BATTERY-POWERED Speaker w/ BREAKAWAY MIXER - Mackie Showbox

[@nialljosephosullivan4109]

mine arrived today. I have already watched this video several times. Your reviews/tutorials are excellent! Big Thank you!

[@ScottUhlMusic]

Awesome, thank you!

[@AIexOut-A-Magic-x6w]

Best ever review. No non sense talk, just tells us what we need and want to know. Amazing job, thanks!!!

[@ScottUhlMusic]

I appreciate that!

[@sevalmi8681]

Simply THE BEST review of this device on KZbin!!! Thank you bro!!!

[@ScottUhlMusic]

Thank you! 🙏

[@bscheirman]

This looks like a great device! An idea for a future video: Organization of all this gear + load-in/load-out. I'm always curious how folks pack all their cables, mics, gear, etc. It becomes a lot 😆

[@ScottUhlMusic]

Hahahaha man I’m still figuring all that out. Cases, a good cart, and a check-list system 😅

[@movievaudeville]

I'm packing for a gig now. Very easy, everything I use with this band is in a single bag. Bag, amp, guitar+stand, folding cart. I never "borrow" from the bag between gigs, and always put everything back in at the end of the gig. I have a list on my phone and prior to leaving I'll double check anyway. Same when I have to haul a PA - list, dedicated cable bag, bigger cart. I have an extra cable bag that I sometimes bring with extras of a few cables, pedal power supplies, 9v batts, just in case one craps out. Sometimes another guy needs a replacement, too. It happens and I don't carry my soldering kit with me. I don't use many pedals so that makes things easier. I'm disorganized in a lot of other ways, but I really don't want to be missing something at a gig. That's the worst.

[@redcomn]

I’ll buy it just for jamming with my friends on top of the mountain

[@pbenson56fran]

Mackie thought of everything. I love the fact that you can record your show. Great item. I love that you have low medium an highs. I love hearing all parts, well as much as I can hear.

[@ScottUhlMusic]

Yeah, it’s very creative for sure!

[@giuliotonini]

Just wondering about the recording feature…does it record a stereo track of the live mix on Sd card , or separate tracks( like Zoom L-trak series)??

[@Andrew_O]

Pretty nifty solution for minimalist coffee-shop giggers and the like!

[@ScottUhlMusic]

Agreed!

[@Palvader]

Wow! This is quite the speaker! I would be interested in a slightly smaller size for half the price.

[@viktorramirez9171]

Thanx for this video. Seams to me a great option because it is so compact design. An all in one showbox

[@ScottUhlMusic]

Agreed 🤘 thanks for watching

[@psyclephreak9746]

Fast becoming a fan of your channel. Always clear and concise! The breakout box is brilliant. I could see it making sound check very easy with a reasonably long cat 5 cable!

[@ScottUhlMusic]

Awesome! Thank you!

[@garygriffith7053]

Great review as always Scott! I'm fully in the EV camp but I'm glad to see Mackie finally getting creative again. I wonder if this is due to the purchase of Mackie by Rode. Wouldn't be surprising!

[@ScottUhlMusic]

Oh I had no idea that purchase even happened! And yeah, I was impressed with Mackie at NAMM this year for sure! I’ve used their FreePlay before and loved them

[@Rick_Taylor_Music]

Great Review Scott was hoping I would see this from your channel. Picked mine up 2 weeks ago. Set up in 17 minutes, complete teardown in 12. Loving the sound so far. Looking forward to gigging with it as a solo act. Cheers.

[@ScottUhlMusic]

Nice! Glad to hear it’s working well for you 🤘🤘

[@Aaron-Qman]

I knew when I saw your Namm video and saw this speaker you were definitely going to review it someday! Love all of your reviews. Such a great all in one speaker!!

[@ScottUhlMusic]

Thanks Aaron! And yeah, it was definitely on my list after NAMM 🤘🤘 Really clever design!

[@philippe-lebel]

And what about sound quality and power ? I would like a comparaison versus the EV Everse 8.

[@ScottUhlMusic]

I often don’t do comparisons because 1) in my mind, they all sound good and 2) I suggest watching videos to see which one has the features that applies most to you and make your decision based on that. Sound quality of this was great and it’s 400W 👍

[@iuutoob]

It has a very convenient collection of features. Are there comparable small mixers that could pair with a normal acoustic amp?

