New Mackie Crap

[Greg C.]

Ok, I don't really know if it's crap. Really, I meant "stuff".

New SRM speakers:

http://www.mackie.com/enews/products/2013/08/mackie-extends-srm-line-with-addition-of-pro-grade-1600w-high-definition-loudspeakers/

These probably sound better than the old SRM450s I have, but I wonder if they're as reliable. One thing I've learned is to never buy first generation Mackie speakers because they first runs always seem to have major issues. I suspect the "1.4" titanium HF" is a 1.4" diaphragm and not throat which mean poor low mid output from the horn. That translates to a crossover point that's too high, especially when using a 15" woofer.

Next up - tired, revamped, but industry standard mixers:

http://www.mackie.com/enews/products/2013/08/new-mackie-vlz4-mixers-now-with-onyx-mic-pres/

[Greg C.]

Ok, the new product pages are up. the compression drivers in the New SRM550 and 650 are a 1" diaphragm with a 1.4" exit horn. Totally backward! The horn exit should always be smaller than the diaphragm, otherwise you don't have any compression and therefore hardly any gain added by the horn! The older SRM450 used a 1.75" diaphragm with a 1" Exit which proportionally is more correct. With a 1.4" exit, they should be using a  2.5" or larger diaphragm. Crossover point of 3kHz, that's pretty high. Strange...

[RoadRanger]

It's pretty common for spec sheets and manuals to be FUBAR these days .

[Greg C.]

Well, I'd ask the question on the Mackie forum, but...

[WK154]

The only time I recollect Mackie changing the 1604 design is when the parts went out of production and they were forced to find substitutes. This time it sound more like bean-counter motivation. Let's make one preamp so we can buy in greater bulk and fatten the pig. Now for the good part replace the working quality power-supply with the one that fails and we only replace it when we have the parts.
<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5MKBT3ghN7g" target="_blank">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5MKBT3ghN7g</a>
Hope that they also supply the hair dryer.
 

[RoadRanger]

^ That's pretty whack! 

[Greg C.]

Not a bit surprised.

[WK154]

I've been watching the resale market for DL's and noticed that major dealers are selling DL's used. This is unusual. Is there a message in this?

[RoadRanger]

I've been watching the resale market for DL's and noticed that major dealers are selling DL's used.

Link?

[WK154]

Guitar Center, Eightstreetmusic , Proaudiostar etc. just to name a few.

[RoadRanger]

Guitar Center, Eightstreetmusic , Proaudiostar etc. just to name a few.

I looked on all three sites, no joy? I have seen the occasional restock - that's unsurprising considering those who find it above their ability to run or that own an iPad 4. None of the online retailers carefully point out that you can't dock an iPad 4 AFAIK .

[WK154]

They sell them thru ebay not on their web site. This has been over 2 month time some sold since.

[RoadRanger]

OK, here's one:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/300946506291

[WK154]

You missed the point. Why this trend?? Nothing to do with links. I'm sure you can do your own research.