Freeplay offers two one-inch compression drivers flanking an eight-inch woofer. Stated frequency response is 65 Hz - 20 kHz (-10 dB).
Everyone loves innovative thinking. Mackie has done a lot of it over the last few decades, and they're back at it with the FreePlay powered mixer/speaker ($500). FreePlay Personal PA combines a three-input mixer, power amp section and two-way speaker in a compact molded, plastic enclosure designed for true “grab-and-go” convenience.
Not much bigger than a portable CD player, FreePlay has 300 watts of amplification split across an eight-inch woofer and two one-inch compression drivers. The mixer section offers two analog inputs on XLR and 1/4-inch combo connectors (no phantom power), plus a 1/8-inch stereo input. All have fixed input gain, with the XLR inputs getting an additional 20 dB of boost to handle mic-level signals. A Bluetooth wireless stereo input takes over the 1/8-inch input when FreePlay is paired with another device. These inputs flow into a digital mixer with processing and built-in effects. A mono sum output carrying the full mix allows connection of a powered monitor or subwoofer.
Controlling all of this from the back of a compact speaker is a challenge—one FreePlay handles well. A single continuous knob changes levels of inputs, the effects return and the main output, depending on which is selected. Above this knob is an LED meter that shows the level of the parameter being adjusted. Three buttons handle the level selection: “1”, “2” and “Main”. There's also a button for the Bluetooth/Aux input and output.
An “FX” button cycles through two reverb and two delay effects. A “Feedback Destroyer” button engages the active feedback suppression, and an “EQ” button cycles through four system EQ curves. These curves include flat, a “DJ” setting with bumped bass and treble, “Solo” with reduced bass/low-mids and enhanced presence, and “Voice” with reduced bass and increased treble.
"FreePlay meets so many needs it’s a challenge to think of them all."
Loren Alldrin
Reviewer.
When the FreePlay app is paired up and running on an iOS or Android device, several additional parameters become available. In addition to level and mute controls for each channel, the app allows the adjustment of simple bass/mid/treble EQ. You can also select from 16 different effects programs instead of just four from the back panel. Bluetooth range with a Samsung Android phone was excellent, easily 70 feet line-of-sight. You can connect to just one FreePlay at a time, so there'll be no FreePlay arrays showing up in the future.
Power it Up
Sonically, FreePlay does a fine job considering the constraints of its size. With a rated max SPL of 114 dB, it gets surprisingly loud before limiting sets in. Voice-range response is smooth and clear, and I found little EQ was required to make the spoken voice articulate and distinct. Acoustic guitar sounds great through FreePlay.
Because its cabinet is quite small, FreePlay's bass response isn't deep and tends to be a bit muddy. I preferred the extra clarity of the bass-cutting settings (Solo and Voice) on most everything but full-range music playback. These settings also allowed FreePlay to get considerably louder. Another design limitation comes from a very high crossover point into the high-frequency drivers (stated as 3.5 kHz, sounds higher). Because higher frequencies “beam” off large paper cones, FreePlay's eight-inch driver spreads upper-mid frequencies over a rather narrow swath. Not a deal-breaker, but worth noting.
I came across a few other performance issues. We reviewed the unit with a beta version Andriod app, which tended to lock up. Mackie assures us the next version, which was to be made public by the time you read this, should not exhibit any performance issues. Gain from the line input may be inadequate for quieter instruments (i.e. someone playing a digital piano with a light touch). A gain boost button would have been a nice. Reverbs are useful—if a bit rattly. The “Feedback Destroyer” helped, but didn't catch everything we threw at it. .
Mobile Solution
Quibbles aside, can this little speaker earn its keep? Consider: special-event sound for the worship leader and her guitar. Battery-powered PA on the church lawn. Announcements for the dining hall. Background tunes and toasts at the wedding reception. Backing tracks and mic for the children's church talent show.
Streaming music for the youth pastor's pool party (wait--did he get permission to use the FreePlay?). That's right, applications for this product are so numerous, the main challenge of FreePlay may be just keeping track of who's using it. A few optional accessories make FreePlay even more versatile. It will run all day on the lithium-ion battery pack (or regular D-cells). The FreePlay kickstand adds a pole mount and also holds FreePlay at a 45-degree angle for floor wedge applications. A carrying bag protects FreePlay from knocks and holds its power supply and cables.
After testing FreePlay extensively, it has proven itself a versatile little box capable of delivering good-quality sound in moderate quantities. The audio world is filled with niche products that solve one specific problem. Far less common is the product that meets so many needs it's a challenge to think of them all. If your church has a few (or a few dozen) sound needs sprinkled across your various ministries, Mackie FreePlay may be just the solution you're looking for.
