That’s the motto of the Tak Sun Secondary School in Hong Kong, one of the most tech savvy schools you will find anywhere. It means “Joy in duty”, and the 900+ students that attend the school have many reasons to be joyful. Founded in 2000, TSSS has spared no expensive in creating one of the best learning environments possible, complete with an Integrated Learning center, Language Studio and refreshing Canteen.
The high quality of Mackie gear (not to mention the reasonable price tag) led TSSL to contact Mackie to outfit their facility.
The large Performing Arts Theatre is home to a TT System32, feeding a 5.1 surround sound setup comprised entirely of SRM450s (and an SWA1801z for the LFE channel).
The Integrated Learning Center and Canteen also benefit from the punch and clarity of the SRM450, run through an Onyx 1620. The Student Activities Center features an 1402-VLZ3 routed through power amps to four C300z Passive Loudspeakers.
The school has a highly developed music arts program and performances are often recorded for archiving and distribution to adoring parents.
Mackie is proud to be a part of this great school. In fact, we would like everyone to join along as we sing the school song. click here for the music and follow the lyrics below:
Let us sing out for our school, Backed by mountains, faced by sea. Where we learn to write our poem of life, And to live as family.
Where the bond of friendship's born, With our classmates loyal and true. As we strive to win our daily fight, They're the strength that sees us through.
What the world needs today are generous men, Who will serve our society. Here the knowledge we gain, with our gifts and skills, Will lead forward our mother country.
Take heart, one and all, Every family, each teacher and boy. Offering God work well done, setbacks overcome, We will find in our duty, joy. Through our love, in our duty, joy.
Mackie is proud to be heavily involved with the 2008 Van’s Warped Tour. Sponsorship of three different stages ensures that thousands of music lovers will experience true Mackie sound in what is arguably one of the best roving parties of the summer. Here are the specifics of where you can find Mackie on the Warped Tour:
Solar Stage— The Kia/Kevin Says Stage is the only touring stage in the country run entirely on solar power. It is part of the Warped Tour’s promise to reduce carbon emissions and is a testament to solar power. After all, it takes a lot of juice to run a stage almost everyday for the whole summer. Two Mackie TT24’s, each stocked with a UFXII and U-100 card are employed to run both the FOH and Monitors.
Shira Girl Stage— At this years Warped Tour, Shiragirl will launch Shiragirl World, providing exposure for female artists, highlighting diversity in musical genres, age, race and geography. Mackie is a proud sponsor of this stage and is more than happy to have donated an Onyx2480 for use at FOH. You can learn more about Shiragirl World by visiting their website at www.myspace.com/shiragirlstage.
East Coast Indie Stage— Mackie is the “Official Sponsor of the East Coast Indie Stage on Vans Warped Tour", donating the entire PA System for this stage. Built by and for indie bands, this stage provides an outlet for the lesser known acts touring today. It has proven to be an excellent launching point for indie bands over the years, and this year should be no exception. There is an Onyx2480 at FOH and a massive main system comprised of eight SWA1801z’s and four SA1232z’s. Six SRM450v2 provide the needed punch and clarity on stage, along with an SWA1501 that is used as part of the drummer’s monitors. That is a decidedly professional system, giving these great indie bands a taste of what’s to come when they headline their own tour.
Please stop by any of the above stages at this years Warped Tour to see Mackie gear in action.
We will assume that you have heard of the massive motorcycle rally known as Sturgis. The vast majority of you who regularly wear leather chaps probably have also heard of The Buffalo Chip. No? OK, then…The Chip is four miles from downtown Sturgis, SD. It is a massive campground and is commonly referred to as the “best party anywhere”. The Chip consistently has the best Sturgis concerts and enjoys the honor of being the only campground in the world where Dominos delivers.
Playing at The Chip is a great opportunity for a band and Mackie is very excited to be a part of the 2nd Annual Rock the Sound…Sturgis Bound competition. Over the course of a few weekends, six bands will compete for a place on stage at The Chip.
The first competition roared to live with the help of several hundred bikes, two great bands and a much appreciated sunny day. Fortune 500 was the first band to take the stage. This three piece power trio impressed the audience with solid chops, well-crafted vocal harmonies and a diverse collection of original songs.
Hungry Dogs were the second band promised to bring the blues, and boy howdy, did they bring it. The five piece band featured moving guitar solos that make you wish you had a one-legged dog right beside you. And the tasty vocal work of both the guitarist and ridiculously talented keyboard player pulled you right into the Delta frame of mind.
Both Fortune 500 and Hungry Dogs left the audience wanting more and that’s just what they’ll get. There are several more bands participating in the competition over the next few weeks, so we’ll just have to wait and see which bands find themselves entertaining hundreds of bikers who make it to The Chip this year.
Sound Harley-Davidson, located in Marysville, WA is proudly hosting this years Rock the Sound…Sturgis Bound competition, this year and last.
