Mackie M-1400I User Manual

–3

–6

–9

–20

–3

–6

–9

–20

SIG

2416

1.23v (+4dBu)

SENSITIVITY

GAIN/dB

PROTECT

COLD HOT

SHORT

TEMP STATUS

INTERNAL STATUS

1&2

OFF

POWER

2416

1.23v (+4dBu)

SENSITIVITY

GAIN/dB

PROFESSIONAL POWER AMPLIFIER

FULL SYMMETRY DUAL DIFFERENTIAL HIGH CURRENT DE SIGN

CHANNEL

SPEAKER OUTPUTS

––

63Hz

125Hz

CONSTANT DIRECTIVITY

HORN EQ/AIR EQ

CONSTANT DIRECTIVITY

HORN EQ/AIR EQ

INPUT

THRUTHRU

INPUT

AMP MODE

FREQUENCY

4.5 k Hz

6k Hz

2k Hz

MONO

LIMITER

(CH1 & CH2)

OFF

FULL

RANGE

SUB

WOOFER

LOW CUT

FILTER

LOW CUT

FILTER

OUTPUT APPLICATION

BALANCED

UNBALANCED

BALANCED

UNBALANCED

AIR EQ

/ BRIDGE/ MONO

170 Hz

OFF

4.5k Hz

6k Hz

2k Hz

AIR EQ

–

170 Hz

100 Hz

OFF

STAGE

MONITOR

100 Hz

STAGE

MONITOR

OFF

TYPICAL

OFF

TYPICAL

35 Hz

TYPICAL

35 Hz

STEREO

TYPICAL

STEREO

TYPICAL

AIR EQ

120 VAC 60 Hz

1500 WATTS

(MONO BRIDGE)

1400 WATTS

4 OHM LOAD MIN.

700 WATTS CH

2 OHM LOAD MIN.

CONCEIVED, DESIGNED, AND MANUFACTURED BY MACKIE DESIGNS INC • WOODINVILLE • WA • 98072 • USA • MADE IN USA • FABRIQUE AU USA •

PATENTS PENDING

1997 • THE FOLLOWING ARE TRADEMARKS AND/OR REGISTERED TRADEMARKS OF MACKIE DESIGN INC.: "MACKIE", FR SERIES, AND THE "RUNNING M

AN" FIGURE

MONO

BRIDGE

SERIAL NUMBER

MANUFACTURING DATE

RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK

DO NOT OPEN

REPLACE WITH THE SAME TYPE FUSE AND RATING.

DISCONNECT SUPPLY CORD BEFORE CHANGING FUSE

UTILISE UN FUSIBLE DE RECHANGE DE MÊME TYPE.

DEBRANCHER AVANT DE REMPLACER LE FUSIBLE

WARNING:

TO REDUCE THE RISK OF FIRE OR ELECTRIC SHOCK, DO NOT

EXPOSE THIS EQUIPMENT TO RAIN OR MOISTURE. DO NOT REMOVE COVER.

NO USER SERVICEABLE PARTS INSIDE. REFER SERVICING TO QUALIFIED PERSONNEL.

CAUTION

AVIS:

RISQUE DE CHOC ELECTRIQUE — NE PAS OUVRIR

M•1400i O WNER’ S MANU AL

AND WARRANTY REGISTRA TION

™

HIGH-CURRENT POWER AMPLIFIER

CAUTION AVIS

RISK OF ELECTRIC

RISQUE DE

CAUTION: TO REDUCE THE RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK

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

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.

DO NOT OPEN

CHOC

NE PAS OUVRIR

DO NOT REMOVE COVER (OR BACK)

A LA PLUIE OU A L'HUMIDITE

SHOCK

ELECTRIQUE

SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

1. Read Instructions — All the safety and operation instructions should be read before this Mackie product is operated.

2. Retain Instructions — The safety and operating instructions should be kept for future reference.

3. Heed Warnings — All warnings on this Mackie product and in these operating instructions should be followed.

4. Follow Instructions — All operating and other instructions should be followed.

5. Water and Moisture — This Mackie product should not be used near water – for example, near a bathtub, washbowl, kitchen sink, laundry tub, in a wet basement, near a swimming pool, swamp or salivating St. Bernard dog, etc.

6. Ventilation — This Mackie product should be situated so that its location or position does not interfere with its proper ventilation. For example, the Component should not be situated on a bed, sofa, rug, or similar surface that may block any ventilation openings, or placed in a built-in installation such as a bookcase or cabinet that may impede the flow of air through ventilation openings.

7. Heat — This Mackie product should be situated away from heat sources such as radiators, or other devices which produce heat.

8. Power Sources — This Mackie product should be connected to a power supply only of the type described in these operation instructions or as marked on this Mackie product.

9. Power Cord Protection — Power supply cords should be routed so that they are not likely to be walked upon or pinched by items placed upon or against them, paying particular attention to cords at plugs, convenience receptacles, and the point where they exit this Mackie product.

10. Object and Liquid Entry — Care should be taken so that objects do not fall into and liquids are not spilled into this Mackie product.

11. Damage Requiring Service — This Mackie product should be serviced only by qualified service personnel when:

A. The power-supply cord or the plug has been damaged; or

B. Objects have fallen, or liquid has spilled into this Mackie product; or

C. This Mackie product has been exposed to rain; or D. This Mackie product does not appear to operate

normally or exhibits a marked change in performance; or

E. This Mackie product has been dropped, or its chassis damaged.

12. Servicing — The user should not attempt to service this Mackie product beyond those means described in this operating manual. All other servicing should be referred to the Mackie Service Department.

13. To prevent electric shock, do not use this polarized plug with an extension cord, receptacle or other outlet unless the blades can be fully inserted to prevent blade exposure.

Pour préevenir les chocs électriques ne pas utiliser cette fiche polariseé avec un prolongateur, un prise de courant ou une autre sortie de courant, sauf si les lames peuvent être insérées à fond sans laisser aucune pariie à découvert.

14. Grounding or Polarization — Precautions should be taken so that the grounding or polarization means of this Mackie product is not defeated.

15. This apparatus does not exceed the Class A/Class B (whichever is applicable) limits for radio noise emissions from digital apparatus as 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 règlement sur le brouillage radioélectrique édicté par les ministere des communications du Canada.

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.

This product has been tested and complies with the following standards and directives as set forth by the European Union:

• EN 50013 1990 Emissions

• EN 50020 1988 Immunity

• EN 60065 1994 and IEC 65: 1985 Safety

WARNING — To reduce the risk of fire or electric shock, do not expose this appliance to rain or moisture.

Lend Me Your Ears

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 this chart.

