Mackie FR 800 Power Amps Review

The FR 800 is a dual channel power amplifier, capable of producing a maximum of 800 watts when driving a 4 ohm speaker in bridged mode, or up to 480 watts per channel when driving a pair of 2 ohm speakers. The "FR" in the model name is short for "Fast Recovery", the unique technology that is now found throughout the Mackie product range. Traditional power amplifiers can easily become stuck in "clipping mode" when a clipped signal (resulting from input levels that are too high) is sent through them. Fast Recovery allows the FR 800 to quickly return to normal operation after clipping, sparing your speakers and the ears of your audience. Additionally, the FR 800 features automatic limiting technology, which is easily enabled or disabled by a switch located on the unit's back panel. When enabled, the FR 800 automatically detects the high volume transient attacks that can sometimes occur when a bassist or a drummer plays a brief, energetic fill. When this happens, the amplifier will quickly reduce its input gain, resulting in safe, non-clipped waveforms to be sent to the speakers. This safety measure is nearly transparent, and it is seldom possible to notice it at all.

Offering further protection to your equipment is the subsonic frequency filter, also located on the back panel of the FR 800. When enabled, the FR 800 engages a high pass filter at 30 Hz, gently attenuating frequencies that are below the range of human hearing. This protects speakers that are unable to reproduce those frequencies that are felt, rather than heard, such as from a bass drum. When a drum kit needs to be amplified, however, or a subwoofer needs to be driven by the amplifier, the subsonic filter can easily be disabled.

Mackie FR 800 Power Amplifiers are engineered with a solid, all-steel rackmount design, weighing a hefty 43.6 pounds. They are protected against defects in workmanship, or against equipment failure, for a period of three years after purchase.

The Mackie brand has become famous worldwide as a provider of top quality sound reinforcement to both recording studios and touring acts. Mackie's mixers, speakers, and amplifiers are among the most respected in the industry. Mackie FR 800 Power Amplifiers represent a new entry into the world of live sound amplification, and include a number of features to enhance sound quality and reliability, not found previously at such a low price point.

Mackie FR 800 Power Amplifiers - Summary:
* Maximum rated power output of 800 watts (bridged, mono) or 480 watts per channel (stereo, 2 ohms)
* User selectable volume limiter and high pass filter protect the amplifier's internal circuitry and your speakers from clipped waveforms and subsonic frequencies
* Fast Recovery technology enables the amplifier to recover quickly after entering clipping mode
* Heavy rackmount construction, protected against defects or equipment failure for three years after purchase