Mackie S408 User Manual

S408 Two-way LoUDSpeaker USer’S maNUaL

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.

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.

Only use attachments/accessories speciﬁed by the manufacturer.

10.

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.

11.

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.

12.

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 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 TamiscreamingatAdrian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.

INTRODUCTION

Thank you for choosing the Mackie S408 sound rein-

forcement loudspeaker.

The S408 is a professional two-way loudspeaker system designed to complement our line of professional power ampliﬁers. They are capable of extremely high sound pressure levels, and designed to give you the best performance of any loudspeaker in its class and price range.

The S408 features four 8-inch high-power low-frequency woofers symmetrically located above and below a 1-inch titanium diaphragm high-output compression driver loaded with a 75º x 40º horn. Using four smaller drivers rather than one large 12" or 15" driver has several advantages.

• Smaller drivers provide better transient response

for a “punchier” sound.

• Four 8" drivers provide more surface area than a

single 15” driver to move more air.

• The quad-driver conﬁguration provides better

power handling and improved efﬁciency over a single 12" or 15" driver.

The woofers incoporate technology used in largeformat touring systems and, with precision 2-inch hightemperature voice coils, are virtually indestructible.

Connecting and setting up the S408 is a breeze. It accepts a speaker-level signal via a Neutrik Speakon® connector, and has a second Speakon connector for daisy-chaining the signal to another speaker.

The cabinet is constructed using both 18 mm multilayer plywood and pressure injected structural resin. It has twelve built-in ﬂy points for hanging, and a socket in the bottom for mounting on a tripod stand. A carrying handle is integrated into each side for easy loading and transport. The trapezoidal design of the cabinet makes it easy to use as a ﬂoor wedge for stage monitor applications.

Contents

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

INTRODUCTION .........................................................................................................................................3

HOOKUP DIAGRAMS ...............................................................................................................................4

Quick-Start ........................................................................................................................................................................... 4

CONNECTIONS ..........................................................................................................................................6

PLACEMENT ................................................................................................................................................6

Room Acoustics ..................................................................................................................................................................6

RIGGING ........................................................................................................................................................7

SERVICE INFORMATION ..........................................................................................................................8

Warranty Service ................................................................................................................................................................8

Troubleshooting..................................................................................................................................................................8

Repair .....................................................................................................................................................................................8

CARE AND MAINTENANCE .....................................................................................................................9

S408 SPECIFICATIONS ..............................................................................................................................9

S408 LIMITED WARRANTY ....................................................................................................................11

Don’t forget to visit our website at www.mackie.com

for more information about this and other Mackie products.

Part No. 0015328 Rev. C1 03/06

HOOKUP DIAGRAMS

S408

"MACKIE" AND THE "RUNNING MAN" FIGURE

S408

"MACKIE" AND THE "RUNNING MAN" FIGURE

Mixer or

Preamplifier

Right Line-level Output

Left

Line-level

Output

Stereo Power Amplifier

1202-VLZPRO

S408 S408

Quick-Start

Make all initial connections with the power switches OFF on all equipment. Make sure all master volume, level, or gain controls are all the way down.

1. Connect the line-level outputs from your mixing console (or other signal source) to the inputs of your power ampliﬁer.

2. Connect the “Speaker Output” from your power ampliﬁer (or powered mixer) to the INPUT connector on the S408.

3. Turn on your mixing console (or other signal source).

4. Turn on the ampliﬁer. Turn up its volume or gain control(s) as recommended by the manufacturer.

5. Start the signal source, whether it be speaking into a microphone or starting a CD player. Adjust the volume controls on the mixer (or other signal source) for normal operation.

S408: WITH A MIxER AND POWER AMPlIFIER

S408: WITH A MIxER AND TWO POWER AMPlIFIERS, USING THE SPEAKON THRU JACKS

S408

"MACKIE" AND THE "RUNNING MAN" FIGURE

S408

"MACKIE" AND THE "RUNNING MAN" FIGURE

S408

"MACKIE" AND THE "RUNNING MAN" FIGURE

S408

"MACKIE" AND THE "RUNNING MAN" FIGURE

S408 S408S408 S408

Mixer or

Preamplifier

Right Line-level Output

Left

Line-level

Output

Mono Bridged Power Amplifier

1202-VLZPRO

Mono Bridged Power Amplifier

Pole

Mount

Pole

Mount

S410s S410s

S408 S408

Mixer or

Preamplifier

Thru Connections

Right Line-level Output

Left

Line-level

Output

Stereo Power Amplifier

1202-VLZPRO

Stereo Power Amplifier

The S408 loudspeakers can be used with the Mackie S410s subwoofers to create an incredibly powerful system. The full-range signals can be routed to the inputs of the S410s subwoofers. The built-in low-pass ﬁlter in the S410s plays only the lower frequencies (below 180 Hz) through the subwoofers.

