Excellent demonstration of this Mackie system! I am really impressed by the number of channels and the breakaway control innovation. The competition is heating up. I recently sold my older Bose S1 and I am waiting for the NAAM show to come next week see what other new products may come out. Thank you for your detailed video.
I tried the Showbox alongside the S1 Pro for backing tracks. The S1 Pro had more clarity and oomph (for lack of a better word). I'm still debating whether or not to keep the Showbox. It has some great features but, it is abound the sound. I love the detachable mixer, scene capture, recording feature and onboard compresssion.
400W based on the website. Roland Cube Street Ex is solid but tends to be quite bright, a bit too jarring for me. Mackie Showbox is a bit muddy. I suggest you check out Bose S1 Pro+ or Everse 8.
hey - thanks for this good testing and comparing! I think the new Mackie device is great but for a one man busker overdimensioned. also the weight. no no no. I wish they would release a lighter smaller version with the same luxury...
It does feel a little muddy, especially on lower volume. However it also seems to have another gear, once you increase the volume, the headroom of the speaker suddenly opens up. I'm thinking this speaker is meant to be used LOUD.
Yeah I just couldn’t find a sound I was happy with, it’s a shame because when it was announced I was like yes this could be the speaker I’ve always waited for. Oh well the wait continues 😂
Could anyone tell me how this stacks up to the Fishman Loudbox Mini Charge ? And would you take a piece of equipment that costs this much on a bus ride into New York to play in the subway ?
Hey, guitarstreet, thanks for the review. It’s clear that the ShowBox has some great features but I’m getting mixed messages about how it sounds. I think you’ve commented that it sounds good/decent/pretty great but also muddy and not good at low volumes. You also said to check it out in person, which is the best way to decide about sound of course, though there’s none nearby at the moment. In the meantime, can you offer any new impressions about its overall sound quality? Have you been liking and using it? Thanks!
Hey Johnny, thanks for the question. I only had it for 2 weeks so take my impressions at that. I've used some really good speakers so the bar is set high. In my opinion, the Bose S1 Pro+ is my favorite for clarity and musical sound signature (which is what I need as a solo acoustic guitarist + singer setup). The Everse 8 is also good, more bass response and a flatter sound. For this Mackie Showbox, it is probably suited for 2-4 pc bands that like to play loud. It is quite muddy at lower volumes, and when it gets loud, it actually sounds quite decent. Hope this helps!
This video is SUPER helpful! Quick question -- if I'm using the bluetooth to run music to the speaker, does that mean I would no longer be able to use Channel 5/6 for an instrument? We could get by with two mics, two instruments, and using bluetooth (for backing tracks), but it would be incredible if we could do two mics, THREE instruments, AND bluetooth also. Is that something you could help comment on? Really excited for this to come out in the US.
Great question. The answer is YES, you can use Channel 5/6 even with music playing via bluetooth. I tested it with my guitar plugged in to channel 5. Do note that channel 5/6 does not have the option for FX (e.g. reverb) to be applied. You can still EQ it (high / mid / lows), and the bluetooth music will share the same EQ as the instrument that is plugged in to channel 5/6. Hope this helps. Thanks so much for the kind comment and great question Derek!!
Great comprehensive review. I am looking for a speaker in this category and am taking a look at the HK Audio PR:O Move 8 in a week or two, which I'm told is the loudest in this category and also has three genuine instrument inputs, which is what I need for vocals, guitar and my Roland SPD-One. Have you any knowlede or experience of that unit?
Mackie is LOUD. But if you are looking for more clarity, you might be disappointed. Everse 8 is a more flat sound, whereas the Bose is enhanced more in the highs.
@@guitarstreetIs Mackie really louder than Everse 8? The sound pressure level in Mackie is 122 dB versus 121 dB in Everse 8, is there a noticeable difference? What sounds better at maximum volume?
So an electric guitar into it straight how ac dc loud rocky can it get just tweak gain and what like built in tube screamer can it scream and maybe chug just guitar straight in?
Hey, I checked out the onboard effects, but I'm not a savvy electric player. Onboard guitar-centric effects (FX1) are overdrive, fuzz, crunch, flanger, phaser, tube model, acoustic guitar simulator, tremolo. I would say the overdrive, fuzz and crunch are the heaviest effects. You can stack reverb on top of it on FX2 (e.g. hall reverb). Pretty cool! I don't think it can scream though.
@@guitarstreet hey thanks so much man I think I will probably buy one of these eventually I have an everse 8 its not going away ... what I really want is like the guitar amp parts of a yamaha thr30ii into a unit like the mackie or everse but this may be close enough ( until yamaha drops a unit like this )
I've tested it. My observations are that they have very different sound signatures. Volume wise, the Bose feels more powerful, but the Mackie might sound fuller due to the larger woofer. The soundstage on the Bose also sounds wider, with more crisper highs and therefore better clarity. However it can get fatiguing with longer listening. The Mackie is less clear vs the Bose, and has a more mid-range focused tone.
