These days everyone wants to be a dj

[@btmovements360]

Great job I own both pieces of equipment and you reminded me of a few things that I forgot, cheers

[@velanche]

Nice one! I was looking for reviews on this series on TH-cam, and found it. It wasn't so much of a review as much as it was a great overview, because I was looking for a mixer to plug my recently purchased Roland TB-3 and TR-8 into with the option of not needing a computer. Thanks to this overview, I'm sold and will get the 8-channel model. Very helpful; thank you!

[@digitaldjtips]

You're very welcome, thanks for your kind words :-)

[@WOODZ2111]

the mackie compact mixer line is a good deal as well. I bought a mackie 12 channel compact mixing board for 100 dollars at guitar center and it works great!

[@jpnumarkpimenta4638]

thank you and so we can connect active speakers to any external soundcard dj Mackie 402VLZ4 thank you for support but i use behringer usb sound card with outputs and inputs thank you

[@kevinoriol]

I was just running into a huge problem getting feedback with a mic. I had it running into a small mixer, like this one, made by Alesis and then running that into my S4 MK3 live input. I hope running my console into the mixer, then out to my speakers fixes the problem. I know this an old video but thanks anyway!

[@digitaldjtips]

You're welcome :)

[@djprittyswif1980]

He sold the hell outta me! Great video man!

[@digitaldjtips]

Thanks! :)

[@QSkyLive]

I use the Alto ZMX862 with Traktor S4, full 3 band EQ for just £50. Awesome little unit.

[@BartonCooper]

Very interesting video! Thank You!

[@pentavus187]

love it defiantly adding this to my arsenal.

[@stephenmortimer6003]

Great video + solid advice, cheers!

[@digitaldjtips]

Thanks Stephen!

[@hartejgirn6506]

Digital DJ Tips is this good for connecting​ 2 powered speakers into ?

[@SeanHyland]

Should work fine. I have the VLZ3 model and plug Monoprice (rebranded M-Audio) powered monitors into the Main Out section and it works great.

[@RunTFC]

You didn't talk about the sound quality advantages. I was interested to know what to look for in that respect when shopping for external mixers.

[@andriyaniliev3344]

Thank you! My English language is not good and i need to ask something because im using flx4. If i buy some mixer is it possible to use effect pedals on it? I looking for way to use effect pedals with my flx4.

[@Gener77]

Thanks for posting. Very informative.

[@digitaldjtips]

Definitely 👍

[@syncopatevibes]

how connect behringer umc204hd to dj controller (reloop beatmix 4) and what cabels i need ?

[@martinalmaraz8362]

Kool Great Tips Thank You!!!

[@digitaldjtips]

You're very welcome :)

[@dj-specializedmixes2157]

this mixer comes in very handy when the controller tanks

[@Stewcrew8]

wow can you explain how to do that in the case that happens, I certainly didn't know that and hate to refund money...or possibly do a video sir

[@glisteningkabana8154]

Awesome, great demonstration! So you can use the phones out to a monitor speaker? I've got a gig coming up where I use the mains left output going to a single powered speaker, but the venue also want me to plug into the in-house system so my music can be heard in other rooms of the hotel. I guess I could use either the right mains out, tape out or phones out? Not sure which one is preferred? Thank you.

[@digitaldjtips]

Tape Out would make most sense

[@zakaroonetwork777]

Will the Tape RCA section work as a Send and Return for an External Delay box? I need channel 1-4 to go out the tape section then the delay rx back tape in back out to the Mains to the house…. Or will I get a feedback loop. I’m trying to keep a small and light rig.

[@zakaroonetwork777]

Sweet I think you answered my question. I have two mono synths and a stereo keyboard to plug in tape to the delay and master out to a reverb box then on to my interface; but I won’t here the Reverb in the head phones. What could be a work around to hear reverb in the head phones? Reverb is always on but I like I can blend the delay. I already own this 402vlz. I just don’t have all the patch cables yet.

[@vinihoff]

Really liked it!
How is the sound quality to use as a Home Studio mixer?
It's sound quality is lower compared to my MOTU Audio Express?
I mean, if I'm using it between my MOTU and my Studio Monitors I would be loosing sound quality?

[@djadamandruszkiewicz8965]

BIG Question. Does it make a diffrence to connect speakers by TRS - TRS cable or TRS - XLR cable? Or maybe chose the mixer with XLR main out to use XLR - XLR cable?

