Mackie MX3500, MX2500 User Manual

MX2500 • MX3500

Professional Power Amplifiers

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. Install in accordance

with the manufacturer’s instructions.

8. Minimum distance (5 cm) around the apparatus for sucient ventilation. The ventilation should not be impeded by covering the ventilation openings with items, such as newspapers, table-cloths, curtains, etc.

9. Do not install near any heat sources such as radiators, heat registers, stoves, or other apparatus (including ampliﬁers) that produce heat.

10. No naked ﬂame sources, such as lighted candles, should be placed on the apparatus.

11. 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.

12. Protect the power cord from being walked on or pinched particularly at plugs, convenience receptacles, and the point where they exit from the apparatus.

13. Only use attachments/accessories speciﬁed by the manufacturer.

14. 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.

15. Unplug this apparatus during lightning storms or when unused for long periods of time.

MX Series Professional Power Amplifiers

16. 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.

17. 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.

18. 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

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.

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

CAUTION — To prevent electric shock hazard, do not connect to mains power supply while grille is removed.

Laite on liitettävä suojakoskettimilla varustettuun pistorasiaan.

Apparatet må tilkoples jordet stikkontakt.

PORTABLE CART

WARNING

19. 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).

20. This apparatus has been equipped with a rocker-style AC mains power switch. This switch is located on the front panel and should remain readily accessible to the user.

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

22. The use of apparatus is in tropical and/or moderate climates.

23. 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 o 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 dierent 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 Audio, LLC could void the user’s authority to operate the equipment under FCC rules.

24. 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 réglement sur le brouillage radioélectrique édicté par les ministere des communications du Canada.

25. 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 suciently 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 00 Very loud classical music .5 02

 05 Matt screaming at Troy about deadlines

0.5 0

0.25 or less 5 Loudest parts at a rock concert

Sound Level dBA, Slow Response

Typical Example

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 (202/9/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 eective usage of natural resources. For more information about where you can drop o your waste equipment for recycling, please contact your local city oce, waste authority, or your household waste disposal service.

MX Series Professional Power Amplifiers

Contents Features

Owner’s Manual

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

Contents / Features ............................................................ 3

Introduction / Getting Started ........................................... 4

Hookup Diagrams ............................................................... 5

MX Series Ampliﬁers: Rear Panel Features.....................0

. Power Connection ...................................................0

2. Circuit Breaker .......................................................0

3. XLR Inputs ..............................................................0

4. XLR Thru Outputs ...................................................0

5. NL4 Speaker Outputs .............................................0

6. Amp Mode Switch................................................... 

7. Sensitivity Switch ................................................... 

8. Fan Vents ................................................................ 

MX Series Ampliﬁers: Front Panel Features ....................2

9. Power Switch ..........................................................2

0. Level Controls .......................................................2

. LEDs .......................................................................2

General Precautions ..........................................................3

AC Power Requirements ............................................3

Thermal Considerations ............................................3

Rack Mounting ...........................................................3

Care and Maintenance ......................................................3

• Aordable, reliable power perfect for DRM Series Passive Loudspeakers, installations, and production audio systems

• Ultra-lightweight switching power supply for maximum eciency and minimal heat

• Forced-air ventilation keeps the ampliﬁer running cool

• MX2500 Power output:

o 500W Continuous power @8 Ω per channel o 750W Continuous power @4 Ω per channel o 500W Continuous power @ 8 Ω bridged

• MX3500 Power output:

o 000W Continuous power @8 Ω per channel o 350W Continuous power @4 Ω per channel o 2700W Continuous power @ 8 Ω bridged

• Selectable parallel/stereo/bridged operating modes

• Independent level control per channel

• Selectable input sensitivity

• Signal, Clip, and Fault LEDs per channel

• Short, under-impedance, over-current and thermal protection

• XLR Input and Thru per channel

• NL4 outputs

• Robust, impact-resistant, all-steel 2U rackmount chassis

Appendix A: Service Information ......................................4

Appendix B: Technical Information ..................................6

MX Series Ampliﬁers Dimensions.............................7

MX Series Ampliﬁers Block Diagram ........................8

Limited Warranty ...............................................................9

Not available in the USA, Canada, China, Japan and other

00 – 20V countries

Part No. SW269 Rev. A 0/9

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Owner’s Manual

Introduction

Getting Started

MX Series Professional Power Ampliﬁers provide the power

and performance needed for installation and portable passive systems.

