TEST: Mackie c300z

 Does anyone remember three-way vocal speakers? So with 6.5 inches for the midrange? No, never seen it, let alone heard it? Don't worry, it's questionable whether this gap in knowledge really needs to be closed, because if there's one thing that has almost completely disappeared in vocal system equipment recently, it's the three-way system. In any case, in the last few years I haven't come across a chassis in the range up to 300 watts RMS that has more than one woofer and one tweeter driver.

Consequently, the C300z I have with the above-mentioned equipment has also set out to assert itself in the diversely represented full-range sound reinforcement sector, along with a lot of Mackie-typical features that are already available from similar product series. Today's consumer products have to be designed to be light, robust and with as few technical and acoustic hazards as possible, all at a competitive price, of course. Let's see how Mackie manages to rise to this challenge.


Construction:

Anyone who looks at the retail price of the product knows what's coming next. Like many other manufacturers, the former all-American flagship company has opted for the “developed in its home country, assembled in China” variant in favor of wages and ancillary wage costs. In contrast to the various variations of blue, which have previously been used primarily in the Mackie speaker family, the C300z uses the classic black. A matter of taste...

The C300z once again uses polypropylene as the housing construction, a flexible yet robust material that has a good mix of hardness (stable construction) and elasticity (risk of breakage under strong impacts) and has already gained experience in various other Mackie product ranges could. The dimensions of the structure are height 66 centimeters, width 39 centimeters, depth 38 centimeters, with a weight of 19 kilograms. All in all, an acceptable weight that can easily be moved by a strong man alone.

The shape of the box is an asymmetrical trapezoid, which means that the box can be used as a stand-alone or satellite solution for P.A., a small sidefill or as an approx. 45 degree wedge. A corresponding screwable pole flange is embedded on the underside. Furthermore, the construction is also designed for flight operations; appropriate screw connections can be attached to the M10 flight points on the top. 3 stacking troughs on the top and bottom of the housing enable appropriate stacking, but not without appropriate tensioning straps, as the weight of the construction is too low.

A carrying handle on the side of the housing, equipped with an ergonomically placed core, ensures that the box can be easily lifted onto a high stand. In general, the box can be described as very handy, as its center of gravity when approached on this handle can be described as very successful. Thanks to an additional recessed grip on the top of the housing, the box can also be quickly maneuvered vertically.

In terms of loudspeaker technology, the C300z was equipped with a 12" bass chassis with a 3" voice coil and a 1.75" compression driver with a titanium dome with a 90x45 degree beam angle. The tweeter horn is recessed approx. 10 centimeters into the housing to protect it from damage A relatively finely perforated, black steel grille is used to protect the rear-mounted woofer, which was secured with four screws.

Don't be fooled by the front view, even if the woofer looks like a 15-inch model due to the large protective grille, it's still a 12-inch model. According to the manufacturer, the design has a frequency response of 45 Hz to 20 kHz, although the experienced sound engineer can confidently install an “optical high-pass filter” in the diagram due to the low-frequency equipment.

In terms of load, 300 watts RMS with 750 watts peak power at 8 ohms
and MAX 123 dB SPL at 1 kHz / 1 meter, a realistic value for the RMS, the 750 watts should be relegated to the loving hands of the marketing department. The connections available are two Speakon or two jacks for looping through, which are professional and completely sufficient in practice. Interestingly, a diagram on the back indicates that you should only use a maximum of two speakers per power amplifier side. Whether this should be a simple “protection circuit” for power amplifiers, which must not fall below the 4 ohm minimum load, is beyond my knowledge. Theoretically, 4 speakers per side should also be possible with a 2 ohm load and 1200 watts RMS.


Practice:

Wherever it says Mackie on it, the sound should also have Mackie on it, regardless of the country of production, so there shouldn't be any compromises here, even with production in a low-wage country. Fortunately, the most important trademarks in terms of sound are retained with the C300z. The well-known and relatively soft, three-dimensional reproduction is also present in the C300z and does not disappoint consumers. As with similar product series from Mackie, the plastic housing has no resonance frequencies or standing waves despite the lack of internal damping.

The spatial reproduction is good, the acoustic illumination is very good, especially with regard to the treble horn. Speech intelligibility is very good across the entire load radius, and the design is impressive even at high volumes. In addition, the box sounds quite voluminous even at low volumes; the voice coils do not require a large stroke as with other products to get a powerful sound from the speakers.

Even without an additional subwoofer, the C300z ensures a balanced sound, although one should not be under the illusion that a construction with this loudspeaker configuration, which is designed as a full-range, is a complete P.A. could replace. To ensure full operation, you will not be able to avoid adding an appropriate subwoofer, but if the system is primarily used for vocal or speech transmission, the transmission performance is completely sufficient.



Conclusion:

Whether in traditional blue or current black, even if the external shape sometimes changes slightly, the important sound components remain the same. For a street price of under €300, you get a good-sounding vocal box that has the most important sonic Mackie attributes.

Robust and easy to use, you can't go wrong with the C300z, especially since, like many similar products, it can also easily be used as a wedge.

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Additional Informations:

In the realm of professional audio equipment, few names command as much respect and admiration as Mackie. Renowned for their innovative mixers, loudspeakers, and studio monitors, Mackie Audio has played a pivotal role in shaping the way we experience sound. The story of Mackie's rise to prominence is one marked by ingenuity, determination, and a relentless pursuit of sonic excellence.

**Founding Vision**

Mackie Audio was founded in 1988 by Greg Mackie, an audio engineer and entrepreneur with a passion for creating high-quality, affordable audio equipment. Frustrated by the high cost and complexity of existing audio mixers, Mackie set out to develop a line of products that would democratize professional audio production and make it accessible to a wider audience.

