Mackie SRM650 Review

Written by Mark Le. Last updated on August 28, 2020.
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Mackie SRM650 Review

Too busy for the full read? Here is why you should buy Mackie SRM650.
✅ Offers the DJ settings that allow for a perfect mix
✅ The monitor settings are perfect for stage performances
✅ The soloist allows you to plug in a mic and get instant results
✅ Is lightweight hence easily durable

One thing that bothered me about Church hearings was that the volume and the choir music were always distorted. For me, this was such a turnoff, and I seldom wanted to come back the next week. However, things took a 360-degree turn for me when the Church decided to invest in this amazing Loudspeaker by Mackie. I was fascinated by the attractive and solid exterior of the model; however, I couldn't find out more just by looking at it.

I went home that day and decided to access the model. I always wanted to buy one for myself, so I scoured the internet to find all possible reviews of the brand and the model. To my surprise, almost no user had any complaints from Mackie. Buyers loved the tank design and the exceptionally loud volume that the speaker offered. They also praised the setup and ease of installation of the model, but more on that later.

Things to Consider Before Buying a Mackie SRM650

The market is flooded with so many units that its hard to pick just one. This problem is further aggravated by cheap marketing tactics that are deployed by companies. Even the most ridiculous of models are presented as really desirable. This is why I didn’t trust any advertisements and did my own research. I was overwhelmed at finding everything I was looking for, in Mackie SRM650.

This high definition unit comes with a 1600W power system that features durable transducers. These are capable of producing gig-level volumes that will reach every corner of the church. You can also use this unit in your car because of its tank design. It is made of wood, and the internal cabinets help deliver smooth acoustics. However, it is recommended that you ask yourself a few questions and go through detailed reviews before buying any such product. This will ensure that the product you have chosen meets your needs.  

The following are the three questions that you should be asking yourself before you consider Mackie SRM650 for purchase.

  • Am I investing too much?
  • Do I really need such a high volume?
  • Do I need a portable design?

The answers to these questions will not only give you clarity but will also help you reach a decision quickly. Once I knew that I wanted both high volume and portability, I moved on to assess other features of the unit. I looked at both the pros and cons of Mackie to see whether the former outweighed the latter. To my relief, it did.

Presenting the Product

Mackie stands out in the market because all its loudspeakers boast of excellent durability. The company also delivers on all its promises, and you get exactly what they claimed to provide. SRM650 offers 4 different speaker modes and 2 channel mixers that you can use to achieve greater diversity. Moreover, the inclusion of a smart DSP will also ensure that no part of the unit gets damaged, even in the harshest of conditions.
The product offers a quick setup. This saves both your time and energy. It is also relatively lightweight, which means you can carry it around on your trips too.

ProsCons
✅ Offers the DJ settings that allow for a perfect mix
✅ The monitor settings are perfect for stage performances
✅ The soloist allows you to plug in a mic and get instant results
✅ Is lightweight hence easily durable
❌ Relatively expensive than some other models

Features & Benefits

Mackie SRM650 garnered a lot of attention when it first came out in the market. Unlike other models, this one has been able to retain its popularity, and so many people vouch for the unit. I fell in love with this unit because it gave me an uninterrupted volume at the highest frequencies. Moreover, I didn't have to spend hours setting it up. But that's just the tip of the iceberg. Here are all the features that made me fall hard for Mackie SRM650.

Audio processing - Mackie SRM650 Review

For any model to stand out, it should produce the best possible audio quality. The SRM incorporates an excellent correction technology that delivers unparalleled quality. This is a patented acoustics technology that has been provided by the EAW; one of the touring geniuses in the market. Mackie also utilizes a very precise 2-way crossover that delivers better alignment and a much better phase correction. You also get an amazing optimization at every sound level.

