TST: Mackie Thump 12BST

 After we recently tested the big brother, we now have the little sister in the form of the Mackie Thump 12BST, which scores significantly in terms of transportability with its more compact dimensions and moderate weight. While Mackie was recently able to establish a new design with expanded functions with its Thump A series, the manufacturer has also gone a step further in terms of functionality with the smaller version. Let's take a look at the key data and make a direct sound comparison.

The basic data of the Mackie Thump 12BST

Why change a basic system that already meets almost all the requirements of a “working horse” in countless variations? The developers at Mackie must have had similar thoughts, which led to a new edition of the 12/1 loudspeaker combination. A 12-inch speaker handles the bass range, while a 1.4-inch tweeter with a titanium compression driver dome covers the high frequency range.

The crossover frequency is 2 kHz, the frequency response is given as 50 Hz - 23 kHz. As a sticker on the front tells us, both systems deliver 1300 watts peak, with 1000 watts being delivered to the woofer via a Class D power amplifier and 300 watts to the tweeter via a Class A/B power amplifier. As always, in the live range you can safely ignore all information above 16 kHz, downwards the 50 Hz is also reproduced as usual with a corresponding reduction from around 100 Hz and it is also likely that the power information is peak values be clear to everyone.

The weight of the Mackie Thump 12BST is comparatively moderate at 13.3 kg and is almost 20% less than its big brother. The dimensions: 615 mm x 358 mm x 356 mm also enable easy transport in the trunk of a car. The flexible orientation in terms of operating modes has been adopted, so the speakers can be operated in standard operation, in high stand mode via the internally installed commercially available 35 mm flange or, due to the trapezoidal shape, also as a floor monitor. As a complement to the A series, the BST series has 4 flight points for stationary operation, a facility that will prove to be a very useful function, especially due to the DSP extensions that will be mentioned in the test report.

Even if many users don't think it makes sense at first glance, the built-in multi-voltage power supply, which can process all voltages from 120 - 240 V via a power plug, offers a number of advantages. In addition to the flexibility when it comes to international use, these power supplies also have the advantage that they compensate for voltage fluctuations in the network, which are often encountered in rural areas of southern Europe or in mobile voltage generators. I recently had a floorboard disabled again while the show was running because the voltage generator couldn't hold 230 V.

A protective cover or rolling bag can also be purchased for the Mackie Thump 12BST as an optional accessory. There are 2 combination sockets (XLR / TRS) on the back for the input area, as well as a mix out for daisy chain operation.



What's new with the Mackie Thump 12BST?

The decisive further development of the Thump series is visible on the back of the case. In addition to the physical inputs/outputs, a push rotary controller attracts attention, which leads through a menu that is shown on the display next to it. After activating the box, a menu consisting of six submenus is displayed after the “Running Man” logo is displayed.

In the “Mixer” area you can now make a pre-selection for which area of application you would like to use the Mackie Thump 12BST, such as Music, Live, Speech, Monitor, Music + Subwoofer and Live + Subwoofer. Depending on the preselected preset, the tone control is adjusted accordingly, with mainly the bass range being cut or boosted. In addition, each input has a three-band tone control with corresponding center frequencies and individual volume control.

The Bluetooth range is Mackie Thump 12BST

As a crucial expansion of the system, a Bluetooth module was installed in the Mackie Thump 12BST as well as in the 15BST variant, which enables signals to be streamed via mobile devices such as iPhone / iPad or laptops. In order to be able to optimally use this quality in conjunction with the physical inputs, the Bluetooth signal is evaluated as a separate channel and can also be used with the above-mentioned. Parameters can be edited. Several speakers can be linked in mono or stereo via DSP, and according to the manufacturer, a range of up to 100 meters (in open terrain) should be possible.

However, in order to be able to use this extension to its full extent, you should definitely download the appropriate Thump Connect app for iOS and have constant internet access. The app in question not only enables the control of all functions that are available within the menu navigation of the box, but it also enables a range of functions that go beyond the manual access area on the box housing.

For example, it is possible to access videos, additional operating instructions or even further documents for the Mackie Thump 12BST. However, what far outshines the normal scope of comparable systems is the total recall function for recurring occasions. Three different snapshots with all the necessary parameters can be stored within the app. Depending on which constellation is required, you can quickly distinguish between a language event, a DJ event or a music performance. As expected, this range of functions has great advantages, especially in a permanent installation where you have to adapt the sound system accordingly depending on the venue booking.

You can also set up a zone sound system in which the different boxes are defined as “Primary” and “Secondary”. The transmission of the Bluetooth signal remains the same for both units, but both boxes can be controlled independently of each other. This is how you can, for example Reduce the volume significantly in an area away from the stage if the audience might want to have a conversation there and adjust the sound control accordingly.






The Mackie Thump 12BST in practice

Although the housing dimensions and speaker configuration are identical, the DSP processor of the Mackie Thump 12BST seems to change the sound marginally in direct comparison to the A version. Frequency response and spatial gradation seem identical, but the BST version seems a little more compressed, although this should not be taken as a judgmental thing. You should only clarify in advance whether there are any differences in sound in a setup that may contain both components.

