Tired of lackluster shows with tired, bad-sounding loudspeakers? Us too.
Meet the Re-ACTIVE-ators. Armed with nothing but SRMv2 Series Active Loudspeakers and cunning ambition, the Re-ACTIVE-ators vow to reactivate the live sound scene, one gig at a time.
Watch them sneak into rental facilities and performance venues, swapping out existing speakers with Mackie’s SRMv2 Series Active Loudspeakers.
See the look on the faces of the unwitting participants as they realize just how awesome things can get when you pump sound through a Mackie SRMv2 Series Active Loudspeaker.
Dan Halberg, product reviewer, had the following to say about why GuitarGearHeads.com chose the ultra-compact VLZ3 mixers.
“The engineers at Mackie VLZ3 802 and 402 have certainly done an amazing job of shoehorning all of the key features you’d expect to find in a large, high-end board into a sleek little package. I am also impressed that they’ve been able to do this at this low of a price point without compromising on quality."
He goes on to say...
"I am happy to award Mackie the 2008 'Studio Ready' award for their excellent work on the 802-VLZ3 and 402-VLZ3. Furthermore, it continues to demonstrate why GuitarGearHeads.com chooses Mackie as our official choice for mixers and consoles.”
You may not know this, but Mackie is actually part of an extended family. We share a house with such notable brands as Ampeg, Crate, Blackheart and Alvarez. Good company, right? We think so.
In fact, we want to show you their latest project, Resonate Magazine, the world's first digital music magazine to delve into the minds, methods and motivations of leading musicians, and how they use their gear to create their signature sounds.
Check out the 1st issue and be sure to sign up to receive future issues. It's free, just do it.
When my radio show “Chocolate City” gained notoriety, people began to call for DJ bookings. I couldn’t say no.
What was your most exciting DJ gig to date, and why?
Detroit Electronic Music Festival, in 2000-something. I was booked to play a one-hour set on a large stage, opening for the Platinum Pied Pipers. Instead, I was left on stage for over three hours with minimal information about last-minute schedule changes. In that time, Amp Fiddler visited and decided to freestyle over some instrumentals. People filled the amphitheater and I worked the crowd into full frenzied participation mode, setting it up real nice for Peanut Butter Wolf, Madlib, and J-Rocc to take over when the sun set.
What projects / albums do you have coming out in 08?
Fader Mag’s Suite 903 #15, Sweeterlife Mix Series with Vikter Duplaix, and some other stuff that’s still cookin’.
It sounds good, is easy to use, and just the right size for a 4-channel mixer.
How much do you use computers for making music (recording or spinning)?
I’m pretty new to the game. I usually mix live and work with an engineer to add peripheral elements like drops and what not. The Mackie d.2 / d.4, along with the FireWire capability, will allow me to finally set up a proper digital studio.
Have you used -- or do you plan to use -- the FireWire capability?
With the Mackie mixer, I’ll be setting up a digital studio where all components work together smoothly. This will allow me to improve the quality of my radio programming, mix CD work, and help me accomplish some of my own personal DJ/production goals, like re-editing songs to create exclusive tracks, etc.
What do you think separates Mackie gear from the rest in the game?
Mackie just seems to have very high standards for sound quality and output. That’s why I’ve long requested Mackie monitors when I DJ events. I only align myself with quality.
That’s simple. Jam Master Jay. I saw him making noise on the turntable and I had to figure out what he was doing. When RUN DMC dropped their first album, it was a wrap. I wanted to DJ and be an MC, but early on I realized that the DJ at the party was the man, so I jumped head first into DJ’in.
What was your most exciting DJ gig to date, and why?
I have three that rank very high. The first is when I flew to Rome to DJ a few clubs… That was amazing, the culture the people, all united by music. They couldn’t speak English, but could sing my boy 2pac's lyrics front and back. The second was DJ’ing in LA at the Shark Club for the first Wu Tang performance on the west coast. I was so hyped I almost passed out from hyperventilating (lol) … it was a crazy night. The third experience was as a DJ for Tone Loc, performing in front of 15,000 people. Not being able to see the end of a crowd is wild, a bash in the grass.
