TEST: Mackie Thump Series

 As is well known, the area of ​​active 2-way PA solutions is a highly competitive market that sometimes needs to be defended or conquered. Mackie, with its Mackie Thump series, is clearly part of the first division, despite a slightly different name, as the American manufacturer was already able to convince in many ways with products such as the TH-12A or TH-15A almost 6 years ago.

The Thump series is not the "market-crier sound solution" that mixes many different signals, some of them mono-compatible, in an internally installed mixing console and then plays them back via a loudspeaker box. Rather, the Mackie Thump series with the Thump 12, Thump 15 and Thump 18S products is a classic, old-school compact PA that is aimed at typical club sound for up to 150/200 people. At moderate volumes, even up to 300 people.

Designs

Let's start with the satellites. Even though 12" and 15" speakers can be placed on the floor or a table, the components are typically used on a subwoofer or a high stand using spacer rods. To ensure this mode of operation, the speaker has the standard 35 mm flange on the bottom for stand operation. While the Thump 12 only has regular feet on the bottom, the Thump 15 comes with stacking feet, which allows the units to be stacked. However, I doubt whether you can get more than 2 units to the sky in a reasonably stable manner without additional clamping units.

The Mackie Thump 12 + 15 are active two-way speakers, which are specified as having 500 watts RMS and a peak of 1000 watts in terms of power, with the bass speakers being powered by an 800 watt Class D, while the 1.4" tweeter is powered by a Class AB power amplifier with 200 watts peak. If we assume values ​​that are common in practice, I estimate a distortion-free sine wave playback power of around 300 watts, the rest is, as always, a matter of making a big deal out of it.

As is usual in this performance class, the design is bass reflex. The woofer is protected from external influences by a solid metal grille, and the driver is installed sufficiently far back. In terms of frequency, the products have a playback range of 50 Hz - 23 kHz or 32 Hz - 23 kHz, according to the manufacturer. However, both figures should be considered "big deal" as the lower limit frequency is only touched, and the upper limit frequency cannot even be heard by a newborn.

Due to the trapezoidal shape, both versions are defined in terms of application, from the classic vocal system to the floor monitor area to a simple small PA. A combo socket (XLR / TRS) and a looped XLR output enable stacking in daisy chain mode.

Both products have a very light housing made of polypropylene, so that despite the generously proportioned performance specifications and the housing dimensions of (H x W x D): 596 mm x 367 mm x 314 mm (Thump 12) and (H x W x D): 702 mm x 427 mm x 394 mm (Thump 15), the product only has a very moderate total weight of 13.2 (Thump 12) and 15.1 (Thump 15) kilograms. Despite the pure plastic design, the housing is very scratch-resistant and stable against external influences.

Both boxes have 3 carrying handles, which are attached to the side and on the top. Due to the low weight, it is possible for less muscular people to set up their system without the help of third parties.

In terms of sound control, both boxes have a three-band sound control, with the mids being semi-parametric (100 Hz - 8 kHz). For the inexperienced user, a few setting examples are printed on the lower part of the panel. The volume is managed via a single level control, which uses a red LED to warn of internal overloads. In terms of price, Mackie really sets the bar very low due to Chinese production and charges real bargain prices of 299 euros (Thump 12) and 349 euros (Thump 15).

Subwoofer

To match the satellites described above, Mackie supplies a subwoofer that has been visually and acoustically coordinated with the products. In contrast to a bass reflex solution, a bandpass solution was preferred here, which delivers a higher level of efficiency, but also loses some definition due to the somewhat sluggish construction.

According to the product name, we can expect an 18-inch woofer, which, with dimensions of 672 mm x 573 mm x 580 mm, weighs a comparatively moderate 37.2 kilograms. Even if this value seems extremely transport-friendly compared to some competing products, one person alone cannot really move this cube, unless you have a hand truck as your constant companion. A few wheels on the back might have solved this problem, but you have to enlist the help of the two strong handles on the side and a good friend.

