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Why Mackie’s Thumpv4 loudspeakers are a live music gamechanger
Gigging is a stressful business at the best of times. Even if you’ve done the hard part, and enlisted a keen audience to come and see your band, DJ set or solo show, the last thing you want is for unexpected tech hiccups to ruin your performance.
While you’ve typically got oversight on your own rig, more often than not, performers are forced to be dependent on a venue’s PA system - and we all know how shoddy they can be…
The best way to prevent any sound issues is to invest in a robust loudspeaker system of your own, and - bang for buck - nothing comes close to Mackie’s newly released Thumpv4 series. Alongside a nifty smartphone application, Thump Connect 2, you can immediately level-check and adjust the tonal balance of these impressive speakers on the fly.
This line of 1400W Class-D amplifier-powered loudspeakers is available in four distinct models. First up, is the Thump 12v4, which sports 129 dB maximum SPL and 39 Hz low frequency response. The larger Thump 15v4 raises the SPL to 130 dB with a 34 Hz low frequency delivery.
Both the Thump15Sv4 and Thump18Sv4 are high-performance subwoofers, that perfectly complement their loudspeaker siblings, adding sizable oomph to proceedings.
Imbued with Mackie’s proprietary SoundCheck DSP™ technology, the Thumpv4 series features four distinct voicing modes. There’s a dedicated DJ mode, which sets up the frequency balance to best serve those playing out of decks, whilst the Live mode is the best bet for more freewheeling entertainment shows. If you’re hosting an open mic (or a karaoke) for instance, then this setting is perfectly suited.
For the more serious live artists, Wedge mode pivots the loudspeaker’s output to function as a stage monitor. There’s also the neutral Flat mode which gives an unadorned, but accurate response.
As it’s 2026, Bluetooth® connectivity comes as standard, which means that a venue-filling DJ set can be governed entirely from your smartphone or other Bluetooth®-enabled device - no intricate wiring required.
The speakers themselves can also be connected to each other wirelessly, ably sharing the mix load. This Bluetooth® connectivity works in conjunction with the analog inputs and passes to XLR outputs.
Not only do Mackie’s super-smart speakers eradicate any trace of feedback with Feedback Eliminator, but also contain some pretty useful additional features, such as the high-end conscious ‘Outdoor Mode’. This feature goes the extra mile to boost those frequencies that are all too often lost when speakers are positioned in outdoor environments. High-end is maximised to guarantee that no crucial musical information is lost.
But if you do want to lose the music to address the crowd, a Music Ducking mode instantly lowers the volume of the music being output to prioritise vocal clarity. All of these features are quickly controllable via Thump Connect 2.
For the most comprehensive dynamic control, it’s best to harness the intricate detail you can delicately adjust via the Thump Connect 2 app. Once you’re paired to either the Thump12v4 or Thump15v4, you can scale the speaker modes and tweak the nuances of the EQ to serve the environment you’re in. You can save customised presets for instant recall. Whether you’re controlling just one speaker, or multiple simultaneously.
Beyond its effectiveness as a loudspeaker, the Thumpv4’s considerable combo inputs are able to effectively make the speaker serve as ostensibly an all-purpose mixer. From DJ controllers, auxiliary playback devices, keyboards, guitar pedalboards and multiple microphones. Tweaking the input gain and overall volume, you can constrict and enhance the sound to your taste. What’s more, using the XLR output enables you to chain the signal to another speaker.
Another winning factor of Mackie’s new series is the low price point, with the four models costed as follows;
Thump12v4 - $449.99
Thump15v4 - $549.99
Thump15Sv4 - $749.99
Thump18Sv4 - $849.99
Make your next live performance one to remember, and harness the Mackie Thumpv4 series to give your audience a sonic experience they won’t forget in a hurry.
Head over to Mackie.com for more info and to locate a dealer near you.
