Mackie ShowBox: Battery-Powered All-in-One Live Performance Rig

Introduction

The Mackie ShowBox is a battery-powered all-in-one live performance rig that combines a 400W amplifier, portable PA speaker, 6-channel mixer, FX unit, and audio interface with a breakaway controller that mounts to your mic stand. This manual provides essential information for setting up, operating, and maintaining your ShowBox.

Key Features

• All-in-One Live Performance Rig: Integrates a 400W amplifier, portable PA speaker, 6-channel mixer, effects unit, and USB-C audio interface.
• Breakaway Mix Control: Detachable controller with levels for mics and instruments, effects, tone shaping, snapshots, looper, and tuner. Mounts to a mic stand for easy access.
• Extended Battery Life: Delivers up to 12 hours of powerful live sound with its included battery.
• Versatile Input Channels: Features 6 input channels for microphones and instruments, suitable for singer/songwriters and small bands.
• Creative Sound Shaping: Includes 'PA' and 'amp' voicing modes, an FX loop for external pedals, parametric EQ, compressor, and dual internal effects processors.
• Comprehensive Connectivity: Supports SD card recording, USB-C streaming, and Bluetooth for backing tracks or music playback.

What's in the Box

• Mackie ShowBox Battery-Powered All-in-One Live Performance Rig with Breakaway Mix Control

Product Overview

Mackie ShowBox Unit

The Mackie ShowBox is a versatile, portable PA system designed for live performances, offering robust sound in a compact, battery-powered unit.

Breakaway Mix Control

The detachable mix control unit provides 6 channels at your fingertips, allowing for convenient adjustments during live performances. It can be mounted on a mic stand for easy access.

Rear Panel Connectivity

A detailed view of the rear panel, highlighting various input and output options including XLR mic inputs, 1/4" instrument inputs, stereo 1/4" line input, external FX loop, Bluetooth streaming, AUX input, footswitch port, headphone output, and XLR mix output.

Product Overview Video

This video provides a short overview of the Mackie ShowBox, demonstrating its key features and design.

Setup

Powering On and Battery Status

Connect the power cable to the IEC input on the rear panel. The battery charge status indicator will show flashing green when charging and solid green when fully charged. The ShowBox can operate for up to 12 hours on battery power.

Connecting Microphones and Instruments

Use the XLR or 1/4" inputs on the rear panel to connect microphones and instruments. Adjust the individual channel levels on the breakaway mixer.

Operating

Mixer Controls

The breakaway mix control allows you to adjust volume, gain, effects, and tone shaping for each of the 6 channels. It also includes dedicated controls for snapshots, looper, and tuner.

Voicing Modes

Select between 'PA' and 'amp' voicing modes, with indoor and outdoor settings, to optimize your sound for different environments.

Effects and Sound Shaping

Utilize the built-in parametric EQ, compressor, and dual internal effects processors to fine-tune your audio. An external FX loop is also available for integrating your own pedals.

This video demonstrates how to use the FX Send feature on the Mackie ShowBox.

Bluetooth Connectivity

Connect your smartphone or other Bluetooth-enabled devices to stream backing tracks or music during breaks.

SD Card Recording and USB-C Streaming

Record your performances directly to an SD card or stream audio to a computer via the USB-C interface.

Guitar Tuner

The integrated guitar tuner allows for quick and accurate instrument tuning.

This video guides you through using the Mackie ShowBox's built-in guitar tuner.

Feedback Elimination

Activate the feedback elimination feature to prevent unwanted audio feedback during performances.

This video explains how the Mackie ShowBox's feedback elimination feature works.

Maintenance

Cleaning

Regularly wipe the exterior of the ShowBox with a soft, dry cloth. Avoid using abrasive cleaners or solvents.

Battery Care

To maximize battery life, store the ShowBox in a cool, dry place. If storing for extended periods, ensure the battery is partially charged (around 50%).

Firmware Updates

Periodically check the manufacturer's website for firmware updates to ensure optimal performance and access to new features.

This video provides instructions on how to perform a firmware update for the Mackie ShowBox.

Troubleshooting

No Sound Output

• Ensure the ShowBox is powered on and the master volume is turned up.
• Check all input cables and connections.
• Verify individual channel levels on the breakaway mixer are not muted or too low.
• Confirm the correct input mode (mic/line) is selected for each channel.

Bluetooth Connectivity Issues

• Make sure Bluetooth is enabled on your device and the ShowBox.
• Ensure the ShowBox is in pairing mode.
• Try unpairing and re-pairing the device.
• Move your device closer to the ShowBox to rule out range issues.

Feedback Occurring

• Activate the feedback elimination feature.
• Adjust microphone placement to avoid pointing directly at the speaker.
• Lower microphone gain or overall volume.

Factory Reset

If you encounter persistent issues, a factory reset may resolve them. Refer to the video below for instructions.

This video demonstrates how to perform a factory reset on the Mackie ShowBox.

Specifications

Warranty and Support

Manufacturer's Warranty

The Mackie ShowBox is covered by a manufacturer's warranty. Please refer to the warranty card included with your product for specific terms and conditions.

Customer Support

For technical assistance, product registration, or to download the full user manual, please visit the official Mackie website or contact their customer support team.