Duration Per Day Sound Level dBA, Typical

In Hours Slow Response Example

8 90 Duo in small club 692 4 95 Subway Train 397 2 100 Very loud classical music

1.5 102 1 105 Lori screaming at Ron about deadlines

0.5 110

0.25 or less 115 Loudest parts at a rock concert

these permissible limits could result in some hearing loss. To ensure against potentially dangerous exposure to high sound pressure levels, it is recommended that all persons exposed to equipment capable of producing high sound pressure levels (such as this amplification system) use hearing

ating this amplification system in order to prevent a permanent hearing loss if exposure is in excess of the limits set forth here.

INTRODUCTION

amplifier to handle is clipping. Conventional

Thank you for choosing a Mackie Designs power amplifier! W e appr eciate your vote of confidence for the folks in W oodinville who specialize in awesome and affordable audio. The Mackie Designs M•1400i power amplifier is designed to fulfill the amplification needs of almost any type of application. It boasts a wealth of features you’d expect to pay extra for — like subwoofer filtering, constant directivity equalization, speaker-protecting limiter, and gobs of ultra-clean power , to name a few .

Perhaps the most important feature of the FR Series™ Power Amplifiers is the attention to detail in every aspect of the design. At Mackie, we know what it takes to be roadworthy . After all, our mixers have traveled all over the world under the worst of conditions, and we’ve applied what we’ve learned to the mechanical design of our amplifiers.

Roadworthiness is only part of the picture. W e know that reliability is paramount to sound reinforcement. That’s why we use double-sided thru-hole-plated fiberglass printed circuit boards. That’s why our engineers have subjected the amplifie r to the most rigorous and punishing tests imaginable, to fine-tune the design and extend its limits beyond those of ordinary amplifiers.

Fast Recovery — where the “FR” comes from — is more than a buzzword. It is based on real, proven design principles. The result is an amplifier that performs better than conventional designs when presented with adverse conditions. One of the most difficult things for a power

Part No. 820-062-10 Rev. 1 4/98

designs use lots of negative feedback to provide stability and lower distortion. When clipping occurs, this “feedback” causes high-frequency sticking, keeping the amplifier “latched” in the clipping state longer than necessary. This r esults in painfully audible distortion. Our Fast Recovery design eliminates this high-frequency sticking and allows the amplifier to remain stable when powering highly reactive loads at high volume levels.

needs an owner’s manual. After all, you just plug in a few cables and power it up. W ell, it’ s almost that simple. There’s just a few things that we’d like you to be aware of, and we’ll discuss those right away — please see the Quick Start

The M•1400i amplifier has a wealth of useful features, and each of them is explained in detail.

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

Purchased at:

Date of purchase:

According to OSHA, any exposure in excess of

protectors while this unit is in operation. Ear plugs or protectors in the ear canals or over the ears must be worn when oper-

Y ou may wonder why a power amp even

on the next page.

Then go ahead and read the entire manual.

READ THIS P AGE!

QUICK START

I got ants in my pants and I got to dance!

INSTALLATION

Y ou can mount the M•1400i amp in any standard rack system (see or place it horizontally on a

floor or table. The heavier internal components are located towards the front of the chassis to make it easier to hold the amp by its front handles.

IMPORTANT: The M•1400i amp draws its ventilation air in from the front and out through the side panels.

It needs plenty of fresh air to stay cool. DO NOT BLOCK THE VENTILATION PORTS (see

CONNECTIONS AND SETTINGS

1. Be sure the

2. Turn the

3. Set both

4. Set both

5. Set the

subwoofer , you probably do not need an external crossover . Please see

POWER

switch is off befor e

making connections.

GAIN

controls fully down

(counterclockwise) for now.

TYPICAL

their

switches

LOW CUT FILTER

marks (35Hz).

CONST ANT DIRECTIVITY

OFF

(unless you’re using constant

controls to

directivity horns with compression drivers).

LIMITER

switch on.

Note: If you’re using the M•1400i to power a

for details.

6. Determine which

AMP MODE

for your application:

•

STEREO

mode (separate left and right inputs, separate left and right outputs) is the typical setup for amplifying stereo signals.

MONO

•

mode (sometimes called DualMono mode – one mono input, two mono outputs) is for sending a mono signal to two different speaker sets, with separatelyadjustable level controls.

BRIDGE

•

mode (sometimes called BridgedMono – one mono input, one mono output) uses both sides of the amp to double the power to one speaker set. An M•1400i power amplifier , set to

BRIDGE

delivers 1400 watts (into 4 ohms). Garsh!

Note: 4 ohms is the minimum impedance you should connect to the amplifier in mode. If you connect a lower impedance load

BRIDGE

mode, the

SHORT

LEDs may light, putting the amplifier into mode.

Set the

7. In

AMP MODE

STEREO

mode, connect line-level cables

switch accordingly .

from your signal source to the M•1400i’s

INPUT

jacks, either XLR or TRS:

• The XLR and TRS inputs for each channel are wired in parallel.

• The balanced XLR inputs are wired pin 2 = hot (+), pin 3 = cold (–) and pin 1 = shield (ground).

is best

mode,

BRIDGE

PROTECT

FULL SY MMETRY DUAL DIFFERE NTIA L HIGH CURRE NT DES IGN

GAIN/dB

SENSITIVITY

–3

2416

–6

–9

–20

1.23v (+4dBu)

SIGOLSIG

GAIN/dB

SENSITIVITY

2416

1.23v (+4dBu)

–3

–6

–9

–20

INTERNAL STATUS

PROTECT

SHORT

TEMP STATUS

CH 1&2

COLD HOT

PROFESSIONAL POWER AMPLIFIER

OFF

POWER

• The 1/4" TRS inputs are wired tip = hot (+), ring = cold (–) and sleeve = shield (ground), and can accept either balanced (TRS) or unbalanced (TS) cables.

MONO

8. In input cable to and nothing into (Y ou could plug into

and

BRIDGE

CHANNEL 1

CHANNEL 2

modes, connect an

’s

INPUT

’s

INPUT

CHANNEL 2

’s input,

only,

it just won’t do anything.)

STEREO

9. In speaker cables to the

and

MONO

modes, connect

SPEAKER OUTPUTS

, either binding post or 1/4" TS:

• The binding post connectors are wired red = hot (+) and black = cold (–).

• The 1/4" TS connectors are wired tip = hot (+) and sleeve = cold (–).

10.In

BRIDGE

mode, connect the binding post

cable like this: the hot (+) side goes in the

CHANNEL 1 SPEAKER OUTPUTS

post and the cold (–) side goes in

s red post. Plug nothing into the

NEL 2’

red

CHAN-

black posts or the 1/4" TS jacks.

11.Connect the other ends of the speaker cables to your loudspeakers.

12.Plug the amp’s power cord

into a 3-prong AC outlet capable of delivering at least 15 amps.

13.Make sure your signal source (the cables feeding the M•1400i’s inputs) is powered up and delivering signal to the amp.

