Sound Test!! QSC K12.2 vs. Mackie SRM-212 V-Class (DSP Modes)

Online sound tests are not the best way to hear speakers - and I'm using royalty free music without vocals - so I know it's not the "BEST" that you may want to hear.
Even if the parameters are not exactly what you personally may want to hear - it's music being played evenly across both, so you can hear differences in these two speakers as the ‪@mackietv‬ SRM 212 V-Class goes up against the QSC K12.2 in a comparison of DSP modes.
I used a ‪@rodemic‬ Video Micro to capture the audio in the room with 9 foot ceilings.
I did NOT test the speech or microphone modes on the speakers for this test, just "Flat" "Club" and "Live" modes.
My business:
Website: www.andrewyatesdj.com
Instagram: djandrewyates
Gear: www.andrewyatesdj.com/equipment.html

[@innis2gbor]

Just ordered the 15"s and one SR18s can't wait to take them out. Will see how they compare to my DB technologies opera 15s

[@bennettshapiro7711]

This was an eye-opener. I’ve been mixing on the K 12..2’s for the last year and a half. And I like them. But I was hearing parts of the mix with the Mackies that I just wasn’t hearing with the QSC’s. I’m going to have to check these things out.

[@AndrewYates]

I have ONLY used QSC's for my mobile events (about 40 per yr) since I got my legacy K12's in 2011. Only using the SRM V-Class now! It sounds so good, even when pushed very hard. Never thought I'd pass on my K12.2's...

[@1000eyes55]

I really appreciate the demo of the 2 together I was going to buy the QSC but after listening im totally sold on Mackie good job!

[@AndrewYates]

Yes! I have gone back and forth for months this year, wedding after wedding, and I prefer the Mackie SRM's. Been using QSC for years, but I can't deny how good the SRM's sound.

[@1000eyes55]

Yea it's like having a girlfriend that you've been with for years she's not really a good cook doesn't really keep the house clean and not all that nice but you love her. Then all of a sudden another hot girl show up very friendly beautiful smells good and diggin your style but you don't want to acknowledge her qualities💯 Mackie 🙂

[@kashlott7814]

Thanks for a well done review!

[@teclairedikoume7266]

Following the sound test Mackie is like a Ferrari and QSC a BMW Powerful and alive sound from Mackie, great video 👍

[@BucNasty42]

Facts!

[@kashlott7814]

A year later how's the hardware holding up?

[@igooog]

Man I'd almost been sold on the K12.2's but now I'm thinking I need to see if I can find one of these guys to test out.

[@AndrewYates]

I never - ever - figured Mackie could really compete here, but I still use these and my QSC's interchangeably - just sound great even when pushed.

[@juanalcala4915]

Which subwoofer can i pair with the vclass?

[@heathphoenix1612]

kudos Great job,,,to Mackie as well

[@AndrewYates]

Awesome, thanks.

[@Chris-yy7qc]

I already own a pair of Mackie SRT-215 along with SR18S Subs and I love them. But the setup is quite bulky. Thats why I took a look at the QSC KS212C subwoofers and man are they awesome. The power they put out is unbelieveable and cardoid works perfectly. So I bought 2 of them... My problem now is: Which tops do I buy to go along with the subs? You read a lot of bad things about the K.2 series and the KW series is quite old. And I have to admit I dont like the tincan sound of the K.2s at all. Which makes me think I might combine the 212C subs with a pair of SRM-210 for my "micro system".

[@Ziggy_v2]

Hey Andrew thank you for these videos. Question - I use a pair of K12.2 with KS112 subs - I usually use Live Bright Preset and reduce the mids by -2bBs. But I don't change the Hz or Q. I'm looking for a smiley face EQ setting. Curious if you ever mess with the EQ on the speakers. If so what setting would you recommend?

[@AndrewYates]

I don't typically use the EQ on the QSC (they only let you cut, not boost because QSC thinks users will boost their signal to dust...which can be a common issue for beginners) But I do use a Yamaha MG12XU at all events (for microphone purposes) and sometimes will do a boost in the mids. For DJ events (corporate, weddings) I run the K12.2's 'default' with an 80hz subwoofer cut (for my RCF 705's) and tinker from there. But to be honest - I mostly use the V-Class now

[@Highvibesociety.]

