MACKIE FRS1300 User Manual

FRS Series

-3

-6

-9

-20

SIG

-3

-6

-9

-20

SIG

MAX

FRS•2800

FAST RECOVERY PO WER AMPLIFI ER

AMP MODE

"MACKIE", AND THE RUNNING MAN FIGURE ARE TRADEMARKS OF LOUD TECHNOLOGIES, INC.

CHANNEL 2 CHANNEL 1

BRIDGED

CH 1

CH 2

CLIP LIMIT

FILTER

SUBSONIC @ 30Hz

SPEAKER OUTPUTS

1+ 1

1+ 2+

1+ 1

2+ 2

1+ 1

FAST RECOVERY

POWER AMPLIFIER

THIS DEVICE COMPLIES WITH PART 15 OF THE FCC RULES FOR THE U.S. AND ICES-003, FOR CANADA. OPERATION IS SUBJECT TO THE FOLLOWING TWO CONDITIONS: (1) THIS DEVICE MAY NOT CAUSE HARMFUL INTERFERENCE, AND (2) THIS DEVICE MUST ACCEPT ANY INTERFERENCE RECEIVED, INCLUDING INTERFERENCE THAT MAY CAUSE UNDESIRED OPERATION.

WARNING

TO REDUCE THE RISK OF FIRE OR ELECTR IC SHOCK, DO NOT EXPOSE THIS EQU IPMENT TO RAIN OR MOISTURE. DO N OT REMO VE COVER . NO US ER SERVI CEABLE PARTS INSIDE. REFER S ERVICING TO QUA LIFIED P ERSONNE L.

AVIS

RISQUE DE CHOC ELECTR IQUE — N E PAS O UVRIR

TWO CHANNEL POWER AMPLIFIERS

FRS•1300, FRS•1700, and FRS•2800

O W N E R ’ S M A N U A L



FRS SERIES AMPLIFIERS

Important Safety Instructions

PORTABLE CART WARNING

Carts and stands - The Component should be used only with a cart or stand that is recommended by the manufacturer. A Component and cart combination should be moved with care. Quick stops, excessive force, and uneven surfaces may cause the Component and cart combination to overturn.

CAUTION AVIS

RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK

DO NOT OPEN

RISQUE DE CHOC ELECTRIQUE

NE PAS OUVRIR

CAUTION: TO REDUCE THE RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK

DO NOT REMOVE COVER (OR BACK)

NO USER-SERVICEABLE PARTS INSIDE

REFER SERVICING TO QUALIFIED PERSONNEL

ATTENTION: POUR EVITER LES RISQUES DE CHOC

ELECTRIQUE, NE PAS ENLEVER LE COUVERCLE. AUCUN

ENTRETIEN DE PIECES INTERIEURES PAR L'USAGER. CONFIER

L'ENTRETIEN AU PERSONNEL QUALIFIE.

AVIS: POUR EVITER LES RISQUES D'INCENDIE OU

D'ELECTROCUTION, N'EXPOSEZ PAS CET ARTICLE

A LA PLUIE OU A L'HUMIDITE

The lightning flash with arrowhead symbol within an equilateral triangle is intended to alert the user to the presence of uninsulated "dangerous voltage" within the product's enclosure, that may be of sufficient magnitude to constitute a risk of electric shock to persons.

Le symbole éclair avec point de flèche à l'intérieur d'un triangle équilatéral est utilisé pour alerter l'utilisateur de la présence à l'intérieur du coffret de "voltage dangereux" non isolé d'ampleur suffisante pour constituer un risque d'éléctrocution.

The exclamation point within an equilateral triangle is intended to alert the user of the presence of important operating and maintenance (servicing) instructions in the literature accompanying the appliance.

Le point d'exclamation à l'intérieur d'un triangle équilatéral est employé pour alerter les utilisateurs de la présence d'instructions importantes pour le fonctionnement et l'entretien (service) dans le livret d'instruction accompagnant l'appareil.

13.

1. Read these instructions.

2. Keep these instructions.

3. Heed all warnings.

4. Follow all instructions.

5. Do not use this apparatus near water.

6. Clean only with dry cloth.

7. Do not block any ventilation openings. Install in accordance with the

manufacturer’s instructions.

8. Do not install near any heat sources such as radiators, heat registers,

stoves, or other apparatus (including ampliﬁers) that produce heat.

