Mackie HD1521 2 way Loudspeaker Active

MACKIE HD1521 Details ^top

Welcome to the world of high-definition live sound. The HD1521 2-Way High-Definition Powered Loudspeaker delivers class-leading power, unmatched clarity and extreme flexibility in a design that is understated, yet stunning. Class-D Fast Recovery™ amplification produces a ridiculous 1600W of peak system power. High-Definition Audio Processing incorporates next-generation Mackie “Active” electronics and re-defines powered loudspeakers by implementing Mackie’s patented acoustic correction processing for an experience that is unrivaled in the world of portable powered PA systems.  System tuning and custom transducer design by EAW ensures an optimized system that sounds great every time. The compact yet rugged, all-wood enclosure offers superior protection and a clean, unimposing look that will blend seamlessly into almost any environment. HD1521 2-Way High-Definition Powered Loudspeaker — Elevate Your Experience.

FEATURES
•	1600W of ultra-efficient Class-D Fast Recovery™ amplification
	» LF 700W RMS / 1400W peak » HF 100W RMS / 200W peak
•	High-definition audio processing:
	» Revolutionary patented acoustic correction » Transducer time alignment and phase correction » Precision 2-way crossover
•	Custom designed transducers by EAW
	» 15” neodymium woofer with 3” voice coil » 1.75” compression driver with heat-treated titanium diaphragm
•	User-adjustable 3-band contour EQ with sweepable mid-frequency
•	Ultra-compact and lightweight (80lbs)
•	Integrated limiting and protection circuitry
•	Rugged all wood cabinet (15mm birch plywood)
•	12 integrated fly points for horizontal and vertical rigging
•	Stand / pole mountable

MAXIMIZE YOUR OUTPUT
The HD1521 incorporates the latest in Class-D amplifier technology to deliver a chest-pounding 1600W of peak system power. Both internal amps are designed using Mackie’s legendary Fast Recovery™ circuitry. Other amplifiers can “latch” when pushed to clipping, leading to distorted audio, but Fast Recovery™ amplification reacts instantly to the occasional aggressive transient, drastically reducing the time it takes for the amp to recover, ensuring clean audio under the most demanding of situations.

This potent bi-amplified system is the highest powered 2-way available in its class, providing a beefy 700W RMS low-frequency amplifier and a 100W RMS high-frequency amplifier that, when combined, can deliver a max SPL up to 135dB (calculated, measured maximum SPL of 125dB). There is a lot of debate regarding SPL measurements, and what you see on paper doesn’t always tell the whole story. To forever eliminate confusion and prove that Mackie is dedicated to providing real, testable specs, we have worked up a handy (and somewhat nerdy) guide to the shady world of SPL measurements: Will the Real Maximum SPL Please Stand Up?

Measurements and calculators aside, it only takes one listen to know that the HD1521 delivers more bang for your buck that any other portable 2-way loudspeaker out there.

DEFINE THE EXPERIENCE
Mackie created the “Active” electronics game long ago, incorporating precision crossovers and transducer time/phase alignment processing into the loudspeaker. This instantly took the guesswork out of setting up a perfectly tuned system and the world of loudspeakers irreversibly changed. HD Series High-Definition Powered Loudspeakers not only advance Active technology, they take it to an entirely new level, marking the next major advancement for powered loudspeakers: High-Definition Live Sound.

Even the most expensive loudspeakers on the market have inherent sonic issues that arise from the very nature of loudspeaker design. Horn-loaded drivers tend to have a “honkiness” to them and there are physical resonances in the upper range of cone drivers that can sound nasty.

Introducing Mackie High-Definition Audio Processing. The key to high-definition live sound is the detailed measurement and analysis of the inherent problems of horns and woofers.  After that, the creation and application of some seriously NASA-esque (and patented) acoustic correction algorithms work to correct these very issues. The resulting experience is not only high-definition, it is truly a moment of clarity for anyone within earshot.

HD Explained: Click here to learn what goes into making an HD truly high-definition.

EAW INSIDE
The HD1521 is a perfectly tuned system that is truly greater than the sum of its parts. This is only possible due to the hard work and insane genius of the engineering team over at Eastern Acoustic Works (EAW). Not only did they fine tune the system for complete optimization, they also custom-designed the transducers, ensuring maximum efficiency and performance.

The high-end 15″ neodymium woofer features a 3″ voice coil and is built to handle the massive power delivered by the low-frequency amplifier. The magnet is made using neodymium, which provides a greater magnetic field with far less material. This makes the woofer extremely lightweight without sacrificing one bit of performance. And the large 3″ voice-coil is built to handle and dissipate far more heat than traditional designs.

The 1.75″ compression driver brilliantly reproduces high-frequencies with a diaphragm made using heat-treated titanium. Heat-treating increases the rigidity of the diaphragm, eliminating nasty distortion that can occur due to inconsistencies on its surface. It also greatly increases the life of the driver, so you can count on stunning high-frequency production for years.

