Mackie Thump TH-15A Active Speaker (Used)
- Write a Review
- SKU
- #485392000000000
Review Snapshot®
by PowerReviewsPros
- Easy to use (6)
- Lightweight (6)
- Good audio (5)
- Compact (3)
- Versatile (3)
Cons
Best Uses
- Performances (5)
- Reviewer Profile:
- Experienced (5)
Most Liked Positive Review
Works for me...
5 stars!!!
I'm a Top-40 Solo Keyboardist/Singer that cannot say enough GREAT things about my TH-15A's. I was going to initially purchase the 12 speakers but with the ...Read complete review
5 stars!!!
I'm a Top-40 Solo Keyboardist/Singer that cannot say enough GREAT things about my TH-15A's. I was going to initially purchase the 12 speakers but with the 15's being a only 4 taller (and only 35.4 pounds each)... I went with the 15's. I'm very happy. Set ups and tear downs are currently less than 10 minutes! And with NOT being as young as I used to be so lightweight speakers are great.
Design-wise, even the naturally creased speaker grill screen is ergonomically designed so your leg/knee doesn't have to bang against the cabinet if you carry it on it's side. I've never have seen anyone else design a speaker cabinet with such thoughtfulness in mind. Also makes for a great floor monitor regardless of what side that you lay it on. You can even tilt it back at an angle from its' upright position! EQ with sweepable mids are nice when needed. I sometimes fill in with bands and usually place a single TH-15a an a speaker tripod. Talk about saving valuable floor space when on stage!
I am a PA gear head that has several PA configurations & the TH-15A's NOW fill the bill for me 95% of the time. GREAT BANG FOR THE BUCK. They work for me. If you have a single/duo/combo group that plays for small or medium sizes venues (10-200 people or whatever small or medium means to you)... they sound just fine. Fyi any powered speakers that cost twice as much as the Thumps will sound (and obviously perform) a little better so it's hard to accurately compare them since there is nothing else available (yet) in it's price range. The warm sound of any digital piano (vocals, MIDI tracks, MP3s or anything else) I play through really makes both me and my clients very happy!!!
Some solo gigs I only basically have to cart a TH-15A, speaker tripod stand and a keyboard (Roland Juno Stage that has vocal a Lo-Z Mic Input), For larger gigs I run stereo, but can utilize my other TH-15A as a backup if something happens.
BTW: Be sure to purchase a speaker cover to protect your investment, you'll be glad that you did. In general, any plastic speaker enclosure will scratch if handled half-heartedly. The (recessed) EQ knobs are (still) a little to long for my tastes and need to be protected accordingly.
Tips - PLEASE NOTE Much like you can't drive a new Volkswagen Beetle in a official NASCAR race, don't expect these cabinets to work miracles for applications that they were never designed for. I notice that users who post bad reviews of the TH-12's & TH-15's tend to fall into the following groups that have unrealistic expectations of both themselves and their equipment:
* High volume players that think these speakers can push a large band sonically through them all night at full volume.
* You need for additional sub cabinets for larger (and/or outdoor) venues.
* YES... In a pinch (or in my solo gig configuration), you don't need a preamp/mixer to drive these cabs at low to moderate levels. But remember... not enough initial signal for ANY powered speaker = less headroom AND your speakers will naturally clip earlier than they should.
My Thumps saved my back and my wallet. I'm vey pleased with my purchase.
VS
Most Liked Negative Review
Sounds Great...When They Work
Crossovers are built in, and sound quality is good...when they are working, however, they are unreliable as I own two and had to have one replaced under the 1year warranty due to...Read complete review
Crossovers are built in, and sound quality is good...when they are working, however, they are unreliable as I own two and had to have one replaced under the 1year warranty due to it would not power on, and the other one has a blown cone after little over one years use in a small, non -smoking venue.
I would never recommend these (or any Powered Speaker) to any band - these are more for venues where they will be plugged in and never moved, because it's a pain in the butt to find power supplies for each speaker, plus if you an outdoor gig, it's much more risk than a passive speaker in a chance of rain situation. Passives are better because you only have to power a single amp (rather than every speaker) and that amp power supply can be protected under a tent much more easily. Plus, because powered speakers each require their own power supply, you can have issues with ground hum if their plugged into separate breakers.
Mackie's "built like a tank" motto and rep was established when the equipment was still built in the USA. Since they sold out to cheap Chinese parts and labor, they are unreliable and "replaceable" ... in other words, the circuit board technology makes so that it is often nearly as expensive to repair than to replace - and this is true with all Mackie's gear. As well as the TH-15A's I own two 450s and two TH-18 subs - all purchased regrettably at the same time :/ thinking I was investing in quality that would last a decade or more ... how wrong I was. Writing this as a warning so others don't make the same mistake I did.
Although used nearly every weekend, none of it is driven hard, and all is very well taken care of. We are a small 100 person venue, and I've had to have Both the TH-18's repaired with power issues (suddenly not powering on) and one of the 450's for the same reason. That's 5 out of the 6 mackie speakers!!
If you're looking for inexpensive and determined to get a powered speaker, I never thought I'd recommend Behringer, but in this case, you'd be just as well off. If you can afford better, go with QVC or Yamaha. If you're a solo musician, or vocalist for a band - a single powered speaker does make a great monitor, as you can run your mic line into it, and a separate xlr to the board or snake. If a band, buy a quality Power Amp and Passive Speakers.
-VOMA
Crossovers are built in, and sound quality is good...when they are working (read below)
see below
see below
Reviews
Reviewed by 26 customers
Sort by
Displaying reviews 1-10
Previous | Next »
Pros
- Clear Sound
- Easy To Use
Cons
Best Uses
- Events
- Home Studio
- Performances
Comments about Mackie Thump TH-15A Active Speaker:
Great speaker so far, the built in e.q. is a big plus. I did a side by side comparison with another brand (15IN powered cab)and let's just say there was no comparison.
