The portable, 200W, battery-powered 8” loudspeaker features two channels, a rechargeable battery, and Bluetooth control via the Thump Connect 2 smartphone App
Mackie’s new Thump GO loudspeaker – another release in the company’s popular Thump series – has portability, flexibility and great sound for performers. Its built-in two-channel mixer accepts XLR or ¼” cables, and its 8” woofer packs a lot of punch for the traditional acoustic guitar and singer setup.
There’s much more to this loudspeaker though, than meets the eye.
In this video, YouTube guitarist Jimmy Franklin offers five reasons why all guitarists, not just acoustic players, will find the new Mackie Thump GO perfect for their performance needs.
“First,” Franklin says, “it has a rechargeable lithium-ion battery that allows you to play literally anywhere. With an acoustic guitar, a battery-powered looper, and the Thump GO, you could be busking in the subways of New York and having a good time.”
The rechargeable battery provides up to 12 hours of playing time and is also detachable, a feature not typically seen on battery-powered speakers.
Next, Franklin shows a second creative way to use Thump GO. He sets up a drum loop in one channel and then layers more sounds on top to create a one-person band. “The Thump GO is a surprisingly underrated product for a live DJ or for electronic drums,” he explains.
Another way to use the Thump GO is as an amp modeler monitor. “There are four settings on the back of the speaker that are easily accessible,” Franklin states in his video. ”You have a Music mode, Speech mode, Monitor mode, and a Sub mode. For the electric guitar and modeler, I have it set to Music mode. I could also use this in Monitor mode on stage if I wanted a live personal monitor separate from the regular monitor to give me a little bit of stage volume.”
(Image credit: Mackie)
Also handy is the product’s accompanying “easy and amazing app.”
“All of the parameters can be adjusted via the app,” Franklin explains. “Since the Thump GO is connected by Bluetooth you won’t need to give up your WiFi connection. And you can be your own personal sound guy.”
The Mackie Thump Connect 2 app delivers hands-free control of the Thump GO via your smartphone or tablet (for iOS & Android). Adjust input levels, tweak your EQ and then save your favorite “speaker snapshots” in the app to use them the next time.
Besides the Voice Settings that Franklin mentions elsewhere in the video, other features include Outdoor Mode, Music Ducking (which lowers Channel 2 audio when Channel 1 is in use), Feedback Eliminator, and Front LED.
The fifth neat way to use a Thump GO is for an event or function that requires music generated from your smartphone, tablet, or computer.
Pair your smartphone with the Thump GO and control the music levels in the Mackie Thump Connect 2 app. If you need to make announcements, Thump GO’s ducking feature lets you simply press the Music Ducking button and channel 2 will automatically turn down whenever you speak into the mic on channel 1.
In his video, Franklin also demonstrates how to expand the unit’s flexibility by pairing two Thump GOs together and, rather than running as one mono signal, splitting your instrument sources for an ear-catching stereo effect.
Connectivity on the Thump Go mixer makes it easy to input instruments or microphones thanks to the dual input TRS combo inputs for XLR or ¼” and an XLR through for monitor and sub outputs. The battery meter light provides different colors to signify the charging level.
Add-on options for the Mackie Thump GO include the availability of extra lithium-ion batteries to extend play time and a carrying bag to protect the speaker.
Mackie has constructed the Thump GO to be sturdy, lightweight, efficient, and fun to use. On top of all that, it also has excellent sound fidelity. Having the portability of a rechargeable loudspeaker like the Thump GO is freeing, and the Thump Connect 2 app gives users full control in their hands. The applications for Mackie’s Thump GO are only limited by one’s imagination and musical needs. From guitar modeling, looping, busking, announcements, DJing, studio monitoring, or providing music for a backyard BBQ, the Mackie Thump GO can deliver.
In today’s world, a performer’s sound reinforcement requires flexibility and portability, and the Mackie Thump GO Portable Battery-Powered Loudspeaker’s options, power, and features deliver on all fronts. As Franklin says, “They sound phenomenal. They’re small, compact, and battery-powered. You can’t go wrong at this price point.”
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