Utilizing proven Mackie ampliﬁer design history, they deliver

clear, punchy sound that’s distortion-free even when pushed to the limits.

The MX Series is Built-Like-A-Tank™ but is still easy to lif

thanks to a lightweight and ultra-ecient high-current switching power supply.

With optimized performance, super-quiet operation and an

array of protection circuits, the MX Series delivers powerful performance at an aordable price.

Combine with DRM Passive Loudspeakers and the SP260

Loudspeaker Processor for a complete Mackie professional system.

How to Use This Manual:

MX Series Professional Power Amplifiers

Afer this introduction, a getting started guide will help

you get things set up fast. The hookup diagrams show some typical MX ampliﬁer setups.

The following steps will help you set up the MX amp quickly.

. Make all initial connections with the power switches

OFF on all equipment. Make sure the master volume, level and gain controls are all the way down.

2. Connect the outputs from the mixing console (or other

signal source) to the inputs on the rear panel of the power ampliﬁer.

3. Connect the speaker output from the power ampliﬁer

to the input on the rear panel of the loudspeaker.

4. Push the line cord securely into the ampliﬁer’s / mixer’s

IEC connectors and plug the other ends into grounded AC outlets. The ampliﬁer / mixer may accept the appropriate voltage as indicated near the IEC connector.

5. Turn the power ampliﬁer/mixer on. Turn up its volume

or gain control(s) as recommended by the manufacturer.

6. Start the signal source and raise the mixer’s main

L/R fader up to a comfortably loud listening level.

This icon marks information that is critically important or unique! For your own good, read and remember them...it is a good idea to pay special attention to these areas in the Owner’s Manual marked with the “VERY IMPORTANT” hand icon.

There’s an illustration of a microscope, so, of course, you’re going to get more detailed information when you see this little guy. There are explanations of features and practical tips listed here.

It’s a good idea to pay attention to text displayed next to a note icon, as this icon draws attention to certain features and functions relating to the usage of the MX Series ampliﬁer.

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

Purchased at:

Date of purchase:

Things to Remember:

• Never listen to loud music for prolonged periods. Please see

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

• As a general guide, the mixer (or other signal source)

should be turned on ﬁrst, followed by the ampliﬁer(s). As such, the ampliﬁers should also be turned o ﬁrst, followed by the mixer. This will reduce the possibility of any turn-on or turn-o thumps and other noises generated by any upstream equipment from coming out of the speakers.

• Save the shipping boxes and packing materials! You may

need them someday. Besides, the cats will love playing in them and jumping out at you unexpectedly. Remember to pretend like you are surprised!

• Save your sales receipt in a safe place.

MX Series Professional Power Amplifiers

Hookup Diagrams

Owner’s Manual

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48V

In stereo mode, both gain controls are used to achieve a nice balance.

Stereo

Displayed above is a fairly typical MX Series ampliﬁer setup. In short, it’s two ins, two outs.

In this example, cables from the mixer’s lef and right main output jacks are connected to the ch.  and ch. 2 input jacks of the MX Series ampliﬁer. The speaker outputs of the MX amp are then connected to the inputs of a pair of passive loudspeakers [Mackie DRM22-P in this example]. Make sure that the amp mode is set to “stereo”.

Stereo Setup

Owner’s Manual

Hookup Diagrams continued...

MUTE MUTE MUTE MUTE MUTE MUTE MUTE MUTE MUTE

MX Series Professional Power Amplifiers

48V

In parallel mode, both gain controls

are used to achieve a nice balance.

Parallel

In this example, we’re looking at a parallel setup. You’re sending a mono signal to both outputs.

Here, a cable from the mixer’s lef main output jack is connected to the ch.  input jack of the MX Series ampliﬁer. The speaker outputs of the MX amp are then connected to the inputs of a pair of passive loudspeakers [Mackie DRM22-P in this example]. Make sure that the amp mode is set to “parallel”.

Parallel Setup

MX Series Professional Power Amplifiers

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