I'm trying to decide which to get or if there are European options that may be better. I'm definitely intrigued in Mackie v12 that u been comparing. What kinda sub would you recommend getting and a starter 🎤?

[@Highvibesociety.]

I use a ddj 400 with rekordbox and an older MacBook. Thanks love your videos. What's ur name on SoundCloud?

[@mrproblemchild88able]

Good comparison Mackie sounds boosted but each brand has different level Sensitivity I would like to see Rcf hd12a n this battle keep up the videos I owned srm 450 v3 and they hit like 15s so I know these v class are beast Qsc is good company but I feel over priced Overrated rcf & Fbt all day for me Italian speakers are top notch I own the rcf 705as as well and a Fbt 10sa and pair Rcf hd12a 🔊👍🏾

[@AndrewYates]

I have a pair of 705 ASII's - love them. QSC stuff is solid, I keep my K12's real close by. These Mackie's have thus far impressed me.

[@jbltester4615]

What about RCF A915?

[@ericphilpott6702]

why would you not sound balance the two units ? Kinda discounts the side by side test.

[@revelationevents2323]

Where’s the limit indicator on these?

[@marcusgreene4045]

Still going with the QSC 12.2 heard the mackie brand does not last long and will go out on you ? After so many hours of use ?

[@AndrewYates]

QSC is of course very reliable, been using my K's for years. I will say though - been using the Mackie's this year at over 25 weddings, 5-7 hours each day, hot and cold weather - zero issues.

[@sevenbelow4263]

I use Mackie Thump series past 6 years. No issues.

[@andresd270]

Atleast on this video the mackie likes to sound better, but probably haves sharper highs. I would like to hear them in person. Also how is the sound when pushed to it’s limits

[@AndrewYates]

Sounds very under control when pushed hard, something I did not expect.

[@spinmoney101]

I always liked the mid to high class mackies sound but the headroom from QSC is unmatched and the work horses in the real world.

[@MobileDJManchester]

Here in the UK you just cant get either the hi-tech QSC or Mackies speakers repaired So buying 2nd hand is a BIG RISK. I use both QSC and Mackie. My Mackie DLMs have been great but got a few faults developing now and one driver has gone. Nobody is interested in repairing them. I spoke to Polar Audio who distribute Mackie in the UK they said they don't actually repair speakers any more but they gave me a contact of Surrey Amplification who can repair them. I spoke to them on the phone and they said they cant get parts for Mackie at the moment and the are hoping to hear something in March 03 from the manufacturer but they have not ha any parts for over 12 months. Even if they could get the parts to do any repairs their average cost to repair the Mackie speakers was from £350 upwards per speaker plus postage. I said that's a big blow, do you think I should invest in the QSC K12.2 speakers? He said only if you buy them brand new as nobody will even look at repairing those either. SO BEWARE OF BUYING THESE SPEAKERS 2ND HAND because if something goes wrong with them you might as well throw them away,

[@Pinoysoundmachine74]

I think Qsc I’d say still better than the mackies in terms of overall performance in sound quality. I love Mackie speakers and I owned two Mackie thump15a. If I have to choose between these two speakers I’ll pick the Qsc any day.

[@jboogiethebeat]

So are comparing the SRMS V to the old Thump15a? We are all talking about the SRM V 212. New amps new design far better quility them the thump 15a. Stay on the topic at hand lol. Should I compare my kendwood 6\9's in my car to the SRM v212? By your logic I shoould. lol

[@selectorerwin1don12]

I love my thump 15a ppl all u have to do is load a 18sound or eminence kappa 15a and bring any qsc next to i swear the mackied will leave it like its 1980 benz

[@alpoulin1]

Levels of each speaker should have been properly matched before hand, if not the speaker with higher gain sensitivity is automatically going to "appear" to sound better to most ears. Gain sensitivity has nothing to do with sound quality and is not an indication of actual output capability either. It just means a given speaker will require more or less signal to produce a certain sound level. In my experience, the QSC will still be out gigging in 10 years, while the Mackie will be either in a landfill or in a repair centre patiently waiting for Mackie's lackluster customer service.... Mackie was good about 20 years ago, but has been producing questionable quality since its acquisition by Loud technologies. QSC has earned their reputation for quality and customer service ;)

