Mackie SP2400 Instruction Manual
AC Power Considerations
Each SP2400 draws an average of 6 amps of AC
line current (@ 120VAC) when fully loaded and
playing music with a relatively high crest factor.
Voltage Conversion
The SP2400 can be configured to operate at
115V AC or 230V AC. See Appendix C for instructions
on how to change the operating voltage configuration.
Thermal Considerations
IMPORTANT: The SP2400 is convection
cooled rather than fan cooled. This design
was chosen to avoid the requirement for
periodic air filter maintenance, and to keep the
insides of the SP2400 clean in dirty environments
(rather than blowing dirty, smoky air into it). Heat is
drawn away from the amplifiers by the heatsinks
and radiated through the cooling vents in the top
cover. When installing the SP2400, be sure to allow
sufficient air space around the top and rear of the
amplifier to allow adequate cooling for the
heatsinks. If installing in a rack,
rack space above and below the SP2400 for a vent,
and at least 6 inches behind the chassis to allow
proper ventilation.
leave at least one
If installing three or more SP2400s in a rack, use a
fan in the rack to move cool air in and warm air out of
the rack's enclosure. It may be necessary to provide
a cool air intake fan at the bottom of the rack, and a
warm air exhaust fan at the top (see Figure below).
Note: Though it is not required, it is
recommended that a warm air exhaust fan be used
when two SP2400s are installed in the same rack.
If the amplifier should overheat, a thermal switch
is activated that disengages the speaker outputs,
allowing the heatsinks to cool down. The
OVERLOAD
indicator on the front panel will also
light to show that a protection circuit has been
activated. Once the amplifier has cooled to a safe
operating temperature, the thermal switch resets
and reactivates the speaker outputs. If this should
occur, identify the cause of the problem and take
corrective action (i.e., provide better ventilation,
install a fan in the rack to move more air, make sure
the amplifier is not overloaded with too low of a
load impedance).
2U Exhaust Fan Panel
1U Vent Panel
1U Vent Panel
2U Vent Panel
(or Optional Intake Fan)
Cool Air
Intake
Cool Air
Intake
Cool Air
Intake
Cool Air
Intake
Cool Air
Intake
Hot Air
Exhaust
SP2400 – 15
4. Operation
SP2400 Quick Start
This isn’t a substitute for reading the entire
instruction manual, which is the only way to fully
understand how the SP2400 works. However, the
Quick Start provides a quick overview so you can
get the SP2400 set up and working right away.
Make sure the power switch is off while
setting up and making connections to the
SP2400.
External Switch Settings
• The Paging Mic and the Local Mic have +24 VDC
PHANTOM
down to activate the phantom power if you are
using condenser microphones.
• The Paging Mic and Local Mic also have
+40dB
position when microphones are connected to these
inputs.
• If you plan on connecting two or more SP2400s
together in a system with the
bus, use the
either the local Program Input source (switches up)
or a remote program source from the
IN/OUT
switches (1, 3, 5, 7) select the left inputs, and the
even-numbered switches (2, 4, 6, 8) select the right
inputs.
• If you’re using the SP2400 in a stereo configuration,
move the
a zone configuration planned, leave the
MONO
and right channels into a mono signal.
• For stereo operation, assign the same
ADDRESS
ADDRESS
one channel and to the Slave position on the other
channel). The front panel and remote control panels
will operate both amplifiers when they are assigned
to the same
select Program Input 1 with the Zone A control,
Program Input 1 is also selected in Zone B, routing
the Program Input 1 left signal to the Zone A
(Stereo Left) amplifier, and the Program Input 1
right signal to the Zone B (Stereo Right) amplifier.
• For zone operation, assign different
ADDRESS
panel and remote control panels will operate
independently for each amplifier and zone.
power switches. Move the switches
GAIN
switches. Leave the switches in the down
EXPANSION IN/OUT
LOCAL/REMOTE
bus (switches down). The odd-numbered
STEREO/MONO
switches down (default) to combine the left
setting to both amplifiers (set the
DIP switch #6 to the Master position on
AMP ADDRESS
settings to each amplifier. The front
switches to select
EXPANSION
switches up. If you have
STEREO/
AMP
AMP
. For example, if you
AMP
Internal Switch and Jumper Settings
Refer to “Internal Settings” on page 13 for more
information.
• Bus Assign switches are used to assign a
program input source to the balanced expansion
bus. There are four switches for each program input
source: Left (+), Left (–), Right (+), and Right (–).
CAUTION : Never assign more than one
program source to each of the four
expansion bus outputs.
