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Mackie SRM450 Active Monitor

Mackie's new SRM450 is so precise, so powerful, and so easy to use, they refuse to call it a PA speaker. The active technology finally makes it possible for you to exercise listening criteria reserved for high-end studio monitors in a live sound environment. Learn More...

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Overall User Ratings

Overall:
* * * * * * * * . . 8 out of 10
Features:
* * * * * * * * . . 8 out of 10
Quality:
* * * * * * * * * . 9 out of 10
Value:
* * * * * * * * . . 8 out of 10
I Want It:
* * * * * * * * . . 8 out of 10
Sound:
* * * * * * * * * . 9 out of 10
Ease of Use:
* * * * * * * * * . 9 out of 10
Support:
* * * * * * * . . . 7 out of 10

Individual User Ratings

Overall:
* * * * * * * . . . 7 out of 10
Features:
* * * * * * * * . . 8 out of 10
Quality:
* * * * * * * * . . 8 out of 10
Value:
* * * * * * * * . . 8 out of 10
I Want It:
* * * * * . . . . . 5 out of 10
Sound:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10
Ease of Use:
* * * * * . . . . . 5 out of 10
Support:
* * . . . . . . . . 2 out of 10

Feature:
Has good features easily reached even when flown

Quality:
Speaker came new in flawless condition.

Value:
It is a good value, considering the sound quality and the fact that you eliminate an amp.

Sound:
This speaker has great overall tone. I use it primarily for keys and vocals

Ease of Use:
average

Support:
I had warranty issue with one. They paid postage back to them, which was nice, but they do not send you back your speaker. They just send you one that has been "refurbished". The speaker I sent back came out of the box and put onto a pole in the lounge, where it stayed, and still looked like new. The one I got back had obviously spent a great deal of time bouncing around in the back of a van. I was not thrilled. Customer service promised to look into it and get back to me. That was 4 months ago. For me, this is a huge issue.

Overall:
I would probably replace it with another should I ever have to. It is a good speaker, I just get frustrated with unresponsive customer service and getting screwed on warranty repairs.

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Overall:
* * * * * . . . . . 5 out of 10
Features:
* * * * * * * . . . 7 out of 10
Quality:
* * * * * * * * . . 8 out of 10
Value:
* * * * . . . . . . 4 out of 10
I Want It:
* * * * * * * * . . 8 out of 10
Sound:
* * * * * * * * * . 9 out of 10
Ease of Use:
* * * * * * * . . . 7 out of 10
Support:
* . . . . . . . . . 1 out of 10

Feature:
would be a lot more useful if it had a mic/line input. Also a two band EQ would be a lot better. (like the EV SXA)

Quality:
I have owned six of these, and two have failed and had to be sent back to factory. With a long wait to get them back.

Value:
They would be worth the price if it wasn't the long service wait.

Desirability:
looks good

Sound:
Great overall sound. Does have a slight tendency to feedback if anywhere near a microphone.

Ease of Use:
Even though the speaker appears to be able to use it as a floor monitor on it's side, this is not the case. A bad design flaw is that they put the "heat sinks" on the back Vertical, so that when laid on side the speaker overheats and shuts down for about 5-7 minutes. This has happened to me many times. A little fan down next to it is the only solution.

Support:
Some of the worst customer support. They did respond to my emails, but their repair record is dismal. It took months to get my speaker fixed, and 6 months to get a mackie dfx-6 mixer fixed. The reason is that they only have 7 repair facilities, and they are backlogged for months.

Overall:
Love the sound and SPL, don't like the service, can live with the price.

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Overall:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10
Features:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10
Quality:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10
Value:
* * * * * * * * * . 9 out of 10
I Want It:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10
Sound:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10
Ease of Use:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10
Support:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10

Feature:
Two switches on the back to cut out stage noise and timed turnoff is great for flying.

Quality:
THE BEST SOUND I HAVE EVER HEARD! Better sound than most studio monitors!

Value:
Very expensive but definately worth it!

Desirability:
SEXY!! The coolest looking speaker I have ever seen! The only reason I got it

Sound:
Best sound I have ever heard! Nothing better

Ease of Use:
Just plug it in and your ready! The manual is so easy!

Support:
Great service almost no holding time at all! You send it in and they give it back fixed very soon.

