Mackie HD1221 2-Way 12" Powered Loudspeaker

No longer available at zZounds
With class-D fast recovery technology, this Mackie 2-way loudspeaker generates 1200 watts of peak system power and a rich, clean sound.

Never before has there been such a perfect blend of power, portability and professional sound. The HD1221 2-way high-definition powered loudspeaker delivers class-leading power, unmatched clarity and extreme flexibility in a design that looks as good as it sounds. Class-D Fast Recovery amplification produces 1200W of peak system power. High-Definition Audio Processing incorporates next-generation Mackie Active electronics and re-defines powered loudspeakers by implementing Mackie's patented acoustic correction processing for an experience that is unrivaled in the world of portable powered PA systems. The flexible design lets you stack it, pole-mount it, fly it or even use it as a premium stage monitor. The world of live sound can be complicated...at least your loudspeaker choice is an easy one.

Mackie product manager Ben Olswang shows off the HD1221 in this video:


Maximize Your Output

This potent bi-amplified system is extremely compact (even smaller than the legendary SRM450), but still very powerful, providing a beefy 500W RMS low-frequency amplifier and a 100W RMS high-frequency amplifier that, when combined, can deliver a max SPL up to 133 dB (calculated, measured maximum SPL of 124 dB). There is a lot of debate regarding SPL measurements, and what you see on paper doesn't always tell the whole story. To forever eliminate confusion and prove that Mackie is dedicated to providing real, testable specs, Mackie has worked up a handy (and somewhat nerdy) guide to the read more shady world of SPL measurements: Will the real maximum SPL please stand up? (available for download in the documents section). Measurements and calculators aside, it only takes one listen to know that the HD1221 delivers more bang for your buck that any other ultra-portable 12-inch 2-way loudspeaker out there.

The HD1221 incorporates Class-D amplifier technology to deliver a chest-pounding 1200W of peak system power. Both internal amps are designed using Mackie's legendary Fast Recovery circuitry. Other amplifiers can "latch" when pushed to clipping, leading to distorted audio, but Fast Recovery amplification reacts instantly to the occasional aggressive transient, drastically reducing the time it takes for the amp to recover, ensuring clean audio under the most demanding of situations.

Define the Experience

Mackie created the "Active" electronics game long ago, incorporating precision crossovers and transducer time/phase alignment processing into the loudspeaker. This instantly took the guesswork out of setting up a perfectly tuned system and the world of loudspeakers irreversibly changed. HD Series high-definition powered loudspeakers not only advance Active technology, they take it to an exciting level, marking the next major advancement for powered loudspeakers: high-definition live sound.

Even the most expensive loudspeakers on the market have inherent sonic issues that arise from the very nature of loudspeaker design. Horn-loaded drivers tend to have "honkiness" to them and there are physical resonances in the upper range of cone drivers that can sound nasty.

Introducing Mackie High-Definition Audio Processing. The key to high-definition live sound is the detailed measurement and analysis of the inherent problems of horns and woofers. After that, the creation and application of some seriously NASA-esque (and patented) acoustic correction algorithms work to correct these very issues. Vocals become clean and intelligible and the highs are smooth and never harsh. The resulting experience is not only high-definition, it is truly a moment of clarity for anyone within earshot.

Learn about the Mackie HD Series High-Definition Powered Loudspeakers:


Friends with Benefits

The HD1221 is a perfectly tuned system that is truly greater than the sum of its parts. Mackie benefits from collaborative engineering efforts with the most high-end, professional gear makers out there. For the HD1221, Mackie worked closely with both Eastern Acoustic Works (EAW) and Martin Audio. The engineering team at EAW played a big role in designing this diminutive sonic wonder. They fine-tuned the system for complete optimization and created custom-designed transducers, ensuring maximum efficiency and performance. There's also an innovative horn design straight from the award-winning engineers at Martin Audio.

The high-end 12-inch neodymium woofer features a 3-inch voice coil and is built to handle the massive power delivered by the low-frequency amplifier. The magnet is made using neodymium, which provides a greater magnetic field with far less material. This makes the woofer extremely lightweight without sacrificing one bit of performance. And the large 3" voice-coil is built to handle and dissipate far more heat than traditional designs.