• EQ Bypass allows you to bypass the 3-band EQ,
which is in the Input 1-4 signal path. EQ engaged is
the default setting.
• The amplifier can be configured for 8-ohm, 70V
(default), or 100V operation via eight jumpers on the
amplifier board.
Program Inputs
Connect any stereo line-level signal source to
the Program Inputs 1-4. If you have a music-on-hold
requirement, connect a continuous music source to
INPUT 1
can feed the signal connected to
telephone system.
(e.g., a jukebox), connect it to
AMP ADDRESS
priority.
for now (1K for the
adjusted later, if necessary.
. The
DIRECT OUTPUT
If you have a need for a priority Program Input
switch #7 UP to enable
Set the 3-band EQ controls to the “U” position
FREQ
jacks next to
INPUT 1
INPUT 4
control). These can be
INPUT 1
to the
. Move the
INPUT 4
Paging Mic Input
Connect a microphone to the
Use either the XLR connector, or the supplied
Phoenix-type connector. Set the
GAIN +40dB
Adjust the
the meter level is at the “0” mark. Set the
control so the meter indication is near the “0” mark
when speaking at an average level into the
microphone. See “Setting The Vox Threshold” on
page 19 for more information.
Set the 2-band EQ (
position. This can be adjusted later, if necessary.
switches to their appropriate positions.
MASTER VOLUME
LOW
PAGING MIC
PHANTOM
up/down buttons so
and
HIGH
and
GAIN
) to the “U”
input.
SP2400 – 16
Paging Mic Control
The
PAGING MIC CONTROL
provided to connect a manual paging switch.
Connect a normally-open switch between
ZONE A
(to page in Zone B only), or
(to page over the entire system). The voiceactivated (
operates in both zones when the switch is off.
(to page in Zone A only),
VOX
) control for the Paging Mic still
connector is
GND
GND
and
GND
and
ZONE B
ALL CALL
and
Local Mic/Line Inputs
Connect a microphone to
(one for each zone), using the supplied Phoenix-type
connector, to use for a meeting room or other local
speaking requirements. Set the
GAIN +40dB
Select the
disengages the selected Program Source and
engages the
VOLUME
the “0” mark.
Note: The
MIC/LINE INPUTS
VOLUME
VOLUME
memory when the
OFF button is engaged). When an
selected, the
MIC/LINE INPUT
Set the
near the “0” mark when speaking at an average
level into the microphone.
Set the 2-band EQ (
position. These can be adjusted later, if necessary.
switches to their appropriate positions.
OFF
button on the front panel. This
MIC/LINE INPUT
up/down buttons so the meter level is at
MASTER VOLUME
is independent of the
setting for
setting for
MASTER VOLUME
GAIN
INPUTS 1-4
INPUTS 1-4
MIC/LINE INPUT
is stored in memory.
control so the meter indication is
MIC/LINE INPUT A or B
PHANTOM
. Adjust the
setting for the
. The
MASTER
is stored in
is selected (the
INPUT 1-4
setting for the
LOW
and
HIGH
) to the “U“
and
MASTER
MASTER
is
Ambient Mic Inputs
This is an optional connection, but can greatly
enhance the performance of the Paging Mic.
Connect the optional MT-3100 mic to the
MIC
input (one for each zone). This provides an
“ear” for the microprocessor to adjust the Paging
Mic gain to compensate for the ambient noise level
in the room. Use the supplied Phoenix-type
connectors to make these connections.
Note: Move the
enable the ambient mic. See page 20 for more
information on "Using the Ambient Mic."
AMP ADDRESS
AMBIENT
switch #8 UP to
Expansion In/Out
If you are connecting two or more SP2400s in a
system, use the
to distribute the Program Input sources assigned to
the Expansion Bus between SP2400s. The two 25pin D-Sub connectors are in parallel (use one to
connect to the previous SP2400 and one to connect
to the next SP2400 in the chain).
EXPANSION IN/OUT
connections
REMOTE
You can connect one or more optional remote
controls (up to 10) to each zone on the SP2400 to
provide wall-mounted input select, program signal
volume control, and local mic volume control.
RS485
A PC can be connected to the RS485 port to
provide computer control for up to 16 SP2400s,
interconnected via their RS485 ports, using the
SPLinker Sound Palette Control software application.
If the PC doesn't have an RS485 serial port, you can
either install an RS485 interface card, or use an
RS232 serial port with an RS232-to-RS485 converter.