Overall:
This Will Last for Years to come!

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Overall:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10
Quality:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10
Value:
* * * * * * * * * . 9 out of 10
I Want It:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10
Sound:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10
Ease of Use:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10

Feature:
It does not have very many features, but it is not exactly *supposed* to have them. It has a volume control and a few other knobs and buttons in the back, none of which I would ever use anyways.

Quality:
The product is made VERY well. It is built in a very solid case with a rugged finish that simply does not scratch or dent. I would rely on this instrument for an event on the international level. You can depend on this speaker to last many years of transportation and beatings. It is relatively small and lightweight (although maybe just slightly on the heavy side), so bringing it "on the road" to all of your gigs is a breeze. It easily fits in your truck bed and holds together in the truck just as well. I can't even think of a "worst" aspect of the qualty, it is just so good!

Value:
The only concern I might have about this product is that it is on the expensive side of its spectrum. You can get quite a few other PA speakers for much less money, although their quality just cannot surpass that of this instrument. You either pay about 1/2-2/3 this price for a PA system with compromises, or you pay the extra money for something that you know is PERFECT. If you can afford this PA speaker, then it might not be a *bargain* per se, but it completely eliminates the need for bargain prices and every professional or "gigster" should definitely have it.

Desirability:
I fell in love with it at first site, and I still love it just as much. It definitely deserves the envy and lust of anyone who sees and hears it.

Sound:
This PA monitor truly has amazing sound capabilities. It handles the sound it outputs extremely well: it clearly conveys every nuance of the high-quality audio equipment that I use so that I don't even notice that I am listening to something digitally amplified. From simple amplification of a speaker's voice to delivering the music of a small orchestra to a massive auditorium, the quality is just breathtaking. It provides quiet sound to a small, accoustic room just as well as at its loudest it can single-handedly broadcast stunningly accurate and clear sound to people hundreds of yards away. This PA speaker is truly a masterpiece of audio-engineering.

Ease of Use:
It is extremely easy to use. You plug it in, turn it on, and use it. Adjusting the volume, if necessary, is extremely quick and easy. No need to modify or adjust the sound; its sound output is too good already.

Support:
I've never contacted support, and I probably never will.

Overall:
I don't think I will ever search for another product at all. I already supplement it with a few smaller monitors (I use two SRM450's as my main system and then a few smaller amplifiers at the sides and back of the auditorium). Its versatility as a stand-alone system or as a system to be supplemented makes it even better. Nothing could lead me to search for a different product: I am convinced that the SRM450 is in fact the standard of perfection. It blows all other PA speakers away hands-down. The Mackie SRM450 is a legendary PA speaker for everyone and for all uses.

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Overall:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10
Features:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10
Quality:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10
Value:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10
Sound:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10
Ease of Use:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10
Support:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10

Feature:
Just Plug In and Go as everyone says!!

Quality:
This speaker is built extremely well with its Molded casing to the durable amp and its just all around great!!

Value:
Great Price Great Value!! JBL G2S OVERPRICED and basically a piece of Junk!!!

Sound:
Well Im 16 and I own a used pair and I took them to school for an assembly and the just fully blew away the schools brand new JBL G2s!! I Grew Up around Sound Systems and these are the best next to the QSC's!!

Ease of Use:
Easiest speaker to set up for any type of gig!!

Support:
This speakers so great I never had to deal with support!

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Overall:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10
Features:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10
Quality:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10
I Want It:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10
Sound:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10
Ease of Use:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10
Support:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10

Feature:
self powered with pre-amp and feedback preventer built in are just a few good things about it. you can also plug a mic or guitar into it or use it with a sound board

Quality:
mine have been dropped and used in heavy rain

Value:
had for 6 years now and never broke

Desirability:
Can get soooo loud it can blow your girlfriend's clothes off

Sound:
Best i have ever heard and used. never get feedback!!

Ease of Use:
hook it up to power and a XLR and done

Support:
products are so good i have never needed them

Overall:
i have 16 of them and use as monitor in my "big system" and as the main PA when it is split up.

