This month’s first electronic review is geared toward mobile DJ’s like me. In a world where “powered” speakers are taking over the Mackie C300i steps up to the plate to get a piece of the action. In a market demanding high performance from compact, lightweight, and durable gear, the popularity of self-powered speakers has grown immeasurable in recent years. Bob Mackie continues to stay in the game with the C200i two-way portable sound reinforcement speaker. Continuing the company’s reputation for creating budget-minded products, Bob Mackie packs the unit with useful features, all while keeping the price tag manageable for most any mobile operator.


The powerful Mackie C300i two-way passive 300 watts portable sound reinforcement speakers have a ¼ inch jack, which separates it from it previous predecessor the C300. Other than that these two speakers are basically the same. For those that are technically savvy, the C200i ¼ input is wired with a positive and negative tip making them an ideal choice for professional mixers. The Mackie C300i is easy to use, simply make sure the switch is off and connect the line-level outputs from the mixing console to the inputs of my powered amp. Plug the speaker in and flip the power switch located at the back of the speaker and you are ready to blast the night away.


Design: (tall dark and handsome)

The Mackie C300i cool design fits most live sound applications. One of the nice things about the C300i is that its asymmetrical trapezoidal shape of the cabinet is designed to sit on the floor, or lay on the table. The dimensions of the C300i are (H x W x D): 66.0cm x 39.6 x 37.5 mm (25.98 x 15.58 x 14.75 in.). Although I’ve never used them, the speakers are equipped with rigging points. It’s the rigging points that do all the work and suspend the speakers. On the rear panel I found a number of convenient features. The C300i has easy to use ¼ inch jack connectors. The black metal vents are also at the back and generally get a little warm during performances but it’s nothing to worry about. The sturdy power plug is detachable and easily connects to the marked 120 VAC 60HZ 200W socket in the back.


Sound: (testing, testing 123, testing, testing, 123)

The sound is awesome! The C300i loudspeakers are designed to sound as clean as possible, reproducing the input signals as accurately as possible. In non-technical words, these babies rock! However as with all speakers’ room acoustics can play a crucial role in the overall performance of your speakers so make sure you avoid the corners and set them up right. I’ve used them at outdoor events as well as a large ballroom and it’s done a fantastic job. When I do an event my speakers are never more than 100 feet apart so I’ve never used a delay processor to time-align the sound. When it comes to real world performance the speakers have continued to perform well for small and mid-sized events. Naturally adding a subwoofer would be ideal for larger venues.


The Mackie C300 have a 3-inch voice coil woofer and multi-cell aperture horn throat and large format exponential/conical high frequency horn mouth which is perfect for those moments when too loud isn’t loud enough. I’ve played for hours with no loss in sound generating the beats that keep the party going all night long. Plus each C300i has a Low-Impedance Compensated Crossover (LICC) with full built-in transducer protection and Speakon® or TS(Tip-Sleeve) inputs that implore you to kick the system up a notch or two with your mixer making this a top notch speaker.


I’ve owned my Mackie 300i’s for almost a year and they have continued to provide months of reliable service. There have been no performance or safety issues with my Mackie 300i’s. Naturally I don’t allow my audience to rest drinks on my speakers, but if they do get dirty I simply wipe them off with a damp cloth. The soft but firm bumpy black polypropylene (plastic) cabinet is very clean and neat in appearance.


Portability: (just toss me around)

When it comes to portability the solid C300i’s could take a little effort depending upon your level of physical fitness. If you are use to tossing around 50 pounds and work out on a semi-regular basis then the C300i weight of 43 lbs won’t faze you. The weight-balanced asymmetrical trapezoidal cabinet speakers also have a heavy-duty built-in handle for easy transportation making this road-worthy unit effortless to manage. Plus the top handle also makes it easy to position during setup.


When it comes to high performance, the Mackie C300i’s will hit a run with your audience. Sure, the economy sucks right now, but that doesn’t mean you can’t find a great deal on a fat-sounding speaker. If you are looking to score big at your event and hit a home run in the always-changing world of a mobile DJ, then check out the Mackie 300i. These speakers should be considered by any DJ looking to shed some weight from their rack, without breaking the bank in the process. (I would not recommend using them as home speakers unless you want your neighbors to hate you.)


Features noted in manual:
- 1.75" high-frequency compression driver
- 12" long-throw, low-frequency transducer
- 10 built-in fly points and built-in pole mount
- 300W RMS power handling
- 8 ohms nominal impedance


If you are planning on getting the Mackie C300i’s don’t worry, there is a decent service contract that comes with it. You can call 1-800-898-3211 from 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday for customer service or other specifications not provided in this review. Or go online to www.mackie.com. Either way, move up to powered speakers and get two of these babies today.







Recommended: Yes

Amount Paid (US$): 400.00