Mackie recently received a letter from a Mackoid that lives across the pond. He rents out SRM450 packages for people in the UK. Here's what he had to say:
Dear Sir,
I run a speaker hire business in London, UK (www.mackiesrm450.com & www.londonspeakerhire.com) and we both sell and rent out the Mackie SRM450’s and SW1501’s to clients. Our clients range from house parties all the way through to SonyBMG and artists like The Kooks. Last week a client was returning a set of speakers that and forgot to calculate for the fact that the kit may have moved in the back of the vehicle.
When the shutter on the back of the lorry opened, I could only stare in amazement and dread as my world turned to slow motion as I watched an SRM450 slide across and hurtle towards the road side!
I must commend Mackie on probably one of the best “drop test” imaginable at a height of some 10 foot. The speaker in question bounced on one end as it hit the tarmac of the road, flipped and then bounced on the other end before landing on its front. The only damage apart from a small scuff was a dented grill which was easy to fix by simply removing it from the front of the speaker and popping it back into shape!
Thanks again Mackie for helping prove the point of why we only provide Mackie kits to our customers because of both its quality and reliability!
Kind regards,
Grant
That's what we like to hear! Thanks for the good word, Grant. If you have a Built-Like-A-Tank testimonial of your own, please let us know. We are always happy to hear from the people who make Mackie what it is.
Mackie tries to get out, whenever possible, and support local events. Each year, we are proud to be a part of the Old Snohomish Antique & Classic Motorcycle Show. The show, now in it’s 12th year, takes place in beautiful downtown Snohomish, WA…just a short trip from Mackie headquarters in Woodinville, which is outside of Seattle…just Google Map it. Anyway…each year, locals get together to show off their antique and classic bikes, listen to bands and generally have a good time.
Mackie was there to provide the PA and run the sound for all the bands that were playing throughout the day. The bands were set up on a flatbed that was parked at the end of the street and it had to be loud enough to be heard over the rumbling of close to 15,000 bikes. Two SA1532z’s and four SWA1801z’s served as mains, with a whole host of SRM450v2’s acting as stage monitors. We even brought along an Onyx 1620, which came out of the direct outs on the Onyx 3280, which was used at front of house. This enabled a live recording of the show using Tracktion 3. Quad Comp/Gates and Quad EQs were used for processing at the main stage. There was also an awards stage, with two SA1521z’s being run through an 802-VLZ3.
200 motorcycles entered into a bike competition with categories like best vintage and best customized. This was a big increase in participation from last year and there seems to be no sign of slowing.
Needless to say, Mackie was happy to participate in this great event and we look forward to being a part of it in the future. If only we could mount the PA on a bike….hmm.
It is common knowledge that Mackie gear is Built-Like-A-Tank. Over the years, we have heard countless stories showing that Mackie products can survive just about anything. So, it should not be surprising that TAPCO gear is not far behind.
We recently came across an awesome video on YouTube that proves that the TAPCO Blend 6 mixer might well deserve a place in Mackie’s hall of fame.
In this video, the Blend 6 is subject to the following abuse:
• Run over by a bad-ass truck
• Set on fire Beavis & Butthead style
• Used to drive a nail
• Slam-dunked
So, check out the video and see for yourself that the Blend 6 not only survives, but is still able to pump out audio to some great-looking TAPCO S●5 Studio Monitors.
Harry’s @ Chijmes is a cosmopolitan gastrobar (i.e. fancy food, martinis) located in Singapore’s internationally renowned Chijimes heritage landmark. Harry’s provides Singapore with a unique and inviting environment to down some after work drinks and watch live sports events.
Chandan Mahtani, managing director of ProAktiv Systems comments, “Understanding that Harry’s wanted its patrons to truly enjoy the screening of sports programs, we decided to use Mackie studio monitors, as they project great sound, especially the mid-range, as it is crystal clear, which is especially vital for hearing the sports commentators. The subs that we installed provide patrons with a stadium-like effect that makes any sporting event come alive”.
As you can see, Harry’s is a sleek, yet comfortable place to hang out while in Singapore. With the upcoming Olympic Games, Harry’s will undoubtedly be packed with people wanting to have a drink while supporting their country’s finest athletes. Mackie is proud to be involved with this exciting facility. So, if you are ever in Singapore, make sure to stop by Harry’s to have a cocktail and catch a game…don’t blame us if the superior sound quality keeps you there until the wee hours of the morning.
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.
Erik Rico
(Skilled producer, solid Sound Designer)
What made you become a DJ?