9. Do not defeat the safety purpose of the polarized or grounding-type

plug. A polarized plug has two blades with one wider than the other. A grounding-type plug has two blades and a third grounding prong. The wide blade or the third prong are provided for your safety. If the provided plug does not ﬁt into your outlet, consult an electrician for replacement of the obsolete outlet.

10.

Protect the power cord from being walked on or pinched particularly at

plugs, convenience receptacles, and the point where they exit from the apparatus.

11.

Only use attachments/accessories speciﬁed by the manufacturer.

12.

Use only with a cart, stand, tripod, bracket, or table speciﬁed by the

manufacturer, or sold with the apparatus. When a cart is used, use caution when moving the cart/apparatus combination to avoid injury from tip-over.

Unplug this apparatus during lightning storms or when unused for long

periods of time.

14.

Refer all servicing to qualiﬁed service personnel. Servicing is required

when the apparatus has been damaged in any way, such as powersupply cord or plug is damaged, liquid has been spilled or objects have fallen into the apparatus, the apparatus has been exposed to rain or moisture, does not operate normally, or has been dropped.

15.

This apparatus shall not be exposed to dripping or splashing, and no

object ﬁlled with liquids, such as vases or beer glasses, shall be placed on the apparatus.

16.

This apparatus has been designed with Class-I construction and must

be connected to a mains socket outlet with a protective earthing con nection (the third grounding prong).

17.

This apparatus has been equipped with an all-pole, rocker-style AC

mains power switch. This switch is located on the front panel and should remain readily accessible to the user.

18. This apparatus does not exceed the Class A/Class B (whichever is

applicable) set out in the radio interference regulations of the Canadian Department of Communications.

ATTENTION — Le présent appareil numérique n’émet pas de bruits radioélectriques dépassant las limites applicables aux appareils numériques de class A/de class B (selon le cas) prescrites dans le réglement sur le brouillage radioélectrique édicté par les ministere des communications du Canada.

19.

Exposure to extremely high noise levels may cause permanent hearing

loss. Individuals vary considerably in susceptibility to noise-induced hearing loss, but nearly everyone will lose some hearing if exposed to sufﬁciently intense noise for a period of time. The U.S. Government’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has speciﬁed the permissible noise level exposures shown in the following chart.

limits for radio noise emissions from digital apparatus as

According to OSHA, any exposure in excess of these permissible limits

could result in some hearing loss. To ensure against potentially danger ous exposure to high sound pressure levels, it is recommended that all persons exposed to equipment capable of producing high sound pres sure levels use hearing protectors while the equipment is in operation. Ear plugs or protectors in the ear canals or over the ears must be worn when operating the equipment in order to prevent permanent hearing loss if exposure is in excess of the limits set forth here.

Duration Per Day Sound Level dBA, Typical In Hours Slow Response Example

 8 90 Duoinsmallclub

 6 92 

 4 95 SubwayTrain

 3 97

 2 100 Veryloudclassicalmusic

 1.5 102

 1 105 DavescreamingatSteveaboutdeadlines

 0.5 110

 0.25orless 115 Loudestpartsatarockconcert

WARNING — To reduce the risk of ﬁre or

electric shock, do not expose this apparatus

to rain or moisture.

Contents

Owner’s Manual

IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS ........................ 2