[@ScottUhlMusic]

Small mixers? I just reviewed the Mackie Mobile Mix: kzbin.info/www/bejne/f4DPhIGQqsueecUsi=Ol-oxD49QlryYb7r

[@JHGurganus]

Great review you pointed out more features than I knew this had. Thanks! 👍🎸🎙️

[@ScottUhlMusic]

Thank you 🙏

[@byromtaylor6482]

good review i got one ...i feel you missed the best thing the streaming and the sd card recording function which is the main reason i bought it

[@ScottUhlMusic]

I mention that in the video 👍 But glad you are enjoying it! It’s a well designed speaker

[@juliusgreshake8471]

Great and thorough review, I also loved the quick overview in the intro! Personally, I would love a version of this that caters more towards live electronic musicians, so maybe only one mic input and then a buch of stereo inputs for machines like the Elektron Octatrack or similar machines. The inability to add FX on the last input is a shame, I would have loved to use this box as a final "mastering" limiter.

[@elambassist]

I have the 8inch battery go and it’s been great

[@ScottUhlMusic]

I’ve wanted to check that one out too 🤘

[@sergenaberman]

I really appreciate your reviews, got one last week. Sending it back today! Awfull sound and crapping out at not even a loud volume! It has everything. On paper

[@ScottUhlMusic]

Bummer, I’m sorry to hear that. That’s not my experience with it. If you didn’t like it, try the EV ones

[@sergenaberman]

@@ScottUhlMusic have to put the gain on 2 on a vocal mic and the master at 3/4. I really wanted to like it, but to my ears it just sounds terrible and woofy. No reach. Thanks for replying!

[@sergenaberman]

But wait!! As I’m saying this. I might be confusing the volume for a gain knob?! Gonna check it one more time

[@sergenaberman]

Still gone

[@tiffsaver]

I've heard some very negative reviews of both this speaker and even the EV. I'm keeping my old Bose S1s. They're tough as nails, loud, easy to operate, and have performed flawlessly even on my international travels. There's a old saying. Whenever you introduce more things to an existing system, the more there is to go wrong.

[@j.reveille6815]

You put it on amplifier mode if you are using as guitar amp with overdrive and spring reverb….as busking it would be in pa mode.

[@kelvinfunkner]

so surprised at how many features it has! It was very very well thought out and has all the features any busker could want. I'd be interested if that 10hr battery per charge is accurate though...especially at higher volumes, or with a lot of bass....but still even if it gave you half that, it's still incredible!

[@ScottUhlMusic]

Yeah the features truly are great on this! And it has some very solid battery life!

[@kenlad75]

thanks scott, love it as always

[@ScottUhlMusic]

Thank you!

[@jeremykohvoice]

can you use channel 5 as a mono channel for a cello via an XLR to 1/4 inch cable?

[@ScottUhlMusic]

You could, yes. But if something is outputting at mic level, you won’t want to go into a line level input: kzbin.info/www/bejne/eJizpY1mnMqjnMUsi=FLtajqiH2lajyO1K

[@JohnFraserFindlay]

Scott TX for responding so quick to my msg re:portable digital mixers and wow this is really interesting..!!! Thanks so much!

[@movievaudeville]

Just arrived, have to send it back. FX1 light wasn't working. Fx worked, just couldn't read which mode. Made me wonder about durability in the street. Otherwise, seems like an okay piece of equipment, sounded good. I do wish it had 48v phantom power on at least one of the channels, but it doesn't. Funny that there are all the other functions but no phantom. I bet they add it in next generation.

[@ScottUhlMusic]

Bummer, although that happens with any unit though, and I’m sure that’s an easy fix. I didn’t have that problem with mine

[@AIexOut-A-Magic-x6w]

Does the sound of the guitar mute when you press FX1 twice and access the tuning mode? Thank you in advance.

[@ScottUhlMusic]

If I remember correctly, yes. But I can’t remember for sure

[@sseltrek1a2b]

this is pretty powerful for what it is...the mixer is a highlight- very robust in terms of functionality, and pretty intuitive...how many watts of clean overhead?...