After years of bringing in DJs to scratch on various hip-hop projects, producing and dealing with scheduling conflicts, I purchased my first turntable. Then, before I knew it, I got a second one and started playing out (after checking other DJ's in the scene and feeling that my musical tastes and skills were up to par), so it kinda' happened by default. I was immediately hired to do live sound design for a famous photographer (David la Chapelle), which served as a great way to pack what would've taken several years to learn in 2+ years, as he's EXTREMELY demanding style-wise and you have to be able to shift gears on the fly, often time playing 10 to 14 hour days in every imaginable situation and environment.
What was your most exciting DJ gig to date, and why?
My greatest time DJ’ing—I'd have to say—was my time spent working with David, as I was ALWAYS under the gun and it forced me to become more skilled in every way. I LOVE all types of music and it gave me the platform to experiment and to learn to do a lot of things on the fly. It was extremely intense on a lot of levels. When you're used to playing for 10 hours or more in various styles, a 2 or 4 hour club gig is nothing!!
What projects/albums do you have coming out in the fall?
I've got all of the projects mentioned above dropping this summer/fall and talks in the works about a few more things, you know...gotta keep grindin'. Also, be on the lookout for my new EP, which will be delivered just in time for this year's WMC in Miami…got some live PA's coming up there to promote the record.
It's incredible. The way that it works…man, it suits all my needs, I can use it as a mobile recording interface AND as a live console for "interactive" DJ sets. And, as with ALL Mackie products, it's built like a tank! I've owned several pieces of Mackie gear over the years and to see the growth of the company as it relates to modern technology is awesome, they read my mind with this one!
What is your favorite feature on the d.4 pro mixer?
My favorite feature...here we go: FireWire connectivity, great-feeling crossfader, phantom power, software compatibility, great sounding outputs, and on and on and on....
What separates Mackie products from the rest in the game?
Professional features at a great price point, long lasting components, ease of use and a well-deserved reputation for being indestructible.
Why did you decide to endorse Mackie personally?
After years of using Mackie products, when the opportunity arose to become involved with the company, I JUMPED at the chance. Mackie is a forward-thinking company with a rich history for manufacturing GREAT products, so it's a great marriage for me and what I do musically. My tools have to be transparent and this product is just that.
How much do you use computers for making music (recording or spinning)?
In every way, EVERY day! I'm a computer-based producer for sure, and this platform allows me to make moves that I couldn't otherwise make.
Have you used—or do you plan to use—the FireWire capability of the d.4 pro in your music?
Oh, yes indeed. I plan to use the FireWire connectivity for DJ sets, for my live act (when we have to roll with a compact setup) and for mobile recording when on the road. Believe me, it'll be put to MAJOR use in every capacity. Once I get deep into Abelton, it'll be the main interface for that as well.
It was pretty much a natural progression for me since I was record collector at an early age. I ended up with an incredible collection of the best music on the planet right in time for me to take advantage of an opportunity, by chance, to play a party and things just kind of snowballed from there.
What was your most exciting DJ gig to date?
Performing for the Orange Bowl Half-Time Show. The 1st time I did it was in 2006 and they have asked me back to perform in 2007 and 2008. It's the most incredible feeling to have 77K plus people on their feet and responding to everything you do and play! The most exciting experience by far.
What projects/albums do you have coming out in the fall?
I'm working on my 1st release (BFTC - Built for the Clubs) the 1st DJ album with strictly club anthems!
How do you like the Mackie d.pro Series?
I LOVE my Mackie d.2 pro mixer. It's extremely responsive and the Infinium optical crossfader is absolutely incredible.
What is your favorite feature on the d.2 pro mixer?
The FireWire capability feature! This is the only mixer in the world that’s FireWire capable and the fact that it works with the Traktor Scratch makes it the all-in-one performance solution. Mackie killed it with this mixer!
What separates Mackie products from the rest in the game?
It's obvious that Mackie really does its R&D when it comes to DJ products. Every time Mackie drops a new DJ product it embodies the features that the cutting edge DJ is looking for, so they really listen to the feedback from the DJ's and deliver products that we love to use.
Why did you decide to endorse Mackie personally?
Tradition is a big part of it. I've been using Mackie products for over 10 years now and I can say that I've never been disappointed. I'm a strong believer in tradition and the Mackie brand is one of the strongest throughout the DJ community and a trusted name. I've worked incredibly hard to build my brand and I will only associate with quality.
How much do you use computers for making music (recording or spinning)?
My laptop is now just as important as my turntables or mixer. It's a vital part of my performance now…so to answer the question, I can't do my show without it!
How do you typically use the FireWire capability of the d.2 pro in your music?
Right now I use the FireWire capability to record my live shows into ProTools. I like to release recordings of my live performances so this feature just makes it 100% easier for me to do that on the fly.