INTRODUCTION ...................................................... 4

GETTING STARTED ................................................... 5

HOOKUP DIAGRAMS............................................... 6

FRONT PANEL FEATURES ......................................... 8

1. POWER ....................................................... 8

2. VENTILATION .............................................. 8

3. METERS ...................................................... 8

4. LEVEL CONTROLS......................................... 8

REAR PANEL FEATURES ........................................... 9

5. POWER CORD SOCKET ................................ 9

6. FAN VENTS.................................................. 9

7. SPEAKER OUTPUTS ...................................... 9

8. COMBO INPUTS .......................................... 9

9. THRU OUTPUTS .......................................... 9

10. AMP MODE ............................................ 10

11. CLIP LIMIT .............................................. 10

12. SUBSONIC FILTER ................................... 10

GENERAL PRECAUTIONS ........................................ 11

AC POWER REQUIREMENTS ........................... 11

THERMAL CONSIDERATIONS .......................... 11

RACK MOUNTING .......................................... 11

MAINTENANCE .............................................. 11

APPENDIX A: SERVICE INFORMATION .................... 12

TROUBLESHOOTING ...................................... 12

REPAIR ......................................................... 13

APPENDIX B: CONNECTIONS, MATH AND STUFF ..... 14

XLR CONNECTORS ......................................... 14

1/4" TRS PHONE PLUGS AND JACKS ............. 14

1/4" TS PHONE PLUGS AND JACKS ................ 14

SPEAKONS .................................................... 14

LOUDSPEAKER CABLE .................................... 14

LONGER LENGTHS ......................................... 15

SPEAKER IMPEDANCES .................................. 15

APPENDIX C: TECHNICAL INFO............................... 16

SPECIFICATIONS ............................................ 16

BLOCK DIAGRAM .......................................... 17

DIMENSIONS ................................................. 18

LIMITED WARRANTY ............................................. 19

Need help with your new FRS amplier?

• Visit www.mackie.com and click Support to nd: FAQs, manuals, addendums, and user forums.

• Email us at: techmail@mackie.com.

• Telephone 1-800-898-11 to speak with one of our splendid technical support representatives, (Monday through Friday, from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. PST).

Owner’s Manual





FRS SERIES AMPLIFIERS

Introduction

Congratulations on the purchase of your new Mackie power ampliﬁer. Please read these instructions to get the maximum performance from your ampliﬁer, and to make the technical writer feel loved.

The FRS series ampliﬁers are designed for continuous duty in speech, music, and sound reinforcement applications in churches, schools, ofﬁces, arenas, hotel meeting rooms, convention centers, recreation facilities and other venues demanding high performance, ﬂexible features, and rugged dependability.

The switching power supply allows for high efﬁciency and performance without the heavy weight of ampliﬁers with conventional AC transformers.

A rear panel low-cut switch allows you to remove low frequencies, and a clip-eliminator allows extra protection for your speakers by preventing the ampliﬁer from being overloaded.

The ampliﬁer can operate in stereo, dual-mono, or bridged-mono. The output connections are Speakons® and binding posts for left, right, and bridged mono.

The combination inputs are capable of accepting balanced XLR, 1/4" TRS, or unbalanced 1/4" TS connections from line-level sources. Two XLR through-outputs allow the balanced input signals to be shared with other ampliﬁers, or powered speakers etc.. Two front panel level controls allow adjustment of the input signals.

The front panel has a rocker power switch with a power LED, and each channel has a high-resolution six-segment LED meter.

The ampliﬁer output stage is fully protected against permanent damage caused by overloading, shorts, silky boxers, and extreme temperatures.

The front panel incorporates holes for rack mounting, where it will take up two rather lovely rack spaces. Two handles are ﬁtted on the front panel for easy transporting.

Please write your serial number here for future reference (i.e., insurance claims, tech support, return authorization, etc.)

Purchased at:

Date of purchase:

FEATURES

• Professional lightweight power ampliﬁer with high-power / low-distortion design

• Fast Recovery circuitry for clean, undistorted sound — even at clipping

• Ultra-light switching power supply for maxi mum efﬁciency and minimal heat

• Available in three powerful models, with continuous power @ 4 ohms bridged of:

FRS•1300: 1300 W

FRS•1700: 1660 W FRS•2800: 2800 W

• Selectable dual-mono, stereo, or bridged-mono operating modes

• 6-segment LED meter per channel, with OL (overload) and SIG (signal present) LEDs

• Defeatable clip limiter plus short, under-imped ance, over-current, and thermal protection

• 30 Hz subsonic ﬁlter maximizes ampliﬁer ef ﬁciency and headroom

•

Combo XLR/TRS input and TRS thru connectors per channel

• Detented rotary gain controls

•

Speakon® and binding post outputs per channel

• Third Speakon output for bridged mono appli cations, also provides both output channels on a single connector (mono/stereo modes)

• Multi-speed fans adjust to operating tempera ture for minimal acoustic noise

• Robust, impact-resistant, all-steel 2U rack mount chassis

• Comfortable handles for easy transport and protection of level controls

HOW TO USE THIS MANUAL

After this introduction, a getting started guide will help you get things set up fast. The hook-up diagrams show some typical setups. The features section describes every detail and control, and you’ll ﬁnd illustrations with each feature numbered and described.

This icon marks information that is critically important or unique to the ampliﬁer. For your own good, read and remember them.

This icon leads you to in-depth explanations of features and practical tips. They usually have some valuable nuggets of information.

Appendix A is a section on troubleshooting and repair.

