MACKIE HD1521

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.

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.

Click here for a few examples that illustrate the immense flexibility of this great-sounding EQ:

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.