[@AndrewYates]

Hey Al, great to hear your input, I've followed your posts for YEARS on pro audio forums - really appreciate the feedback! I don't like online sound tests - and put this one together somewhat begrudgingly. I've primarily used the legacy K and K.2 for years (along with my DXR 8's) and have nothing bad to say about them. Gain sensitivity is playing a part here, great info. I actually feel like ever since Transom Capitol Group bought Mackie in late 2017 there has been a MASSIVE improvement in their gear. I've been using these V-Class for the last few months and have been very surprised/impressed. Never would have expected to feel that way about Mackie, but here we are. I push them really hard over my RCF subs and they sound great.

[@alpoulin1]

@@AndrewYates I used Mackie M1400 amplifiers a long time ago (when I was using passive gear) and they were pretty solid. The orignal SRM 450s (with RCF transducers) were some of the first decent loud actives, although they could thermal if used in monitor position. I did test the newer Thump cabs about 2 years ago, and while they were impressive for their price, you could tell they were artificially boosted frequency wise to sound very "smiley face" eq'd, but were awful on vocals, didn't seem to have functionning limit lights even once into full audible distress and my dealer told me they come back blown regularly, so I'm hoping Mackie will slowly improve on both quality control and service. I've read and heard many horror stories on poor service for active sub failures especially :) Personally, I've been happy with my Yamaha DXR tops (8s and 15s) and DXS12 MKII subs for the last few years, but also love my RCFs (I own the 310As, 312A and 315A). I also still have my KX Audio (KV2) actives that I enjoy for live music performance because of their bigger compression driver (2,5''). Take care, Al :)

[@jboogiethebeat]

@@AndrewYates Tradition is the enemy of progress! i think the srm's sound better and heard them in G-center head to head with qsc K-12-2 Mackie WON!

[@garykyle1]

The new QSc k12.2 have lots of power issues. Not near the quality the older ones were. I have the very first generation QSC 3 ways and the 18” subs. Lived in a trailer for 10 years + with thousands of live band shows. I’ve replaced one horn! Those are great. I’ve had two new K12.2 s have powere issues in the first two years owning them.

[@dman2987]

Mackie👍👍

[@DJBennyswift]

The V-Class had a better sound to me, I’m looking at the V-Class or the Yamaha dzr10

[@selectorerwin1don12]

I always tell people the underdog products like mackie is way better than the bigger name thanks to mackie and the Truesonic series Alto professional ts315

[@guitar6591]

I think Mackie is a little bit loader but not producing clean sounds. I can here the mid so much that it sounds like a mic place on a hall and picking up noise while the QSC has the well balance distribution of high, mid, and bass

[@rahachi]

I’ve always heard the problem with the QSC’s is that a lot of the midrange frequencies are not as present with their speakers. So your mixes are two instead of Three dimensional sounding, like you would hear with Mackie or Alto speakers

[@AndrewYates]

Like many speakers, the K12.2 just needs a bit of EQ'ing to get the best result. The K's have been rock solid for years now in my rig, and though they're not 'perfect', they push pretty darn well and are not as harsh (in my opinion) at high volume as the legacy K's I had before.

[@DINU_R]

What’s the max spl on both?

[@AndrewYates]

Careful with max SPL numbers, because often they don't mean mush anymore with how companies fudge their numbers. QSC says 132, Mackie says 135.

[@shawnn5213]

Definitely a difference in the Mackie. Sounds fuller and distinct

[@kdocki]

I had to go listen to the original song here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/bGWQgKuahcuVd6s to see which speaker is more true to the original mix. The Mackie 'flat' seems to get closer to original form of song. The QSC does not play those dirtier distorted sound on those bass line horn hits like the Mackie does. Also the QSC seems quieter (and "smoother") too me as well, did you level it out? I hear a lot more crunchy highs with the Mackie. These speakers remind me of smooth rum (QSC) vs burns your intestines whiskey (Mackie). By the way, thanks DJ Andrew Yates for doing this comparison. Its great to actually see and hear it in action.

[@djdanbeatmusiksanantoniotx6746]

Reputation , quality and warranty....QSC all the way!