Diverse speaker modes

With most speakers, you only get 1 to 2 modes, but Mackie is different in that area too. You get to enjoy 4 different speaker modes. You can instantly switch from one mode to the other without any hassle. The DJ setting allows you to bump up the low end, and mix and match a variety of music. The monitor setting comes in handy during large church gatherings. The Soloist mode is added to provide convenience to musicians, and the PA setting can be used during meetings and peaceful events.

Feedback Destroyer

Feedback can severely disrupt the quality of your music and ruin your sound quality. This is why Mackie comes with a feedback destroyer that is both efficient and sensitive to changes in settings. You can make use of it with just a push of the button. The feedback is assessed and cleared with the help of 4 tiny 1/16th octave filters that are included in the device.

Smart DSP

Loudspeakers can get damaged during extreme situations, which is why Mackie manufacturers went through a lot of trouble to include the Smart DSP technology. This encloses the whole unit and ensures your model doesn’t break easily, even in the face of accidents.

High professional sound

The inclusion of custom build transducers, coupled with patented acoustic correction helps enhance the quality of the volume. Not just that, but they also ensure the volume remains consistent through all frequencies. 

Benefits - Mackie SRM650 Review

  • It is made with professional-grade 15mm wood cabinets that enhance digital signal processing and allows for more durability.
  • It provides a very high power of 1600W for unmatched volume output.
  • It comes with internal bracings that add to the durability and strength of the model.
  • It comes with an 18-gauge steel front grille that protects the unit from any damage.
  • The 2-way digital crossover provides better precision and volume accuracy.

Social Proof

Initially, I was reluctant to look at online reviews. I really liked Mackie SRM650, and I feared that too many bad reviews would change my mind. Luckily, all I saw on the internet was a plethora of positive reviews that had been written by recent and old buyers alike. The features that garnered the most attention included the excellent durability and the 4 speaker modes. Buyers also fell in love with the acoustic correction technology that provided them with consistent performance throughout.

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Alternatives

I was adamant that this was the right model for me, but my friend suggested I at least compare Mackie with some similar loudspeakers to get a better idea. I decided to list down the advantages and disadvantages of each product and look at them simultaneously. To get more clarity, I also compared the price, size, and warranty of each of these units.
I compared Mackie SRM650 with three similar products. This helped me avoid rushing into a decision. It also helped me understand the features of my preferred unit better. By the end of my assessment, I was convinced that I had made the right choice.

I have shared a brief comparison overview to help you make an informed decision.

1. Alto Professional TS310 | 2000 Watt 10 Inch 2 Way Powered PA Speaker

Mackie SRM650Alto Professional TS310
Solid construction provides greater durabilityMore prone to damage
Provides 4 different speaker modesOnly offers a 2 channel mixer
Is relatively expensiveMore affordable

2. Electro-Voice ZLX-15BT 15" 1000W Bluetooth Powered Loudspeaker

Mackie SRM650Electro-Voice ZLX-15BT
Provides a power of 1600WProvides a power of 1000W
Comes with a feedback transducerDoes not come with a feedback transducer
Is relatively expensiveIs more affordable

3. Behringer Eurolive B210D Active 200-Watt 2-Way PA Speaker

Mackie SRM650Behringer Eurolive B210D
Easier to installTakes time to install
Provides relatively better powerProvides relatively less intense volume
Weighs around 34 pounds hence offers less portabilityWeighs less than 20 pounds hence easier to transport

Conclusion

The music played in the Church near my house always had a soothing effect on me, but I didn’t realize how much a simple speaker replacement could change. After the Church decided to replace the old unit, the environment inside transformed; the attendance increased, and so did people's interest in sermons. Mackie SRM650 offered efficiency, compatibility, and a very good warranty. Not many loudspeakers in the market deliver so many excellent features together, but then again, when did I ever claim that Mackie was like most other models !?

Article written by Mark Le
An enthusiastic and charismatic Christian – dedicated to living a life of full service to the ministry through helping churches in bridging the gap between the Gospel and Technology.

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