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Overall:
* . . . . . . . . . 1 out of 10
Features:
* * * * * . . . . . 5 out of 10
Quality:
* * * * * . . . . . 5 out of 10
Value:
* * * * * . . . . . 5 out of 10
I Want It:
* . . . . . . . . . 1 out of 10
Sound:
* * * * * * * . . . 7 out of 10
Ease of Use:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10
Support:
* . . . . . . . . . 1 out of 10

Feature:
Most useful feature is the built in amp. I wish it had available space to hook up a microphone to each speaker, so that with a pair of speakers there would be the capability to hook up two microphones.

Quality:
I have had TWO major repair issues since purchasing less than three years ago -- a nightmare for a professional DJ like myself. I had to purchase a THIRD SRM-450 just so that I could still work if one speaker had issues.

Value:
I won't buy another Mackie speaker again. Two times having issues is enough for me.

Desirability:
Not having faith in the product or the service of it is not worth the purchase. Had heard SO many great things about the SRM-450, but you don't really know the worth of the product until one has a repair issue, unfortunately.

Sound:
Good sound, although contrary to their info., I DO get major feedback from some microphones.

Ease of Use:
Very easy to use.

Support:
HORRIBLE support. There are only 7 warranty repair centers (NOT to be confused with their listing of "authorized" repair centers) in the entire United States. Also, each time I have called Mackie for the two repair issues I have had, I have been on hold at least 25 minutes before speaking with a LIVE person.

Overall:
Warranty issues make the purchase of the SRM-450 a disaster for me. However, cost issues surrounding purchase will have me "wear it out" before replacing with a different manufacturer. I decided to purchase this specific speaker because of what I had heard from other users, however I neglected to research warranty issues with the product. That was my major mistake. Had I known about the lack in repair service available for the unit, I would most definitely not have purchased the SRM-450.

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Overall:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10
Features:
* * * * * * * * * . 9 out of 10
Quality:
* * * * * * * * * . 9 out of 10
Value:
* * * * * * * * . . 8 out of 10
I Want It:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10
Sound:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10
Ease of Use:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10
Support:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10

Feature:
Best thing is plug and play your on your way

Quality:
Have used them for only 3 months but so far so good

Value:
a little high priced but you get what you pay for.

Desirability:
The blue light makes it sexy ya that's its

Sound:
For about 5 year we used a JBL eon system and though it had a great sound until we did a joint gig with another performer. Had had the Macki 450, the next day we went out and Purchased two. Best sound on the market!!!!!!! As for power we would set the JBL on about 7 we set the Macki's on 3 Very clean sound

Ease of Use:
Turn it on and you ready to perform

Support:
They work so well you don't need any support

Overall:
Until the wheels fall off or I quit Giging

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Overall:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10
Features:
* * * * * * * * * . 9 out of 10
Quality:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10
Value:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10
I Want It:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10
Sound:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10

Feature:
It has studio-quality maximum dispersion horn design. 'Nuff said!

Quality:
Tough, impact-resistant, lightweight polypropylene enclosure. Mine hasn't a scratch on it after 3 years.

Value:
Good value, especially considering i didn't have to buy an amp also.

Desirability:
It is damn sexy!

Sound:
These speakers rock. Loud and clear are words that best describe there sound. When the volume is cranked wear earplugs.

Support:
I haven't need support yet.

Overall:
The price on these babies has stayed the same for a long time. Someday it will drop, but that will be a long time from now.

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Overall:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10
Features:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10
Quality:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10
Value:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10
I Want It:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10
Sound:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10
Support:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10

Feature:
They come with everything you need for an active cabinet (ac cable). They don't have a fancy on-board EQ, but those are just gimicky anyway. I have one on a Yamaha powered speaker, and it's pretty useless. You just set it flat and EQ with the board. The Mackies have some really cool features as well. There is a contour switch on the back that boosts the low and high-end. It acts like a built-in sonic maximizer. It puts the vocals right up front. If you use the srm 450's for stage monitors, they have a low-cut switch. This is supposed to help keep them from overheating (in addition to cutting stage rumble). One of the coolest features is the timed turn off. If you choose to fly these speakers, you don't have to worry about climbing a ladder to turn them on and off. These things cut off automatically if no signal is sent to them. They also turn back on whan a signal is sent. You can also switch this feature off if you are just going to stand-mount them.

