TAPCO Debuts New Family of Active Studio Monitors at NAMM

Anaheim, NAMM Convention - January 15, 2004:
TAPCO by Mackie introduced today a new family of active studio monitors designed to redefine the price performance ratio for entry-level customers. The 5-inch TAPCO S•5, introduced last September at the PLASA show in London, makes its U.S. debut along with its new larger sibling, the 8-inch TAPCO S•8. Conceived and engineered by the same design team behind the award-winning line of Mackie HR series studio monitors, the TAPCO S•5 and S•8 bring uncompromising sound quality to project studios and desktop musicians on a budget.

"The S•5 created high levels of enthusiasm since its introduction in Europe last summer," commented Terry Wetherbee, Sr. Loudspeaker Designer for the TAPCO monitors. "We are very excited to now expand the line with the S•8 which is the perfect 'step-up' alternative for those looking greater low-end extension or a bit more volume."

The TAPCO S•5 and S•8 are compact, two-way, bi-amplified monitors that feature dual high-precision internal amplifiers that deliver a total of 120 watts RMS (60 watts each for both the woofer and the tweeter). Both benefit from the same 1-inch waveguide-loaded silk-dome tweeter that provides smooth, non-fatiguing high end.

Rear panel controls on the S•5 and S•8 allow for acoustic tailoring with low-frequency boost and high frequency cut/boost switches. Inputs include 1/4-inch TRS/XLR balanced and RCA unbalanced.

The TAPCO S•5 is currently available from authorized dealers for a manufacturers suggested retail price of $499 (USD) per pair. The TAPCO So8 will be available in Q1, 2004 for a manufacturers suggested retail prices $749 (USD) per pair. Both models are currently on display at the NAMM show in Anaheim from January 15-18, 2004 in booth 6690.

About TAPCO
TAPCO revolutionized the pro audio industry back in 1969 with the very first 6-channel PA mixer specifically made for rock 'n' roll. Designed by audio guru Greg Mackie, the first TAPCO mixer was priced just right for starving musicians and durable enough to withstand mammoth-levels of on the road wear and tear. Today, TAPCO has been reborn-backed by the engineering and product development horsepower of Mackie. TAPCO is a LOUD Technologies Inc. brand. For more information visit: http://www.tapcoworld.com.

About Mackie
Mackie, a LOUD Technologies Inc. brand, is known worldwide as a leading developer and marketer of high-quality, affordable professional audio systems. Mackie products can be found in professional and project recording studios, video and broadcast suites, post production facilities, sound reinforcement applications including churches and nightclubs, retail locations and on major musical tours. Mackie products are marketed by 54 distributors to more than 100 countries around the world. For more information visit: http://www.mackie.com.

TAPCO and Mackie are trademarks of Mackie Designs Inc. in the United States and other countries. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.