TAILOR YOUR TONE
For added flexibility, we have included a user-adjustable 3-band EQ on the rear panel of every HD Series loudspeaker. It’s not just a two-position EQ switch that can only bet set to “flat” or  “boost”, but a high-quality 3-band EQ with Hi and Lo shelving and a sweepable mid frequency, each with +/- 3dB of gain. This allows you to customize the loudspeakers for the task at hand.

 

 

FIT AND FINISH
We could’ve just jammed all these premium components into a flimsy enclosure, slapped on a flashy logo and some plastic end caps and called it a day. That’s what everyone else is doing. However, Mackie has long been dedicated to providing affordable gear that can go toe-to-toe with the most expensive gear on the market and the HD1521’s all-wood enclosure is no exception. The 15 mm thick birch plywood cabinets are extremely rugged, with substantial internal bracing and a coating of durable, textured black paint. A cold-rolled, powder-coated steel grill provides a sleek, modern look that is designed to blend into the environment. You can even turn off the trademark blue LED on the front of the speaker if stealth is your thing. A work of modern art? Maybe. Rugged and handsome? Absolutely.

 

 

From backyard BBQs to the most professional install, the HD1521 can be integrated into any existing system thanks to a wide variety of placement options. Standard M10 eyebolts convert the HD1521 into a professionally flown system, with twelve integrated fly points for vertical or horizontal rigging. It is also pole mountable, either on a standard tripod or mounted over a subwoofer. And of course you can simply stack them on your subs or place them on stage.  Whether stacked, pole-mounted or flown, you can count on the HD1521 to be stable and sturdy.

MACKIE HD1521 Specs ^top

HD1521 SPECIFICATIONS
Acoustic Performance
Frequency Response (–3 dB) 50 Hz-18 kHz
Frequency Range (–10 dB) 40 Hz-20 kHz
Horizonal Coverage (–6 dB) 1 80 degrees averaged
2 kHz to 10 kHz
Vertical Coverage (–6 dB) 1 50 degrees averaged
2 kHz to 10 kHz
Directivity Factor; Q (DI) 14.0 (11.4), averaged
2 kHz to 10 kHz
Max SPL peak (calculated) 2 135 dB @ 1 m
Max SPL peak (measured) 3 125 dB @ 1 m
Crossover Point 1200 Hz
1 HF horn can be rotated 90º if desired.
2 Calculated from driver sensitivity and amplifier power.
3 Measured with pink noise, free field at 1 meter, before limiting.
Input / Output
Input Type Female XLR, balanced differential
Input Impedance 11 kohms balanced
Loop Out Type Male XLR, balanced differential
Equalization
Low Shelving ±3 dB @ 80 Hz (6 dB/octave)
Mid Peaking ±3 dB, 100 Hz to 8 kHz, Q=1.5
High Shelving ±3 dB @ 12 kHz (6 dB/octave)
Low-Frequency Power Amplifier
Rated Power 700 watts rms
1400 watts peak
Rated THD < 0.03%
Cooling Convection Extrusion
Design Class D
High-Frequency Power Amplifier
Rated Power 100 watts rms
200 watts peak
Rated THD < 0.03%
Cooling Convection Extrusion
Design Class D
Low-Frequency Transducer
Diameter 15 in/381 mm
Voice Coil Diameter 3 in/76 mm
Diaphragm Material Paper
Magnet Material Neodymium
High-Frequency Transducer
Voice Coil Diameter 1.75 in/44 mm
Horn Entry Diameter 1 in/25 mm
Diaphragm Material Heat treated titanium
Line Input Power
US 120 VAC, 60Hz
Recommended amperage service 9 amps
Europe 230 VAC, 50Hz
Recommended amperage service 5 amps
AC Connector 3-pin IEC 250 VAC
Safety Features
RMS limiting, power supply and amplifier thermal protection
Construction Features
Basic Design Trapezoidal, 20 degree included angle
Material 15 mm exterior grade premium birch plywood
Finish High durability black paint
Handles One on each side
Grille Powder coated galvanized steel
Display LEDs Power ON, EQ ON, Sig/Limit,
Thermal protection, Front Power Light ON
Fly Points Twelve M10 x 1.5 mm
Physical Properties (packaged product)
Height 33.0 in / 838 mm
Width 21.0 in / 533 mm
Depth 22.0 in / 559 mm
Shipping Weight 89.0 lb / 40.4 kg
Physical Properties (product)
Height 30.0 in / 762 mm
Front Width 18.3 in / 464 mm
Rear Width 11.8 in / 300 mm
Depth 18.8 in / 478 mm
Net Weight 80.0 lb / 36.3 kg
Mounting Methods
Floor mount, pole mount, or fly via 12 integrated threaded inserts
using M10 x 1.5 x 37 mm forged shoulder eyebolts

MACKIE HD1521 Documentation ^top

Mackie HD1521 Owners Manual (pdf)