The Mackie Thump 215 is a wide-range speaker designed both for use as bass-heavy sound reinforcement for a venue's audience and and as monitor for the performers on stage. Despite featuring a 15" woofer, the speaker is surprisingly lightweight, coming in at just 14.8kg, or under 33lbs. Its two input channels can handle line signals, and the first input can also be used for a microphone instead of an instrument, and to this end Mackie has also equipped the first input with both a feedback eliminator and a ducking function, which can be activated at the touch of a button. This active speaker, with its integrated high-quality Class D amplifier, can simply be placed on the floor, positioned on its side for monitor use, or mounted on a speaker stand (available separately) so its height can be adjusted to suit the setting.
The first channel's XLR/jack combo socket can carry either a microphone or a line signal. The second input, designed exclusively for line signals, also features a combo socket and adds a mini-jack connection. When ducking mode is activated, the Mackie Thump 215 automatically lowers the second input whenever the mic is in use. Switching on the feedback eliminator engages six notch filters to tackle unwanted acoustic feedback. Delivering a maximum SPL of 129dB, the two convection-cooled Class D amplifiers provide a total output of 1400W, with a frequency range from 40Hz right up to 23kHz. Despite these impressive specs, the speaker is easy to transport, equipped as it is with two carrying handles. One other plus is that it can handle mains voltages between 100 and 240V without any difficulties.
To make life easier for beginners and novices, the Mackie Thump 215 can be operated with only a couple of buttons, without the need for complicated menus – a big plus for schools and rehearsals rooms, as well as for many other uses. Bands will love the powerful sound produced by the high-end 15" woofer, both for audience audio where the summing signal is sourced from an external mixer and also as a stage monitor. Singer-songwriters (indeed, all solo artists whose voice is accompanied by an instrument) will find that the speaker has enough channels for their performances. And for everyone who occasionally finds themselves without their own dedicated sound technician, the Mackie Thump 212's feedback eliminator is an effective automated tool, making superb sound simple. DJs can connect their tablet or smartphone to the mini-jack input, and if confident transitions between voice and music are crucial – for presenters, conference hosts, and trade fair reps, for instance – then the ducking function is ideal.
In 1988 Greg Mackie, already a successful co-founder of a pro audio company, founded Mackie Designs Inc. with the goal of producing affordable, high-quality mixers. The company's first official product, the LM-1602 line mixer, was initially produced within the four walls of his home. As sales figures were encouraging, its successor model CR-1604 soon followed - and in 1991 the company finally moved into its first proper production facility. The combination of reliable quality and low prices quickly brought the company enormous success, so that by 1995 Mackie had already sold 100,000 products. In 2003, the company was renamed LOUD Audio, LLC so that there is no longer any confusion between the Mackie brand and its former parent company of the same name.
To make transporting the road-ready Mackie Thump 215 as easy as possible, there is a dedicated soft-shell case on wheels in the form of the Mackie Rolling Bag Thump215/XT (sold separately). Upon arrival, if it's being used to provide stereo sound to a seated audience, the 215 can be set up vertically at the front of the stage. If the speaker is needed as a stage monitor for a band the next day, it can simply be turned towards the stage and placed safely on its side. In multi-purpose spaces, this flexibility can dramatically reduce setup time. For bouncing dancefloors or busy bars, mounting it on an optional stand is the best choice. The Mackie Thump 215's combination of power and portability also makes it a great fit for exhibitions, trade fairs, and conferences. Built to be tough enough for the road, it's more than ready for touring: It can even accompany international travellers, capable as it is of handling all voltage standards between 100 and 240V.