S408 AND S410s SUBWOOFERS: WITH A MIxER AND TWO POWER AMPlIFIERS

CONNECTIONS

COLD

HOT

1–

2–

37.5

37.5 º

75º

PlACEMENT

The S408 has two connectors labeled INPUT and THRU. These are both Neutrik Speakon™ connectors, which provide a secure and reliable connection for the loudspeakers. These connectors are wired in parallel, and allow for connecting the input signal to another speaker’s input.

NEVER connect more than one output from a power ampliﬁer to the S408 INPUT or THRU connector.

Keep in mind, when connecting two or more speakers in parallel using the THRU connections, that you want to avoid going below the minimum impedance requirements for your power ampliﬁer.

The S408 has a nominal impedance of 8 ohms. Two S408s in parallel equals 4 ohms. Three S408s in parallel equals 2.7 ohms. Four S408s in parallel equals 2 ohms.

A number of placement options are available with the S408. It can sit on the ﬂoor or stage, or it can sit on top of the S410s subwoofer. It can also be placed on the ﬂoor horizontally as a monitor wedge. It can be mounted on a speaker stand via the built-in socket on the bottom of the cabinet or pole-mounted on top of the S410s subwoofer. Be sure the speaker stand or pole is capable of supporting the weight of the S408.

You can create a horizontal array by placing the cabinets side-by-side. However, you should have a good understanding of the relationship between the splay angle (the angle between the facing sides of the cabinets), the on-axis power, and frequency cancellation effects between cabinets.

When two cabinets are placed side-by-side, the actual splay angle is 75º (determined by a 37.5º angle on each cabinet side). Since the horizontal coverage of the S408 is 75º, this provides a smooth transition throughout the coverage area, minimizing comb-ﬁltering effects.

Use high-quality speaker cable as recommended by

the power ampliﬁer manufacturer.

DO NOT use coaxial shielded cable like a guitar cord to make speaker connections. They are not designed to handle the high currents required to drive a loudspeaker.

The Speakon connector is wired as follows: Pin 1+ = Signal (“+” or hot) Pin 1– = Ground (“–” or cold)

Speakon Connectors

WARNING: We do not recommend stacking two S408 loudspeakers on top of each other. They are frontheavy and run the risk of tipping

over. If you do stack two S408 cabinets or an S408 on top of an S410s, we recommend that the cabinets be tethered to the ground in back of the cabinets to secure them in a stacked position so they cannot fall forward.

Room Acoustics

The S408 loudspeakers are designed to sound as neutral as possible; that is, to reproduce the input signal as accurately as possible.

Room acoustics play a crucial role in the overall performance of a sound system. Here are some additional placement tips to help overcome some typical room problems that might arise:

• Avoid placing loudspeakers in the corners of a

Rigging Points

Two each Side Two on Back

Three on Top

Three on Bottom

S408

"MACKIE" AND THE "RUNNING MAN" FIGURE

Side Flypoints

Back Flypoints (adjust angle)

Top Flypoints

Lower Back Flypoint (adjusts angle)

room. This increases the low frequency output and can cause the sound to be muddy and indistinct.

• Avoid placing loudspeakers against a wall. This, too, increases the low frequency output, though not as much as corner placement. However, if you do need to reinforce the low frequencies, this is a good way to do it.

•

Avoid placing the speakers directly on a hollow stage ﬂoor. A hollow stage can resonate at certain frequen

cies, causing peaks and dips in the frequency response of the room. It’s better to place the loudspeakers on a stand designed to handle the weight of the S408s.

•

Position the loudspeakers so the high-frequency drivers are 2 to 4 feet above ear level for the audience (make allowances for a standing/dancing in the aisles audience). High frequencies are highly directional and tend to be absorbed much easier than lower frequencies. By providing direct line-of-sight from the loudspeakers to the audience, you increase the overall brightness and intelligibility of the sound system.

•

Highly reverberant rooms, like many gymnasiums and auditoriums, are a nightmare for sound system intelligibility. Multiple reﬂections off the hard walls, ceiling, and ﬂoor play havoc with the sound. Depend ing on the situation, you may be able to take some steps to minimize the reﬂections, such as putting carpeting on the ﬂoors, closing draperies to cover large glass windows, or hanging tapestries or other materials on the walls to absorb some of the sound.