[@ScottUhlMusic]

400W 💪 And yeah, I really like how the mixer was designed

[@franciscodominguezguitar2510]

hello! Your videos are very helpful, i was wondering if you have or could make a video about compression like the one included in this mixer, from your point of view, how you use compression on live situations, something easy to understand for us. Greetings!

[@ScottUhlMusic]

I might have to do that down the road at some point. Thanks for the suggestion! Especially on vocals/speaking it helps minimize the massive dynamic differences of loud and quiet vocals

[@franciscodominguezguitar2510]

Yeah! Looking forward to it! @@ScottUhlMusic

[@AnjuStefan]

What about the total output it gives? In your opinion, what size of a crowd would this be suitable for in acoustic gigs? (both indoor and outdoor) I am using a Boss RC 30 and V8 as pedals.

[@VladimirKachuraMusic]

Does the speaker have phantom power for the mic?

[@PeteBroganArt]

Hi Scott, I have a Roland street cube EX for street busking, just wondering what your thoughts on the comparisons between the two, and which one would you prefer to use in this setting. thanks, Pete

[@ScottUhlMusic]

I haven’t used that one before so I’m not sure

[@BosqueBrothers]

Damn. I thought I had decided on the EV Everse 8 for my solo stuff. It's great, plus it would dovetail into my Evolve 50M setup as a monitor when doing bigger stuff. But now I have to rethink that plan because of this Mackie Showbox. Going to do a little more research on it. I didn't catch if you mentioned the wattage or SPL. It REALLY could simplify a solo setup. Thanks again Scott--always helpful!

[@ScottUhlMusic]

Thanks for watching! It’s 400W I know that. Glad you found it helpful 🤘

[@im58woody]

I had the ShowBox for a couple days before returning it to Sweetwater for…a Everse 8. The EV is hands down much better in every way.

[@scottbecker3485]

In terms of features (4 channels, breakaway mixer and a few others) I would also have been very interested in the ShowBox, for myself as a solo acoustic/electric performer and singer with stompbox percussion. I even had the unit in my shopping cart at Thomann…until I read the first reviewer (here in Germany) who only gave it one star (!) based on sound, and instead bought an Everse 8. This convinced me to give up on the ShowBox, since I, too, fortunately (and very happily) own and use an Everse 8 as my main speaker (also have a Bose S1 Pro and a JBL PRX One for certain situations), and its sound is absolutely phenomenal: full range, easily tweakable, transparent, punchy and loud… I would only have been tempted to add a ShowBox to my options if its sound is maybe at least 80% as good, but that apparently isn‘t the case. I‘d propose you try an Everse 8 first and see if anything is missing for you. It also offers a heck of lot of features.

[@im58woody]

@@scottbecker3485 I bought the Mackie based off of a couple positive videos but I had some static issues with it and the sound was subpar after having owned the Bose S1 for several years. The transport bag was the best thing about it lol. I found that the controls were somewhat annoying too how everything was arranged. I really love my EV8

[@WWeiss-nv5vz]

What was the sound difference?@@im58woody

[@thecorz72]

This looks great I love the concept I would like I to have an app to control the mixer as well and the looper to to have start pedal and stom pedal as well I don't think many soloists use a single pedal looper but vry close to the perfect solo performer small pa thanks for the review great work 😊

[@ScottUhlMusic]

Thanks! I didn’t think of the app, but I know Mackie had other mixers that can be controlled with the app, so it makes sense that this one has a different option 🤘

[@WWeiss-nv5vz]

I thought it has an App also?@@ScottUhlMusic

[@MARK-DENNIS]

Great review - great Mackie product I use a Neumann phantom power mic live with my acoustic, this looks perfect - does this have phantom power? I cant seem to see it ?

[@ScottUhlMusic]

I do not believe it has phantom power with this one

[@felixosabel4433]

Hope you can add a video with your wife's duo...i want to hear how it sound. Thanks in advance. By the way i like your reviews a lot, ive learned a lot from you. Great job! Tnx a lot.

[@ColinDean1]

Amazing but If this spit out 12v for wireless mics it would be a total beast!

[@vaclavvrazel]

Thank you very much for this again great video. How do you solve IEM output from Mackie - left/right channel (Stage traxx). How to set PAN? Is it possible to set the complete Stage traxx + own vocals and guitar to go into the headphones (IEM), while the right channel of Stage traxx (clicks, cues...) does not come out of the speaker. Thanks for the advice.