Who do you currently produce?
I’m in the lab now working on tracks for a few different MCs … nothing major, just a side hobby at this point.
What projects / albums do you have coming out in 08?
Nothing new right now, but the latest records I’m on are the Hidden Beach Unwrapped Series Vol. 1 – 4, and Def Jazz on Def Jam records. Also T.H.U.G. JAZZ on Verve records. All of these are hip-hop tracks converted into jazz… real cool for the older hip-hop heads.
How do you like the Mackie d.2 / d.4 pro mixers?
So far so good, it feels great. All my sound guys love it. They can definitely hear the difference from my previous mixer. Plus I have all the outputs I need for sound, a monitor mix for club and stage… It’s everything I need in a battle-style mixer. The cross fader is like cotton candy, sweet and soft. Plus the mixer looks good and matches my gear. It fits in great with my whole setup.
How much do you use computers for making music (recording or spinning)?
One hundred percent. My life revolves around my computers. I do everything on my laptop and desktops.
What is your favorite feature on the d.2 / d.4 pro mixer?
The biggest feature for me is a cross-fader for the headphone cue. I love it. It’s a must-have.
What do you feel separates Mackie products from the rest in the game?
Mackie has a very strong name in the sound game. There’s a very strong foundation and trust among DJs and sound reinforcement guys. I’ve used Makie products for a long time before I had this mixer. Trust that :-)
Why did you decide to endorse Mackie personally?
Any chance to represent something you trust and use to make a living is a great thing. I can be honest about this, because I have first-hand experience with the Mackie name and several products… So I wouldn’t miss the chance to endorse it.
My dad blasted music in our 7th floor apartment in Brooklyn since I was a shorty… that’s how I came to appreciate it. Oh, and it didn’t matter the hour, all I remember was music loudly embedded in my head while I slept. So of course my high-school boyfriend was also a DJ. He DJ'd locally and I helped him carry his records. When we weren't makin’ out, he'd teach me how to DJ (lol).
What was your most exciting DJ gig to date, and why?
It’s hard to say which gig would be most exciting because they're all
mostly fun. Though, most recently, I’d have to say the Flavor Flav Roast
for Comedy Central was by far the most fun.
Who do you currently produce?
An artist by the name of Medina from Jersey is my latest
project. His beats are crazy… [they’re] harmonious and gritty at the same time,
delivering lyrics that are infectious and intelligent. He's
spotlighted on my website, www.thebackspin.com.
What projects / albums do you have coming out in 08?
Thankfully, I’ve got so much goin' on these days. Me and my DJ MoDave have a syndicated radio show called “The Backspin,” which takes a lot of time producing show ideas and artist interviews. We’re currently on in a few major markets, including Boston’s Jammin 94.5 and Portland's Jammin 95. I won’t rest until everybody can hear it. As a matter of fact, you can check it out online right now at www.thebackspin.com
The d.2 pro is craaazy. It’s real smoove, with a lot of DJ-friendly amenities. Mackie has definitely outdone themselves with this one.
What is your favorite feature on the d.2 pro mixer?
Well, my mini production setup is a Mac with Protools, my Mackie d.2 pro and
my 1200's. So the built-in Firewire [computer connection] capability is one of the many advantages of the d.2 pro and brand-new d.4 pro that I appreciate. Honestly, this technology and the sound of these mixers can make the difference between being ‘regular’ and a ‘professional’ DJ / producer. That’s exactly why Mackie's d.pro line is my only choice.
Get A Free Gig Bag When You Buy Select Mackie Compact Mixers
Mackie’s DFX and CFXmkII Series Compact Mixers are the complete live sound solution for smaller venues, with features like built-in effects and stereo graphic EQ that allow you to create a great mix, with a mixer that is very portable. Purchase a qualifying mixer from a U.S. Mackie Authorized dealer between May 1, 2008 and June 15, 2008 to qualify for a FREE gig bag via mail-n rebate. After all, a great mixer deserves protection from the harsh world.