The built-in Class D power amplifier delivers 600 watts RMS and generates a sound pressure of 130 db SPL. The frequency response is specified as 30 - 132 Hz, i.e. only the lowest frequency spectrum is really addressed here. The woofer has right/left XLR inputs and can either pass the signal completely to the satellites or pass it on at the fixed crossover frequency of 140 Hz. All controls and connections are on the back, which are complemented by a power switch, the cold appliance plug, a phase switch, an on/off LED and a level control.

Practice

Connecting and operating all systems is easy even for inexperienced people, only the parametric midrange control requires some experience in handling frequencies. The high midrange between 2 - 3 kHz in particular needs to be hit tastefully, especially since the tweeter horns of the 12 and 15 speakers tend to "bite" a bit here. In addition, the 15 Thump struggles with the classic midrange hole in the crossover frequency between the bass speaker and tweeter driver. However, all of this is nitpicking at a high level when you consider the retail price of the products.

On the other hand, the bass reproduction of the two satellites in full-range operation is impressive. Even the Thump 12 offers a very powerful boost below 300 Hertz, and it also shines with very good speech intelligibility. In terms of vocals, it is clearly superior to the Thump 15, but the latter has a very powerful bass range, so that it can be used as a stand-alone solution for DJs without any problems.

As expected, both speakers experience significantly more bass when used with the Thump 18S subwoofer, and this combination is particularly effective when used with the 12-inch version. The fixed crossover frequency of 140 Hz makes handling easier, but for my taste, the cut-off is a bit too high with a bandpass woofer. A controller that allows the frequency to be continuously reduced to 80 Hz, for example, would be a bit more practical, especially since the satellites themselves already cover the low-mid range very well.

For just under 1,400 euros, however, you already have a very powerful small PA that covers a wide range of sounds. If you can stretch your budget to €2,000, you can get a second woofer on board, which is already close to official sound.

The high mids and highs are not as finely resolved as you would expect from higher-priced products, but we are already in areas that cost almost twice the retail price.

Conclusion

With the Mackie Thump series, the American manufacturer covers a wide range of small PA sound systems. Priced at the lower end of the scale, the top parts already impress in full-range operation with powerful bass reproduction, which can be increased even further with the help of the 18S subwoofer.

For just under €2,000, you get almost 2,000 watts RMS, which offers an impressive number of sound solutions from band operations to DJ entertainment.

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Additional Informations:

### The Transition from Wood to Plastic in Live Sound Loudspeaker Enclosures: A Comprehensive Analysis

#### Introduction

Loudspeaker enclosures have traditionally been crafted from wood, valued for its acoustic properties and durability. However, recent years have seen a significant shift towards the use of plastic in manufacturing these enclosures, particularly in the live sound sector. This transition is driven by a combination of technological advancements, economic considerations, and practical benefits that plastic offers over wood. This article delves into the reasons behind this shift, the advantages and disadvantages of both materials, and the future implications for live sound technology.

#### Historical Context

The use of wood in loudspeaker enclosures dates back to the early days of audio engineering. Wood’s natural density and stiffness provided excellent acoustic properties, allowing for clear, resonant sound reproduction. Birch plywood, in particular, became a standard due to its strength and relatively light weight compared to other types of wood. However, as the live sound industry evolved, so did the demands placed on loudspeaker systems.

#### The Rise of Plastic Enclosures

In the past two decades, the use of high-impact plastics in loudspeaker enclosures has become increasingly prevalent. The transition is fueled by several key factors:

1. **Weight Reduction**: One of the most significant advantages of plastic over wood is weight. Live sound equipment needs to be transported and set up frequently, often under tight time constraints. Plastic enclosures are substantially lighter than their wooden counterparts, making them easier to handle, transport, and mount.

2. **Durability and Weather Resistance**: Plastic enclosures are more resistant to the elements. Unlike wood, plastic does not absorb moisture, which can lead to warping, swelling, and eventual deterioration. This makes plastic an ideal choice for outdoor events where exposure to rain and humidity is a concern.

3. **Manufacturing Flexibility**: The use of plastic allows for more intricate and aerodynamic designs, which can enhance the acoustic performance. Injection molding, a common manufacturing process for plastic, enables the production of complex shapes that are difficult or impossible to achieve with wood.

