Mackie MK-MR524 User Manual

Powered Studio Monitors

OWNER’S MANUAL

Important Safety Instructions

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 a dry cloth.

7.

Do not block any ventilation openings. Minimum distance (5 cm) around the

apparatus for sufficient ventilation. The ventilation should not be impeded
by covering the ventilation openings with items, such as newspapers, table­cloths, curtains, etc. 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. No naked flame
sources, such as lighted candles, should be placed on the apparatus.

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 grounding­type 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.

13.

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 power-supply 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.

Do not overload wall outlets and extension cords as this can result in a risk

of fire or electric shock.

CAUTION

RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK! DO NOT OPEN!

CAUTION: TO REDUCE THE RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK DO NOT

MR524 • MR624 • MR824 Powered Studio Monitors

REMOVE COVER (OR BACK). NO USER-SERVICEABLE PARTS INSIDE.

REFER SERVICING TO QUALIFIED PERSONNEL.

The lightning flash with arrowhead symbol within
an equilateral triangle is intended to alert the user
to the prescence of uninsulated “dangerous voltage”
within the product’s enclosure, that may be of significant ma­gnitude to constitute a risk of electric shock to persons.

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

Laite on liitettävä suojakoskettimilla varustettuun pistorasiaan.

Apparatet må tilkoples jordet stikkontakt.

Apparaten skall anslutas till jordat uttag.

Correct disposal of this product: This symbol indicates that this product should not be disposed of with your household
waste, according to the WEEE directive (2012/19/EU) and your national law. This product should be handed over to
an authorized collection site for recycling waste electrical and electronic equipment (EEE). Improper handling of this type
of waste could have a possible negative impact on the environment and human health due to potentially hazardous substances
that are generally associated with EEE. At the same time, your cooperation in the correct disposal of this product will
contribute to the effective usage of natural resources. For more information about where you can drop off your waste
equipment for recycling, please contact your local city office, waste authority, or your household waste disposal service.

PORTABLE CART

WARNING

17.

Warning: This apparatus has been designed with Class I construction and must

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

18.

This apparatus has been equipped with a rocker-style AC mains power switch.

This switch is located on the rear panel and should remain readily accessible
to the user.

19.

The MAINS plug or an appliance coupler is used as the disconnect device,
so the disconnect device shall remain readily operable.

20.

The use of apparatus is in moderate climates.

21. NOTE: This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits

for a Class B digital device, pursuant to part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits
are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference
in a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate
radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with
the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications.
However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular
installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or
television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off
and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or
more of the following measures:

• Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.

• Increase the separation between the equipment and the receiver.

• Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that
to which the receiver is connected.

• Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.

CAUTION: Changes or modifications to this device not expressly approved

by LOUD Technologies Inc. could void the user's authority to operate the
equipment under FCC rules.

22. This apparatus does not exceed the Class A/Class B (whichever is appli-

cable)

limits for radio noise emissions from digital apparatus as

radio interference regulations of the Canadian Department

set out in the

of Communications.

ATTENTION — Le présent appareil numérique n’émet pas de bruits radioélec-

triques 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.

23.

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.

According to OSHA, any exposure in excess of 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 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 in hours
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 Jon screaming at Troy 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.

Sound Level dBA,
Slow Response

Typical Example

2

MR524 • MR624 • MR824 Powered Studio Monitors

Contents MR Features

Owner’s Manual

Important Safety Instructions ...........................................................2

Table Of Contents .............................................................................3

Features ..........................................................................................3

Introduction .....................................................................................4

Quick Start.......................................................................................5

Hookup Diagram ..............................................................................6

Rear Panel Description ....................................................................7

1. Power Connection And Fuse ..............................................7

2. Power Switch ...................................................................7

3. Signal Inputs ....................................................................7

4. Acoustic Space ..................................................................8

5. High Frequency Filter ........................................................8

6. Input Level .......................................................................8

7. Custom-Tuned Rear Port ...................................................8

Front Panel Description ....................................................................8

8. Front Panel LED ................................................................8

Protection Circuits ............................................................................9

Overexcursion Protection ......................................................9

Thermal Protection ...............................................................9

Integrated Magnetic Shielding ...............................................9

Input Signal Wiring ...............................................................9