Hear ye, Hear ye. The reigning King of the d.Pro wishes to address his loyal followers. Seriously though, DJ Rocky Rock has been battling with the d.2 pro for awhile now and has solidified his status as a “World-Class DJ”. Check out this Rocky-mentary and learn what he is all about:
We just want to show a little love to the King of the d.pro. Welcome to the good life, Rocky.
Recently, Mackie Tech Support received the following email:
Hey Guys - I have a Mackie 1402VLZPRO Mixer that I've owned for about 6 years now. I do a popular internet radio show called Red Bar Radio. I just wanted to let you know, that while we were on air last week, I spilled an entire 8 oz cup of coffee onto the top of my mixer. We were live when this happened, and all of our listeners sat in suspense wondering how long it would take for the mixer to short out, and for the show to go silent. However, that never happened. We kept the show going! The mixer worked! Even with 8 oz of coffee inside of it. I just wanted to say thanks for the quality product! I think any other mixer would have failed on me by now. Thousands of our listeners now know how strong a Mackie mixer can be. I will continue to only use Mackie!
We are always happy to hear another “built-like-a-tank” testimonial, but even we were surprised that the 1402 could take coffee bath and keep working.
So, when a listener of the show sent a recording of the live broadcast, we had to share it with you:
There you have it. The Mackie board was a real trooper. All it took was a little cleaning and the board was back in shape.
Thanks to Mike from Red Bar Radio for sharing the story. If you have had a comparable experience underlining the rugged nature of Mackie products, please let us know.
“Mackie mixers helped me go #1 in the studio……Now Cortex and Mackie are doing the same for me in the clubs….It gets no better!” raves Guido Osorio (Razor N’ Guido), chart topping Remixer/Producer with over 15 Billboard #1 Dance Singles and official HDTT-5000/d.2 pro endorser.
The d.2 pro has proven itself time and time again out in the clubs. After all, the fader is more buttery than a pile of hangover pancakes. Cortex was feeling the love and they wanted to feature the d.2 pro alongside their new table-top digital turntable, the Cortex HDTT-5000. This new digital turntable combines the sound and feel of vinyl with the convenience of popular digital music formats, allowing the DJ to cue, play, pitch, loop, sample and even scratch MP3 and WAV files in a similar tactile interface to a traditional vinyl turntable. The DJ simply connects digital music that can be stored on up to 4 USB compatible storage drives to the face or rear USB ports of the unit. The mixer lets you easily search by artist, title, genre or even words or phrases using the jog wheel or a USB keyboard. When routed through the d.2 pro, you have a very innovative and very cool DJ setup. Now you just need to get some awesome loudspeakers and you’re all set…
Yes, those speakers are fully operational. Yes, it’s really loud. Yes, everything and everyone in the vicinity of this vehicle vibrates violently when the volume is cranked. And that’s exactly the way that Mackoid, Deane Rimerman wants it. Despite what you may think, Deane did not get this system set up in order to show off. “…forget about impressing anyone with it. Everyone we drive near seems to have already learned how to tune out such noisy antics,” says Deane.
However, the folks over at Mackie are very impressed. It is not often that you see a pair of SRM350s and an SWA1501 pole-mounted and fully functional in a car driving down the road. Deane employs two 700-watt power invertors to get this awesome system up and running. “Currently we're running a signal from an MP3 player to an ART EQ into a DBX sub-harmonic synthesizer. In all honesty, the hum of power inverters and speaker amps all packed into a tiny compact car is way, way too loud at any speed other than freeway speed. Of course above 75 mph it's sounds quite nice! I mean you'll never guess how many things in a car can rattle when you pump up a Mackie Sub. It even makes the rear view mirror too blurry to see out of,” comments Deane.
