Mackie Thump 12 Review

Written by Mark Le. Last updated on August 30, 2020.
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Mackie Thump 12 Review

Too busy for the full read? Here is why you should buy Mackie Thump 12.
✅ Comes with a power factor correction for an added boost,
✅ The 2-3 channel mixer allows for better diversity,
✅ You can stream the audio from 2 speakers,
✅ Offers 4 different and application-specific voicing modes,
✅ Ensures fully digitally controlled line outputs.

Every Sunday, I woke up early so I could reach my Church on time and listen to the beautiful music. However, I couldn’t get enough of it, so I wanted to recreate the experience at my home. This is precisely why I invested in a similar model, and I haven't regretted my decision once. From durability to efficiency, it has everything that I ever wanted from an amplifier. It also quenched my thirst for better acoustics by offering an unmatched HF value of -300W.

However, this decision didn’t come easy. I wasn’t going to get satisfied by knowing just the basics. I had to look out for all the pros and cons Mackie had to offer. Luckily, I didn't find much of the latter. The model offered a dual-angle design that worked perfectly on stage. It also had better and easy to understand controls that allowed me to change the sounds according to my preference.

Things to Consider Before Buying a Mackie Thump 12

Finding a suitable amplifier was quite a challenge for me. I didn’t really understand the specs and had to ask for a friend’s help. However, once I understood what it meant to have a higher power, I wasn't ready to compromise on it. Mackie offered me a 1300 W power output, including an LF power of 1000W. The design also promised durability, and unlike many other models, Mackie actually delivered on its promises. 

The unit is 12 inches long and is redesigned to ensure that it looks and feels superior to all other models. It also features the new and dynamic Bass response that provides a chest-thumping and invigorating low-end volume.  There is also a 2 channel mixer that features a supreme Vita preamps technology that can handle a variety of instruments with ease.
However, that’s just the tip of the iceberg. You need to ask yourself a few basic questions before you can make a choice.

  • How often do I need to carry my unit?
  • Does it offer good value for money?
  • Will it offer diversity in all situations?

These are just a few of the many questions that I asked myself to ensure I was making an informed decision. I knew I wanted to use this equipment at both, my place and my friend’s. I also knew that I didn't have a huge budget and that I may have to use the model out in the open. To my delight, Mackie ticked all the right boxes and provided me with ease in all of these areas.

Presenting the Product

When it comes to competition in the market, the world knows no end. People are hungry for stronger and better amplifiers, compelling manufacturers to come with excellent new designs. Mackie Thump 12 is not just one of them, but it is also one unit that stands out the most. It comes with a relatively high power of the Class D category. You get an LF of 1000W and an HF of 300W. Together, they ensure that you get an uninterrupted volume, even at the highest frequencies. Moreover, since this is part of the next-generation system, you also get a strong exterior that doesn't break easily. It provides better thermal protection that ensures your unit doesn't easily heat up.

ProsCons
✅ Comes with a power factor correction for an added boost
✅ The 2-3 channel mixer allows for better diversity
✅ You can stream the audio from 2 speakers
✅ Offers 4 different and application-specific voicing modes
✅ Ensures fully digitally controlled line outputs
❌ May take longer for setup
❌ Is relatively expensive than some other models

Features & Benefits

Mackie Thump 12 is probably one of the very few models that didn’t have a hard time impressing buyers. When it first appeared, it instantly made noise and convinced everyone of its amazing quality. I fell in love with the model because it offered me diversity and better control. I finally felt that I could listen to music and enjoy solace on my own terms. Here are all the features that made a difference.

Application-specific modes

This is at the top of the feature list because it is the best thing about Mackie. You can, with only a push of the button, get four to six different speaker modes. These will instantly optimize your system and allow you to enjoy diversity in your music. This also makes for a great starting point. Whenever you want to mix and match the music, you can always rely on this feature to give you a good head start.