Appendix B is a section on connectors.

Appendix C shows the technical speciﬁcations.

Getting Started

Owner’s Manual

The following steps will help you set up your ampliﬁer, and get the levels just right.

Settings:

1. Be sure the ampliﬁer’s power switch is off.

2. Turn down both level controls.

3. On the rear panel, set the subsonic ﬁlter switch off and the clip limit switch on.

4. Determine which amp mode is best for your application:

Stereo mode is the typical setup for amplify-

ing stereo signals. Input 1 is routed to channel 1 output, and input 2 is routed to channel 2 output.

Mono mode is used for sending a mono signal

to both outputs, with separately adjustable level controls. Input 1 is used in mono mode (leave input 2 disconnected).

Bridge mode uses both ampliﬁer channels to

power one speaker (or set of speakers). Input 1 is used in bridge mode (leave input 2 disconnected and its level control turned down).

5. Set the amp mode switch according to your ap plication and delicate sensibilities.

Note: 4 ohms is the minimum speaker impedance you should connect to the ampliﬁer in bridge mode.

Connections:

1. Using balanced cables, make connections from your mixer (or other signal source) main out to your ampliﬁer’s inputs.

2. In stereo mode, connect the cables from your signal source to the ampliﬁer’s combo input jacks, either XLR or 1/4" TRS. The XLR and TRS inputs for each channel are wired in parallel.

• The balanced XLR inputs are wired as follows: Pin 1 = shield (ground) Pin 2 = hot (+) Pin 3 = cold (–)

• The 1/4" TRS inputs are wired as follows: Tip = hot (+) Ring = cold (–) Sleeve = shield (ground)

3. In mono mode and bridge mode, connect one cable from the input source to input 1, and connect nothing to input 2.

4. In stereo and mono modes, connect speaker cables to the speaker outputs, either the binding posts or the Speakon connectors.

• The binding post connectors are wired as follows: Red = hot (+ speaker terminal) Black = cold (– speaker terminal)

• The speakon connectors are wired as follows: 1+ = hot (+ speaker terminal) 1– = cold (– speaker terminal).

5. In bridge mode, if using the binding post out puts: Ch 1 red post = hot (+ speaker terminal) Ch 2 red post = cold (– speaker terminal) Do not use the black terminals.

If using a speakon, connect it to the center

bridged speakon connector. This is wired as follows: 1+ = hot (+ speaker terminal) 2+ = cold (– speaker terminal)

6. Plug all the sound system components into suit able AC outlets, properly grounded and capable of delivering adequate current.

7. Make sure your signal source is powered up and delivering signal to the ampliﬁer.

8. Turn the power ampliﬁer’s switch on. Verify that

the power LED lights.

Slowly turn up both level controls on the ampliﬁer. You should hear music and see the meters and sig LEDs ﬂashing. If the OL (overload) LEDs are ﬂashing, turn down either the level controls on the amp or the source signal’s output level controls (i.e., master faders), until the OL LEDs either blink occasionally or not at all.

10. For quieter listening, it is preferable to adjust the amp’s level controls rather than the source signal’s output level (unless you have the source’s control all the way up!).

Things to remember:

• Never plug ampliﬁer outputs into anything except speakers (unless you have an outboard box speciﬁcally designed to handle speakerlevel signals). Pumpkins are right out.

• Before making connections to an amp or recon ﬁguring an amp’s routing, turn the amp’s level controls down, turn the power off, make the changes, turn the power back on, and then turn the level controls back up.

• If you shut down your equipment, turn off the ampliﬁers ﬁrst. When powering up, turn on the ampliﬁers last.

Owner’s Manual



FRS SERIES AMPLIFIERS

Hookup Diagrams

AMP MODE

"MACKIE", AND THE RUNNING MAN FIGURE ARE TRADEMARKS OF LOUD TECHNOLOGIES, INC.

CHANNEL 2 CHANNEL 1

BRIDGED

CH 1 CH 2

CLIP LIMIT

FILTER

SUBSONIC @ 30Hz

SPEAKER OUTPUTS

1+ 1

1+ 2+

1+ 1

2+ 2

1+ 1

FAST RECOVERY

POWER AMPLIFIER

WARNING

TO REDUCE THE RISK OF FI RE OR EL ECTRIC SHOCK, DO NOT EXPOSE THI S EQUIPM ENT TO RAIN OR MOISTURE. DO NOT REMOVE COVER. N O USER SERVICE ABLE PARTS INSIDE. REFER SERV ICING TO QUALIF IED PER SONNEL.