In general, the sound of the Mackie Thump 12BST is the same as in the A version, meaning a powerful, bass-emphasized basic sound with a comparatively subtle midrange dip in the crossover spot and a slightly harsh treble reproduction. A particularly fine resolution from around 8 kHz is not necessarily the strength of the Mackie Thump 12BST, but the product shines with great flexibility in terms of possible uses.

As expected, the Mackie Thump 12BST finds its main area of application in the vocal range, singing as well as speech, or in the transmission of instruments beyond the real deep bass ranges. The design cannot be viewed as a full-range solution, but that was never the intended application of the system. For this area you cannot avoid purchasing one or more subwoofers.

Once again, the Bluetooth area is the outstanding feature for an active speaker in this price range. This time, too, the pairing was carried out without any problems with any Bluetooth device available to me in the form of the iPhone 6 and the iPad Air. Activate the Bluetooth function using the push encoder, the box appears in the device's Bluetooth window, select it, and you're done.

To connect a second box, you can now choose between the various options in the menu, although stereo streaming will be preferred by most people. Here too, no problems with the connection. After activating the “Auto Connect” and “Auto Link” functions, the previously selected connection is automatically activated after the components are switched on. Additional functions can be activated via the iOS app, such as a right/left switch, separating the speakers via Unlink and switching between zone and stereo management. Everything makes sense and is practical for the intended area of application.

In order to check the stability of the Bluetooth signal, it is recommended to test several devices in advance. Depending on the version and operating system, the range of the signal may vary. With my iPhone 6 I was once again able to generate a working connection of up to 30 meters in open terrain, which is a very decent value. However, the user still has to take stability into account even in the event of disruptive factors such as an audience, partition walls or additional devices.


Conclusion

With the Mackie Thump 12BST, the American manufacturer offers a decisive advantage in live operation with its Bluetooth connection. The possibility of signal processing in combination with the well-designed iOS app increases the flexibility of the product many times over and opens up new possibilities for individual sound reinforcement, especially in a permanent installation.

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Additional Informations:

Mackie Audio, also known as Mackie, is a brand of professional audio equipment founded in 1988 by Greg Mackie. The company was established in Woodinville, Washington, a suburb of Seattle. The location played a significant role in the company's identity and development.

### Founding Location: Woodinville, Washington

#### Historical Context
Woodinville is situated in the Pacific Northwest, an area known for its rich musical heritage and vibrant tech industry. During the late 1980s and early 1990s, the Seattle area became a hub for innovation, particularly in music and technology. The local culture was influenced by the burgeoning grunge movement, with bands like Nirvana, Pearl Jam, and Soundgarden gaining international fame. This environment provided fertile ground for a company like Mackie, which aimed to deliver high-quality audio equipment to both professional and amateur musicians.

### Key Features and Significance of Woodinville

1. **Proximity to Seattle:**
   - Woodinville’s close proximity to Seattle allowed Mackie to tap into the city’s dynamic music scene. The company could easily collaborate with local artists and sound engineers, ensuring their products met the needs of musicians and audio professionals.
   - Being near a major metropolitan area also facilitated access to a skilled workforce, including engineers, designers, and marketing professionals.

2. **Tech Industry Influence:**
   - The Seattle area is also known for its tech industry, with major companies like Microsoft and Amazon headquartered there. This tech-driven environment influenced Mackie’s approach to product development, emphasizing innovation and quality.

3. **Community and Networking:**
   - Woodinville’s location in the greater Seattle area allowed Mackie to build strong relationships within the music and audio production community. Networking with local studios, venues, and artists provided invaluable feedback and opportunities for product testing and improvement.

4. **Quality of Life:**
   - The quality of life in Woodinville, with its scenic beauty and outdoor recreational opportunities, made it an attractive place to live and work. This helped Mackie attract and retain top talent, contributing to the company’s long-term success.

### Evolution and Expansion

As Mackie grew, the company expanded its operations but remained rooted in the Seattle area. The choice to stay close to its founding location reflects the company’s commitment to its origins and the advantages the area provides.

- **Production Facilities:**
  Mackie initially manufactured its products locally, ensuring stringent quality control and fostering a culture of innovation. Over time, as demand increased, production expanded, but the company continued to maintain high standards.

- **Global Reach:**
  While Mackie began as a local company, it quickly gained international recognition. The strategic location in the Pacific Northwest facilitated both domestic and international shipping, helping Mackie grow its global presence.

### Conclusion

Mackie Audio’s founding in Woodinville, Washington, is more than just a historical fact; it is a key element of the company’s identity. The location offered numerous benefits, from proximity to a vibrant music scene and tech industry to an attractive quality of life that helped the company attract top talent. These factors contributed significantly to Mackie’s success and its reputation for producing high-quality, innovative audio equipment. Today, Mackie continues to be a prominent name in the audio industry, with its roots in the Pacific Northwest serving as a testament to the importance of location in the company’s growth and development.