Power Factor Correction

The biggest flaw in many systems is that they come with a disruptive AC power. This can disrupt your music and cause distortions while you are performing or listening to music. The superior power factor correction technology keeps the power in check and ensures that you get a consistent performance throughout your gig. Moreover, the model can accept wall power from anywhere. It comes with a universal internal power system and hence doesn't require any modifications to be made to the system.

Power - Mackie Thump 12 Review

An amazing output power also impressed me. To meet the demands of the modern world, Mackie included a great and Dynamic Bass response technology to its system. This is ultra-efficient and utilizes the higher voltage supply to ensure the fastest and heaviest Bass music. You also get more sensitive reactions, which means that the model can quickly adapt to any transients. So whenever you want a chest-pounding bass, you can rely on Mackie Thump 12 to provide you with it.

Diversity

I have often felt that appliances such as amplifiers work great in one setting and not in others. Thankfully, Mackie did not come with this issue. It can be used for gigs and stage performances. Moreover, it is great for weddings and events where the music needs to be subtle yet audible. Great usage of Mackie is in religious buildings where the music is a great way to energize people.

Benefits - Mackie Thump 12 Review

  • You can choose between four and six-speaker modes and optimize your output system as you like.
  • The power factor correction can produce consistent performance, even at higher frequencies.
  • The speakers are application sensitive, which ensures that you get greater accuracy and precision.
  • The dynamic Bass response technology provides a swift response and exceptionally heavy music.
  • When you need only one speaker, you can plug into Mackie without requiring an external mixer.

Social Proof

My preference for Mackie didn’t blind me, and I thought hard and long about what I really wanted from my investment. I also scoured the internet to see what other people were saying. These reviews helped me make a more informed decision. I realized that, like me, most people loved the diversity in channel mixers and usage. They also were contented with the solid build and durable body that Mackie offered. Some buyers also rated Mackie higher because they found it to be very portable.

Mackie Thump 12 Review 1

and,

Mackie Thump 12 Review 2

Alternatives

Comparing Mackie with other similar models was a big part of my research, and I spent almost two hours looking at features of all the models to see which one would suit me best. I noted the things I loved about Mackie, and then I did the same for all the other models. At this point, I was trying my best to remain as unattached to my original preference as I could.

Once I had everything listed, I looked at all the pros and cons together and assessed them. To my absolute delight, this comparison just reaffirmed my original choice. I realized that in almost all areas, Mackie stood out for and offered an unmatched quality.
Since other people might have different needs, I am attaching a short overview to help you make the right decision.

1. NUX Mighty Lite Guitar Amplifier

Mackie Thump 12NUX Mighty Lite Guitar Amplifier
Offers an output power of 1300WOffers an output power of 3 W
12 inches long hence covers more groundOnly 6 inches long
Weighs 28 pounds thus restricts portabilityWeighs only 2.2 pounds

2. QSC K12.2 Active 12" Powered 2000 Watt Loudspeaker

Mackie Thump 12QSC K12.2 Active
Is only 12 inches long thus providing easy setupIs 26 inch long hence not easily installed
Provides fewer distortions at high noiseThe fan noise grows louder at higher frequencies
Is only available in black colorIs available in a plethora of different colors

3. Electro-Voice ZLX-12BT 12" 1000W Bluetooth Powered Loudspeaker

Mackie Thump 12Electro-Voice ZLX-12BT
Offers a variety of channel mixersProvides a limited range
Produces an output of 1300 W
Produces an output of 1000W
Requires high voltage for operationsCan run on battery

Conclusion

I used to feel really sad every Sunday after coming back from the Church. I used to miss the environment and the ecstatic feeling that the music provided. So when I finally invested in Mackie, I was delighted. I could now enjoy church music at home, every day.

I was also more satisfied because I spent a considerable amount of time on research. I fell in love with the design, the portability, and ease of usage I got from Mackie. If I had known that I could recreate the Church magic at home, I would have done so ages ago. However, like all good things, I had to wait for this one too.

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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