[@ScottUhlMusic]

Thanks! And I haven’t tried that personally yet. I’ll have to check on that. Worst case, just have an IEM system with two inputs. One for click and one for headphone/mix out

[@mikebri5274]

Hey Scott. Great video again (as usual). I could see my acoustic trio using this on some gigs. Can two of these be used together from just the mixer on one of them?

[@ScottUhlMusic]

Thanks! And if you used the mix out from one to go into the other one that would work 👍

[@AguileraFM]

How does the actual speaker sound though. Is it powerful?

[@ScottUhlMusic]

@@AguileraFM sounds great. Depends what you mean by “powerful.” It’s a battery powered speaker. Most people who have an issue with a speaker generally try to use it beyond what it’s meant for. For 100-150 people, it’s completely fine. For 1000 people? No

[@ShaneBryson]

Sent mine back. It’s not even close to “loud”. I was more than disappointed.

[@mrchecox2206]

Can you use the mixer without the amp? In case the venue have their own sounds and you already have your effects for voice??

[@ScottUhlMusic]

The breakaway mixer works only with the speaker

[@mrchecox2206]

Thanks Scott!

[@mrchecox2206]

Do you have a Pa recommendation if I already have a Yamaha mixer and just need the speaker ??

[@ScottUhlMusic]

@@mrchecox2206 this is a great speaker on its own too 👍

[@SlimeDonkeyTV]

I just ordered one based on your review. I really hope it will be beneficial for me, as I can use it as my personal Item on airplane flights.

[@ScottUhlMusic]

Nice! Enjoy 🤘🤘

[@SlimeDonkeyTV]

@@ScottUhlMusic I really hope it suits my needs!

[@ttaurus393]

I have a question about what size room do you think this is good for small, medium, or large venues

[@ScottUhlMusic]

Smaller rooms. 100-150 people

[@ttaurus393]

Thanks ​@@ScottUhlMusic

[@eyalpolicar4185]

Bought it off your recommendation.. quick question can I use my iPad playbacks to accompany my guitar and microphone?

[@ScottUhlMusic]

Nice! Enjoy 🤘 and yes definitely 👍

[@lsbfilmproductions]

Fantastic review, thank you....Just need to rob a bank now...

[@danreviews-q4u]

There doesnt seem to be any reviews that show it being used with an electric guitar. Does it sound good with the onboard effects plugged straight in?

[@ScottUhlMusic]

I haven’t used it like that, but I would suggest using your own pedals/amp modeler and then go into the speaker that way

[@lastxp]

It can record to your daw, but can it output sound from your daw?

[@ScottUhlMusic]

You can always go out of like an audio interface and go into one of the channels 👍

[@alvarohernandez2764]

Can it be used in stereo with extra speaker?

[@ScottUhlMusic]

I’m not sure. If you get a separate mixer, of course. But with the built in one? I’m not sure

[@alvarohernandez2764]

strange it has stereo inputs as you showed, but no panning? I suppose the headphones out is stereo, but that's different. I wonder about that xlr mix out you showed. Don't know if that one can be used to link to a second speaker, and would it be the same signal or stereo. Also the recordings or streaming, are they mono or stereo. Otherwise, why have stereo inputs?

[@lastxp]

@@alvarohernandez2764 My guess is its for the SD card and audio interface stereo recording function. A big improvement would be to offer a cheap slave speaker to pair it with and add an audio interface with individual audio inputs and outputs for DAW's

[@esovae]

Thank you so so much for this tutorial 🙏 what a cool unit 🤘💯

[@ScottUhlMusic]

Glad you like it!

[@mathhewmoonshine5469]

how can you use in ear monitors with this like i want to be able to hear myself even when the speaker is not turned up?

[@ScottUhlMusic]

You plug into the headphone out and control it on the mixer 👍

[@mathhewmoonshine5469]

@@ScottUhlMusic i think im just plugging it in wrong

[@mathhewmoonshine5469]

@@ScottUhlMusic do you have instagram or something i could DM you a picture of the speaker and the IEMS and the mixer?

[@AlexButler-u7g]

Looking to have a vocal mic, my Arturia AstroLab keyboard and then electric guitar through pedalboard out to an amp sim pedal to the MACKIE in stereo. Would that work?

