In 1989, the first Global Positioning System (GPS) satellite was placed in orbit; cold fusion was achieved at the University of Utah; the Berlin Wall came down; a powerful earthquake shook the San Francisco Bay Area during a World Series game.
The same year Mackie released its first product, the LM-1602 line mixer, soon followed by the Mackie CR-1604. The Seattle-area company was just beginning a run that continues 30 years later. Today, Mackie offers a full line of affordable audio equipment ranging from mixers to sound-reinforcement loudspeakers, studio monitors, recording interfaces, and more.
The Mackie story really began in 1969, when company co-founder Greg Mackie launched Technical Audio Products (TAPCO). Realizing that a new generation of rock bands needed an affordable, durable mixer that could handle signals from loud instruments, Greg Mackie saw an opening in the market and decided to fill it. TAPCO’s subsequent success, including its popular 6000 and 6100R mixers, confirmed his vision.
By 1989, the music industry had taken another leap. Many musicians invested in affordable polyphonic electronic keyboards, sound modules, and outboard processors and became interested in home recording.
The Mackie CR-1604 compact analog mixer and subsequent Mackie products brought new technology and implemented only the required features, while continuing Greg Mackie’s emphasis on delivering affordable, high-quality, “Built Like a Tank” gear.
Mackie’s DL Series digital mixers, VLZ and ProFX Series compact mixers, SRM loudspeakers and the brand-new DRM Series loudspeakers, MP Series in-ear monitors, and CR Series studio monitors.
“Celebrating 30 years is about recognizing our customers around the world that
have put their trust in our gear,” reflects Mackie marketing director Shaunna Krebs. “Our customers made our success possible, and we look forward to the next 30 years of providing great gear for Mackie fans everywhere.”