Last year’s competition, with an equally impressive Mackie sound system, provided four weekends of amazing band competition. When it was over, the winning prize was awarded to Midstokke. This powerhouse band went on to play several audience-inspiring shows at The Chip during the 2007 Sturgis rally. If you missed them last year, you’ll get another chance because they will be back to rock The Chip again this year.
As the Rock the Sound…Sturgis Bound competition continues to unfold, we will be sure to provide you updates on the happenings.
12 Students, 12,000 Miles and 1 Waste Veggie Oil Powered Bus on a Mission for a Greener Tomorrow.
Lofty goal? The 12 Dartmouth students who are living and touring on The Big Green Bus would probably agree. However, the intended message is rather simple—educate Americans about climate change and its relationship to energy issues.
This year marks the fourth summer road trip of The Big Green Bus, a green 27’ long 1996 International school bus which has been lovingly converted to run on WVO (waste veggie oil). As they traverse the country, the students stop at any place where they can educate people. From festivals and block parties to wind farms and city council meetings, The Big Green Bus is a focal point for promoting high-profile media attention in the communities visited in an effort to spark a national dialogue. So...start talking people!
Mackie believes in the cause and wanted to provide some gear to help spread the message. Two SRM350v2’s and a 1202-VLZ3 enable the students to be heard during presentations and interactions. Bus-rider Trey Roy had the following to say, “We will be heard loud and clear with the two portable Mackie loudspeakers and compact mixer to run our presentations through.”
Visit www.thebiggreenbus.org to learn more about this inspiring project. You can follow the bus as it travels the country and read the blog, highlighting the progress as the bus rolls on. There's also some great video content on YouTube. So check it all out and learn what you can do to be a part of the solution.
Everything's Bigger In Texas: July Sound Workshops
Fits and Starts Productions will be holding several HOW-TO Church Sound Workshops this July- five in Texas, one in D.C and one in Virginia. The HOW-TO Church Sound Workshops™ focus on both basic and advanced gear and techniques that will help your volunteer staff do a more effective job of running and recording your worship services. Whether you have a single pulpit microphone with speaker, or dozens of mics with a live band and choir, these hands-on workshops will help your volunteers get the best sound for the entire congregation.
Any Mackoid who registers for any of the seven upcoming HOW-TO Church Sound Workshops can register for 50% off the regular price.
All you need to do is go online to www.howtosound.com/register and enter the coupon code mackie-50 in the coupon box area. The price will automatically be updated to show the Mackie discount once you hit "update".
Here are the dates for the eligible workshops:
• Saturday July 12, 2008 (9am-6pm)
Highlands Christian Church
9949 McCree Road, Dallas, TX 75238
• Sunday, July 13, 2008 (1pm-4pm)
Red Oak Baptist Church
320 E. Ovilla Road, Red Oak, TX 75154
• Thursday, July 17, 2008 (6:30pm-9:30pm)
First Baptist Church
1515 Live Oak Street, Rockport, TX 78382
• Saturday, July 19, 2008 (9am-6pm)
Friendswood UMC
110 N. Friendswood Drive, Friendswood, TX 77546
• Sunday, July 20, 2008 (1pm-4pm)
First UMC Pasadena
1062 Fairmont PKWY, Pasadena, TX 77504
• Saturday, July 26, 2008
(9am-6pm)
Allen Chapel AME Church
2498 Alabama Avenue SE, Washington, D.C. 20020
• Sunday, July 27, 2008
(1pm-4pm)
Capital Baptist Church
3504 Gallows Road, Annandale, VA 22003
You can register as many people as you want from your church, unlimited, and get 50% off the final price. If you need more information, please visit the registration area or you can contact Hector with Fits and Starts Productions (732-741-1275).
It is common knowledge that Mackie products are Built-Like-A-Tank. However, there are those that may doubt the inherent robust-ness that makes a Mackie what it is.
To this end, meet the Mackie MixBusters!
You may notice that they resemble (but are legally distinct from) those other guys who bust things…
Watch as they pit the 802-VLZ3 against the competition in a no-holds-barred destruction challenge, suffering abuse that no mixer should.
Then, the FRS-2800 goes toe-to-toe with another popular power amp in an Extreme Performance Challenge. You will learn that specs are not always what they seem.
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So, there you have it. Proof positive that quality matters over here in Woodinville, WA.
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.
The high quality of Mackie gear (not to mention the reasonable price tag) led TSSL to contact Mackie to outfit their facility. 
The Integrated Learning Center and Canteen also benefit from the punch and clarity of the SRM450, run through an Onyx 1620. The Student Activities Center features an 1402-VLZ3 routed through power amps to four C300z Passive Loudspeakers. 
Lofty goal? The 12 Dartmouth students who are living and touring on 
Mackie believes in the cause and wanted to provide some gear to help spread the message. Two 
To this end, meet the Mackie MixBusters!
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.”
