Continuing the trend toward highquality, high-SPL output from compact cabinets, Mackie Designs recently unveiled the SA1232 three-way active speaker. In a world where singlewoofer designs dominate, the SA1232 stands apart. Dual 12-inch drivers allow the SA1232 to offer woofer area comparable to that of a single 18-inch driver, but from a smaller cabinet.
In addition to the two woofers, the SA1232 boasts a six-inch midrange driver and 1.75- inch high-frequency driver. A cone midrange driver is somewhat of a departure from the norm as well, delivering a sound preferred by many over that of the more common compression midrange driver. The Mackie’s mid- and highfrequency drivers are mounted to a large dual-waveguide assembly which smoothly sums their acoustic output. Dispersion of this assembly (and hence the speaker itself) is 90 degrees horizontal by 40 degrees vertical.
Internal amplification totals 1,300 watts, pushing the SA1232’s peak output to an impressive 136 dB SPL (130 dB SPL continuous). A full 1,100 watts of power are dedicated to the woofers, with 100 watts each going to the mid- and highfrequency drivers. While the SA1232’s bass output power may seem excessive in light of the other drivers, the balance is quite appropriate. Direct-radiating low-frequency drivers are far less efficient than their midand high-frequency counterparts, and bass frequencies require much more power to reproduce.
In addition to amplification, the SA1232’s active electronics include 24-dB/octave electronic crossover, phase alignment correction, time correction and equalization. Settings for each are dialed in at the factory, in a controlled environment and with sophisticated test equipment. Starting with a perfectly matched (and adjusted) sound system right out of the box is a major benefit of self-powered speakers. Factor in the money you’d spend on outboard gear to achieve this level of processing, and the value of active speakers becomes all the more apparent. At just under four feet tall, 19 inches wide and 18 inches deep, the SA1232 has a very small footprint in light of its acoustic output. While it may be compact, however, this cabinet is not light. At 132 pounds, moving the SA1232 is definitely a twoperson operation. It’s important to note that the SA1232 has no rigging points or internal bracing for flying. You can’t hang this cabinet in the air, or mount it on a stand-the SA1232 has to stay grounded. Too bad.
The Mackie’s ultra-rigid cabinet is constructed of 13-ply Baltic Birch with resin end caps. Handles are located on the left and right sides of the cabinet, strategically placed to balance the speaker while being lifted. Two more handles are molded into the top and bottom end caps, useful for carrying the SA1232 horizontally. The speaker’s back panel is dominated by a large aluminum heat sink which cools the power amplifiers by passive convection (no fan). The nearby control/ connector panel has a power cable connector (dedicated 20-amp service recommended), power switch, volume control with 20 dB range, XLR line input, XLR “Loop Out” output and several LED indicators. These indicators include power, signal present, peak input limit and thermal fault. The Mackie’s limiter circuit watches the low-frequency amp’s output, reducing overall input level if it detects clipping.
Answer Me This
When looking at Mackie’s somewhat unorthodox driver selections for the
SA1232, several questions may spring to mind. The first would likely be, “Why
two 12-inch drivers?”
Splitting the woofer cone area into two parts has several advantages. First, the lighter cone assembly per driver makes for a faster response to rapid signal changes (transients). This results in “tighter” bass and a punchier, clearer low-frequency output. Second, smaller drivers offer a smoother dispersion pattern at higher frequencies, making for more consistent coverage near the first 700 Hz crossover point.
Third, power handling and reliability are improved by sharing the work between two drivers. Running all of the SA1232’s 1,100 watts to a single woofer could be a recipe for disaster. The last advantage-a smaller cabinet-has already been mentioned. The downside? Weight. Two complete magnet/basket assemblies add up to some serious heft.
Why a six-inch cone midrange? Because Mackie engineers thought it sounded better than the other alternative. At this frequency range, the only other game in town is a large-format compression driver. These horns can be harsh, often lending a characteristic midrange “honk” to a speaker’s sound. A horn’s power handling also drops quickly as frequencies decrease, a tendency that usually requires more colored, unpredictable upper-mid output from the woofer to compensate.
In short, the SA1232’s six-inch mid delivers a smoother sound in the critical voice band. With crossover points at 700H Hz and 3 kHz, much of the singing and speaking voice range is handled by the cone mid driver. Likewise, the critical band of frequencies that defines the sound of most instruments also falls to this very capable little driver.
It’s worth noting that the SA1232 is loaded with RCF Precision components, Italian-made drivers known for their excellent sound quality and reliability. RCF was purchased by Mackie several years ago, and the SA1232 definitely benefits from this relationship.
How Does it Sound?
Perhaps the first thing one notices upon hearing the SA1232 is balance-the
speaker delivers a broad, even response from deep bass to sparkly highs. The
speaker’s stated frequency response is within 3 dB of rulerflat from
45 Hz to 18 kHz. This is admirable performance from a studio monitor, and downright
impressive from a highoutput PA speaker.
Thanks to its dual woofers and generously large bass-reflex (ported) cabinet, the SA1232 puts out very good low bass. Midbass is punchy and full, and the 12-inch drivers reproduce transients (kick drum, electric bass) with plenty of snap and clarity in the 60-100 Hz range. The SA1232’s low-end output renders a subwoofer optional, if not completely unnecessary, for most church sound applications.
The SA1232’s midrange strikes a nice balance of smoothness and clarity. The sixinch mid driver’s benefits are immediately apparent, lending to the speaker’s midrange “sweetness” that large-format horns just don’t seem to have. This midrange character transitions nicely into the crisp, silky top end of the SA1232’s 1.75-inch high-frequency driver. Horizontal dispersion is broad and even, with the SA1232 putting out a very consistent sound across its 90-degree coverage angle. The speaker’s frequency response shows two 10 dB frequency dips at the edges of its vertical coverage, at 20 degrees above and below the axis. This is due to phase cancellation between drivers at each crossover frequency, and is to be expected.
The Big Question
All this leads to the obvious big question-is the Mackie SA1232 the right speaker
for your sanctuary? If you require a flown cabinet, the answer will likely
be “no.” But in other performance situations-free-standing on stage
or stacked on a subwoofer-a pair of properly aimed Mackie SA1232’s will
fill even a larger church with high-quality sound-especially for music reproduction.
If you’re in the market for a compact, fullrange active speaker with a very big sound, the Mackie SA1232 is certainly worthy of an audition.
