Not “normal and recommended” use

It’s Audio Destructo! Over the years, we’ve heard tales and seen photos of pro audio gear subjected to serious abuse outside the realm of “normal and recommended use”.

This unintentional mistreatment includes components falling off trucks, or buried in building collapses, or smashed in auto accidents, or… fill in the blank. The amazing thing: more times than not, the gear not only survives in form, but actually works in function!

We’re looking for your amazing stories and images of this not-intended abuse. Fire away at the “in-basket” of PSW Editorial Director Keith Clark at keith@prosoundweb.com, and we’ll feature your tales of “Audio Destructo”.

To kick off, EAW and Mackie recently submitted the following examples, and thanks to them for inspiring this section. Enjoy.
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We wonder how it would fare in a demolition derby?

Jimmy James is a working musician and free-lance nightclub system designer based in Florida. Here’s his story:

“I was driving to a solo gig last month in my new Astro van with my small PA rig in the back. Stopped at a red light, a semi-truck didn't stop, smashing me into a line of cars. Ouch. Nothing left of the van. Most of my gear was squashed, and my EAW two LA-212 cabinets took a direct hit.

“A week later I set up the PA in my house to see what was left. On one cabinet, the grill is torn through and the dust cover on the 12-in woofer is punched in. On the other cabinet, the jack plate is dangling and there are some dents on the front. Both cabinets have something rattling around inside.

“No kidding - I tried them out and they sounded like new! Can't believe it, thought they were toast. I went to the next gig and used them as is. I was already a fan for life, but now I have an even better story to tell at the music store when they try to push another brand.

“The score: EAW - 1, Mack truck - 0.

“P.S. My Mackie 1202VLZ (mixer) got dented up, but it’s also worked like nothing happened. The SKB case is dust!

(Editor’s Note: Jimmy proved as indestructible as the gear, suffering whiplash requiring physical therapy as a result of the accident but still able to carry on performing.)
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Scaling the “heights” of amplifier technology…

The M1400, following flight and hit and run incidents.

After doing live sound for nearly four decades, Chuck McKay thought he’d seen everything. But when he agreed to provide sound for the Redding Air Show in Redding, CA last May, this Mackie M1400 amplifier user had no idea he would learn first-hand just how durable these amps really are.

“It had been a relatively routine day,” recalls Chuck. “The Canadian Snowbirds had finished their show and the crowd was pretty worked-up. The closing performance was a bi-plane act. I guess the pilot thought it would be cute to buzz the lawn and cause a stir amongst the spectators. The pilot approached the field, touched down briefly, and then immediately began to accelerate. Before I knew it, the tail wheel of the aircraft had inadvertently hooked several cables from my audio setup. Five of my speakers tumbled like dominoes. I remember thinking, ‘What in the world is going on?’

“As the plane continued moving along the flight line, I saw my Mackie amplifier tumbling along behind it. The announcer attempted to get the pilot’s attention by alerting him over what was left of the PA system. One of the airport workers even jumped into a van and tried to chase down the plane. But, despite our best efforts, the plane lifted off the ground—amplifier in tow,” he continues.

After achieving and altitude of about 15 feet, the amplifier came crashing down. “You know, that amp bounced really good,” Chuck notes with a laugh. “In fact, after it settled, I thought that the worst was over. But, as if to add insult to injury, the driver of the van chasing the plane was unable to stop his van in time. Yes, that’s right - he ran right over that amplifier. I just couldn’t believe my eyes!”

Chuck sent the jet-lagged amplifier back to Mackie, where, after a full and complete testing of all functions, it was determined the amp was still in 100 percent working order. “Those amps are really durable,” he concludes. “I’ve never had a problem with them. I’ve used them in everything from beating sun to rain and even snow. They always work without a hitch.”