MACKIE INTRODUCES PRODUCTION-READY dXb•200, AND REVEALS NEW dXb•400 CONCEPT AT NAMM

January 15, 2004 - Anaheim, NAMM Convention - Following the much anticipated unveiling of their new dXb Digital Production Console concept at the AES show last October, Mackie is using this year's NAMM show to introduce the first commercial product derived form the dXb platform, dXb•200, as well as preview a new dXb•400 concept directed at post production and broadcast applications.

"The significant excitement generated by the dXb at the AES show revealed a universal acceptance for the platform," stated Ken Berger, Sr. Vice President of Marketing and Product Development at LOUD Technologies Inc. "At the same time, many dedicated Mackie users asked for a version closer in price to the d8b. We have answered this request with the dXb•200."

Berger continued, "We also identified the need for an up-market console with more advanced surround sound capabilities for post production use. This has become the new dXb•400 concept. Both products show the significant versatility of the dXb platform."

The dXb•200 shares the same basic architecture and footprint with the concept shown at AES including the unique dual touch-screen interface, 96kHz operation (optional to 192kHz), on-board automation and DSP, 25 high-quality 100mm Penny+Giles faders, configurable I/O card cage and a FireWire I/O card option for streaming to/from desktop or laptop computers. Both models are compatible with select VST plug-ins and both integrate Mackie Control Universal functionality for controlling Pro Tools, Logic and other popular audio software applications.

The dXb•200's individual feature set and price point making it the logical progression for current Mackie Digital 8?Bus users. It features a 72 x 72 channel I/O matrix (36 x 36 at 192kHz) or 64 channels with DSP at 96kHz (32 channels with DSP at 192kHz). Channel DSP includes compressor/limiter, gate/expander, and four-band parametric EQ. A UAD-1 Powered Plug-ins Card can be installed in the dXb•200 as an optional accessory.

The new dXb•400 concept features a more expansive 96 x 96 channel I/O matrix (48 x 48 at 192kHz) or a minimum of 72 channels with DSP at 96kHz (36 channels with DSP at 192kHz). The dXb•400 is equipped with more advanced surround sound functionality that includes 24 busses, flexible panning assignment and complete surround monitoring features. Additionally, the dXb•400 ships with a UAD-1 DSP Card pre-loaded, providing instant access to popular powerful plug-ins like the Teletronix™ LA-2A™ and 1176LN™ compressors, Pultec Program EQ, and DreamVerb high-end reverb.

Like the dXb concept shown at AES, development of the dXb was a collaborative effort between Mackie and Sanewave Inc., a Washington State -based engineering and design company specializing in digital audio technology (www.sanewave.com). The dXb•200 will begin shipping in early 2004. Both models are currently on display at the NAMM show in Anaheim, booth number 6690.

About Mackie
Mackie, a LOUD Technologies Inc. brand, is known worldwide as a leading developer and marketer of high-quality, affordable professional audio systems. Mackie products can be found in professional and project recording studios, video and broadcast suites, post production facilities, sound reinforcement applications including churches and nightclubs, retail locations and on major musical tours. For more information visit: www.mackie.com.

Mackie is a registered trademark of LOUD Technologies Inc. in the United States and other countries. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

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