Care And Cleaning ............................................................................9

Appendix A: Service Information ....................................................10

Troubleshooting ..................................................................10

Repair ................................................................................11

Appendix B: Technical Information ..................................................12

MR Specifications ..................................................................12

MR Dimensions ......................................................................13

MR Block Diagram .................................................................14

Limited Warranty ...........................................................................15

• Designed for superior mix translation and accuracy
for professional results in any studio

• Equipped with Mackie’s proven logarithmic
waveguide design
o Ultra-wide dispersion for enhanced stereo
imaging and listening sweet spot
o Precise acoustic alignment offers incredibly
balanced sound across the entire frequency
spectrum

• 1" silk dome tweeter provides fast transient
response for detailed high end and vocal clarity

• Polypropylene woofer delivers responsive,
dynamic low frequency response
o MR524 – 5.25"
o MR624 – 6.5"
o MR824 – 8"

• Bi-amplified Class A/B amplification
o MR524 – 50 watts
o MR624 – 65 watts
o MR824 – 85 watts

• Frequency response:
o MR524 – 45 Hz – 20 kHz
o MR624 – 38 Hz – 20 kHz
o MR824 – 35 Hz – 20 kHz

• Optimize MR monitors for your mixing environment
o Adjustable acoustic space filters maintain flat
response in typical placement configurations
o HF filter applies boost or cut to compensate
for particularly dull or bright sounding rooms

• Professional MDF cabinet design built to last
and look great in any studio
o Custom designed internal bracing adds
stiffness for reduced distortion and enhanced
low frequency response

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

Purchased at:

Date of purchase:

Part No. SW1198 Rev. A 06/17
©2017 LOUD Technologies Inc. All Rights Reserved.

• Flexible inputs for simple connection to almost
any audio source

• Acoustically optimized with sound-tightening
acoustic absorption material

• Add the companion MRS10 studio subwoofer
for powerful, deep low frequency extension
perfect for electronic music, hip-hop and more

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Owner’s Manual

3

Introduction

MR Series Powered Studio Monitors offer professional
performance, clarity and superior mix translation so you
can listen with confidence knowing your mix will sound
great anywhere.

Drawing from Mackie’s extensive studio monitor
design experience, MR Series monitors are precision
tuned to stay true to your mix whether it’s dialogue,
hip hop, rock and beyond.

Our proven logarithmic waveguide provides an
ultra-wide listening sweet spot and enhanced stereo
imaging while the Acoustic Space controls allow you
to adjust the frequency response of the monitor to match
your studio. Add the MRS10 Powered Studio Subwoofer
for powerful, deep low-end.

Designed To Enhance Your Sonic
Experience

The ability to reveal the character of your music
is the number one reason to get professional studio
monitors
to enhance this experience. From the added punch
and bass extension provided by the custom-tuned ports
to the rugged cabinet packed with sound-tightening
acoustic absorption material, you can be confident
that MR monitors are revealing the full-range, natural
character that your music deserves.

. MR monitors are packed with design features

As Versatile As Your Application

All studio spaces are different. As such, having the
right connection types and customizable control over
your acoustics is necessary.

A Brief History Of Time...

We have been designing and re-designing studio
monitors for nearly 20 years. Our talented engineering
team has now designed monitors that love music
as much as you do. Targeted at music lovers and
post-production studios alike, the new MR
Series Powered Studio Monitors have been re-voiced
and re-kitted, offering unparalleled clarity and
unbelievable depth for today’s demanding home
project or post-production studio requirements.

Music Is All That Matters

When designing the MR Powered Studio Monitors,
we didn’t start on paper
countless hours of music from every possible genre
and source. Next, we focused on acoustic optimization
with things like our minimum-diffraction waveguide
that delivers unmatched clarity and an open feel
that instantly connects you to the music. From

MR524 • MR624 • MR824 Powered Studio Monitors

perfectly optimized electronics to amps and drivers
custom-matched for performance, MR monitors
are designed for your music.

. Instead, we poured through

That’s why MR monitors include acoustic controls
for dialing in the specific sound needed for your space.
And you can boost / cut the highs to get exactly the
amount of sizzle and shimmer you desire.

