I wouldn't buy a product like this without the confidence that it is going to stand up to the test of time. I do plan to add a pair of JBL prx535 3-way speakers to the mix very soon for extra sound reinforcement in larger venues and for venues that are too small for the mackie monsters. JBL is the only other company in the industry that I trust who produces an active 3-way speaker. These ones are smaller than the Mackies and are also pole stand mountable which is a BIG plus in my mind.

Sound
These speakers sound AMAZING! I use them mainly for live performances with an all acoustic bluegrass band that plays in the traditional style, using a single large diaphragm microphone for ALL of the instruments and vocals. We also run a Schertler transducer on the upright bass fiddle for that extra bump when needed. Anyway, these speakers have plenty of volume and the clarity is unbelieavably accurate for this type of single microphone set up. A set up that is generally very difficult to control and push the necessary volume. But these speakers in addition with a good 31 band EQ do the job with ease. As far as the rest of the sound rig goes, all we use is a Mackie cfx20 mixer ran into a DBX IEQ 31 band equalizer and then send out two xlr cables to these self powered speakers and thats it! It's simple and it's by far the most acoustically accurate sound that i've heard from a pa speaker! We use them on average of two to three times a week year round and they… read more hold up great and consistantly sound amazing at both the indoor and outdoor venues night after night. I've also used these speakers in the live rock and roll setting with the standard Shure sm58's and 57 mics for vocals, electric guitars and basses, keyboards and drums, horns and the whole nine yards and they are equally just as great in this environment too.

Features
I rated a little lower in the features department because these speakers pretty darn heavy and they are not pole stand mountable. You would think that Mackie would offer a stand for these speakers. We got some quick lock speaker stands and they have worked great for our needs so far.

Ease of Use
1300 watts built into a 3-way speaker means no more messing with amps and crossovers and all of that. As I said before.. Just two xlr cables and that's it.. Plug and play.. You can't beat that!

Quality
I have always relied on the quality and reliability of Mackies products and they have never left me dissapointed.

Manufacturer Support
In ten years of using Mackie products I have never had a need to use their support staff yet. Thats why I keep coming back.

Musical Background:
Active Touring Musician

Musical Style:
Bluegrass read less