Pros
- Clear Sound
- Compact
- Easy To Use
- Lightweight
Cons
Best Uses
- Performances
Comments about Mackie Thump TH-15A Active Speaker:
I've used two of these regularly for vocals and never had any issues. My band can get quite loud at times and the vocals have always been heard.
I get the feeling however that if I were to use these for much more than vocals the quality would quickly diminish. Considering what I use them for, they are perfect.
Pros
- Clear Sound
- Compact
- Durable
- Easy To Use
- Lightweight
- Loud
- Professional
- Versatile
Cons
- Limited Functions
Best Uses
- Mobile DJ
- Performances
Comments about Mackie Thump TH-15A Active Speaker:
Great speaker for it's money, make sure to use the 15% off coupon that they have almost every week.
Pros
- Easy To Use
- Lightweight
- Versatile
Cons
- No Trs Input
Best Uses
- Monitor
Comments about Mackie Thump TH-15A Active Speaker:
I already had one - I use it for an electronic drum monitor, and when playing live, use it for my personal monitor. When I saw this refurb deal, it was too good to refuse - so now I have a pair which will definitely come in handy. We use JBL PRX625's for our house speakers, and there is no comparison but they also cost 5X as much, so if you have realistic expectations you will not be disappointed. I only wish they had 1/4 inch inputs...
Pros
- Clear Sound
- Easy To Use
- Lightweight
Cons
Best Uses
- Outreach Clubs At Highsch
Comments about Mackie Thump TH-15A Active Speaker:
Great bass, clear sound, & best bang for the buck
Pros
- Lightweight
Cons
- Breaks Easily
- Poor Sound Quality
- Unreliable
Best Uses
- Amateur Recording
Comments about Mackie Thump TH-15A Active Speaker:
May Be ok for your ipod at low volume in your grandmother's bedroom. Replacing her AM radio. Mine lasted about a gig and a half before one of the pair started to short or cut in and out. Then nothing at all. All in the first month. These were used for floor monitors at medium volume. Very disappointing from Mackie. You would think I was purchasing entry level Behringer or some third world entry line product. At any price is still alot of money for this product. Have a pair of 12" EV for over 10 years with no problem except they weight a tons compared to these. True you get what you pay for or just purchase for your need to avoid disappointment. I knew better but I purchase any way. Beside how bad can they be? My purchase need was inexpensive monitor for vocals. BUT from a brand that I thought would be reliable. Not great quality but something you could count on. It Mackie remember they use to make ok mixing boards etc..
These don't seem to handle much or meet any of my exceptations. AS from comments from others I think they would agree.
Who knows may be even a higher level product from Mackie may be ok. These not so much. QSC, JBL, Yamaha, EV etc. step up a level of quality and you'll be glad you did. Replace mine with some QSC 12" K-series and its night and day. Yes pricy but well worth it. Reliability and less stress at the gigs.
Pros
- Awsome Low End
Cons
- Uses The Small Pole Size
Best Uses
- Mobile DJ
- Performances
Comments about Mackie Thump TH-15A Active Speaker:
These speakers are awsome.Had a problem with the high end not working on one of the speakers out of the box.Musician's Friend was great with the replacement.The best company that I have delt with for any musical equipment.If you are looking for a portable,easy to handle speaker this is the one to buy.The low end is incredible.
Pros
- Clear Sound
- Compact
- Easy To Use
- Lightweight
- Versatile
Cons
- none
Best Uses
- Events
- Performances
Comments about Mackie Thump TH-15A Active Speaker:
Bought a pair of Thump 15s to run mic and keys through on the road because they are light. I didn't expect much for the price. I am very pleased!! My highs are crisp and clean, lows are rich. I own k3000fx and a KB4 keyboard amps. Neither match up to the sound of 1 Thump. I am using the KB4 as a mixer/monitor and two Thumps on stands for venues up to 400. I add 2 Mackie 1501 subs for larger or outdoor, but they are very heavy. I use a CFX 16 mixer if I need more mics. Again, I'm doing keys and voice. I cannot comment on bass and drums. I wanted to try them at a gig with 1500 but the sound man insisted to put me through the house as well.
Comments about Mackie Thump TH-15A Active Speaker:
I guess you get what you pay for! These clip too much for my comfort.
I have been Djing with these since they came out a few years ago and I am glad to see the other reviews regarding them clipping. I have been racking my head trying to figure that out! I use these speakers with a powered sub and when I have to turn the music up they start clipping, even when I have the gain 3/4 way up on the program I use. I even turn off the eq on the back of these running them straight. When I turn the sound volume up on the back of these past 1/2 way they start to clip. I would also agree that songs with heavy bass sound terrible, like a damaged sub, and I am using a Subwoofer to take the strain off of these!! These will do for gigs that do not require much volume, smaller weddings, etc. That is what I have used them for. I am going to upgrade my speakers soon to the JBL PRX615M. I listened to these side by side to the Mackies and there is no comparison. I know these are much more in price but I guess I learned you get what you pay for. The Mackies are good for the price but if I had to do it all again I would spend a few extra bucks and get a more quality speaker. Both speakers are very light weight, including the JBLS!!
Comments about Mackie Thump TH-15A Active Speaker:
These speakers are great for small rooms. You will definitely need a sub if you are gonna put a mic on the kick. They have manifest themselves as our front monitors and that seems to be a better role for these speakers plus they have several ways of laying and tilting.
Nice eq and lightweight with a 15" woofer.
Seems solid so far.
Great