14.Turn the M•1400i’s

POWER

and verify that the signal present (

switch on

SIG

LEDs are blinking.

GAIN

15.Slowly turn both Y ou should hear the music and see the

controls up:

SIG

and meter LEDs flashing. If the

topmost LEDs (named are flashing, turn down either the

, for OverLoad)

GAIN

controls on the amp or the source signal’s output level controls (i.e., master faders).

The point is: The

LEDs should never

light up.

16.For quieter listening, it is preferable to

GAIN

adjust the amp’s

controls rather than the source signal’s output level (unless you have the source’s control all the way up!).

17.Start dancing, but don’t let the ants out of your pants.

Things You Must Remember:

• Never plug amplifier outputs into anything except speakers (unless you have an outboard box specifically designed to handle speaker-level signals).

• Before making connections to an amp or reconfiguring an amp’s routing, turn the

GAIN

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.

• Save the shipping boxes! You may need them someday, and you probably don’t want to have to pay for them again.

(MONO BRIDGE)

1400 WATTS

4 OHM LOAD MIN.

700 WATTS CH

2 OHM LOAD MIN.

120 VAC 60 Hz

1500 WATTS

MANUFACTURING DATE

WARNI NG:

CAUTION

RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK

DO NOT OPEN

REPLACE WITH THE SAME TYPE FUSE AND RATING. DISCONNECT SUPPLY CORD BEFORE CHANGING FUSE

CONCEIVED, DESIGNED, AND MANUFACTURED BY MACKIE DESIGNS INC • WOODINVILLE • WA • 98072 • USA • MADE IN USA • FABRIQUE AU USA • PATENTS PENDING

1997 • THE FOLLOWING ARE TRADEMARKS AND/OR REGISTERED TRADEMARKS OF MACKIE DESIGN INC.: "MACKIE", FR SERIES, AND THE "RUNNING MAN" FIGURE

SPEAKER OUTPUTS

EXPOSE THIS EQUIPMENT TO RAIN OR MOISTURE. DO NOT REMOVE COVER. NO USER SERVICEABLE PARTS INSIDE. REFER SERVICING TO QUALIFIED PERSONNEL.

AVIS:

RISQUE DE CHOC ELECTRIQUE — NE PAS OUVRIR

MONO BRIDGE

–

––

TO REDUCE THE RISK OF FIRE OR ELECTRIC SHOCK, DO NOT

UTILISE UN FUSIBLE DE RECHANGE DE MÊME TYPE. DEBRANCHER AVANT DE REMPLACER LE FUSIBLE

SERIAL NUMBER

CHANNEL

OFF

2k Hz

LOW CUT

FILTER

TYPICAL

4.5 k Hz

/ BRIDGE/ MONO

35 Hz

STAGE

MONITOR

100 Hz

170 Hz

CONSTANT DIRECTIVITY

HORN EQ/AIR EQ

6k Hz

AIR EQ

BALANCED

UNBALANCED

OFF

TYPICAL

INPUT

AMP MODE

MONO

STEREO

TYPICAL

OUTPUT APPLICATION

FULL

RANGE

LIMITER

(CH1 & CH2)

STEREO TYPICAL

OFF

WOOFER

CHANNEL

BALANCED

UNBALANCED

OFF

TYPICAL

OFF

CONSTANT DIRECTIVITY

HORN EQ/AIR EQ

2k Hz

LOW CUT

FILTER

TYPICAL 35 Hz

4.5k Hz

STAGE

MONITOR

100 Hz

170 Hz

6k Hz

AIR EQ

SUB

FREQUENCY

125Hz

63Hz

INPUT

THRUTHRU

HOW TO USE THIS MANUAL

APPLICA TION DIAGRAMS

Mackie’s gang of illustrators have created easy-to-understand diagrams of popular studio and live-sound setups. Y our setup will probably be different in some way , but these diagrams will help you see the big picture so you can add your own finishing touches.

FEATURE DESCRIPTIONS: MIND BOGGLING DETAILS

Each and every knob, switch, and connector on the M•1400i power amplifier is explained in depth here. Throughout this section you’ll find illustrations, with each feature numbered like

. If you’re curious about a feature, sim-

this ply locate it on the appropriate illustration, note the number attached to it, and find that number in the nearby paragraphs.

This icon marks information that is critically important or unique to the M•1400i. For your own good, read them and remember them. W e may call you someday and quiz you.

THE GLOSSARY: A HAVEN OF NONTECHINESS FOR THE NEOPHYTE

Just in case you’re new to the audio world, we’ve included a fairly comprehensive dictionary of pro audio terms. If terms like “clipping,” “noise floor ,” or “unbalanced” leave you blank, flip to the glossary at the back of this manual for a quick explanation.

A PLUG FOR THE CONNECTORS SECTION

Also at the back of this manual is a section on connectors: XLR, TRS, Binding Post connectors, balanced connectors, unbalanced connectors, and special hybrid connectors. If you plan on wiring your own cables, please visit this section before you start.

ARCANE MYSTERIES ILLUMINATED

Almost last but not least, we’ve included an appendix entitled Arcane Mysteries Illumi- nated. This section discusses some of the down ’n’ dirty practical realities of signal transmission, balancing a sound system, grounding, and balanced versus unbalanced lines. It’s a gold mine for the neophyte and even the seasoned pro might learn a thing or two.

TECHNICAL INFO

This section is for you tech-heads who like to use a calculator and read specifications. Y ou’ll find it all her e.

This icon leads you to in-depth explanations of features and practical tips. While not mandatory, they’ll have some valuable information.

GENERAL PRECAUTIONS AND CONSIDERA TIONS

This section discusses important things to keep in mind when installing and using the M•1400i, including rack mounting, AC power , and wiring.

CONTENTS

QUIC K STA R T.......................................................... 4

APPLICATION DIAGRAMS......................................... 8

FEATURE DESCRIPTIONS .............................................. 11

GAIN............................................................. 11

METERS ......................................................... 12

SIG ............................................................... 13

PROTECT........................................................ 13

SHORT........................................................... 13

TEMP S TATU S ................................................. 14

POWE R .........................................................14

POWE R CO R D ................................................ 15

SPEA K ER OU TP U TS......................................... 15

INPU T ........................................................... 16

THRU ............................................................ 18

LOW C U T F I LTE R ............................................. 18

CONSTANT DIRECTIVITY .................................. 18

CD FR E QU E NC Y ........................................ 19

AMP M O D E.................................................... 19

STEREO ................................................... 20

MONO.................................................... 20

BRID G E ................................................... 20

OUTPUT APPLICATION..................................... 20

LIMI T ER................................................... 20

SUBW O OF ER............................................ 21

FREQ UE N CY............................................. 21

GENERAL PRECAUTIONS AND CONSIDERA TIONS............. 23

RACK MOUNTING ........................................... 23

THER MA L C ON SI DE RAT IO NS ............................ 23

AC PO W ER CO N SI DE RATION S........................... 23

INPU T WI R IN G............................................... 24

OUTP U T W IR I NG............................................ 24

70V DISTRIBUTION SYSTEMS ........................... 25

APPE N DI X A : Se rv ic e I n fo ............................................ 26