Two zones can be controlled with one wired
remote control by connecting the RS485 ports
between the two zones. (The RS485 ports are
connected internally, so an external connection
between the RS485 ports on a single SP2400 is not
necessary.) Each amplifier must have the same
AMP ADDRESS
control is connected, with one assigned as Master
and the other as Slave. Use the supplied Phoenixtype connectors to make these connections.
Note: Move the
DOWN for Master and UP for Slave.
as the amp to which the remote
AMP ADDRESS
switch #6
PRE OUT/AMP IN
These connections can be used to insert a signal
processor (i.e., graphic equalizer, compressor, etc.)
into the signal chain, or to feed the signal to additional
power amplifiers. If no external processor or external
amplifier is to be used, leave the U-shaped jumper in
place between the
PRE OUT
and
AMP IN
connectors.
OUTPUTS
Use the supplied two-conductor Phoenix-type
connectors with appropriate speaker wiring to
connect to the speaker or distributed speaker
system.
SP2400 – 17
Using INPUTS 1-4
Connect the program sources to Inputs 1-4.
These could include a CD player, tape deck, tuner,
satellite feed, TV audio, jukebox, or an audio feed
from a live band. All four program inputs use
unbalanced RCA connectors and accept stereo linelevel signals.
Note: The Input Select buttons are labeled 1
through 4 on the front panel. The spaces below the
buttons are sized to accept 1/4" labels from the
Brother P-Touch Electronic Labeling System.
Professional-looking labels can be made to clearly
identify the program source connected to each
input (visit www.brother.com).
There are no individual volume controls for
Inputs 1-4. The SP2400 automatically adjusts the
volume for each input using an AGC circuit
(Automatic Gain Control). This provides the best
signal-to-noise ratio and insures that the volume
remains the same when you switch from one
source to another.
Only one Input source can be selected at a time.
When switching from one source to another, the
previous source fades out while the new source
fades in (digital crossfade), rather than abruptly
switching between the two.
In a zone configuration, move the
MONO
into a mono signal for each program source. Set the
AMP ADDRESS
allow independent control over each zone.
switches down to combine the stereo signal
switches to different addresses to
STEREO/
LOCAL or REMOTE
These switches are used to select the input
source for each of the four Program Inputs. Leave
the switches up to select the local input source
connected to the
Move the switches down to select the remote
signal coming from the
Each Program Input has two switches, one for the
left input and one for the right input.
PROGRAM INPUT
EXPANSION IN
connector.
connector.
Bus Assign
These internal switches are used if you have two
or more SP2400s connected together in a system
using the
the four program inputs can be individually assigned
to the
switches associated with each Program Input source
(see the Bus Assign Switch chart on page 13).
Caution: Never assign more than one program
source to each of the four expansion bus outputs.
EXPANSION IN/OUT
EXPANSION
balanced bus. There are four
connectors. Each of
INPUT 1 and the Direct OUTPUT
Input 1 provides a direct line-level output that
can be used for music-on-hold or other external
applications. Connect a continuous music source
(i.e., satellite feed, prerecorded background music,
multi-disc CD player) to Input 1 and connect the
DIRECT OUTPUT
jacks to the external destination.
INPUT 4 Priority
Normally, the four program inputs are nonpriority inputs. However, if there is a jukebox or
other priority program source in the system,
Program Priority can be activated on Input 4 by
setting
signal appears at Input 4, it overrides the other
three inputs. When the signal stops, the SP2400
switches back to the previously selected input
source, fading it in smoothly.
AMP ADDRESS
switch #7 UP. When a
STEREO or MONO
The four program inputs accept stereo signals.
The SP2400 can be operated in a stereo configuration or a zone configuration. The
switches should be set to the up position for stereo
operation. Set the
same address to allow the front panel and remote
control panels to operate both amplifiers.
AMP ADDRESS
STEREO/MONO
switches to the
EXPANSION IN/OUT
These two 25-pin D-Sub connectors are used to
connect two or more SP2400s together so they can
share program sources. This is a true balanced bus
and transmits the left and right signal from each of
the four inputs over balanced lines. Refer to the
“Connections” section on page 12 for information
on wiring these connectors.
These connections allow a common program
source to be available to all the SP2400s in a
system. For example, prerecorded music that is
used for music-on-hold can also serve as background
music for an entire office building by setting the
internal bus assign switches for Input 1 to the up
position on the first SP2400. The music is then
available to Input 1 on all the SP2400s connected
via the
LOCAL/REMOTE
position (down).