[@ScottUhlMusic]

As long as you have enough inputs on the mixer, you’ll be good 👍

[@jamiebigpapa]

Can I ask how it would deal with a stomp box? Like a Rolland one kick??

[@ScottUhlMusic]

It would work well with it 👍 Just make sure to set gain properly like any of the other channels and you’ll be good

[@jasonwerner6896]

How is the bass and push of sound on this in a live room?

[@ScottUhlMusic]

Depends on your goal of “push the bass” if you mean a subwoofer level of low end, this isn’t the speaker. If you mean a good amount of low end for a solo set or a cocktail hour set, then the low end is good. It is a smaller speaker, which means it’s not meant to emphasize bass

[@CrossoverClassic]

Great review! Question: your opinion: Is the sound quality of the headphone out 3.5mm of sufficient quality and power to go to a PA speaker? Also, can i use a Y cable (3.5mm to dual L&R stereo to two L&R Powered speakers) and MAINTAIN stereo input signal (either channel 5/6 or 1/4 inch in) out through the headphone out?

[@ScottUhlMusic]

Thanks! And yes you can go 3.5mm out into a speaker for sure 👍 and I’m not sure about the headphone out but my guess is yes. Most headphone outs are stereo

[@MarkSchiele]

How is the bottom end on this? I'm in a two piece band and I play bass through our PA currently.

[@ScottUhlMusic]

We used it for my band as that center fill and it sounded great! It’s not a subwoofer, but the low end was nice and full for our setup 👍

[@MarkSchiele]

@@ScottUhlMusic Thanks

[@bqktwcommentary]

Can you plug in a monitor speaker into this Mackie PA system?

[@ScottUhlMusic]

Plug a monitor into the speaker? I’m not sure I follow

[@bqktwcommentary]

@@ScottUhlMusic i thought this Mackie system you reviewed was a compact PA system to amplify a solo performer or a band. My apologies I misunderstood your review. I searched for compact PA systems your video was one of the search results.

[@ScottUhlMusic]

Yeah this definitely is that system. if you mean can you run another speaker off of it, it has the mix out port you could use to send that to another speaker 👍

[@bqktwcommentary]

@@ScottUhlMusic its good to have a monitor speaker directed at the perfromerand a speaker facing the audience. So I asked if it has input for a monitor speaker.

[@TomBedlammusic]

Genuine question because im seriously considering one but can't find one near me in person. It sorta looks plastic-y if that makes sense. Especially the breakaway. Im just concerned about build quality since I would be using this several times a week for rough and ready pub gigs. Does it feel well made and like it will last?

[@ScottUhlMusic]

It all feels pretty sturdy to me. The breakaway mixer might not be made of metal or anything, but I would trust it live for sure 👍

[@goodtimefolkrock]

can the main out power a passive floor monitor?

[@ScottUhlMusic]

I don’t believe it will send power to passive speakers

[@tiffsaver]

I'm a vocalist, so I have two questions for ya. First, it is as loud as my current Bose S1, and second, does it sound better for singers than the Bose? Thanks!

[@ScottUhlMusic]

I think both of them sound great as I have both of them. The “loudest” one I’ve found is the Everse 12 for battery powered systems

[@gregsanders7064]

Great Demo

[@JayaLove]

Amazing review! Impressive product. Question: is the aux send and return stereo or mono?

[@ScottUhlMusic]

Thank you! And I’m not sure tbh

[@jimmyoandrhondalee7431]

Looks good but no audio demo?

[@ScottUhlMusic]

I did some audio demos of the fx, but overall I don’t like doing sound demos of a speaker. It wouldn’t actually capture the sound of how the speaker sounds on a KZbin video. So instead I focus on the specs and setup and then you can decide if it’s something that is right for you. Pretty much all these speakers sound useable now, and if there are any minor details, a KZbin video definitely will not pick it up.

[@trafyknits9222]

The ShowBox costs about $800 (before tax and shipping).

[@ScottUhlMusic]

The price could have changed since I released the video

[@pbenson56fran]

Thank you very much

[@ScottUhlMusic]

Thanks for watching!

[@GrowingTreesEasy]

Enough for medium hall with 100 people?