TRO UB L ES HO O TI N G ............................................. 26

REPAIR ............................................................... 27

APPENDIX B: Glossary................................................. 28

APPENDIX C: Connectors.............................................. 33

APPENDIX D: Arcane Mysteries Illuminated .................... 35

Balanced Lines...................................................... 35

“Do’ s” and “D on’ts” of Fixed Installations............... 35

Gro un d i n g............................................................ 36

Optimizing Sound System Levels ............................. 36

Biamplified and T riamplified Systems ....................... 38

APPE N DI X E : Tech n ic al In f o........................................... 39

DO THE MATH: OHMS, LOADS AND SUCH................ 39

SPECIFICATIONS................................................... 40

BLOCK DIAGRAM ................................................. 42

COL O P H O N................................................................ 42

M•1400i LIMITED W ARRANTY ..................................... 43

PRODUCT REGISTRA TION CARD.................................... Atta c hed to back cover

APPLICA TION DIAGRAMS

CHANNEL

SPEAKER OUTPUTS

––

63Hz

125Hz

CONSTANT DIRECTIVITY

HORN EQ/AIR EQ

CONSTANT DIRECTIVITY

HORN EQ/AIR EQ

INPUT

THRUTHRU

INPUT

AMP MODE

FREQUENCY

4.5 k Hz

6k Hz

2k Hz

MONO

LIMITER

(CH1 & CH2)

OFF

FULL

RANGE

SUB

WOOFER

LOW CUT

FILTER

LOW CUT

FILTER

OUTPUT APPLICATION

BALANCED

UNBALANCED

BALANCED

UNBALANCED

/ BRIDGE/ MONO

170 Hz

OFF

4.5k Hz

6k Hz

2k Hz

–

170 Hz

100 Hz

OFF

STAGE

MONITOR

100 Hz

STAGE

MONITOR

OFF

TYPICAL

OFF

TYPICAL

35 Hz

TYPICAL

35 Hz

STEREO

TYPICAL

STEREO

TYPICAL

AIR EQ

120 VAC 60 Hz

1500 WATTS

(MONO BRIDGE)

1400 WATTS

4 OHM LOAD MIN.

700 WATTS CH

2 OHM LOAD MIN.

CONCEIVED, DESIGNED, AND MANUFACTURED BY MACKIE DESIGNS INC • WOODINVILLE • WA • 98072 • USA • MADE IN USA • FABRIQUE AU USA •

PATENTS PENDING

1997 • THE FOLLOWING ARE TRADEMARKS AND/OR REGISTERED TRADEMARKS OF MACKIE DESIGN INC.: "MACKIE", FR SERIES, AND THE "RUNNING M

AN" FIGURE

MONO

BRIDGE

SERIAL NUMBER

MANUFACTURING DATE

RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK

DO NOT OPEN

REPLACE WITH THE SAME TYPE FUSE AND RATING.

DISCONNECT SUPPLY CORD BEFORE CHANGING FUSE

UTILISE UN FUSIBLE DE RECHANGE DE MÊME TYPE.

DEBRANCHER AVANT DE REMPLACER LE FUSIBLE

WARNING:

TO REDUCE THE RISK OF FIRE OR ELECTRIC SHOCK, DO NOT

EXPOSE THIS EQUIPMENT TO RAIN OR MOISTURE. DO NOT REMOVE COVER.

NO USER SERVICEABLE PARTS INSIDE. REFER SERVICING TO QUALIFIED PERSONNEL.

CAUTION

AVIS:

RISQUE DE CHOC ELECTRIQUE — NE PAS OUVRIR

CHANNEL

SPEAKER OUTPUTS

––

63Hz

125Hz

CONSTANT DIRECTIVITY

HORN EQ/AIR EQ

CONSTANT DIRECTIVITY

HORN EQ/AIR EQ

INPUT

THRUTHRU

INPUT

AMP MODE

FREQUENCY

4.5 k Hz

6k Hz

2k Hz

MONO

LIMITER

(CH1 & CH2)

OFF

FULL

RANGE

SUB

WOOFER

LOW CUT

FILTER

LOW CUT

FILTER

OUTPUT APPLICATION

BALANCED

UNBALANCED

BALANCED

UNBALANCED

/ BRIDGE/ MONO

170 Hz

OFF

4.5k Hz

6k Hz

2k Hz

–

170 Hz

100 Hz

OFF

STAGE

MONITOR

100 Hz

STAGE

MONITOR

OFF

TYPICAL

OFF

TYPICAL

35 Hz

TYPICAL

35 Hz

STEREO

TYPICAL

STEREO

TYPICAL

AIR EQ

120 VAC 60 Hz

1500 WATTS

(MONO BRIDGE)

1400 WATTS

4 OHM LOAD MIN.

700 WATTS CH

2 OHM LOAD MIN.

CONCEIVED, DESIGNED, AND MANUFACTURED BY MACKIE DESIGNS INC • WOODINVILLE • WA • 98072 • USA • MADE IN USA • FABRIQUE AU USA •

PATENTS PENDING

1997 • THE FOLLOWING ARE TRADEMARKS AND/OR REGISTERED TRADEMARKS OF MACKIE DESIGN INC.: "MACKIE", FR SERIES, AND THE "RUNNING M

AN" FIGURE

MONO

BRIDGE

SERIAL NUMBER

MANUFACTURING DATE

RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK

DO NOT OPEN

REPLACE WITH THE SAME TYPE FUSE AND RATING.

DISCONNECT SUPPLY CORD BEFORE CHANGING FUSE

UTILISE UN FUSIBLE DE RECHANGE DE MÊME TYPE.

DEBRANCHER AVANT DE REMPLACER LE FUSIBLE

WARNING:

TO REDUCE THE RISK OF FIRE OR ELECTRIC SHOCK, DO NOT

EXPOSE THIS EQUIPMENT TO RAIN OR MOISTURE. DO NOT REMOVE COVER.

NO USER SERVICEABLE PARTS INSIDE. REFER SERVICING TO QUALIFIED PERSONNEL.