[@digitaldjtips]

TRS and XLR are both "balanced", so no, it won't make much difference. XLR are heavier duty, though.

[@jamesw2831]

Question...let's say I have a 4 channel controller with no standalone capability, but I do have this small PA mixer. Now could I theoretically hook up cdjs to this mixer as a backup or would I need a portable two channel DJ style mixer? If I need a DJ style mixer, can you suggest one that is portable but high quality?

[@alextheawesome5275]

I think it's a bad idea to plug the stereo output into mono channels. Such a small mixer has no pan control for the mono channels. So both left and right channels will end up in the center of the mixer's main output. And all stereo information will be lost.
It's better to use a dedicated stereo channel (3-4) of this mixer. Or use a mixer with pan control on the mono channels to separate left and right signals.

[@digitaldjtips]

If this is something you care about you'd spend more and get something that does have pan controls and other extras, mono isn't as much as a problem as some people seem to think, plenty of clubs are run in mono

[@chrisblake5992]

there's a button to pan L/R down by the level knobs for inputs 1 and 2

[@antmharris]

I have a Behringer EurorackMX1604A audio mixer, Would it hurt anything if I correct my pioneer DJM 250 mk2 mixer in the Mic/line channels on the mixer? I have my pioneer DDJ 1000 running on the Behringer as well.

[@digitaldjtips]

No it won't hurt anything

[@brianjordan4194]

I've been told I can use one of these to bypass my mic so its not in the recorded audio when I do my streams , if so please tell me how because I cant figure it out . I use a ddj-sz2 and record to a tascam dr-40x . My ddj goes through a presonus 24c to pc from booth output . Trying not to use my master for my stream in case i forget and crank up the volume , booth I never touch .

[@bunnysuperville]

Can you used the Mackie 402VLZ4 to record the effects from the RMX500 using Serato DJ. I have a DDJ SX2 and a RMX500 and i unable to record the effects when i am recording a mix. Would the Mackie 402VLZ4 solve that problem?

[@mrpauz8409]

Hey! Quick question, so I’m totally new at being a DJ! I bought myself a DDJ RB and practiced, got better and better! So I have my first gig at an event called “Relay for life”. It’s that kind of thing where people run 5k and raise money for cancer, and party at the end, although... this event is 12 hours!!!! And I’m dj’ing the whole time! My DDJ RB only has a Master Output... idk what to do exactly with this mixer, I’m sort of understanding your overview on it. I remember they have like 10 huge speakers n stuff all connected it’s crazy mayhem! Connecting my controller to this you think will work? I’m not sure if this will work... please reply!

[@digitaldjtips]

Hey Jr Richy! Not sure if you've had that gig yet or not, but 12 hours, that's quite a haul! Not impossible though, it's called "marathon DJing" essentially. If they have speakers then they'll have a main mixer that everything is connected to. You'll likely be hooking up through one of the channels there. Will link you below to a few articles that will help....
Beginner’s Guide To PA Systems, Part 1: Basics (4-part series)
www.digitaldjtips.com/2013/04/beginners-guide-to-pa-systems-part-1-basics/
Over To You: How To Play Marathon DJ Sets
www.digitaldjtips.com/2017/02/over-to-you-how-to-play-marathon-dj-sets/
How To Survive An 8-Hour DJ Set
www.digitaldjtips.com/2017/09/how-to-survive-an-8-hour-dj-set/
And lastly, make sure you're getting compensated well for this - that's a long set!

[@danielk6105]

How about the - Behringer Q802USB

[@AnanthapuriArunKumar]

I have recently purchased a mackie mix 8 mixer. AM unable to hear the sound from mic. i tried connecting RCA out in mixer to laptop mic point and also by connecting a speaker to phones. In both case sound from mic is not hearing and it remains dead? what is the reason. any softwares required in laptop or any special cables required?

[@DjGCue71]

Hey Phil, I have a question. I have a Pioneer DDJ-SZ & DDJ-SX, a pair of RCF EVOX 12's and every time I dj, I hook up my speakers straight to my controller. I have always notice that I have to put my controller's master volume at about 2-3 o clock and my speakers at the same level. I feel like im using all the head room in my controllers and my speakers. someone told me to add a little mixer like this so I can get more volume/head room. Is that correct? Thank you in advance.

