Mackie SWA2801z User Manual

SWA2801z ACTIVE SUBWOOFER SYSTEM 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.

CAUTION AVIS

RISK OF ELECTRIC

SHOCK

DO NOT OPEN

RISQUE DE CHOC ELECTRIQUE

NE PAS OUVRIR

CAUTION: TO REDUCE THE RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK

DO NOT REMOVE COVER (OR BACK)

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

A LA PLUIE OU A L'HUMIDITE

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.

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.

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 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.

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 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.

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. This apparatus has been designed with Class-I construction and must be connected to a mains socket outlet with a protective earthing con nection (the third grounding prong).

17. This apparatus has been equipped with an all-pole, rocker-style AC mains power switch. This switch is located on the rear panel and should remain readily accessible to the user.

18. This apparatus does not exceed the Class A/Class B (whichever is ap plicable) 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.

19. 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 DavescreamingatSteve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 appliance to

rain or moisture.

WARNING — The cabinet has no rigging

points and is not suitable for ﬂying. Never at

tempt to suspend the cabinet by its handles.

The SWA2801z

can produce a maximum SPL of 130 dB @ 1m

CONTENTS

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

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

REAR PANEL DESCRIPTION .......................................................... 4

HOOKUP DIAGRAMS .....................................................................5

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

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

AC POWER .....................................................................................7

THERMAL CONSIDERATIONS ....................................................... 7

SERVICE INFORMATION ................................................................7

Warranty Service .....................................................................

Troubleshooting .......................................................................

Repair .......................................................................................

SWA2801z SPECIFICATIONS ......................................................10

SWA2801z LIMITED WARRANTY.................................................11

INTRODUCTION

Thank you for choosing Mackie’s active

sound reinforcement speaker systems.

The SWA2801z is a high-output active sub woofer system. It features two high-precision 18" transducers combined with applicationspeciﬁc ampliﬁer technology. The system is composed of a single, compact subwoofer cabinet with built-in control and ampliﬁer electronics.

Connecting and setting up the SWA2801z is a breeze, even for your brother-in-law. It accepts a stereo or mono line-level signal via female XLR input jacks. Male XLR Thru jacks are provided for daisy-chaining the signal to additional SWA2801z cabinets. The built-in crossover separates the low frequencies from the high frequencies, and routes the high frequencies to the male XLR high-pass output jacks. Connect these to the inputs of full-range active speakers, or to an ampliﬁer powering a pair of passive speakers.

A Phase switch gives you the option of reversing the polarity of the signal to the subwoofer by 180º. A Subwoofer Level control allows you to adjust the balance between the subwoofer and the fullrange speakers.

The built-in ampliﬁer produces 800 watts of continuous power. The ampliﬁer module sits on a heatsink that eliminates the need for fans, dramatically extending the ampliﬁer's life expectancy, and eliminating maintenance cycles. A tremendous beneﬁt of having the ampliﬁer located within the subwoofer cabinet is that the SWA2801z func tions as a system, optimizing acoustic, electronic, and mechanical designs to achieve the highest level of performance and value.

The cabinet is constructed with 15 mm thick multi-layered birch plywood. Carrying handles are integrated into each side for easy loading, and casters are attached for easy transport.

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

for more information about this and other Mackie products.

Part No. 0014526 Rev. A 4/06

REAR PANEL DESCRIPTION

PARALLEL

1. POWER Switch

Use this switch to turn the SWA2801z on and off. Make sure the signal source’s level control is turned down before you turn it on.

2. AC Receptacle

This is where you connect the AC linecord to provide AC power to the SWA2801z’s built-in power ampliﬁer. Plug the linecord into an AC socket properly conﬁgured for your particular model.

3. LIMIT Indicator

The SWA2801z has a built-in limiter that prevents the ampliﬁer outputs from overdriv ing the transducers. The when the limiter is activated. It’s okay for the

LIMIT

indicator to blink occasionally, but if it

blinks frequently or lights continuously, turn down the level control until the tor only blinks occasionally.

LIMIT

indicator lights

LIMIT

indica-

4. SIGNAL Present Indicator

This LED illuminates whenever there is a signal present at the connector on the rear panel.

FULL RANGE INPUT

5. THERMAL Indicator

The SWA2801z has a thermal protection circuit that monitors the internal temperature of the ampliﬁers and heatsink. If the internal temperature should exceed a safe operating level, this indicator lights and the signal is muted to allow the ampliﬁer to cool. When the temperature cools to a safe level once again, the thermal protection circuit deactivates and normal operation resumes.

Note:

Activation of the thermal protection circuit is an indication that you should take steps to avoid continued thermal problems. See “Thermal Considerations” on page 7.

6. POWER Indicator

When the and the linecord is connected to an active AC power supply, this indicator lights green to let you know that you’re ready to rock and roll. The cool blue LED on the front of the cabinet works in the same way.

POWER

switch is turned on

7. FULL RANGE INPUT

These are female XLR-type connectors that accept a balanced line-level signal from a mixing console or other signal source.

8. THRU (FULL RANGE OUTPUT)

These are male XLR-type connectors that produce exactly the same signal that is connected to the daisy-chain several SWA2801z's together off the same signal source.

FULL RANGE INPUT

jack. Use it to

9. HIGH PASS (MID/HIGH FREQ) OUTPUT

These are male XLR-type connectors that produce the frequencies above 120 Hz. Connect these to a pair of full-range active speakers or to an amplifer/passive speaker combination. The SWA2801z reproduces the frequencies below 120 Hz.

10. SUBWOOFER LEVEL Control

This adjusts the subwoofer level. The center detent position provides 15 dB of headroom with a nominal +4 dBu input signal. Use this as a starting point for setting the balance between the subwoofer and the main speakers.

11. PHASE

This switch reverses the polarity of the subwoofer output. Depending on the placement of the SWA2801z subwoofer relative to the full-range speakers, you may get a better low-frequency response in the room if you reverse the polarity of the subwoofer’s signal. Experiment with this switch to determine which position sounds best.

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