I was young, broke, lived in the hood and moms didn't want me hangin' out all night since I am an only child, so I figured I would do the DJ thing because I would be the first to get to the party, the last to leave and have cash to boot.
What was your most exciting DJ gig to date, and why?
I would have to say playing in an underground bunker with no ventilation and a few thousand people in Vienna, Austria. They partied ‘til 6am, and then took me to an after party that went on ‘til 12 noon.
Who do you currently produce?
I produce all my own music, as well as do stuff for Stones Throw Records. It’s the 20th anniversary of Supersonic as well, so I am doing a new version with the OG's, JJ FAD and a new joint. I also ghost write and produce for a lot of peeps, shhhh.
What projects/albums do you have coming out in the fall?
I am currently working on my Greatest Hits on Stones Throw Records, a new Professor X album, (my AKA for Electro Funk) and a new animated music group.
It is a great DJ mixer, sounds great and has a very smooth fader, and because it has FireWire, it fits nicely into my setup for remixing and production.
What is your favorite feature on the d.2 pro mixer?
My favorite feature would have to be the fader, it has a contact-free fader that glides with ease, I also like the fact that I can DJ with it and use my digital production software, like Reason and Live, at the same time.
What separates Mackie products from the rest in the game?
Mackie makes products that last and sound great. I don't have to worry about my gear breaking down on me when I do shows.
Why did you decide to endorse Mackie personally?
I like dealing with companies that listen, especially to us who are out there grinding every day, I see the feedback in the product, as well as the quality and innovation.
How much do you use computers for making music (recording or spinning)?
I do most of my production and DJ sets using computers now because I travel so much, I still love vinyl but it cost so much to carry records on planes now.
Have you used—or do you plan to use—the FireWire capability of the d.2 pro in your music? If so, how?
I use the FireWire with Reason and Live, as well as to catalogue my vinyl to digital. I have also been messing around with video DJ software like PCDJ VJ, which works well with the d.2 pro.
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.2pro / d.4pro 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.
There was this DJ by the name of DJ Reg that DJ'd for all my Dad's parties when he coached at UCLA. When he would be setting up he would let me get on and actually spin, and I remember he gave me a Public Enemy 12-inch and he let me spin it and from that point on I knew I wanted to be a DJ.
What was your most exciting DJ gig to date, and why?
I DJ'd Bennie Medina's Birthday party and P-Diddy was hosting the event. Puffy was basically in the DJ booth with me all night giving me records to play. He would say "play this" so we were both DJ'ng the party, it was crazy. Everybody was there all of his clients he was managing at the time, J LO was there and a bunch of other celebs.
Who do you currently produce?
50Cent, Dr. Dre, Jay Z, Game, Talib Kweli, Bun B, NAS, & Self Scientific to name a few.
What projects/albums do you have coming out in the fall and into 08?
I love it! I actually just started using it, it does a lot. I've never had a mixer that had the filters on it so I just started messing with that feature incorporating that into my set. I haven't gotten into the full effects on the mixer as of yet. I love the action on the faders as well.
How much do you use computers for making music (recording or spinning)?
It's all computers. Everything I do is on computers. I don't even use hardware to make beats, I use software. I have some vintage gear that I use, such as keyboards, but for the most part I do all my programming and all my DJ'ing on computers. I use SERATO when I DJ and Reason when I make beats.
What is your favorite feature on the d.2/d.4 pro mixers?
The filters are my favorite so far the resonance and actually being able to transition from one record to another while using the filter and then actually tweaking the resonance at the same time is dope but I haven't even begun to maximize the full power of the mixer as of yet, but off the bat the filters is what I like most about the d.2/d.4 pro.
What separates Mackie products from the rest in the game?
Mackie stands on their name alone. I've used everything from their mixing boards to their DJ mixers, to their HR824 monitors which I use in my studio. They sound good, you can mix off them but you can still play them loud because they have a lot of bottom and bass. Mackie just stands on its brand and for that reason alone you’re not going to have a complete studio without having a Mackie product in it.
Why did you decide to endorse Mackie personally?
Just for the main fact that I've used their products for so long. To this day I use their monitors and conduct all my mixes and all my work on Mackie monitors. It's a great product, high end quality".
Feel free to make any personal endorsement comment, if possible... =)
Stay tuned for my two groups dropping new music in 2008 and beyond..... The New Royales and Self Scientific (come in peace prepare for war)!!!!!!
See what DJ Khalil is up to my visting his MySpace page.
As you can see, Harry’s is a sleek, yet comfortable place to hang out while in Singapore. With the upcoming 
Meet the Re-ACTIVE-ators. Armed with nothing but 
"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
