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50 GIG JULY 2002 • gigmag.com
TOOLS
BY BILL EVANS
The rapid proliferation of powered
speakers has had an effect,at least on this gig-
ger.In fact,with new models coming out seem-
ingly every month, I realized when I sat down
to write this review that I have not done a gig
with passive speakers and separate amps in
almost a year. While early efforts (including
one from Mackie) tended to be somewhat
underpowered, more models mean more
choices and an inevitable trend towards more
power and an overall more “pro”sound. The
Mackie SA1521 powered speakers are a part
of that trend.
The 1521s are anything but wimpy, with
500 total watts (400 LF/100 HF) and weigh-
ing in at close to 85 pounds. They are also a
chimera of sorts—the box construction mixes
Baltic birch plywood with a PVC coating; the
driver design is part Mackie, part EAW and
part RCF and the power comes from a blend
of a Class AB amp for the highs and a class G
amp with two power supplies for the lows.And
Mackie SA1521
Powered Speakers
The Gear:
Mackie SA1521 Powered Speakers
The Gigs:
Mid-sized club and outdoor private
party
Who Its for:
Giggers used to a two-way system
who want to go to a powered system
How Much: $1199
Pros:
■ Good sound
■ Built tough
■ Easy to set up and use
Cons:
■ Heavy
■ I have to return them
Mackie Designs
16220 Woodinville-Redmond Road
Woodinville,WA 98072
Tel.: (425) 487-4333
Fax:(425) 487-4337
www.mackie.com
SOUNDCHECK
SOUNDCHECK
The 1521s are
anything but
wimpy, with 500
total watts (400
LF/100 HF) and
weighing in at
close to 85
pounds.
Reprinted with permission of United Entertainment Media, Inc. © Gig Magazine 2002.