The Mackie Thump 215XT is so flexible and lightweight that it can be mounted almost anywhere, even in a flying setup – despite its powerful 15" woofer, which gives it enough bass both to fill entire concert halls with sound and be used as a stage monitor. Each of its two input channels can accept line-in signals, and they can be configured with various sound presets, which Mackie refers to as voicing modes. The first input can be used for either an instrument or a microphone, and to this end the Mackie Thump 215XT is equipped with both a feedback eliminator and a ducking function. In addition, the device is fully Bluetooth compatible. This active speaker with its class-D amplifier can be mounted in a flying setup, simply set on the floor or laid on its side as a monitor, or installed on a speaker tripod (many of which available separately) so its height can be adjusted. Via the proprietary app, which runs on iOS and Android, the Mackie Thump 215XT can be configured, operated, and connected wirelessly to another speaker.
The Mackie Thump 215XT combines a 15" woofer and 1" compression driver to achieve a maximum of 129dB, in frequencies ranging from 40Hz to as high as 23kHz. The first channel's XLR/jack combo socket can be used to transmit a microphone or line signal, while the second input, which is exclusively designed to accept line signals, also provides a combo jack as well as a mini-cinch input. When the ducking mode is activated, the Mackie Thump 215XT can reduce the second input whenever the mic is being actively used, and if the feedback eliminator is switched on, six notch filters spring into action to reduce acoustic interference. For mastering and summing, the voicing modes Music, Live, Club, and Monitor can be applied: All features are ready to go at the touch of a button. The speaker, which is equipped with M10 flypoint brackets, weighs only 14.8kg (under 33lbs) and can handle voltages between 100 and 240V.
To make life easier for beginners and novices, the Mackie Thump 215XT 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 front-on 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 a dedicated sound technician, the Mackie Thump 215XT's feedback eliminator is an effective automated tool, making superb sound simple. DJs can connect their tablet or smartphone to the mini-cinch 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 215XT 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). When used to provide stereo sound to a seated audience, the Mackie Thump 215XT can be set up vertically at the front of the stage, paired wirelessly with a second unit. It's also suitable for al fresco music thanks to its integrated Outdoor mode, and if the speaker is to be used as a monitor, it can be securely positioned horizontally. This flexibility makes installation in multi-functional spaces much quicker, and its lightweight design also allows it to be flown in a permanent hanging setup in nightclubs, where the Club mode provides the most impressive sound configuration. For galas and the like, the ideal mounting would be on a tripod (also sold separately), with the Mackie Thump 215XT's combination of power and flexibility also making it a good option for trade fairs and conferences. It can even accompany international travellers, capable as it is of handling all voltage standards between 100 and 240V.