@@guitarstreetHello. I think the second factor is the sound pressure SPL. Do you know how much? I did not find such a parameter in the specifications on the manufacturer's website.
Why is it that these "reviews" so often fail to discuss the price of the gear? The ShowBox costs about $800. People need to know that. It's probably a bit to much for a lot of "buskers". It takes an awful lot of busking to earn $800.
It depends on your location. If street performing is a hobby then maybe it's not for you. If you're a full time musician I'd say it may be worth it. When I was performing full-time I could stack up $800 in 2 or 3 weeks.
Excellent demonstration of this Mackie system! I am really impressed by the number of channels and the breakaway control innovation. The competition is heating up. I recently sold my older Bose S1 and I am waiting for the NAAM show to come next week see what other new products may come out. Thank you for your detailed video.
Most welcome! Thank you for your kind comment :)
I tried the Showbox alongside the S1 Pro for backing tracks. The S1 Pro had more clarity and oomph (for lack of a better word). I'm still debating whether or not to keep the Showbox. It has some great features but, it is abound the sound. I love the detachable mixer, scene capture, recording feature and onboard compresssion.
I already pre order it. Cant wait to have fiun with it. I hope its good for vocals too
Do more videos like this bro
I will! Thank you!
You must try the AER compact 60-4. More expensive, but well worth it.
I would love to one day!
Bought one amazing amp but am only getting 5 hours out of the battery when busking not the 12 as in the spec
Wow that's a ton of great features!! It's crazy because I currently have the Makie Thump Go and what a difference with this new unit😮
The next step of this unit would definitely make the mixer wireless!! Really huge step up for Makie making a speaker for musicians!!
Yes exactly! This is a huge step up from Thump Go!
Excellent 1st impression review. By the way, what wireless microphone combination are you using in this video? Thanks!
Thank you Tom! I’m using the Xvive U3. Good eye!
dude... that kicks butt!!
How about the wattage of of this ? I have a Roland Cube Street Ex,whos better among the two? Pls may i have your opinion,if you don't mind.. Thsnks
400W based on the website. Roland Cube Street Ex is solid but tends to be quite bright, a bit too jarring for me. Mackie Showbox is a bit muddy. I suggest you check out Bose S1 Pro+ or Everse 8.
Is it good for keyboards?...
What about if you want to run 2 out front (mains) 2 for monitors? Most likely a average room with a few different instruments.
I wonder if there is a carry bag for it ? Cheers
Yes there is. It’s sold separately, S$140 in Singapore
I'm impressed the Mackie sounds better
It does sound quite good!
Hi from UK
Great video thanks so much for sharing
Does the mackie go onto a speaker stand ?
Most welcome! Yes it does!
@@guitarstreet thank you
hey - thanks for this good testing and comparing! I think the new Mackie device is great but for a one man busker overdimensioned. also the weight. no no no. I wish they would release a lighter smaller version with the same luxury...
Agreed
I returned mine today unfortunately, great idea and design but was disappointed with the sound, getting distortion on vocals even on low volume.
It does feel a little muddy, especially on lower volume. However it also seems to have another gear, once you increase the volume, the headroom of the speaker suddenly opens up. I'm thinking this speaker is meant to be used LOUD.
Yeah I just couldn’t find a sound I was happy with, it’s a shame because when it was announced I was like yes this could be the speaker I’ve always waited for.
Oh well the wait continues 😂
Could anyone tell me how this stacks up to the Fishman Loudbox Mini Charge ? And would you take a piece of equipment that costs this much on a bus ride into New York to play in the subway ?
In indonesia where can q am buy
Hey, guitarstreet, thanks for the review. It’s clear that the ShowBox has some great features but I’m getting mixed messages about how it sounds.
I think you’ve commented that it sounds good/decent/pretty great but also muddy and not good at low volumes. You also said to check it out in person, which is the best way to decide about sound of course, though there’s none nearby at the moment. In the meantime, can you offer any new impressions about its overall sound quality? Have you been liking and using it? Thanks!
Hey Johnny, thanks for the question. I only had it for 2 weeks so take my impressions at that. I've used some really good speakers so the bar is set high. In my opinion, the Bose S1 Pro+ is my favorite for clarity and musical sound signature (which is what I need as a solo acoustic guitarist + singer setup). The Everse 8 is also good, more bass response and a flatter sound. For this Mackie Showbox, it is probably suited for 2-4 pc bands that like to play loud. It is quite muddy at lower volumes, and when it gets loud, it actually sounds quite decent.
Hope this helps!
@@guitarstreetok thanks so much for this. I would be using it at low volumes so that’s a no go!
@@JayaLove most welcome!