[@ScottUhlMusic]

Yup 👍

[@mathhewmoonshine5469]

when ive tried doing it it just keeps making a loud screech noise can you try helping me?

[@ScottUhlMusic]

I’m assuming you mean the in ear monitors you mentioned in a previous comment? See if it’s an issue with the iems themselves or not first. Try a different cable, wired option, or earbuds to see where the issue is coming from

[@tcanter64]

How is it as a monitor?

[@ScottUhlMusic]

I haven’t tried it, so I’m not sure

[@RafaelUnplugged]

Have you tried the EON One Compact? I have a JBL PRX ONE + EON ONE MK2 and hoping to use the One Compact as a wedge since it'll talk to my app with the other two seamlessly. EV is killing it right now but the channels on the JBLs and price point made it the right choice for me.

[@ScottUhlMusic]

I haven’t tried those, but I’m always interested in trying out gear!

[@RafaelUnplugged]

@@ScottUhlMusic hopefully you get your hands on em! SEND HIM THE GOODS JBL! LOL

[@rubenzablocki]

Is it stereo or can be linked into stereo?

[@ScottUhlMusic]

I would use an external mixer and go to two of these, one left and one right if you want to do it in stereo 👍

[@ne9colas]

How about using it with a bass ?

[@ScottUhlMusic]

Depends how much low end you want, it’s not a subwoofer, but there is a decent amount of low end for this type of a speaker. Always get the right speaker for the job 👍

[@shawndeveau]

The build quality looks suspect. Is it made from brittle plastic? How long before it breaks?

[@ScottUhlMusic]

The build quality feels great on this thing 👍

[@Robe_Hernandez]

Can you plug a instrument to channel 5??

[@ScottUhlMusic]

You can, yes 👍

[@chucksaeger7500]

This looks like a dynamite product! How’s the volume? Thanks

[@ScottUhlMusic]

Works great! 400W of power, it’s not a massive speaker, but it works well for small/mid sized locations with solo/duo acts 👍

[@MrWideopenmusicuk]

Hi Scott. What size venue would this work for volume wise? Also, would it be a good shout for a duo with backing tracks doing rock covers (guitar, 2 vox & backing tracks) and finally, can you use a 2nd speaker if you need one stage left and stage right? Cheers

[@ScottUhlMusic]

I used these for my bar show and the acoustic set. So for small/mid sized venues. I think it would work for your setup. And you can connect via the mix out to another speaker 🤘

[@MrWideopenmusicuk]

@@ScottUhlMusic thanks Scott, much appreciated as always.

[@pokerface1959]

I bought one great amp but am only getting 5 hours out of the battery when busking Not good enough

[@ScottUhlMusic]

Weird, mine definitely survives longer than that. I would ask Mackie

[@Robe_Hernandez]

Better than bose pro???

[@ScottUhlMusic]

I recommend watching videos on both and seeing which features appeal to you the most for your setup 👍

[@ndimaioii]

👍

[@marcburns9063]

Shame the mixer isnt a Bluetooth connection?

[@ScottUhlMusic]

It has a Bluetooth input 👍

[@TechMyLifeVideo]

Be nice if that break away mixer was wireless.

[@ScottUhlMusic]

They have a battery powered mixer I want to check out!

[@ShaneBryson]

Sent mine back. It’s not loud enough at all.

[@ScottUhlMusic]

“Loud enough” depends on what you are trying to use it for. It was great for all my needs, but always get the right speaker for the job 👍

[@ShaneBryson]

@ so I’m a music bingo host, trivia host and emcee. My use case is midsize to large bars. My thought was to use the showbox as my main speaker at the DJ booth with me and use two Thump Gos daisy chained from it using wireless XLR transmitters/receivers in the middle of the bar and the other end. I could never get enough out of it to make that work. However, I use a Bose S1 pro+ with the same set up in the same bars and it sounds awesome. It just feels like the showbox should at least be able to match the Bose in that use case and it doesn’t even come close.

[@UweSchröter-d9v]

Good idea….but MONO is boring😂

[@ScottUhlMusic]

You can get two of these, and also, it seems more targeted to solo performers, where mono makes the most sense. I do most things in mono live 👍

[@lorearna6267]

So cool, thanks for the info! Keep the great work!