4. **Cost Efficiency**: Producing plastic enclosures can be more cost-effective, especially at scale. The raw materials and production processes for plastic are generally cheaper than those for wood. Additionally, plastic enclosures often require less labor-intensive finishing processes.

#### Advantages of Plastic Enclosures

- **Lightweight**: The reduction in weight facilitates easier handling and transport, reducing the risk of injury and lowering shipping costs.
- **Durability**: Plastic enclosures are less prone to damage from impacts and environmental conditions.
- **Acoustic Design**: Modern plastics can be engineered to provide acoustic properties that rival, or in some cases, surpass wood.
- **Cost**: Lower production costs can make high-quality sound systems more accessible to a broader range of users.

#### Disadvantages of Plastic Enclosures

- **Perceived Quality**: There is a long-standing perception that wood enclosures offer superior sound quality. While this is not always the case, it can influence purchasing decisions.
- **Environmental Concerns**: The production and disposal of plastics raise environmental concerns. While wood is a renewable resource, plastic production is reliant on petrochemicals and contributes to pollution.
- **Structural Integrity**: High-impact plastics can be very strong, but in some cases, they may not match the structural rigidity of wood, which can be crucial for maintaining the integrity of large enclosures under stress.

#### Comparative Acoustic Properties

The acoustic properties of an enclosure material significantly impact sound quality. Wood has traditionally been favored for its natural resonance and damping characteristics. However, modern engineering has enabled the development of plastics that can be tailored to specific acoustic requirements. Through the use of additives and advanced molding techniques, manufacturers can create plastic enclosures with optimized resonance and reduced vibration, ensuring high-fidelity sound reproduction.

#### Practical Applications in Live Sound

The practical benefits of plastic enclosures are particularly evident in the live sound environment. For touring musicians and live sound engineers, the weight and durability of equipment are critical considerations. Plastic enclosures can withstand the rigors of constant transport and setup, offering a level of reliability that is crucial for live performances.

Furthermore, plastic enclosures often feature integrated handles and mounting points, making them more user-friendly for quick setups and teardowns. This ergonomic advantage is particularly beneficial in high-pressure situations where time is of the essence.

#### Case Studies

Several leading manufacturers in the audio industry have successfully transitioned to plastic enclosures for their live sound products:

1. **JBL Professional**: JBL’s EON series is a prime example of high-quality plastic enclosures. These speakers are renowned for their durability, lightweight design, and excellent sound quality, making them a popular choice for both professional and amateur live sound applications.

2. **QSC**: The QSC K Series showcases the potential of plastic enclosures in delivering premium sound performance. These speakers combine sophisticated acoustic design with the practical benefits of plastic, resulting in a versatile and robust product line.

3. **Electro-Voice**: The ZLX series by Electro-Voice utilizes high-impact polypropylene to create enclosures that are both lightweight and acoustically optimized. This series is a testament to how modern materials can be used to meet the demanding requirements of live sound reinforcement.

#### Future Trends and Innovations

As the live sound industry continues to evolve, so too will the materials and technologies used in loudspeaker enclosures. Future trends may include:

- **Advanced Composites**: The use of advanced composite materials that combine the best properties of plastic and other materials, such as carbon fiber, to enhance strength and acoustic performance.
- **Eco-Friendly Plastics**: Development of biodegradable or recyclable plastics to address environmental concerns associated with traditional plastic production.
- **Smart Enclosures**: Integration of smart technology within enclosures to provide real-time monitoring and adjustment of acoustic properties based on the performance environment.

#### Conclusion

The shift from wood to plastic in live sound loudspeaker enclosures represents a significant evolution in the industry. While wood remains a beloved material for its traditional qualities, the practical advantages of plastic—lightweight, durability, manufacturing flexibility, and cost efficiency—make it an increasingly popular choice for modern live sound applications. As technology advances, we can expect further innovations that will continue to enhance the performance and sustainability of plastic enclosures, ensuring they remain at the forefront of live sound technology for years to come.