This video is SUPER helpful! Quick question -- if I'm using the bluetooth to run music to the speaker, does that mean I would no longer be able to use Channel 5/6 for an instrument? We could get by with two mics, two instruments, and using bluetooth (for backing tracks), but it would be incredible if we could do two mics, THREE instruments, AND bluetooth also. Is that something you could help comment on? Really excited for this to come out in the US.
Great question. The answer is YES, you can use Channel 5/6 even with music playing via bluetooth. I tested it with my guitar plugged in to channel 5. Do note that channel 5/6 does not have the option for FX (e.g. reverb) to be applied. You can still EQ it (high / mid / lows), and the bluetooth music will share the same EQ as the instrument that is plugged in to channel 5/6.
Hope this helps. Thanks so much for the kind comment and great question Derek!!
@@guitarstreet -- Awesome, thank you!
Great comprehensive review. I am looking for a speaker in this category and am taking a look at the HK Audio PR:O Move 8 in a week or two, which I'm told is the loudest in this category and also has three genuine instrument inputs, which is what I need for vocals, guitar and my Roland SPD-One.
Have you any knowlede or experience of that unit?
Thank you Anthony! Ah that sounds like a cool system too! I haven't had the chance to try that... would love to!
Nice review, will an electric guitar sound ok too ?
Yes it will!
Great video nice job!
Thanks mate!
Can you tell me how it compares to the Ev everse 8 in your thoughts regarding the EV compared to the Bose? Thanks.
Mackie is LOUD. But if you are looking for more clarity, you might be disappointed. Everse 8 is a more flat sound, whereas the Bose is enhanced more in the highs.
@@guitarstreetIs Mackie really louder than Everse 8? The sound pressure level in Mackie is 122 dB versus 121 dB in Everse 8, is there a noticeable difference? What sounds better at maximum volume?
Can you plug a laptop in to it
It has a 3.5 mm Aux Input, so I'm supposing yes
Phantom power?
This doesn't have phantom power.
Is it me or is the clarity of the Bose better. A more pure sound.
Yeah, I did find the Mackie to be a little muddy. Though, the Bose can be rather enhanced in the highs too. Thanks for watching!
No phantom power, right?
Correct. There’s no phantom power.
Everse 8 still beats it in terms of loudness, dispersion, frequency response, but the removable mixer is a great feature.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts!
In singapore out already?
Yes it is! Check this out at City Music www.citymusic.com.sg/product/mackie-showbox-all-in-one-performance-rig/
So an electric guitar into it straight how ac dc loud rocky can it get just tweak gain and what like built in tube screamer can it scream and maybe chug just guitar straight in?
Hey, I checked out the onboard effects, but I'm not a savvy electric player. Onboard guitar-centric effects (FX1) are overdrive, fuzz, crunch, flanger, phaser, tube model, acoustic guitar simulator, tremolo. I would say the overdrive, fuzz and crunch are the heaviest effects. You can stack reverb on top of it on FX2 (e.g. hall reverb).
Pretty cool! I don't think it can scream though.
@@guitarstreet hey thanks so much man I think I will probably buy one of these eventually I have an everse 8 its not going away ... what I really want is like the guitar amp parts of a yamaha thr30ii into a unit like the mackie or everse but this may be close enough ( until yamaha drops a unit like this )
Thanks for the video! Regarding Bluetooth audio … do you think the Mackie pushes more than the Bose S1?
I’ll report back!
I've tested it. My observations are that they have very different sound signatures. Volume wise, the Bose feels more powerful, but the Mackie might sound fuller due to the larger woofer.
The soundstage on the Bose also sounds wider, with more crisper highs and therefore better clarity. However it can get fatiguing with longer listening.
The Mackie is less clear vs the Bose, and has a more mid-range focused tone.
@@guitarstreet thanks ! Interesting isn’t it regarding wattage … the S1 is rated at 150w, whereas the Mackie is 400w
@@rockon856Yes exactly. Power / wattage is only one factor in the equation!
@@guitarstreetHello. I think the second factor is the sound pressure SPL. Do you know how much? I did not find such a parameter in the specifications on the manufacturer's website.
Which one is the winner for you??
Hard to compare. But my take is the Bose has better clarity.
it has 6 channels, not 5.
True, if you count bluetooth as one more input. Otherwise channels 5 and 6 are either a mono input (5 only) or stereo input (5+6).
Why is it that these "reviews" so often fail to discuss the price of the gear? The ShowBox costs about $800. People need to know that. It's probably a bit to much for a lot of "buskers". It takes an awful lot of busking to earn $800.
I’ll try to incorporate more discussions around price next time. Thanks for the feedback, and for tuning in!
It depends on your location. If street performing is a hobby then maybe it's not for you. If you're a full time musician I'd say it may be worth it. When I was performing full-time I could stack up $800 in 2 or 3 weeks.
Uh ... buskers are not limited to making money solely from busking. I know, crazy concept.
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Mono is bory😂😂😂