TAPCO Thump TH-15A - Pair

Rob Evans
April 21, 2009

Rating: 9/10

I was recently given the job of buying a complete P.A. set up for my uni hall of residence, with the requirements that it be good value for money (it was being paid for out of the residents\' subs,) suitable for use in a large number of venues and most importantly able handle a variety of sound demands, from spoken announcements to electronic music to blues/rock and ceilidh bands.

I must admit that I am no experienced sound technician, and my initial feeling was to go with a package set, such as the Yamaha Stagepass series, which I had used while playing in bands at school. My other alternative was a Behringer powered mixer and a set of passive speakers. I made a call to Dolphin for advice, and the gentleman in sales tipped me off to the active Tapco Thump speakers. I am so glad he did!

I used the thumps for the first time the other day, coupled with a simple Behringer mixer, at our annual hall ball. In a 200 person ball room they coped admirably (and with volume to spare!) with speeches, a DJ set, a ceilidh band and an 8 man jazz rock band. The sound was loud, precise and professional, and both the acts and the audience thought the Tapco Thumps were great! On the back of their success everyone is suddenly interested in musical events again, and I have absolutely no doubt that these will make back their cost many times over in both enjoyment and saved hire fees!

I do have one reservation, and that is to the suggestion that these would make appropriate studio monitors. These speakers come to life at louder volumes; at low levels they produce a quiet but noticeable hiss from the small tweeter at the top of the unit (although this is only at just above laptop speaker volume, and could be due to my connections!) Realistically, though, this is not why I, or you, would buy these. But them to play live and loud- they do this quite exceptionally!

Gary Bradley
April 5, 2009

Rating: 10/10

I bought these speakers because of the Mackie name. The overall sound is punchy, controlled and detailed with no hint of mid-range \'boxiness\', the 12kH eq is just right for a little presence on vocals and they are more than powerful for small venues.

They are quick n easy to set up, are lighter than other similar speakers, have integral handles in the sides and top and the top hat hole has a groove to guide the stand into (brilliant!).

I have only had them for a few days but have gigged them already to compliments from the audience. They look good too. I teach music technology and although I can\'t make claims about their lifespan, I would say there is nothing to match them, especially at Dolphin\'s prices, quality of service and delivery. These were ordered on a Thursday and arrived Friday lunchtime in Northern Ireland!

One point, though - these must be made for the US as the mains cables came with US 2-pin plugs. Luckily I had a couple of UK ones spare! That aside - a great deal! Highly recommended.

Harry Hall
April 3, 2009

Rating: 10/10

I now have a headache from listening to these things full blast for the last two hours haha, but i love them!! I got these speakers along with a Behringer Xenyn 1002 mixer and its an amazing combination. I got them primarily for my 18th party and they fill the marquee brilliantly, loads of depth to the sound, good punching bass so perfect for drum and bass and electro. Sometimes the vocals weren\\\'t very clear on some rock tracks but i have yet to play with the eq so that problem should be easy to sort. Obviously you dont get the body shaking feeling you would from a sub but then they arent a sub so dont expect it. One issue i had with buying them was the look of them in the picture. They look a dull horrible grey but they are actually black with yellow bits on them and a grey/silver mesh so they look really smart!!

Overall a brilliant pair of speakers with superb range from bass to treble and a great price too!! Dont have any second thoughts about getting these speakers. Great for partys and will make a great pair of monitors for my room!!

Also excellent service and delivery from Dolphin, recieved my whole set up next day at about 12 o\\\'clock!!

August 27, 2008

Rating: 10/10

The tapco thump speakers are just awesome. Huge sound and stunning bass make these a definate must have for anyone who want\'s a serious sound system for under £400. To be honest, these speakers even outdo sound systems that cost £300 more! I have even comapred these to the classic mackie 450\'s and there is not much difference in quality! I mix drum & bass and these certainly do the job with the sound clear and precise and the bass heavy as anything.

You also do not need a amp and these speakers also have a built in protection system when you blast them to the max [something i have not done yet!]

A must have.

August 21, 2008

Rating: 10/10

As my amp and passive monitors died recently i was eager to get my hands on a pair of active monitors. I was looking at the Mackies SRM 350\'s and the JBL EON 10 G2, both around the £600 mark; when someone tipped me to have a look at these. They are not only cheaper but i would say they compete with the Mackie SRM 450\'s. The sound quality is that of studio monitors and they are perfect for home use as well as (small or house) parties. They are excellent for saving space as amps/passive monitors and tons of cables are no longer required.
I mix mostly electro and dubstep, so high quality of all frequencies (especially the lower ones) were imperative; i can tell you i was far from disappointed.
These were actually made by mackie engineers, and as far as i know were meant for those people on a budget, however i think they\'ve completley outdone themselves.
Absolutely perfect.