RIGGING

The S408 cabinets are ﬁtted with twelve rigging points as shown in the diagram below. These are 3/8" inserts with blocking bolts installed. Remove the blocking bolts and install eye bolts for rigging.

Note: Use 3/8"–16 x 2" forged shoulder eye bolts for suspending the S408 enclosures.

Important: Seat the eye bolt shoulder ﬁrmly into the counter-sink hole to stabilize the eye bolt shank.

WARNING: Never attempt to suspend the S408 loudspeakers by their handles. If you want to suspend them, use the rigging points only.

Consult a professional rigger or

structural engineer prior to suspending loudspeakers

from a structure not intended for that use. Always know the work ing load limit of the structure supporting the loudspeaker array. Always make sure

that the rigging

hardware mini mum rating is at least ﬁve times the actual load.

However, in most cases, these remedies are not

possible or practical. So what do you do? Making the sound system louder generally doesn’t work because the reﬂections become louder, too. The best approach is to provide as much direct sound coverage to the audience as possible. The farther away you are from the speaker, the more prominent will be the reﬂected sound.

Use more speakers strategically placed so they are

closer to the back of the audience. If the distance between the front and back speakers is more than about 100 feet, you should use a delay processor to time-align the sound. (Since sound travels about 1 foot per millisecond, it takes about 1/10 of a second to travel 100 feet.)

SERVICE INFORMATION

Warranty Service

Details concerning warranty service are spelled out

on page 11 of this manual.

If you think your loudspeaker has a problem, please do everything you can to conﬁrm it before calling for service, including reading through the following Troubleshooting section. Doing so might save you from being deprived of your Mackie loudspeaker.

Of all Mackie products returned for service (which is hardly any at all), many are coded “CND” — Could Not Duplicate— which usually means the problem lay somewhere else in the system. The following troubleshooting tips may sound obvious, but here are some things you can check:

Troubleshooting

No sound

• Are the level controls on the mixer or ampliﬁer

turned all the way down? Follow the procedures in the “Quick-Start” section on page 4 to verify that all the volume controls in the system are properly adjusted.

• Is the signal source working (and making union

scale)? Make sure the connecting cables are in good repair and securely connected at both ends.

• Make sure the mixer does not have a Mute on or a

Processor loop engaged. If you ﬁnd something like this, make sure the volume/gain is turned down before disengaging the offending switch.

Poor bass performance

• Check the polarity of the connections between the

mixer and the loudspeakers. You may have your positive and negative connections reversed at one end of one cable, causing one loudspeaker to be out-of-phase.

Poor sound

• Is it loud and distorted? Make sure that you’re not

overdriving a stage in the signal chain. Verify that all level controls are set properly.

• Is the input connector plugged completely into the

jack? Make sure all connections are secure. It’s a good idea to periodically clean all electrical connections with a non-lubricating electrical contact cleaner.

Repair

Service for Mackie products is available at a factoryauthorized service center. Service for Mackie products outside the United States can be obtained through local dealers or distributors.

If your S408 needs service, please follow these instructions:

1. Review the preceding troubleshooting suggestions.

Please.

2. Call Tech Support at 1-800-898-3211, 7 am to 5 pm

PST, to explain the problem in detail. They will ask you all sorts of impertinent questions in the hope of sorting out the problem. If it appears that the S408 needs repair, you will be given a Service Request Number. Have your loudspeaker’s serial number ready. You must have a Service Request Number be-

fore you can obtain service at a factory-authorized service center.

3. Keep this user’s manual. We don’t need it to repair

the loudspeaker.

Pack the loudspeaker in its original packaging, including protective wrap, endcaps, and box. This is VERY IMPORTANT. When you call for the Service Request Number, please let Tech Support know if you need new packaging. Mackie is not responsible

for any damage that occurs due to non-factory packaging.

5. Include a legible note stating your name, shipping

address (no P.O. boxes), daytime phone number, Service Request Number, and a detailed description of the problem, including how it can be duplicated.

6. Write the Service Request Number in

out the Service Request Number will be refused.

7. Tech Support will tell you where to ship the loud

speaker for repair. We suggest insurance for all forms of cartage.

8. You will need to contact the authorized service

center for their latest turn-around times. Once it’s repaired, the authorized service center will ship it back, pre-paid (if it was a warranty repair).

Note: Under the terms of the warranty, you must

ship or drop-off the unit to an authorized service center. The return ground shipment is covered for those units deemed by us to be under warranty.