CAUTION

AVIS:

RISQUE DE CHOC ELECTRIQUE — NE PAS OUVRIR

TYPICAL 35Hz

FROM MIXING CONSOLE MAIN OUT L/R

STEREO/TYPICAL

TYPICAL 35Hz

LIMITER ON

CD OFF

FROM MIXING

CONSOLE

AUX 1 OUT

FROM MIXING

CONSOLE

AUX 2 OUT

CD OFF

STAGE MONITOR 100Hz

STEREO/TYPICAL

STAGE MONITOR 100Hz

LIMITER ONCD OFF

CD OFF

TWO M•140

0iS: MAIN SPEAKERS AND ST AGE MONITORS

FROM MIXING CONSOLE

MAIN OUT

TYPICAL 35Hz STEREO/TYPICAL

FROM MIXING CONSOLE

MONITOR OUT

STAGE MONITOR 100Hz

CONCEIVED, DESIGNED, AND MANUFACTURED BY MACKIE DESIGNS INC • WOODINVILLE • WA • 98072 • USA • MADE IN USA • FABRIQUE AU USA • PATENTS PENDING

(MONO BRIDGE)

1400 WATTS

4 OHM LOAD MIN.

700 WATTS CH

2 OHM LOAD MIN.

120 VAC 60 Hz

1500 WATTS

M•14

00i

: MAIN SPEAKERS AND ST AGE MONITORS WITH ONE AMPLIFIER

* SEE NOTE BELOW

MANUFACTURING DATE

WARNI NG:

MONO

BRIDGE

TO REDUCE THE RISK OF FIRE OR ELECTRIC SHOCK, DO NOT EXPOSE THIS EQUIPMENT TO RAIN OR MOISTURE. DO NOT REMOVE COVER. NO USER SERVICEABLE PARTS INSIDE. REFER SERVICING TO QUALIFIED PERSONNEL.

AVIS:

RISQUE DE CHOC ELECTRIQUE — NE PAS OUVRIR

UTILISE UN FUSIBLE DE RECHANGE DE MÊME TYPE.

DEBRANCHER AVANT DE REMPLACER LE FUSIBLE

–

CAUTION

RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK

DO NOT OPEN

REPLACE WITH THE SAME TYPE FUSE AND RATING. DISCONNECT SUPPLY CORD BEFORE CHANGING FUSE

1997 • THE FOLLOWING ARE TRADEMARKS AND/OR REGISTERED TRADEMARKS OF MACKIE DESIGN INC.: "MACKIE", FR SERIES, AND THE "RUNNING MAN" FIGURE

SERIAL NUMBER

––

SPEAKER OUTPUTS

CHANNEL

OFF

2k Hz

LOW CUT

FILTER

TYPICAL

35 Hz

MONITOR

170 Hz

CONSTANT DIRECTIVITY

HORN EQ/AIR EQ

4.5 k Hz

6k Hz

AIR EQ

/ BRIDGE/ MONO

BALANCED

UNBALANCED

STAGE

100 Hz

INPUT

OFF

TYPICAL

AMP MODE

MONO

STEREO TYPICAL

OUTPUT APPLICATION

SUB

FULL

WOOFER

RANGE

LIMITER

(CH1 & CH2)

FREQUENCY STEREO TYPICAL

125Hz

63Hz

OFF

LIMITER ONCD OFF CD OFF

FROM MIXING CONSOLE MONITOR OUT

MONO MODE

CHANNEL

LOW CUT

INPUT

FILTER

BALANCED

TYPICAL

35 Hz

UNBALANCED

THRUTHRU

CONSTANT DIRECTIVITY

OFF

TYPICAL

HORN EQ/AIR EQ

STAGE

MONITOR

100 Hz

170 Hz

OFF

4.5k Hz

2k Hz

6k Hz

AIR EQ

STAGE MONITOR 100HzSTAGE MONITOR 100Hz

WARNI NG:

MONO BRIDGE

TO REDUCE THE RISK OF FIRE OR ELECTRIC SHOCK, DO NOT EXPOSE THIS EQUIPMENT TO RAIN OR MOISTURE. DO NOT REMOVE COVER. NO USER SERVICEABLE PARTS INSIDE. REFER SERVICING TO QUALIFIED PERSONNEL.

AVIS:

RISQUE DE CHOC ELECTRIQUE — NE PAS OUVRIR

UTILISE UN FUSIBLE DE RECHANGE DE MÊME TYPE.

DEBRANCHER AVANT DE REMPLACER LE FUSIBLE

–

––

00i

: EIGHT MONITOR SPEAKERS

CAUTION

RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK

DO NOT OPEN

REPLACE WITH THE SAME TYPE FUSE AND RATING. DISCONNECT SUPPLY CORD BEFORE CHANGING FUSE

CONCEIVED, DESIGNED, AND MANUFACTURED BY MACKIE DESIGNS INC • WOODINVILLE • WA • 98072 • USA • MADE IN USA • FABRIQUE AU USA • PATENTS PENDING

1997 • THE FOLLOWING ARE TRADEMARKS AND/OR REGISTERED TRADEMARKS OF MACKIE DESIGN INC.: "MACKIE", FR SERIES, AND THE "RUNNING MAN" FIGURE

(MONO BRIDGE)

1400 WATTS

4 OHM LOAD MIN.

700 WATTS CH

2 OHM LOAD MIN.

120 VAC 60 Hz

1500 WATTS

* NOTE: TOTAL IMPEDANCE MUST BE GREATER

THAN 2 OHMS PER CHANNEL

SPEAKER OUTPUTS

M•14

SERIAL NUMBER

MANUFACTURING DATE

CHANNEL

OFF

2k Hz

LOW CUT

FILTER

TYPICAL

4.5 k Hz

/ BRIDGE/ MONO

35 Hz

STAGE

MONITOR

100 Hz

170 Hz

CONSTANT DIRECTIVITY

HORN EQ/AIR EQ

6k Hz

AIR EQ

BALANCED

UNBALANCED

INPUT

OFF

TYPICAL

AMP MODE

MONO

STEREO TYPICAL

OUTPUT APPLICATION

FULL

RANGE

LIMITER

(CH1 & CH2)

STEREO TYPICAL

OFF

WOOFER

SUB

FREQUENCY

125Hz

63Hz

THRUTHRU

LIMITER ONCD OFF

INPUT

CD OFF

BALANCED

UNBALANCED

TYPICAL

CONSTANT DIRECTIVITY

HORN EQ/AIR EQ

OFF

CHANNEL

LOW CUT FILTER

TYPICAL

OFF

4.5k Hz

2k Hz

35 Hz

STAGE

MONITOR

100 Hz

170 Hz

6k Hz

AIR EQ

CONSTANT DIRECTIVITY HORNS

FROM ACTIVE CROSSOVER: HIGH-FREQUENCY L/R

STEREO/TYPICAL

170Hz170Hz

CAUTION

WARNI NG:

TO REDUCE THE RISK OF FIRE OR ELECTRIC SHOCK, DO NOT EXPOSE THIS EQUIPMENT TO RAIN OR MOISTURE. DO NOT REMOVE COVER. NO USER SERVICEABLE PARTS INSIDE. REFER SERVICING TO QUALIFIED PERSONNEL.

RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK

DO NOT OPEN

AVIS:

RISQUE DE CHOC ELECTRIQUE — NE PAS OUVRIR

MONO BRIDGE

SPEAKER OUTPUTS

–

UTILISE UN FUSIBLE DE RECHANGE DE MÊME TYPE.

DEBRANCHER AVANT DE REMPLACER LE FUSIBLE

––

REPLACE WITH THE SAME TYPE FUSE AND RATING. DISCONNECT SUPPLY CORD BEFORE CHANGING FUSE

CONCEIVED, DESIGNED, AND MANUFACTURED BY MACKIE DESIGNS INC • WOODINVILLE • WA • 98072 • USA • MADE IN USA • FABRIQUE AU USA • PATENTS PENDING

1997 • THE FOLLOWING ARE TRADEMARKS AND/OR REGISTERED TRADEMARKS OF MACKIE DESIGN INC.: "MACKIE", FR SERIES, AND THE "RUNNING MAN" FIGURE

(MONO BRIDGE)

1400 WATTS

4 OHM LOAD MIN.

700 WATTS CH

2 OHM LOAD MIN.

120 VAC 60 Hz

1500 WATTS

LOW-FREQUENCY

CABINETS

CAUTION

WARNI NG:

TO REDUCE THE RISK OF FIRE OR ELECTRIC SHOCK, DO NOT EXPOSE THIS EQUIPMENT TO RAIN OR MOISTURE. DO NOT REMOVE COVER. NO USER SERVICEABLE PARTS INSIDE. REFER SERVICING TO QUALIFIED PERSONNEL.

RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK

DO NOT OPEN

AVIS:

RISQUE DE CHOC ELECTRIQUE — NE PAS OUVRIR

MONO BRIDGE

SPEAKER OUTPUTS

–

UTILISE UN FUSIBLE DE RECHANGE DE MÊME TYPE.

DEBRANCHER AVANT DE REMPLACER LE FUSIBLE

––

REPLACE WITH THE SAME TYPE FUSE AND RATING. DISCONNECT SUPPLY CORD BEFORE CHANGING FUSE

CONCEIVED, DESIGNED, AND MANUFACTURED BY MACKIE DESIGNS INC • WOODINVILLE • WA • 98072 • USA • MADE IN USA • FABRIQUE AU USA • PATENTS PENDING

1997 • THE FOLLOWING ARE TRADEMARKS AND/OR REGISTERED TRADEMARKS OF MACKIE DESIGN INC.: "MACKIE", FR SERIES, AND THE "RUNNING MAN" FIGURE

(MONO BRIDGE)

1400 WATTS

4 OHM LOAD MIN.

700 WATTS CH

2 OHM LOAD MIN.

120 VAC 60 Hz

1500 WATTS

* CD HORN EQ FREQUENCY SETTING DEPENDS

ON COMPRESSION DRIVER/CD HORN COMBINATION

M•14

FULL RANGE

CHANNEL

2k Hz

*3.5KHz

LOW CUT FILTER

TYPICAL

35 Hz

170 Hz

OFF

CONSTANT DIRECTIVITY

HORN EQ/AIR EQ

4.5 k Hz

6k Hz

AIR EQ

/ BRIDGE/ MONO

BALANCED

UNBALANCED

STAGE

MONITOR

100 Hz

CD ON

INPUT

OFF

TYPICAL

AMP MODE

STEREO TYPICAL

OUTPUT APPLICATION

FULL RANGE

LIMITER

(CH1 & CH2)

STEREO TYPICAL

OFF

MONO

SUB

WOOFER

FREQUENCY

125Hz

63Hz

THRUTHRU

LIMITER ON

CHANNEL

LOW CUT

INPUT

FILTER

BALANCED

TYPICAL

35 Hz

UNBALANCED

STAGE

MONITOR

100 Hz

170 Hz

OFF

CONSTANT DIRECTIVITY

HORN EQ/AIR EQ

4.5k Hz

2k Hz

6k Hz

AIR EQ

OFF

TYPICAL

*3.5KHzCD ON

MANUFACTURING DATE

SERIAL NUMBER

FROM ACTIVE CROSSOVER: LOW-FREQUENCY L/R

TYPICAL 35Hz TYPICAL 35Hz

MANUFACTURING DATE

SERIAL NUMBER

/ BRIDGE/ MONO

CHANNEL

LOW CUT FILTER

BALANCED

TYPICAL

UNBALANCED

35 Hz

STAGE

MONITOR

100 Hz

170 Hz

OFF

CONSTANT DIRECTIVITY

HORN EQ/AIR EQ

4.5 k Hz

2k Hz

6k Hz

OFF

AIR EQ

TYPICAL

CD OFF CD OFF

00i

: STEREO SYSTEM WITH CD HORNS

INPUT

STEREO/TYPICAL

AMP MODE

MONO

STEREO

TYPICAL

OUTPUT APPLICATION

SUB

FULL

WOOFER

RANGE

LIMITER

(CH1 & CH2)

FREQUENCY STEREO TYPICAL

125Hz

63Hz

OFF

LIMITER ON

THRUTHRU

BALANCED

UNBALANCED

CONSTANT DIRECTIVITY

OFF

TYPICAL

HORN EQ/AIR EQ

FILTER

TYPICAL

35 Hz

STAGE

MONITOR

100 Hz

170 Hz

OFF

4.5k Hz

2k Hz

6k Hz

AIR EQ

CHANNEL

LOW CUT

INPUT

FROM MIXING CONSOLE MAIN OUT L/R

130Hz STEREO/TYPICAL 130Hz

SUBWOOFERS

WARNI NG:

MONO BRIDGE

SPEAKER OUTPUTS

MONO BRIDGE

SPEAKER OUTPUTS

M•14

TO REDUCE THE RISK OF FIRE OR ELECTRIC SHOCK, DO NOT EXPOSE THIS EQUIPMENT TO RAIN OR MOISTURE. DO NOT REMOVE COVER. NO USER SERVICEABLE PARTS INSIDE. REFER SERVICING TO QUALIFIED PERSONNEL.

AVIS:

RISQUE DE CHOC ELECTRIQUE — NE PAS OUVRIR

UTILISE UN FUSIBLE DE RECHANGE DE MÊME TYPE.

DEBRANCHER AVANT DE REMPLACER LE FUSIBLE

–

––

WARNI NG:

TO REDUCE THE RISK OF FIRE OR ELECTRIC SHOCK, DO NOT

EXPOSE THIS EQUIPMENT TO RAIN OR MOISTURE. DO NOT REMOVE COVER. NO USER SERVICEABLE PARTS INSIDE. REFER SERVICING TO QUALIFIED PERSONNEL.