[@djglenns]

Yes because of the pre amps.

[@farway-417]

More that the mixer as a whole serves as a pre-amp in the line signal to the speakers. If your controller has a problem delivering power, this might help.

[@jamisonatanasoff3890]

Can I use the xlr connections and hook directly into the PA?

[@josephelibert2464]

I’m a dj.....interested in adding this mixer to my equipment. So....let me get this straight. I connect my amp to tape out on the mixer???? And my dj controller to which connector on the mixer?????

[@digitaldjtips]

As shown in the video you can hook up your controller to channels one and two using the correct cable for your particular controller (most likely RCA to 1/4inch as used in the video)

[@stevefayson2245]

Good morning to you sir, so I guess your mix out is coming from your tape out to the speakers?

[@digitaldjtips]

Yep!

[@michaelsmith4791]

Great video Phil!! I wonder if this procedure will boost the sound quality of the controller (well known for its bad sound quality). I ask you this because i have a kontrol s8 and i'm planning to get a mackie to have better sound quality...

[@digitaldjtips]

Hi Michael, it may boost the level or brighten up the EQ etc, but it will not improve the audio quality, what you've got coming out of the S8 is the best it will be.

[@farway-417]

Might help, if it is an output problem on your controller. The Mackie is a good source and just serving as a pre-amp might work. Use it on the channels 1 & 2, up the gain and find an optimum. It won't help with any noise and distortion internal to the controller.

[@TygerBlueEyes]

I been thinking of getting the Xenyx 502usb; how does that compare to the Mackie you showed?

[@edwardmalton7346]

If you plug in non balanced RCA's into this mixer will the TRS output be balanced or non balanced?

[@farway-417]

Assuming you use balanced TRS on the output to an amplifier that supports it. Using any unbalanced input will not effect the behaviour of the output. (or other inputs)
If you are talking about using RCA's for the main output.. there is no way to make it a balanced connection.
Finally, using RCA's on tape-out and TRS on main out, works fine.

[@LOOPTRIGGER]

Is it possible to choose which input will go to the main mix and which one to the headphone output? In one input I have a click track which I would like to hear in the headphone output, but I would not like to hear it in the main mix to which the audio recorder is connected.

[@digitaldjtips]

Without digging the unit out again, probably not.

[@mrbishi634]

Get the Mix8 instead instead of the 402VLZ4. You can put the click track on the Tape input and assign it only to headphones. The unit Phil reviewed is here is a little smaller, is technically a higher product line, and has a better VU meter, but the features on the Mix8 give you a whole other level of control: excellent 3-band EQs and balance on every channel, inputs 6-7, an Auxiliary send-receive channel (can blend over the other channels), proper booth output, and booth/main assignment buttons for the tape channel. I use it mainly with my Kontrol S4 and the sound is much more pleasing.
Edit: Looking carefully at this at 0:42 I see there is a button on the Tape channel "To Main", so maybe it always outputs to Headphones if the Tape level is turned up. I'd download the manual and check first, though.

[@farway-417]

As Chris C. said, the "TO MAIN" labelled button serves this purpose. When depressed content on Tape-in will only be on the headphone out.

[@peacepuffz]

Great review Phil, I'd like to add an echo to my microphone using this mixer. Have you done any reviews on a mini echo effects box?

[@peacepuffz]

All sorted" the Behringer XENYX 1002FX Mixer should do it.

[@digitaldjtips]

Cool :)

[@larrycom]

Too bad there isn't an option to EQ the tape-in section like the Behringer 302.

[@digitaldjtips]

Thanks for watching Larry

[@easthalldesignmiami]

Great video! Wondering I have a pioneer xdj xz on order - hearing a lot about external mixers improve the sound to the speakers? Would this be the case with a pioneer xdj xz too? Or would this be over kill re sound quality?

[@digitaldjtips]

I personally wouldn't bother with the XZ, it's enough to carry as it is lol

[@easthalldesignmiami]

@@digitaldjtips Okay thanks - so an external mixer would not enhance the sound of the speakers? I see a lot of video here saying every DJ should use an external mixer for sound???