What’s more, three types of input connectors
are provided [XLR, 1/4" and RCA] to interface
with virtually any application you may have.

Your studio deserves a professional monitoring system
with the flexibility and performance to up the level of
your music production.

A Variety Of Applications...

MR Series Powered Studio Monitors may be used in a
variety of applications. Some examples include:

•

Home and project studios – Music production for
solo artists, small bands and DJs. Post-production edit/
mix suites, recording, editing, mixdown, mastering of
everything from spoken word performances to full music
productions.

•

A/V broadcast studios – Live broadcast/streaming
of audio-only or AV content such as radio and TV.
Production/Post-production focused on podcasts
or other streaming audio. Voiceovers, too.

•

Video post-production – Edit suites for small
productions such as commercials, budget films
or multimedia for internet broadcast, etc.

•

Home theater and other multimedia – Music
and

movie playback, video game sound system,

social function/party system, etc.

4

MR524 • MR624 • MR824 Powered Studio Monitors

Quick Start

Owner’s Manual

An Extremely Important Note

We realize that you can’t wait to hook up your MR
Studio Monitors and try them out. Nevertheless, please
take the time to read this page NOW, and the rest can
wait until you’re good and ready.

1. Turn the input level control on the back of the cabinet

down (fully counterclockwise) before turning on the
monitor for the first time.

2. Set the power switch on the back panel off. This will

prevent you from accidentally connecting a hot signal
source to the monitor and getting a rude surprise.

3. Leave the acoustic space and high freq filter switches

at their normal positions.

4. Connect the line-level monitor signal from your mixer,

preamp, or other signal source to the input jack

MR

on the

5. Connect the supplied AC power cord to the IEC socket

on the back of the monitor. Plug the other end into
an AC outlet properly configured with the voltage
corresponding to the markings next to the IEC socket.

Studio Monitor (1⁄4", XLR, or RCA).

on MR Bass Response and Your
Control Room

MRs achieve the best bass response in a
room that’s optimized for bass reproduction.

A lot of factors can conspire to thwart the
MR’s extended low frequency – including room shape,
room volume and acoustical treatment.

This is not a cop-out or an apology. It’s plain old
physics in action. Luckily we’ve armed you with some
compensating controls that you can use to optimize the
frequency response of the speakers in your particular
room. Consider the following:

Low-Frequency Response

When you put your MRs in a corner or up against
walls, their bass characteristics change. The apparent
loudness of the low frequencies increases when the
monitors are placed close to a wall, and even more
so when they are placed in a corner.

If you have placed the monitors against the walls
and would like to lower the bass, try setting the
acoustic space switch to the –2 dB [Half Space]
position. If the monitors are in the corners, try the
–4 dB [Quarter Space] position.

6. Start your signal source (8-track player, turntable,
CD player, DAW, or whatever), but leave the master
volume control on the mixer or preamp down.

MR

7. Turn on the power switch on the
the front panel will illuminate.

8. Slowly turn up the input level control on the back
of the monitor to its fully clockwise position.

9. Adjust the master volume on the mixer or preamp to
a comfortably loud listening level. If the MR gets loud
really fast, turn down the input level control to its cen­ter position (12 o’clock) to provide more volume control
on the mixer or preamp.

Enjoy the silky smooth highs and authoritative,

MR

commanding lows of the
manual.

. Then read the rest of this

. The LED on

High-Frequency Response

The MRs are designed to provide a smooth
frequency response throughout the mid and high
range. Nevertheless, you may decide that you need
a little more or a little less high frequencies in your
monitors while you
switch provides a gentle boost or cut to the tweeter.
Remember that boosting the high frequencies in the
monitors can result in a duller mix, while reducing
the high frequencies can result in a brighter overall mix.

are mixing. The high freq filter

Additional Tidbits of Wisdom

• Never listen to loud music for prolonged periods.

Please see the Safety Instructions on page 2 for
information on hearing protection.

When you shut down your equipment, turn off the MR

•

studio monitors first to prevent thumps and
other noises
coming out the
the monitors last.

• Save the shipping box! You may need it someday.

• Save your sales receipt in a safe place. It’s your

warranty!

generated by any upstream equipment from

speakers. When powering up, turn on

Owner’s Manual

5