AVIS:

RISQUE DE CHOC ELECTRIQUE — NE PAS OUVRIR

UTILISE UN FUSIBLE DE RECHANGE DE MÊME TYPE.

DEBRANCHER AVANT DE REMPLACER LE FUSIBLE

–

––

00i

CAUTION

RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK

DO NOT OPEN

REPLACE WITH THE SAME TYPE FUSE AND RATING. DISCONNECT SUPPLY CORD BEFORE CHANGING FUSE

CONCEIVED, DESIGNED, AND MANUFACTURED BY MACKIE DESIGNS INC • WOODINVILLE • WA • 98072 • USA • MADE IN USA • FABRIQUE AU USA • PATENTS PENDING

1997 • THE FOLLOWING ARE TRADEMARKS AND/OR REGISTERED TRADEMARKS OF MACKIE DESIGN INC.: "MACKIE", FR SERIES, AND THE "RUNNING MAN" FIGURE

(MONO BRIDGE)

1400 WATTS

4 OHM LOAD MIN.

700 WATTS CH

2 OHM LOAD MIN.

120 VAC 60 Hz 1500 WATTS

(MONO BRIDGE)

1400 WATTS

4 OHM LOAD MIN.

700 WATTS CH

2 OHM LOAD MIN.

120 VAC 60 Hz

1500 WATTS

CAUTION

RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK

DO NOT OPEN

REPLACE WITH THE SAME TYPE FUSE AND RATING. DISCONNECT SUPPLY CORD BEFORE CHANGING FUSE

CONCEIVED, DESIGNED, AND MANUFACTURED BY MACKIE DESIGNS INC • WOODINVILLE • WA • 98072 • USA • MADE IN USA • FABRIQUE AU USA • PATENTS PENDING

1997 • THE FOLLOWING ARE TRADEMARKS AND/OR REGISTERED TRADEMARKS OF MACKIE DESIGN INC.: "MACKIE", FR SERIES, AND THE "RUNNING MAN" FIGURE

SERIAL NUMBER

MANUFACTURING DATE

/ BRIDGE/ MONO

CHANNEL

LOW CUT

FILTER

TYPICAL 35 Hz

OFF

CONSTANT DIRECTIVITY

4.5 k Hz

2k Hz

STAGE

MONITOR

100 Hz

170 Hz

HORN EQ/AIR EQ

6k Hz

AIR EQ

BALANCED

UNBALANCED

INPUT

OFF

TYPICAL

AMP MODE

STEREO

TYPICAL

OUTPUT APPLICATION

FULL

RANGE

LIMITER

(CH1 & CH2)

STEREO TYPICAL

OFF

FREQUENCY

INPUT

125Hz

63Hz

BALANCED

UNBALANCED

CONSTANT DIRECTIVITY

HORN EQ/AIR EQ

OFF

TYPICAL

THRUTHRU

MONO

SUB

WOOFER

LIMITER ONCD OFF CD OFF

20Hz BRIDGE MODE 20Hz

SERIAL NUMBER

MANUFACTURING DATE

/ BRIDGE/ MONO

CHANNEL

LOW CUT FILTER

TYPICAL

35 Hz

OFF

CONSTANT DIRECTIVITY

4.5 k Hz

2k Hz

STAGE MONITOR

100 Hz

170 Hz

HORN EQ/AIR EQ

6k Hz

AIR EQ

BALANCED

UNBALANCED

TYPICAL

INPUT

OFF

CD OFF CD OFF

AMP MODE

MONO

STEREO

TYPICAL

OUTPUT APPLICATION

SUB

FULL

WOOFER

RANGE

LIMITER

(CH1 & CH2)

FREQUENCY

STEREO

TYPICAL

125Hz

63Hz

OFF

SUBWOOFER MODE

@ 125Hz

INPUT

BALANCED

UNBALANCED

CONSTANT DIRECTIVITY

HORN EQ/AIR EQ

OFF

TYPICAL

THRUTHRU

: STEREO SYSTEM WITH BRIDGED SUBWOOFER

CHANNEL

OFF

2k Hz

CHANNEL

LOW CUT

OFF

2k Hz

LOW CUT

FILTER

TYPICAL

35 Hz

STAGE

MONITOR

100 Hz

170 Hz

4.5k Hz

6k Hz

AIR EQ

FILTER

TYPICAL

35 Hz

STAGE

MONITOR

100 Hz

170 Hz

4.5k Hz

6k Hz

AIR EQ

FEA TURE DESCRIPTIONS

GAIN

These giant knobs control the levels to the output section of the M•1400i amplifier . You’ll notice that their travel is detented, meaning there are 40 built-in “resting points” so you can easily set both controls to the same level. Usually, these controls ar e set all the way up.

The gain structure of the amplifier is designed so that a +4 dBu (1.23V rms) input signal drives the amplifier to full rated power into 4 ohms (41.23V rms @ 4 ohms = 425 watts). This is how the sensitivity of an amplifier is defined. In this case, it equates to a voltage gain of about 30 dB (okay, 30.51 dB for those of you sittin’ there with your calculator!).

The graphics around the knob depict two different methods for setting the gain. The inner circle is marked in dB, calibrated from off (∞) to 30. This r epresents the amount of voltage gain from input to output. When using professional equipment with +4 dBu output

GAIN

levels, set the

The outer circle is labeled in volts, with indications of 1V , 2V, and 3V. These corr espond to the input sensitivity of the amplifier . W ith the

GAIN

control all the way up (fully clockwise), the input sensitivity is 1.23V , which works well with professional equipment operating at a nominal +4 dBu level.

On the other hand, you may want your listening level to be quieter than the M•1400i’s maximum level. For instance, if you’re using the M•1400i as a control room amp, and your control room is the size of a telephone booth, you’ll probably never want to hear the amp at its maximum level.

reach full power at the amplifier’s output. See the sidebar “Constant Gain vs. Constant Sensitivity” for a better understanding of how this works.

Like all amplifier controls, you’ll typically determine the optimal settings during installation or sound check, then leave them alone, using your signal source (usually a mixer) to control listening levels as you work. Or play .

control all the way up to 30.

GAIN

Y ou can set the trols as low as you like. However , reducing the

GAIN

controls requires an

increased input level to

con-

Constant Gain vs. Constant Sensitivity

There are two viewpoints, or philosophies, regarding the gain structure of power amplifiers — constant gain and constant sensitivity .

Constant gain means that regardless of the output power of the amplifier , the gain from input to output remains the same. (By the way , this refers to the full gain of the amplifier, with the gain or level controls all the way up.) Within a product line of constant gain power amplifiers, as the output power rating of an amplifier increases, the level of the input voltage must also increase.