[@AndrewYates]

I've been a dedicated QSC user since 2011, and couldn't agree with this statement much more - BUT I will say, these are not at all the same Mackie's from the past several years. The "212 V-Class" has really impressed me the last few months in heavy use at very high volumes, and comes with a comparable 6-year warranty now. The gap is closing quick.

[@imoane4617]

Dj Dan Beat ... The only problem is that the Qsc sound quality and volume is worse. Maybe the old K series would compete.

[@techmetal2292]

I wish the mackie had a cleaner look, too busy with the lights and design on the front for me. It clearly has better output tho

[@AndrewYates]

I have the lights turned off permanently.

[@juanalcala4915]

Or just turn them off

[@decrasdj3408]

In this video Mackies sound way better, but the real test would be near to the maximun level of each speaker. But thanks for the test anyway.

[@AndrewYates]

I've pushed them both to their absolute limits, and was pleased to hear the Mackie's didn't fall apart at high volume, thought they sounded pretty darn good. The K.2 also stays much more under control than the legacy K series, which got pretty harsh when pushed very hard.

[@igooog]

Not so much at the max for each speaker, but running both speakers at the same SPL. The Mackie seems to be pushing more air at the same input level which will skew your perception of the entire frequency range.

[@luisgerardoalonzoescalante9380]

Mackie 👍👌

[@stevec.1802]

The winner is the one you like best. I’ve heard and gigged with a sound company using the QSC K12.2 with QSC 2x12 subs with a Mackie DL16S- and they sound spectacular. I would think the SRM-V Class would also be a contender.

[@dustinadair7893]

Seems like in every instance Mackies have more mids and QSC have deeper bass and less mids.

[@nicolas1400]

Mackie sounds harsh and fatiguing in my opinion. I think QSC is more smooth and easy on the ears.

[@ibrahimkoromakoroma9128]

Mackie sound too cheap. I'll real like to listen in person just for hype sake!. From one view I think Andrew is excited 😊 the facts that he has been recognise my mackie to send him pair boxes 📦 😉

[@ronaldhaduca5714]

Mackies are long throwing speakers, never heard anything like those. I still cant believe it.

[@AndrewYates]

Very underrated boxes. I still use them a lot. Mackie is having a hard time shaking off years of bad products.

[@michaelminturn183]

The Mackie bass sounds sloppy. I prefer the tighter and proportioned low end. As a wedding photographer I’ve heard my share of reception music. Overly boosted bass fatigues the ears and becomes annoying as the night progresses. IMHO

[@AndrewYates]

True - the Mackie's sound best as nearly all speakers in this class do - with a dedicated subwoofer. I'm of course not surprised to hear about "overly boosted bass" considering many do not know how to properly run sound. Have a great 2022 season!

[@hibbasc1]

QSC sounds hallow in the middle ….

[@AndrewYates]

I agree, but turned up they hold up well to very loud volumes better than the legacy K's. I've really been impressed with how little I have to do with the V-Class to get a great sound out of them. Very nice - even pushed hard. Mostly been using the V-Class outdoors.

[@kashoutcris9487]

Mackie seems to just want to get loud and deliver more bass and mids. That makes it sound like a hollowed box. While QSC has a more tight true to sound tone. Honestly for DJ’s and party environments i would go Mackie. But for professional studio recording and mixing i would go with QSC, but it also gives me the choice to DJ for parties. I wouldn’t use mackies for monitoring reference. Feels like you get a better overall sound profile with QSC vs just loud and bass…

[@mrproblemchild88able]

Sorry the rcf hd32a vs these two

[@cajunfid]

Shhhh. Don't let everyone know about RCF hah

[@mrproblemchild88able]

@@cajunfid 🤭

[@jaimebarrera7297]

Mackie speaker sound better than qsc 12.2

[@igooog]

Gotta consider a big part of that might be the good ol fletcher-munson curve. The mackie seems to be louder at the same input level which will give the impression of a fuller sound. What might be more useful a comparison would be to run both with an SPL meter to get a better sense of their actual sound.

[@AndrewYates]

In real world environments, I tend to EQ the Mackie's less. They really do sound good in the wild, but honestly I have found it's so hard to convince people of this since Mackie's reputation took such a nose dive for many years. People simple don't believe it until they hear them being used properly at an event.

[@teclairedikoume7266]

Mackie wins

[@fireflamezdjflamez2966]

Mackie sounds better