Note: You must have a sales receipt from an Autho-

rized Mackie Dealer to qualify for a warranty repair.

on top of the box. Product shipped with-

BIG

CARE AND MAINTENANCE

Your Mackie loudspeakers will provide many years of

reliable service if you follow these guidelines:

Avoid exposing the loudspeakers to moisture. If they are set up outdoors, be sure they are under cover if you expect rain.

S408 SPECIFICATIONS

• Avoid exposure to extreme cold (below freezing

temperatures). If you must operate the loudspeakers in a cold environment, warm up the voice coils slowly by sending a low-level signal through them for about 15 minutes prior to high-power operation.

• Use a slighty damp cloth with a mild soap solution

to clean the cabinets. Only do this when the power is turned off. Avoid getting moisture into any of the openings of the cabinet, particularly where the drivers are located.

Acoustic Performance

Frequency Range (–10 dB) 60 Hz–22 kHz

Frequency Response (–3 dB) 80 Hz–18 kHz Horizonal Coverage Angle (–6 dB) 75º averaged 2 kHz to 10 kHz Vertical Coverage Angle (–6 dB) 40º averaged 2 kHz to 10 kHz Sensitivity 99 dB @ 1W/1m Max SPL long-term 127 dB @ 1m Max SPL peak 130 dB @ 1m Crossover Point 2500 Hz

Input/Output

Input/Thru Type Neutrik Speakon™ Input Impedance 8 ohms Power Handling 600 watts rms continuous 2400 watts peak

High-Frequency Section

Voice Coil Diameter 1.75 in/44 mm Horn Exit Diameter 1.0 in/25 mm Phase Plug Optimized geometry Diaphragm Material Titanium Magnet Material Ferrite

Low-Frequency Section

Woofer Diameter 8.0 in/203 mm Voice Coil Diameter 2.0 in/51 mm Diaphragm Material Paper Magnet Material Ferrite

Physical Properties

Height 31.9 in/81.0 cm Width 20.1 in/51.2 cm Depth 17.9 in/45.5 cm Weight 72 lb/32.7 kg Mounting Methods Integrated mounting points, 3/8" inserts. Two each located on each side and rear of

Use 3/8 Consult a professional rigger or structural

Never attempt to suspend the handles. The S408 is also pole-mountable via

the built-in socket on the bottom of the cabinet. Be sure the pole is capable of supporting the weight of the S408 cabinet.

enclosure, three each located on top and bottom.

–16 x 2" forged shoulder eye bolts.

engineer prior to suspending the S408 enclosure.

cabinet by its

Disclaimer

Since we are always striving to make our products better by incorporating new and improved materials, components, and manufacturing methods, we reserve the right to change these speciﬁcations at any time without notice.

“Mackie” and the “Running Man” ﬁgure are registered trademarks of LOUD Technologies Inc.

All other brand names mentioned are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective holders, and are hereby acknowledged.

Need Help?

Construction Features

Basic Design Trapezoidal, 37.5º side angles Material 18 mm multi-layered plywood, resin end caps Finish Wear-resistant textured black PVC vinyl Handles Grille Perforated metal with weather resistant coating

One on each side, one on top

You can reach a technical support representative

Monday through Friday

from 7 AM to 5 PM PST at:

1-800-898-3211

After hours, visit www.mackie.com and click Support,

or email us at: techmail@mackie.com

S408 Frequency Response On-Axis

S408

"MACKIE" AND THE "RUNNING MAN" FIGURE

31.9 in/

81.0 cm

17.9 in/

45.5 cm

20.2 in/

51.2 cm

17.9 in/

45.5 cm

20.2 in/

51.2 cm

20.2 in/

51.2 cm

Frequency (Hz)

20 100 1000 10000 20000

110

100

1/3 Octave Response

dB SPL @ 2.83 V

S408 Frequency Response On-Axis

S408 Dimensions

S408 lIMITED WARRANTY

Please keep your sales receipt in a safe place.

A. LOUD Technologies Inc. warrants all materials, workmanship period of two years any defects are found in the materials or workmanship or if the product fails to function properly during the applicable warranty period, LOUD Technologies, at its option, will repair or replace the product. This warranty applies only

to equipment sold and delivered within the U.S. by LOUD Technologies Inc. or its authorized dealers.

B. Failure to register online or return the product registration card will not void the two-year warranty.

C. Service and repairs of Mackie products are to be performed only at a factory-authorized facility (see D below). Unauthorized service, repairs, or modiﬁcation will void this warranty. To obtain repairs under warranty, you must have a copy of your sales receipt from the authorized Mackie dealer where you purchased the product. It is necessary to establish purchase date and determine whether your Mackie product is within the warranty period.