Armed with a background in electrical engineering and a keen understanding of the needs of musicians and sound engineers, Mackie embarked on a journey to revolutionize the world of sound reinforcement and recording.

**Innovative Products**

Mackie's breakthrough came in 1989 with the introduction of the CR-1604, the world's first compact mixer with built-in compression. This revolutionary mixer offered professional-grade audio quality and features at a fraction of the cost of traditional studio consoles, making it an instant hit among musicians, DJs, and small venue owners.

Building on the success of the CR-1604, Mackie continued to innovate and expand its product lineup. In 1992, they introduced the HR824 studio monitor, which quickly became the industry standard for accurate, transparent sound reproduction in recording studios around the world.

Throughout the 1990s and early 2000s, Mackie solidified its reputation as a leader in audio technology with a series of groundbreaking products, including the SRM450 powered loudspeaker, the VLZ Pro series of mixers, and the Onyx recording interfaces. These innovative products set new standards for performance, reliability, and affordability, cementing Mackie's position as a driving force in the professional audio industry.

**Commitment to Quality**

Central to Mackie's success is a relentless commitment to quality and reliability. From the design and engineering phase to manufacturing and testing, every Mackie product undergoes rigorous quality control processes to ensure that it meets the highest standards of performance and durability.

Mackie's dedication to quality extends beyond its products to its customer service and support. With a global network of authorized dealers and service centers, Mackie ensures that customers receive prompt assistance and expert advice whenever they need it.

**Global Impact**

Since its founding, Mackie Audio has had a profound impact on the world of professional audio. From small clubs and home studios to major concert venues and recording studios, Mackie products are used by musicians, sound engineers, and audio professionals of all stripes to create unforgettable sonic experiences.

Mackie's influence can be felt not only in the products they produce but also in the way they have democratized audio production and made it more accessible to a wider audience. By offering professional-grade equipment at affordable prices, Mackie has empowered countless musicians and sound engineers to realize their creative vision and bring their music to life.

**Looking Ahead**

As Mackie Audio looks to the future, the company remains committed to pushing the boundaries of audio technology and innovation. With a team of talented engineers and designers at the helm, Mackie continues to develop cutting-edge products that meet the evolving needs of the audio industry.

From live sound reinforcement and recording to podcasting and content creation, Mackie Audio is dedicated to providing musicians, sound engineers, and audio professionals with the tools they need to succeed in today's competitive landscape.

Certainly! Let's delve deeper into the fascinating history and evolution of Mackie Audio.

**Continued Innovation**

Throughout its history, Mackie Audio has continued to push the boundaries of audio technology with a relentless focus on innovation. In the early 2000s, Mackie introduced the Mackie Control Universal, a groundbreaking control surface that revolutionized the way musicians and engineers interacted with their digital audio workstations (DAWs). With its intuitive layout and seamless integration with popular recording software, the Mackie Control Universal became an indispensable tool for music producers and engineers worldwide.

Mackie also expanded its product lineup to include a range of digital mixers, such as the DL Series, which combined the power and flexibility of digital audio processing with the ease of use and reliability of traditional analog mixers. These digital mixers offered a wealth of features and capabilities, including advanced signal routing, built-in effects processing, and wireless mixing capabilities, making them ideal for a wide range of live sound and recording applications.

**Acquisition and Expansion**

In 2003, Mackie Audio was acquired by LOUD Technologies Inc., a leading manufacturer of professional audio equipment. Under the umbrella of LOUD Technologies, Mackie continued to thrive and expand its product offerings, while also benefiting from access to greater resources and expertise.

In the years that followed, Mackie introduced a number of innovative products, including the popular Thump series of powered loudspeakers, the SRM350 and SRM450v2 powered loudspeakers, and the ProFX series of compact analog mixers with built-in effects. These products further solidified Mackie's reputation as a pioneer in the field of professional audio equipment, while also attracting new customers and markets.

**Community Engagement**

Central to Mackie's success has been its commitment to engaging with and supporting the audio community. Mackie has cultivated a strong presence at industry trade shows, music festivals, and educational events, where they showcase their latest products and technologies and offer hands-on demonstrations and workshops.

Mackie has also fostered a vibrant online community through its website, social media channels, and user forums, where musicians, engineers, and enthusiasts can connect, share tips and tricks, and collaborate on projects. This sense of community and camaraderie has been instrumental in driving innovation and inspiring creativity among Mackie's customers and fans.

**Sustainability and Corporate Responsibility**

In recent years, Mackie Audio has also made strides in promoting sustainability and corporate responsibility. The company has implemented eco-friendly manufacturing practices, such as reducing waste and energy consumption, and has made efforts to source materials from environmentally responsible suppliers.

Mackie has also supported various charitable initiatives and community organizations, including music education programs, disaster relief efforts, and environmental conservation projects. By giving back to the communities in which it operates, Mackie is helping to create a brighter and more sustainable future for generations to come.

**Conclusion**

In conclusion, the story of Mackie Audio is one of innovation, perseverance, and a deep commitment to excellence. From its humble beginnings in a garage in Woodinville, Washington, to its status as a global leader in professional audio equipment, Mackie has remained true to its founding vision of empowering musicians and engineers to create exceptional sound experiences.

As Mackie Audio continues to evolve and grow, one thing remains constant: its dedication to pushing the boundaries of audio technology and inspiring creativity in the audio community. With a legacy of innovation and a passion for excellence, Mackie Audio is poised to shape the future of sound for years to come.