AVIS

RISQUE DE CHOC ELECTRIQU E — NE P AS OUVR IR

FROM MIXING CONSOLE LEFT AND RIGHT MAIN OUT

AMP MODE SWITCH

STEREO

Passive Speakers

(Mackie C300z)

SPEAKERS

OPTIONAL CONNECTION USING BINDING POSTS

In STEREO mode,

both gain controls

are used to achieve

a nice balance

-3

-6

-9

-20

SIG

-3

-6

-9

-20

SIG

MAXMAX

FRS•2800

FAST RECOVERY POWER AMPLIF IER

AMP MODE

"MACKIE", AND THE RUNNING MAN FIGURE ARE TRADEMARKS OF LOUD TECHNOLOGIES, INC.

CHANNEL 2 CHANNEL 1

BRIDGED

CH 1 CH 2

CLIP LIMIT

FILTER

SUBSONIC @ 30Hz

SPEAKER OUTPUTS

1+ 1

1+ 2+

1+ 1

2+ 2

1+ 1

FAST RECOVERY POWER AMPLIFIER

WARNING

TO REDUCE THE RISK OF FIR E OR ELE CTRIC SHOCK, DO NOT EXPOSE THIS EQUIPME NT TO R AIN OR MOISTURE. DO NOT REMOVE C OVER. NO USER S ERVICEAB LE PARTS INSIDE. REFER SERVI CING TO QUALIFI ED PERSO NNEL.

AVIS

RISQUE DE CHOC ELECTRIQUE — NE PA S OUVRI R

FROM

MIXING CONSOLE

MONO OUT

AMP MODE SWITCH

MONO

CH 1 AND CH 2

PLAY THE SAME

SPEAKERS

OPTIONAL CONNECTION USING BINDING POSTS

Passive loudspeakers Mackie S215

Confused cat

???

Passive loudspeakers

Mackie S215

In MONO mode,

both gain controls

are used to acheive

a nice balance

-3

-6

-9

-20

SIG

-3

-6

-9

-20

SIG

MAXMAX

FRS•2800

FAST RECOVERY POWER AMPLIFI ER

AMP MODE

"MACKIE", AND THE RUNNING MAN FIGURE ARE TRADEMARKS OF LOUD TECHNOLOGIES, INC.

CHANNEL 2 CHANNEL 1

BRIDGED

CH 1 CH 2

CLIP LIMIT

FILTER

SUBSONIC @ 30Hz

SPEAKER OUTPUTS

1+ 1

1+ 2+

1+ 1

2+ 2

1+ 1

FAST RECOVERY POWER AMPLIFIER

WARNING

TO REDUCE THE RISK OF FI RE OR EL ECTRIC SHOCK, DO NOT EXPOSE THI S EQUIPM ENT TO RAIN OR MOISTURE. DO NOT REMOVE COVER. N O USER SERVICEA BLE PARTS INSIDE. REFER SERV ICING TO QUALIF IED PERS ONNEL.

AVIS

RISQUE DE CHOC ELECTRIQU E — NE P AS OUVR IR

FROM

MIXING CONSOLE

MONO OUT

AMP MODE SWITCH

BRIDGE

POWER OF CH 1 AND CH 2

IS COMBINED

Passive Speaker

(Mackie S225)

If you have two amplifiers, each could power a single speaker in bridged mono, to make a very powerful stereo system. Use a stereo feed from your mixing console, the left goes to one amp, and the right goes to the other.

SPEAKER

OPTIONAL CONNECTION USING BINDING POSTS

Crossover Cable

Pin 1+ to Pin 1+ Pin 2+ to Pin 1–

In BRIDGED mode,

only use this gain control

COLD

HOT

SPEAKER END

AMPLIFIER END

1–

2–

1–

2–

-3

-6

-9

-20

SIG

-3

-6

-9

-20

SIG

MAXMAX

FRS•2800

FAST RECOVERY POWER AMPLIF IER

Stereo

Dual mono

Bridged mono

STEREO, DUAL MONO, AND BRIDGED MONO

+ 14 hidden pages

MACKIE FRS1300 User Manual

Specifications and Main Features

Frequently Asked Questions

User Manual

Important Safety Instructions

Introduction

Getting Started

Hookup Diagrams