Quality:
Other than being made in China, I have no complaints. The cabinets are made of a material that is stronger than most. Mackie claims that it is as hard as concrete. Plus, they look great. The built-in amp is great. It is very clean and powerful. They didn't skimp at all. They have tons of volume with lots of headroom. You will never need to turn them up past halfway. I've seen where some people have had trouble with these speakers going thermal and shutting down in the middle of a show. I've also read about people blowing drivers. If I had to guess, I would say that these problems occur as a result of misuse. These speakers have built-in driver protection. I run mine pretty hard, and I will check the heat sinks periodically. They are always a little warm, but they never get hot. That means they are doing their job. Give them room to breath. Take care of them, and they will give you years of faithful service.

Value:
At first glance, these cablinets look expensive, especially for a twelve-inch cabinet, but look at what you are getting. Go and price an amp that will deliver 450 watts per side. Then price a couple of 50' speakon cables. These alone would be close to $699. Active is the way to go. They are much more efficient than active speakers. You get no sigal loss due to long cable runs. The active crossover crosses the signal before the two built-in amps receive the signal. This means that the HF amp only amplifies the frequencies that it was designed to amplify. Visa versa with the LF. You can't beat the value. It's easy to be a skeptic, but these speakers deliver. Go listen to them and you will be reaching for your wallet.

Desirability:
They look good. They sound great. They are easy to use. They are made well, and they are a bargain. How much sexier can you get?

Sound:
I'm very impressed with the sound of these cabinets. I've owned several other brands over the last ten years, and the Mackies blow them all out of the water. If detail is important to you, then these are the speakers for you. While listening to program music, I hear subtle detail that I have never noticed through my Yamaha clubs or JBL's. My Taylor acoustic has never sounded more natural, and my vocals have never been so crisp. Part of the magic is due to time-aligned drivers. Unlike most cabints, sound from the HF driver reaches your ear at the same time as the LF driver. Don't be fooled by the twelve inch speaker. They produce a tight bass that leaves little to be desired. Bass-heavy mixes may require a sub, but I've gotten favorable results with and without one. Also, the coverage is amazing. You can walk around the room and the sound changes very little. This means that more people can hear what you want them to hear.

Support:
I haven't had to deal with them. That speaks highly of Mackie quality. We use a Mackie 1604vlz that hasn't given us an ounce of trouble. It is nearly ten years old. The Mackie web site is great. You can get just about any information that you want. You can also download manuals for all of their products.

Overall:
I expect to use these speakers until I wear them out, and that should be a long time from now. When that happens, I'm going to buy another pair of the 450's. They are simply the best speakers that I have ever used. I'm hard to please and these things are very pleasing. You would have to pay twice as much to find a passive speaker that competes with the sound of these. Then, you are stuck with speakers that can't be mounted on a stand and require more wattage than you can shake a stick at.. The Mackies are great, practical sound for the real-world musician.

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Overall:
* * * * * * * * * . 9 out of 10
Quality:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10
Value:
* * * * * * * * . . 8 out of 10
I Want It:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10
Sound:
* * * * * * * * * . 9 out of 10
Support:
* * * * * * * * * . 9 out of 10

Sound:
I personally haven't had a lot of experience with many different speakers, however, when my bandmates and I set out to buy equipment we wanted quality. This is exactly what we got w/ the Mackie SRM450s. We really couldn't be happier and in fact we plan on purchasing two more shortly to go w/ the 2 we already have.

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Overall:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10
Features:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10
Quality:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10
Value:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10
I Want It:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10
Sound:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10
Support:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10

Feature:
No accessories were included, i would suggest the Gator rolling cases if you're using them "out"

Quality:
Built like a rock!

Value:
As the saying goes, "you get what you pay for" I've never been sorry for purchasing these speakers.

Desirability:
Love the little blue led on the front!

Sound:
I have used the srm-450's now for over a year. they are used for a duo (vocals, keys and guitar), running everything through a Mackie mixer to the speakers. Very little "EQ" and man what a sound! This summer i added a pair of Samson subs, now even better! Actually it's a 3 way system that blows anything away. Big venues or little clubs never a problem with coverage and quality sound.

Support:
Never a need

Overall:
I plan to be with these speakers forever! Best sound system i've ever owned in over 40 years.

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