In 1989, the first Global Positioning System (GPS) satellite was placed in orbit; cold fusion was achieved at the University of Utah; the Berlin Wall came down; a powerful earthquake shook the San Francisco Bay Area during a World Series game. Mackie also released its first product, the LM-1602 line mixer, soon followed by the Mackie CR-1604-and the audio industry was forever changed. For the first time, professional-quality 16-channel audio mixing was affordable for every musician. In that fateful year, the Seattle-area company was just beginning. Today, Mackie offers what the company says is a full line of affordable, high-quality audio equipment ranging from mixers to sound-reinforcement loudspeakers, studio monitors, recording interfaces and more.

The Mackie story really began in 1969, when company co-founder Greg Mackie launched Technical Audio Products (TAPCO). Realizing that a new generation of rock bands needed an affordable, durable, high-quality mixer that could handle signals from loud instruments, Greg Mackie saw an opening in the market and decided to fill it. TAPCO’s subsequent success, including its immensely popular 6000 and 6100R mixers, confirmed his vision.

By 1989, the music industry had taken another leap. Many musicians invested in affordable polyphonic electronic keyboards, sound modules and outboard processors and became interested in home recording. But mixers hadn’t kept up; only expensive consoles offered the features and quality needed for musicians to pursue their dreams. The Mackie CR-1604 compact analog mixer and subsequent Mackie products changed all that, employing new technology and implementing only the required features, while continuing Greg Mackie’s emphasis on delivering affordable, high-quality, “Built Like a Tank” gear. The result was a revolution in personal recording and live sound for bands. Many companies have tried to emulate Mackie’s approach, but 30 years after it shook the industry, the Seattle-area manufacturer continues to innovate and remains a leader in quality gear that doesn’t break the bank.

“Celebrating 30 years is about recognizing our customers around the world that have put their trust in our gear,” reflects Mackie Marketing Director Shaunna Krebs. “Our customers made our success possible, and we look forward to the next 30 years of providing great gear for Mackie fans everywhere.”

Here’s a documentary about Mackie’s 30-year journey:

And, of course, Mackie is here.