The 1.75-inch compression driver brilliantly reproduces high-frequencies with a diaphragm made using heat-treated titanium. Heat-treating increases the rigidity of the diaphragm, eliminating nasty distortion that can occur due to inconsistencies on its surface. It also greatly increases the life of the driver, so you can count on stunning high-frequency production for years. The HF driver is mounted to a custom-designed 90 x 50 horn by Martin Audio that not only delivers superior performance for its ultra-compact size, it is also user-rotatable by 90-degrees to work best for the application at hand.

User Adjustable Voicing

The HD1221 delivers professional tone that is easily adjustable to suit the application at hand. On the back, you'll find a three-position voicing switch which provides the right tone for the job. Leave it in the "Normal" position for standard PA applications. It's the perfect setting to use when cranking the HD1221 to its optimum volume. The "Contour" position adds a small boost to both the high and low end. This is great for getting the best full-range tone when running at lower levels. And if you're using the HD1221 as a stage monitor, you've got the "Monitor" position, which really lets the vocals cut through a monitor mix while keeping stage rumble and feedback to a minimum.

Highly Configurable

The above acoustic wizardry (more LOTR than Harry Potter) has been engineered to fit into one of the smallest, most portable cabinets on the market. It would have been easy enough to simply jam all these premium components into a flimsy enclosure, slapped on a flashy logo and some plastic end caps and called it a day. That's what everyone else is doing. However, Mackie has long been dedicated to providing affordable gear that can go toe-to-toe with the most expensive gear on the market and the HD1221's all-wood enclosure is no exception. The 15 mm thick birch plywood cabinets are extremely rugged, with substantial internal bracing and a coating of durable, textured black paint. A cold-rolled, powder-coated steel grill provides a sleek, modern look that is designed to blend into the environment. You can even turn off the trademark blue LED on the front of the speaker if stealth is your thing. A work of modern art? Maybe. Rugged and handsome? Absolutely.

These professional features combine to make the HD1221 one of the most versatile boxes around. It can be easily pole-mounted, either directly onto an HD1501 Powered Subwoofer, or atop a standard tripod. If you're feeling all fancy, there are 12 integrated flypoints for vertical or horizontal rigging. Not enough flexibility? Fine...the cabinet design also makes the HD1221 one of the best stage monitors available...not only due to the specific monitor voicing mode (see above), but also because of the steep asymmetrical design that directs all that sonic goodness at your head, not your belt buckle. If you've read down this far, you either love the engaging writing style of the copywriter or, more likely, you are interested in the HD1221.
read less

1200W of ultra-efficient Class-D Fast Recovery(tm) amplification:
- LF 500W RMS / 1000W peak
- HF 100W RMS / 200W peak

High-definition digital processing includes:
- Revolutionary patented acoustic correction
- Transducer time alignment and phase correction
- Precision 2-way crossover

Custom designed transducers by EAW(r):
- 12-inch neodymium woofer with 3" voice coil
- 1.75-inch compression driver with heat-treated titanium diaphragm

Custom designed user-rotatable 90 x 50 horn by Martin Audio(r)

60 degree monitor angle for maximum coverage on stage

Three user-selectable voicing modes for easy system tuning

Ultra-compact and lightweight (50 lb / 22.7 kg)

Integrated limiting and protection circuitry

Rugged all wood cabinet (15mm birch)

12 integrated fly points for horizontal and vertical rigging

Stand / pole mountable

For support or warranty questions, please contact the manufacturer:
Phone: 800-898-3211
Email: support@mackie.com
Web: https://mackie.com/en/support/contact

Reviewers gave this product an overall rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars. (5 ratings)
Submitted May 25, 2014 by Frank Dalton in Clovis, NM

"Great Speakers"

Overall: 4.5 out of 5 stars
(see rating details)
Verified Customer zZounds has verified that this reviewer made a purchase from us.
I bought a pair of these speakers for our church. These are used as the main house speakers. They are wall mounted and never moved. Can't find anything wrong with them. Great sound and plenty of it. After nine months of use, no regrets what so ever. We are United Pentacostal and like to crank it up!

Musical Background:

Sound man

Musical Style:

Christian
3 of 3 people (100%) people found this review helpful. Did you?
Thanks for your opinion!

No longer available at zZounds

In most cases, a product is unavailable because it has been discontinued by the manufacturer