For example, if an amplifier is rated at 100W into an 8-ohm load, and it has 26 dB of gain, it requires an input signal of 1.4V rms to drive it to full power . This is about +5 dBu, a reasonable operating point for professional gear .

Now take an amplifier rated at 200W into an 8-ohm load. If it also has a gain of 26 dB, it requires an input signal of 2.0V rms to drive it to full power , or +8 dBu.

This can become problematic as the power of the amplifier increases. What if you have a power amp rated at 800W into 8 ohms? This will require an input signal of 4.0V rms to drive it to full power . This equates to a whopping +14.3 dBu!! Y ou’ve just robbed your mixer of 10 dB of headroom. Y ou’ll either have to have a good limiter to keep the transient peaks down, or turn down the level from the mixer and not use all the power available from the amplifier .

Constant sensitivity means that regardless of the output power of the amplifier , the input sensitivity of the amplifier (the input voltage required to attain full output power) r emains the same. As the output power of an amplifier increases, the gain of the amplifier must also increase.

Referring back to the previous example, an amplifier rated at 100W into 8 ohms with a gain of 26 dB requires an input signal of 1.4V rms to drive it to full power . It has an input sensitivity of 1.4V rms. In order for the 200W amplifier to reach full power into 8 ohms with a 1.4V rms input signal, it must have a gain of 29 dB. And the 800W amplifier will require a gain of 35 dB to reach full power with a 1.4V input signal.

Continued on page 12

So what are the pros and cons of these two approaches? The reason some amplifier manufacturers use the constant gain approach is because the noise specification looks better . It’ s a fact of physics that as the gain of the amplifier increases, the circuit noise is amplified and increases too. By maintaining a constant gain, the noise spec for an 800W amplifier can look as good as the noise spec for a 100W amplifier . The downside to this is that you have to crank up your mixer level feeding the input of the amplifier , losing headroom and possibly increasing the noise level from the mixer (unless you have a Mackie mixer with low-noise VLZ circuitry!).

Conversely, constant sensitivity demands that as the power increases, so must the gain. Y es, the output noise of the amplifier will increase, but you maintain the critical headroom available from your mixer . The additional noise is generally not a problem in live sound reinforcement situations. If it is, you

GAIN

can turn down the

control a few clicks to find a happy compromise between noise floor and headroom available (see “Optimizing Sound System Levels” in Appendix D). As an added benefit, you can drive multiple amplifiers with the same signal and get the maximum power available from all of them.

Mackie subscribes to the philosophy of constant sensitivity. Our amplifiers can be driven to full power with an input level of +4 dBu (1.23V rms).

Y ou may wonder why we didn’t use just one stereo control to control both sides. That’s in case your applica-

tion requires a left/right imbalance (due to an irregularly shaped room) or if you’re using the two sides for completely different purposes (monitor in channel 1 and side-fill in channel 2, for instance). Besides, they look cool.

METERS

The M•1400i’s meters indicate the relative output level of the amplifier referenced to full power . The numbers next to the meter’ s LEDs are in dB below full power.

Ideally, the M•1400i’ s

–20, –9, –6,

LEDs will flicker at normal signal levels, while

LED may flicker occasionally during

the peak moments.

is short for Overload. Overloading, or clipping, occurs when the output voltage no longer linearly follows the input voltage and simply stops. This causes a sine wave to “square off,” or get “clipped off.” Thus, the term clipping. Fear not — this scenario is quite un-

GAIN

likely. Even with the

controls fully up, the M•1400i amplifier easily accepts professional “+4 dBu” operating levels.

If the is blinking frequently or continuously, turn down the source signal (i.e. the mixer’s master faders).

and

–3

(Overload) LED

FULL SYMMETRY DUAL DIFFERENTIAL HIGH CURRENT DESIGN

GAIN/dB

SENSITIVITY

2416

1.23v (+4dBu)

–3

–6

–9

–20

–3

–6

–9

–20

SIGOLSIG

GAIN/dB

SENSITIVITY

2416

1.23v (+4dBu)

INTERNAL STATUS

PROTECT

SHORT

TEMP STATUS

CH 1& 2

COLD HOT

SIG

(short for “signal present”) is the lowest step in the meters’ prior to the

GAIN

ladder . It senses the signal

control, so when

SIG

is lit, you know the M•1400i is receiving signal. If it’s the only meter LED lit (meaning the other meter LEDs are not lit), the M•1400i is receiving a very weak signal (below –20 dB).

PROTECT

If the

PROTECT

output section has shut down. That, of course, means you won’t hear anything until you rectify the situation. Three things can cause the

circuit to engage:

TECT

1. Powering up the M•1400i. A built-in delay

circuit saves your speakers (and ears) from the thumps or pops that can sometimes occur when powering up a system. During this 3 second delay, the LEDs light up.

2. A short circuit (or near short) in either of

the outputs. Both the

SHORT

LEDs light up.

3. The temp erat ure in th e M•1400i ha s risen

to an unsafe level. The

TEMP ST ATUS HOT

stay cool. DO NOT BLOCK THE VENTILATION PORTS. See

LEDs are on, the M•1400i’s

PROTECT

and the

PROTECT

LEDs light up.

The M•1400i amp draws its ventilation air in from the front and out through the side panels. The amp needs plenty of fresh air to

“Thermal Considerations”

PRO-

and the

SHORT

If this LED comes on, the M•1400i has detected a short circuit in either of the outputs, meaning that the hot (+) and cold (–) speaker wires are touching, or a speaker itself is shorted out. Such a condition causes the M•1400i to engage its

PROTECT

(when a signal is present), muting all signals at the amp’s outputs.

This short-circuit LED is a Mackie exclusive (until the other guys “borrow” the idea) and can save precious minutes of your troubleshooting time. Without it, you’d still have speaker and amp protection (via the circuit), but you wouldn’t be able to determine the source of the problem. But with the LED, the M•1400i comes right out and tells you!

W ARNING: The

SHORT

unsafe condition for the power amplifier . When the short-circuit protection is activated, the

SHORT

LED lights, then the

SHORT

lights and the

LED turns off. After about four seconds, the protection circuit turns off and the amplifier resumes normal operation. If it senses the shorted condition again, the cycle repeats until you fix the problem.

Typical causes for a “short” indication would be either a shorted speaker cable or too many speaker cabinets connected to the amplifier (i.e., the load impedance is too low). If a “short” is indicated, please check your cables. If the cabling is OK, then reduce the number of cabinets driven by the amplifier .

Note: When using the amplifier in mode, one or both

SHORT

under shorted or low impedance conditions. Regardless of whether one or both LEDs light, it’s an indication of a problem that requir es further investigation.

mode

PROTECT

SHORT

LEDs indicate an

PROTECT

LED

BRIDGE

LEDs may light

PROFESSIONAL POWER AMPLIFIER

OFF

POWER

+ 30 hidden pages