Mackie C300 speakers

[Tremendo]

I'm looking to get a PA system with the Mackie powered mixer 808S, and am wondering if anyone has an opinion on the Mackie C300 speakers, as compared to the Yamaha S115 IV Club speakers. My only concern is if I'll lose bass with the C300's, since it only has a 12" speaker instead of a 15". Mostly it would be used for putting a rock band through it.

Any thoughts are appreciated!

Tremendo

[tyler657recpro]

The C300 is an EXCELLENT speaker! I have a pair of the C450's, and they're absolutely amazing. I would never buy a yamaha for anything. You will not be dissappointed. The yamaha's are more comparable to the peavey's, and both have a very sloppy low end. They're just not made as well as the C300. I wouldn't think the bass would be a problem either. I can get pretty good bass out of my 12 inch JBL MR series monitors, and in fact, that's what they compare the C300 with, I believe. Just make sure you get the unpowered version, which I would think would match up pretty well with the mackie amp that's in that desk.

[Tremendo]

Thanks for the input. My friend's band bought the mackie powered speaker with the 12" (the powered version of the C300), and they needed to add a sub woofer to get stronger bass. The new Yamaha Club IV speakers are the best ones Yamaha has come out with, and they sound pretty clean, but not as precise as the mackie. I'm still concerned about the punch though. Since my 1st post I've spoken to others that say the mackie C300 is great at highs and mids, but not too strong on the lows. The portability of the mackie's is nice, since they're smaller and lighter.....

Decisions......

[tyler657recpro]

Maybe you could fork out the couple extra bucks and get the unpowered 450?

[Tremendo]

Thanks again. I couldn't find the 450, so I imagine the 500 is the new version of it. Yeah, that would probably be the best sound, but then I'm back to the portability issue. Actually, that's one of the reasons I'm considering the Mackie C300 12" instead of the Yamaha 15" Club IV.

[tyler657recpro]

Actually, if you can't find the 450, or 500, whatever it is, get the JBL EON1500. Or maybe an electrovoice elimnator I series if you can afford it, but still less than the mackie. Those are both better than the Yamaha and neither will break the bank. The EONG2 is the powered version. JUST DON'T BUY THE YAMAHA!

[Tremendo]

Hey Tyler,

I originally priced the Mackie board with the JBL SF15 Speakers (Sound Factor) 15", but I didn't think they sounded that good. I have liked some JBLs I've had, and disliked others. I've never liked Yamaha until I heard the new Club IV speakers. Have you heard them? They are new and Yamaha's best. The info is on the www.yamaha site.

I just looked at the JBL EON 15" passive speaker. That looks awesome for 38 pounds! I'll have to look into that one as well.

thanks!

Tremendo

[tyler657recpro]

I guess I might have only heard the regular club series, but I really haven't been all that impressed with yamaha. I consider them to be on par with peavey. You could be right about the club IV. I've only HEARD the JBL EON G2 which is the powered one. The 1500 might not be quite as good. JBL MPro is way better then the mackie, but I think it's more expensive. I think they're around 450 or so each. I don't think the sound factors we're that great if I remember. Not sure, but JBL IS in the top 10% of speaker manufacturers. Mackeis are better than EON, hence more expensive. You get what you pay for. The ElectroVoice Eliminator I series are also pretty good, I'm actually looking at getting pairs of both of these, and the EV's are 315 each. If I remember they get down to 40hz, and are 15 inch, so I don't think bass will be a big problem. You can get the sub later on for like 300. There are a lot of options, so it's really up to you to go listen to them, and see which ones fit your ears and your budget. If you love the Yamaha's, then buy them.

[tyler657recpro]

Actually, just checked, SoundFactor is JBL's budget series. When you can get a dual 15" cone 3 way speaker for under 400 bucks, its generally a sign to turn away.

[Tremendo]

Tyler -

I think I need to hear the Eon 15" passives with the mackie board. They are the lightest and price is still OK. I imagine they should ahave a full bass sound. I've dealt with subwoofers and prefer not to with this setup. Also, portability is important, which was also is why I considred the C300 12" mackies.

Again, thanks for your input. Everyone's ears are different, but it always good to get some new ideas.

Tremendo