Driving around the Pacific Northwest from gig to gig, Deane and his band-mates use this setup to fiddle around with new gear. “Overall it makes driving down the freeway more like sound school and much less like just getting to the next event. We're much better at knob turning because of it, too. And a big thanks to Mackie for making equipment that teaches us all so much about quality sound!,” concludes Deane.
Skratchworx is undisputedly the number one resource for DJ technology news and reviews. So, it stands to reason they would want to check out the d.2 Pro and d.4 Pro DJ Production Consoles. Here are links to their reviews:
The Rock Office of Berlin, seriously—is doing something incredible for local high school students. They are conducting week long seminars at local high schools, teaching them the what’s what when it comes to putting on a killer rock show. Think “The School of Rock”, but highly organized and fully sanctioned by the local authorities.
Monday through Thursday are training days. Students learn technical skills, like how to use a mixer and how to setup the backline, they also delve into the technology behind the gear. Mackie donated a full system to help the efforts of the Rock Office. An Onyx 24.4 routes through the Quad Series Processors and feeds SA1530z mains and SRM450 stage monitors.
There is always a student band involved and by Friday afternoon, everyone is ready for a show. The students will mix FOH, control the lighting and pretty much manage the 300+ person event. Underage bands cannot play nighttime shows in Germany, so the idea is to get students involved in positive community projects.
Students receive a certificate for the vocational training, and those who demonstrate exceptional aptitude are asked to be involved in future training. All in all, it’s a positive and truly valuable experience for those who, otherwise, have no place to rock.
Grand Re-opening By Guitar Center. Sound By Mackie.
Guitar Center recently held a massive grand-reopening of its Lynnwood, WA store and Mackie was there to shake things up. There were tons of people there enjoying music and generous giveaways in what can only be described as a carnival atmosphere. Community businesses got involved by setting up tents and letting participants enjoy a sample of their services.
Local bands played from 7pm until late into the night and Mackie was happy to be at FOH. An Onyx 3280 drove the show with some help from a couple of QuadEQ’s and a Quad Comp/Gate. SRM450v2’s were the perfect choice for stage monitors, while eight SWA1801z’s ensured a ridiculous amount of rump shaking bass. The Lynnwood police showed up, but it turns out they only wanted hot dogs—go figure.
The community of Lynnwood will certainly benefit from having this brand new Guitar Center in their neighborhood. They are also aware that this is Mackie’s hood and that we have their back.
You may know by now that the new U.Series Production Mixers are turning more than a few heads. Innovative ergonomics and flexible routing create a unique experience that streamlines workflow and maximizes creativity. Delamar, a major German website that offers product reviews and in-depth training, was at MESSE '08 and created a video review of this excited new series. BTW, it's in German. Ich hoffe, Sie sprechen Deutsch. Enjoy!
Meet the Re-ACTIVE-ators. Armed with nothing but SRMv2 Series Active Loudspeakers and cunning ambition, the Re-ACTIVE-ators vow to reactivate the live sound scene, one gig at a time.
"I am happy to award Mackie the 2008 'Studio Ready' award for their excellent work on the 802-VLZ3 and 402-VLZ3. Furthermore, it continues to demonstrate why GuitarGearHeads.com chooses Mackie as our official choice for mixers and consoles.”
What made you become a DJ? 
SPINDERELLA
Hear ye, Hear ye. The reigning King of the d.Pro wishes to address his loyal followers. Seriously though, DJ Rocky Rock has been battling with the d.2 pro for awhile now and has solidified his status as a “World-Class DJ”. Check out this Rocky-mentary and learn what he is all about:
Hey Guys - I have a Mackie 
The 
Yes, those speakers are fully operational. Yes, it’s really loud. Yes, everything and everyone in the vicinity of this vehicle vibrates violently when the volume is cranked. And that’s exactly the way that Mackoid, 
The 
Local bands played from 7pm until late into the night and Mackie was happy to be at FOH. An 