D. To obtain factory-authorized service:

1. Call Mackie Technical Support at 800/898-3211,

7 AM to 5 PM Monday through Friday (Paciﬁc Time) to get a Service Request Number. Products returned without a Service Request Number will be refused.

2. Pack the product in its original shipping carton. Also include a note explaining exactly how to duplicate the problem, a copy of the sales receipt with price and date showing, and your return street address (no P.O. boxes or route numbers, please!). If we cannot duplicate the problem or establish the starting date of your Limited Warranty, we may, at our option, charge for service time.

3. Ship the product in its original shipping carton, freight prepaid to the authorized service center. The address of your closest authorized service center will be given to you by Technical Support.

IMPORTANT: Make sure that the Service Request Number is plainly written on the shipping carton.

E. LOUD Technologies reserves the right to inspect

any products that may be the subject of any warranty claims before repair or replacement is carried out. LOUD Technologies may, at our option, require proof of the original date of purchase in the form of a dated copy of the original dealer’s invoice or sales receipt. Final determination of warranty coverage lies solely with LOUD Technologies.

F. Any products returned to one of the LOUD Technologies factory-authorized service centers and deemed eligible for repair or replacement under the terms of this warranty will

and proper operation of this product for a

from the original date of purchase. If

be repaired or replaced within thirty days of receipt. LOUD Technologies and its authorized service centers may use refurbished parts for repair or replacement of any product. Products returned to LOUD Technologies that do not meet the terms of this Warranty will be not be repaired unless payment is received for labor, materials, return freight, and insurance. Products repaired under warranty will be returned freight prepaid by LOUD Technologies to any location within the boundaries of the USA.

G. LOUD Technologies warrants all repairs performed for 90 days or for the remainder of the warranty period. This warranty does not extend to damage resulting from improper installation, misuse, neglect or abuse, or to exterior appearance. This warranty is recognized only if the inspection seals and serial number on the unit have not been defaced or removed.

H. LOUD Technologies assumes no responsibility for the quality or timeliness of repairs performed by an authorized service center.

I. This warranty is extended to the original purchaser and to anyone who may subsequently purchase this product within the applicable warranty period. A copy of the original sales receipt is required to obtain warranty repairs.

J. This is your sole warranty. LOUD Technologies does not authorize any third party, including any dealer or sales representative, to assume any liability on behalf of LOUD

Technologies or to make any warranty for LOUD

Technologies Inc.

K. THE WARRANTY GIVEN ON THIS PAGE IS THE SOLE WARRANTY GIVEN BY LOUD TECHNOLOGIES INC. AND IS IN LIEU OF ALL OTHER WARRANTIES, EXPRESS AND IMPLIED, INCLUDING THE WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE. THE WARRANTY GIVEN ON THIS PAGE SHALL BE STRICTLY LIMITED IN DURATION TO TWO YEARS FROM THE DATE OF ORIGINAL PURCHASE FROM AN AUTHORIZED MACKIE DEALER. UPON EXPIRATION OF THE APPLICABLE WARRANTY PERIOD, LOUD TECHNOLOGIES INC. SHALL HAVE NO FURTHER WARRANTY OBLIGATION OF ANY KIND. LOUD TECHNOLOGIES INC. SHALL NOT BE LIABLE FOR ANY INCIDENTAL, SPECIAL, OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES THAT MAY RESULT FROM ANY DEFECT IN THE MACKIE PRODUCT OR ANY WARRANTY CLAIM. Some states do not allow exclusion or limitation of incidental, special, or consequential damages or a limitation on how long warranties last, so some of the above limitations and exclusions may not apply to you. This warranty provides speciﬁc legal rights and you may have other rights which vary from state to state.

16220 Wood-Red Road NE • Woodinville, WA 98072 • USA

US and Canada: 800.898.3211

Europe, Asia, Central and South America: 425.487.4333

Middle East and Africa: 31.20.654.4000

Fax: 425.487.4337 • www.mackie.com

E-mail: sales@mackie.com

Mackie S408 User Manual

Specifications and Main Features

Frequently Asked Questions

User Manual

IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

INTRODUCTION

HOOKUP DIAGRAMS

Quick-Start

CONNECTIONS

PlACEMENT

Room Acoustics

RIGGING

SERVICE INFORMATION

Warranty Service

Troubleshooting

Repair

CARE AND MAINTENANCE

S408 SPECIFICATIONS

S408 lIMITED WARRANTY