BassBus Posted January 4, 2013 Share Posted January 4, 2013 Has anyone had any experience of the Mackie Thump 12a PA speakers. What's the volume like? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JTUK Posted January 5, 2013 Share Posted January 5, 2013 You will have to hear them, but I'd steer clear for a lot of reasons... Clairty over volume is required IMO..as you can always add more volume. We used a bass bin and outed it as quickly as we could... They don't have the name they used to. If you want decent P.A vox, the minimum standard ..IMO should be RCF. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BassBus Posted January 5, 2013 Author Share Posted January 5, 2013 Thanks for that. I should perhaps have put in a bit more info. We are unfortunately on a budget, around £500, otherwise the RCFs would be great. I'm in a jazz band and we only really need the PA for vocals. I was recommended the Thump speakers in a music store. We need something that will cope with lots of talking while we are playing. I had looked at the Samson 308i but was told that would struggle. I have another store to go to for a second opinion before I buy. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JTUK Posted January 5, 2013 Share Posted January 5, 2013 Assume that budget is for active..?? That is a tough ask, IMO. If you are serious about the Mackies, get a demo to see whether they have clarity with your mixer. My problem with a lot of companies making the cheaper end is where have they cut to the bone. Ask about replacement horn parts... and what is the warranty like. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bobpalt Posted January 5, 2013 Share Posted January 5, 2013 I used a Thump 15 as a monitor for a while, and it was plenty loud and clear. The savings seemed to have been made mainly in the construction of the cabinet, which was very light and plasticky, but for the money I couldnt fault it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
crez5150 Posted January 5, 2013 Share Posted January 5, 2013 I'd agree with JTUK the Thumps are pretty rough in terms of clarity..... I'd be tempted to spend the money on some decent second hand units.... Ev, RCF, Dynacord.... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
thinman Posted January 5, 2013 Share Posted January 5, 2013 Ideally I'd like a much better PA too but a budget is a budget and buying second hand can be difficult. For my two-pence worth try having a look at db Technologies - they're owned by RCF and have a reasonable reputation. I've got a pair of the Opera 405s that have had a lot of use and abuse over the years. The other budget line to look at is Studiospares' "Fortissimo" range. I've got one of their 12" actives that I use for monitoring. Spares support is good too - Studiospares stock the bass drivers, horns and amp modules. For vocal use I've read comments that 10" or 12" drivers tend to have better mid-range response and are better for vocals. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Monckyman Posted January 5, 2013 Share Posted January 5, 2013 2nd hand JBL EONs have a great sound and cockroach like build qualities. Also not too heavy and look pleasant enough for wine bars and restaurants. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BassBus Posted January 5, 2013 Author Share Posted January 5, 2013 Great, thanks a lot guys. Really useful stuff. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BassBus Posted January 5, 2013 Author Share Posted January 5, 2013 [quote name='JTUK' timestamp='1357387921' post='1921903'] Assume that budget is for active..?? That is a tough ask, IMO. If you are serious about the Mackies, get a demo to see whether they have clarity with your mixer. My problem with a lot of companies making the cheaper end is where have they cut to the bone. Ask about replacement horn parts... and what is the warranty like. [/quote] I hadn't really considered active until this week when I saw the Thumps. They are made in China like a lot of budget ranges. I'm looking at anything that might be useful. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
warwickhunt Posted January 5, 2013 Share Posted January 5, 2013 If you are on a budget, take a look at the (active) Wharefdale Titans. I've used a pair as vocal monitors and FOH on smallish gigs (light rock band so should be a breeze for other less full sounding bands) and they do as good a job as more expensive makes; in fact they do a better job when compared to a pair of recent Mackie speakers (not sure if it was the Thumps). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JTUK Posted January 5, 2013 Share Posted January 5, 2013 [url="http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Martin-Ict-300-Passive-Pa-Speakers-with-amp-flightcase-/120917255601?nma=true&si=fZpkQaoOkbkVsj8EbHkM8du8AKc%3D&orig_cvip=true&rt=nc&_trksid=p2047675.l2557"]http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Martin-Ict-300-Passive-Pa-Speakers-with-amp-flightcase-/120917255601?nma=true&si=fZpkQaoOkbkVsj8EbHkM8du8AKc%3D&orig_cvip=true&rt=nc&_trksid=p2047675.l2557[/url] Ok, they've sold, but this sort of thing would be a STEAL Pickep up some 500's with controller ...which is always desirable for the BEST results. for under your budget and we have spent £2k replacing them ...and come up short IMO. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fleabag Posted January 5, 2013 Share Posted January 5, 2013 (edited) Having previously used and gigged with active Mackie SRM's, i can vouch for them. We used the 450's and they were exceptional, clear and punchy, though now it appears there's a V2, and ours were the original version. They're selling some V2 B Stock in the link below with free delivery, a little bit over your budget, but they're worth it [url="http://www.whybuynew.co.uk/mackie-srm450v2-version-2-active-black.htm"]http://www.whybuynew...ctive-black.htm[/url] Edited January 5, 2013 by fleabag Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mykesbass Posted January 5, 2013 Share Posted January 5, 2013 We're really happy with our Mackie Thumps - both 15 and 12. We put vox, acoustic guitar, mandolin and sometimes DI lead guitar (mainly for monitoring). We're not a loud band but they've always done everything we've asked of them and never had them turned up past halfway. Brilliant to carry about as well! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mrtcat Posted January 5, 2013 Share Posted January 5, 2013 Every time I hear bands using the Mackie's the sound seems incredibly harsh. Either I've never come across a band that can eq properly, or there's an issue with the Mackies. As mentioned by Warwickhunt the Wharfedale Titans are a decent buy for the money. I think the Martin stuff is OK but wildly overpriced when new although JTUK's link seemed like a reasonable price. I know you're reluctant to buy used but with your budget I think used will give you something that sounds great. Anything new at that budget will be pretty low end. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BassBus Posted January 5, 2013 Author Share Posted January 5, 2013 All the help here is very useful. Used is an option we could go for but choice in that direction is not great. We are all based about 60 miles from the nearest big cities of Edinburgh and Newcastle. I wouldn't want to buy used unless I could try it out first. So new might be all there is as those can be easily tested. I'm going to take a trip to Soundslive in Newcastle soon and see what they can advise. They've always given me good service in the past. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mrtcat Posted January 5, 2013 Share Posted January 5, 2013 Just be cautious taking advice from a shop as there's always an ulterior motive. That said my experience with Soundlive has always been very positive so they're worth a look. Not sure how swiftly you need to buy but if it were me I'd hold out for something used to show up. If anyone won't let youhear them first then walk away. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BassBus Posted January 5, 2013 Author Share Posted January 5, 2013 The selling motive has always been in my mind when reading reviews on the net. We're in no hurry for something new so it might just be a waiting game. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Phil Starr Posted January 6, 2013 Share Posted January 6, 2013 The Thumps are not as loud as the SRM450's and that is where the compromise has been made to produce them at the price. They would probably be plenty for a Jazz band though. I've only heard one band using the Thumps (the 15's) and they sounded pretty good, three female vocalists and acoustic guitar. The guy on the desk seemed to know what he was doing though and that definitely counts. At the budget end it might be worth looking at the Alto Tourmaxes and the LD system speakers If you don't mind passive speakers these would be good, you have 8 hours left http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/261147456633?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1423.l2649 I'd happily pay £250 for them except I have a pair Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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