REMOTE
different program source is connected locally to
Input 1 on one of the SP2400s in the above
example, both the common program source (the
remote prerecorded music) and the local program
source will be combined on Input 1 and can be
played simultaneously. Typically, a local program
source would not be connected to an Input which
has
EXPANSION IN/OUT
switches are set to the
Note: Switching the
doesn't disconnect the local input. If a
REMOTE
selected as the source.
connectors when their
LOCAL/REMOTE
REMOTE
switch to
SP2400 – 18
Using the 3-Band EQ
This equalizer is applied to the selected program
source from Inputs 1-4, whether it is a local source
or remote source (via the
This equalizer does not affect the paging mic or
the local
own 2-band EQ controls.
MIC/LINE INPUTS
EXPANSION IN/OUT
, which each have their
bus).
Using the Paging Mic
The paging mic is used to make announcements
over the system. If the paging mic is a condenser
mic or other type of mic that requires phantom
power, move the
position. Otherwise, leave them switched up.
The paging mic can be voice-activated and is
routed to both channels or zones. However, you have
the option of activating it manually with an external
switch. If you choose to use a switch for the paging
mic, you have the additional option of assigning the
paging mic to either Zone A or Zone B, or to both zones.
• For Zone A only, connect a (normally-open)
switch between the
the
PAGING MIC CONTROL
• For Zone B only, connect a switch between the
ZONE B
CONTROL
• For all zones in a system interconnected via the
EXPANSION
ALL CALL
CONTROL
• For maximum flexibility, connect three switches
to the
all three selections available.
turn down (duck, or attenuate) the music that is
playing over the system so the announcement can
be heard when using the VOX circuit. When an
announcement is over, the music gradually returns
to its original volume.
music 20 dB within 300 ms (milliseconds) of
detecting a signal on the paging mic. When the
signal on the paging mic stops, there is a 1500 ms
(1.5 second) timeout period to make sure the
announcement is over, and then the music ramps
up to its original volume over the next 2.5 seconds.
there is no timeout period after the announcement
ends. The moment you let go of the switch, the
music begins to ramp up to its original volume.
and
connector.
and
connector.
PAGING MIC CONTROL
The paging mic can be configured to automatically
The music ducks fairly rapidly, attenuating the
Note 1: When manually activating the paging mic,
PHANTOM
ZONE A
GROUND
bus, connect a switch between the
GROUND
switches to the down
and
GROUND
connector.
pins on the
pins on the
PAGING MIC
PAGING MIC
connector and have
pins on
Note 2: When the manual switch is off, the
voice-activated (
still operational. Ensure that the
threshold is set accordingly to prevent false
triggering of the paging mic input when using
PAGING MIC CONTROL
turn the
(fully clockwise) to defeat the VOX circuit. Note that
each zone has its own
PAGING MIC VOX
VOX
) control for the paging mic is
PAGING MIC VOX
switching. Alternatively,
control all the way up
PAGING MIC VOX
control.
Setting the GAIN
When a microphone is connected directly to the
paging mic input, the
set in the down position (for a mic-level signal). When
the paging mic is going through an external mixer,
sending a line-level signal to the paging mic input,
move the
a line-level signal only).
Adjust the
pressing the up/down buttons so the meter
indicates a level at the “0” mark. With all music
sources off, speak into the paging mic with a
normal voice. Adjust the
with a non-conductive alignment tool so that the
meter indication is near the “0” mark. This provides
the best signal-to-noise ratio for the mic, and
insures that the signal from the paging mic is strong
enough to trigger the
GAIN +40dB
MASTER VOLUME
GAIN +40dB
switch to the up position (for
PAGING MIC GAIN
VOX
circuit.
switch should be
control by
control
Setting the VOX Threshold
This control determines how strong the signal
from the paging mic must be to trigger the
circuit, which ducks the program source when an
announcement is made. Ideally, the threshold
should be set so it is sensitive enough to trigger the
VOX
circuit as soon as you begin speaking, but not
so sensitive as to be triggered by ambient sounds
around the microphone. Set the
control to the center position with a non-conductive
alignment tool to start. Turn the control counterclockwise to lower the threshold (increase the
sensitivity) if the beginning of announcements are
getting clipped off. Turn the control clockwise to
increase the threshold (decrease the sensitivity)
should you experience false triggering due to
ambient noise around the microphone.
PAGING MIC VOX
VOX
Using the EQ
The paging mic has a 2-band equalizer for
adjusting the lows or highs on the microphone
signal. When the controls are set to “U” (unity), the
EQ has no effect on the signal.
SP2400 – 19
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