Mackie MP-240 IEMs Test Drive

[ColonelZulu]

Recently decided to try something other than the ubiquitous Shure 215s.

I found a new set of Mackie MP-240s on the verb for around $115.

Now I know it’s not fair to have similar expectations from a single driver IEM vs a dual hybrid driver equipped alternative, but the sticker price was certainly in the same range. I have had multi-driver IEMs before (KZ ZS10), but they fell out and I stepped on them and crushed them at a show. Ugh. I always thought they sounded fine, but I relied on the Shure 215s that I keep in the small case clipped to a gigbag and keep the others as backup.

Well, I decided to do some side by side with the 215s vs the MP-240s. I used my laptop and put on Michael Jackson PYT because I know that mix very well. At moderate volume it was very clear the bass came through much more with the Mackies. Everything was much clearer. But I wanted to see if there was more than just a perception that could be influenced by my hope to be justified in the purchase.

So I put back in the Shures and maxed out the laptop volume. It was definitely tolerable and not distorted. Then I put in the Mackies…

WOW - holy moly it was waaaay louder than the 215s. Nothing distorted. Sounded thick and clear. But I couldn’t keep the volume up for long, it was just way too loud.

They both fit similarly. I like the squishy form fitting foam buds over the silicone. The Mackies have a nifty miniature Pelican-ish case.

I also tested them with my IEM pack with just a bass. The Mackies are so much louder.

I really look forward to this week’s shows and I hope to notice an improvement on stage. I go ampless so I’m always counting on a good clear mix when I play (9-piece R&B funk disco).

I always stun the sound guys by how much more ME I want in my mix. Maybe the 215s just can’t give me all the bass at the volume I want.

 

[AK Bass Guy]

Thanks for the review.
Mackie is usually known for making good professional/prosumer economical gear.
Sure you can spend more and get better quality but there is also a case for something that gets the job done and doesn’t break the bank.

When it comes to things like headphones and earbuds I’m on the side of good but cheap.
I’ve broken too many headphones in my life and treat headphones more like consumables than a permanent investment.

Same goes for 1/4” cables, I won’t buy crap but I’m not going to spend $100 on a fancy gold plated cord that will probably get stolen eventually anyways.

I wish you luck on your gear experimentation.

 

[TaylorJ]

I have two pair of the Mackie. They sound good, but after a few months I would get one side that would cut out while playing. This happened to both pairs, and another pair my friend had. He ditched to another brand. I got some cheap ones to try out. I wonder if the cable just isn’t strong enough? Hope you don’t have the same problem.

 

[AK Bass Guy]

I have two pair of the Mackie. They sound good, but after a few months I would get one side that would cut out while playing. This happened to both pairs, and another pair my friend had. He ditched to another brand. I got some cheap ones to try out. I wonder if the cable just isn’t strong enough? Hope you don’t have the same problem.

Was the break at the 3.5 TRS?
That’s a super cheap fix to solder on a non molded 3.5mm TRS.
Molded TRS plugs crap out after a while with heavy use.

 

[TaylorJ]

Was the break at the 3.5 TRS?
That’s a super cheap fix to solder on a non molded 3.5mm TRS.
Molded TRS plugs crap out after a while with heavy use.

I think it's at the point the cable connects to the earpiece. Sometimes if I'm moving my head left or right it will completely cut out, move my head around and sometimes it will come back on. It will for fine for a week or so, and then start acting up again.

 

[AK Bass Guy]

I think it's at the point the cable connects to the earpiece. Sometimes if I'm moving my head left or right it will completely cut out, move my head around and sometimes it will come back on. It will for fine for a week or so, and then start acting up again.

A break there not as easy to fix.
Looks like the MP 240s have the pro feature of a detachable cord.
So if the issue is on the connector to the ear bud you can just buy a replacement cable for $40.
That’s a nice design not seen on economical music gear often.

 

[TaylorJ]

I did see those, but I've had two pair go bad, and a friend had the same thing. How many times do I shell out 40.00 before I just get a different type?

 

[ColonelZulu]

The connection seems to be the same type that I see on many different brands of IEMs. So, maybe don’t get the Mackie replacement cable. There are plenty of cheaper MMCX replacement cables.

 

[AK Bass Guy]

I did see those, but I've had two pair go bad, and a friend had the same thing. How many times do I shell out 40.00 before I just get a different type?

Do your buds cables just hang or are you using a clip of sorts on your shirt as a strain relief? A break at the buds in the cable makes me think the weight of the cable or the cable getting snagged is putting more stress on the connector at the buds. Good thing is the connection on the buds itself aren’t breaking.

I use Countryman wig mics quite often which aren’t super expensive but not cheap and the life expectancy of the cable is strongly influenced by handling.
Some people can go a whole run without needing a replacement and others need a replacement after 2 weeks.

Storing your buds in a good hard case should give your bud cables a longer life expectancy too, if you don’t already do that.