[@digitaldjtips]

Audio is very music "rubbish in = rubbish out", external mixers are used for versatility (more channels, mic channels, sometimes better EQ, can give you more head room) it's not really about enhancing the sound. Most of the time if you're using a PA system you're going to have a mixer to go with it but I'd have no real issues about connecting directly with an XZ

[@kenyawnplayhousewhite29]

Iam trying to hook up 2 computers 1 for virtual dj and 1 for spotify

[@digitaldjtips]

Cool :)

[@jmoak311]

I use my battle mixer and Rane 12’s for weddings but it only has one mic output (trs). would something like this allow me to use my dual wireless mic system? (Sennheiser xsw 1)

[@digitaldjtips]

Yes - on the unit you'll see the two mix XLRs on the two unused channels. It would be perfect for that!

[@jmoak311]

And it would plug right into the mic input on my mixer?

[@ericpass1522]

Is it possible for me to run two sets of speakers from this and a booth.

[@ranibearsilva5883]

do you know if its possible to use main out and tape out at the same time ? going to different speakers ?

[@digitaldjtips]

Yes, it is.

[@josephelibert2464]

Can i connect my eq to this mixer???? If im able to.....how can i connect it?

[@digitaldjtips]

No I don't believe so

[@Jmanlapaz]

I have a behringer Xenyx 802 mixer,will this work in Pioneer ddj rb?

[@digitaldjtips]

It will work with any audio source, so yes.

[@hollywalker20]

can you hook monitor?

[@digitaldjtips]

To hook up, you'll want to connect the main outs of the 402 to the main inputs of your speakers

[@gixxerboy555]

Can I make a balanced connection from my dj controller to my active speakers with this Mackie402VLZ4??or do i still need a dual active stereo box?what would be your advice Phil?i have a "Pioneer DDJ-RB"...or should i buy a bigger controller with balanced connections..?thanx

[@digitaldjtips]

You can keep this close by and run the RCAs to it (unbalanced) and then run the longer cables via XLR from this (balanced), either that or upgrading as you mention are good ideas

[@Gladiator1972]

Will one of these improve sound quality coming from a Pioneer DDJ SB3?

[@digitaldjtips]

No, although it will allow you to adjust the overall volume and EQ.

[@j0nas564]

@@digitaldjtips I had a Phonic MU 1002 hooked up to a pair of Berhinger 82031A monitors (TRS connected to the Main and a 2-1 TRS connecting into my laptop headphone jack). That sound was great. Now, why is the sound quality better when connecting through a mixer than through a controller? Can it be compensated at all if you use the controller to, enable rekordbox for example, and then have speakers connected to a mixer and controller connected to the mixer as well? Thx in advance!

[@harshvardhan50]

Can i connect my controller to speaker direct?

[@digitaldjtips]

Yes

[@harshvardhan50]

@@digitaldjtips thanks bro ☺️

[@franconicolasmartinoli7645]

Can i plug in RMX 500 to my WeGo? How? What are the benefits if i buy one?

[@jasonkuy7100]

Yes you can

[@jasonkuy7100]

The benefit is cheap and easy to use.

[@ivanzz48]

really cool, what other mixer like this exists?

[@joelewis6228]

+Ivan Zerpa Old old comment question but all basic PA mixers have the ability to do this. With a giant *****. I use a Zenys1202FX but I also have a Mackie402

[@Richie_gse]

Why your videos can't be downloaded?

[@digitaldjtips]

What do you mean exactly? :)

[@Richie_gse]

I do wanted to download the videos and saved them in my computer but no access to your videos downloading

[@digitaldjtips]

If you mean our course videos the answer is simply to avoid piracy, they're available to access anywhere with an internet connection :)

[@emelen51]

Can you di this video,but with the Alto mixer z122

[@digitaldjtips]

We'll try to get it :)

[@mission0945]

can I use this with my daw

[@digitaldjtips]

For what kind of use?

[@mission0945]

Digital DJ Tips for vocal recording and other things

[@blackspider2274]

Looking at getting a dj system. I was thinking about buying this Yamaha unpowered mixer www.amazon.ca/Yamaha-MG06X-6-Input-Compact-Stereo/dp/B00I2J4V5G/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1527619883&sr=8-3&keywords=yamaha+mixer. And getting 2 powered 10" 700 watt Yamaha speakers The mixer has no low, mid, or high knobs aside from the 2 mic lines. Would this be any good for dj use? Thanks.

[@digitaldjtips]

For DJing you need a DJ mixer - these small live mixers are best used between the DJ mixer (or DJ controller) and the PA system to give you a bit more flexibility.