Mackie (company)
| Company type | Brand |
|---|---|
| Industry | Professional audio equipment |
| Founded | January 1, 1988 |
| Founder | Greg Mackie |
| Headquarters | Seattle , United States |
| Products | Professional audio mixers, power amplifiers, powered mixers, active studio monitors, microphones |
Number of employees | 250+ (1994) |
| Parent | LOUD Audio (formerly LOUD Technologies, Inc.) |
Mackie is a U.S.-based brand specializing in professional audio equipment, established in Seattle in 1988 by Greg Mackie. The company focuses on producing cost-effective, adaptable compact professional audio mixers and serves as the flagship product line of LOUD Technologies.
History
Greg Mackie, formerly with Boeing and founder of TAPCO and AudioControl, established Mackie Designs, Inc. in Woodinville, Washington. The company began operations from a condominium in Edmonds, Washington, launching the LM-1602 line mixer priced at $399. Following initial success, a manufacturing facility was opened in 1991 to build the CR-1604 mixer. This model, prized for its ability to function as either a desktop or rackmount unit and its attractive price point, became a dominant product—generating over 48% of company revenue by 1996 and later being inducted into the TECnology Hall of Fame in 2004.
In 1993, Mackie broadened its offerings with the release of 8-Bus mixing consoles tailored for both live sound and multitrack recording applications. Utilizing Seattle’s engineering talent and automated production techniques enabled Mackie to maintain high efficiency while reducing costs. By 1994, the company had grown rapidly—exceeding 100% annual growth—operating from a 30,000-square-foot plant with revenues reaching $35.5 million and employing more than 250 staff members.
After selling its 100,000th mixer and relocating to a larger 90,000-square-foot facility in 1995, Mackie completed its initial public offering (IPO) and unveiled the Ultra-mix Universal Automation System for its 8-bus consoles at the AES Convention. The following year, with industry expert Cal Perkins joining the team, Mackie expanded its product lineup to include power amplifiers, powered mixers, and active studio monitors. The acquisition of Radio Cine Forniture S.p.A. (RCF) in 1999 facilitated further growth; by 2001, speakers accounted for 55% of total sales following the introduction of the SRM450 powered loudspeaker.
In January 2020, Mackie entered the microphone market with the EM91C model—its inaugural microphone offering known for combining quality with affordability. Additional microphone products launched since include the USB-compatible EM91CU, the EM89D cardioid dynamic handheld microphone, and the EM99b dynamic broadcast microphone.
Name change
To clarify corporate structure, Mackie Designs, Inc. was rebranded as LOUD Technologies, Inc. (currently known as LOUD Audio) in 2003, differentiating the parent company from the Mackie brand itself.
Acquisition
On December 4, 2023, Røde Microphones acquired Mackie, thereby extending Røde’s worldwide reach and diversifying its product range.
Known VLZ Series Technical Issues
Starting in 2020, users on Gearspace.com reported a stereo imaging defect linked to the Onyx chip used in Mackie’s VLZ Series mixers. This design flaw was corroborated by multiple users over subsequent years and has influenced professional audio market perceptions of these products.
See also
External links
- Short description with empty Wikidata description
- 1988 establishments in Washington (state)
- American companies established in 1988
- Loudspeaker manufacturers
- Music equipment manufacturers
- Audio amplifier manufacturers
- Audio mixing console manufacturers
- Audio equipment manufacturers of the United States
- Manufacturing companies based in Seattle
- Consumer electronics brands
- LOUD Audio
- Audio software companies
- Companies of the United States by year of establishment