A 218 LA
active subwoofer
user manual
Musikhaus Thomann
Thomann GmbH
Hans-Thomann-Straße 1
96138 Burgebrach
Germany
Telephone: +49 (0) 9546 9223-0
E-mail: info@thomann.de
Internet: www.thomann.de
22.02.2021, ID: 313916 (V2)
Table of contents
Table of contents
1 General information................................................................................................................................. 4
1.1 Further information........................................................................................................................... 5
1.2 Notational conventions.................................................................................................................... 6
1.3 Symbols and signal words............................................................................................................... 7
2 Safety instructions..................................................................................................................................... 9
3 Features....................................................................................................................................................... 14
4 Installation.................................................................................................................................................. 15
5 Connections and operating elements........................................................................................... 17
6 Starting up.................................................................................................................................................. 22
7 Networking and remote control...................................................................................................... 26
8 Technical specications....................................................................................................................... 30
9 Plug and connection assignment.................................................................................................... 32
10 Protecting the environment.............................................................................................................. 34
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General information
1 General information
This user manual contains important information on the safe operation of the device. Read and
follow all safety notes and all instructions. Save this manual for future reference. Make sure
that it is available to all persons using this device. If you sell the device to another user, be sure
that they also receive this manual.
Our products and user manuals are subject to a process of continuous development. We there‐
fore reserve the right to make changes without notice. Please refer to the latest version of the
user manual which is ready for download under www.thomann.de.
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1.1 Further information
General information
On our website (www.thomann.de) you will nd lots of further information and details on the
following points:
Download This manual is also available as PDF le for you to download.
Keyword search
Online guides
Personal consultation For personal consultation please contact our technical hotline.
Service
Use the search function in the electronic version to nd the topics of
interest for you quickly.
Our online guides provide detailed information on technical basics
and terms.
If you have any problems with the device the customer service will
gladly assist you.
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General information
1.2 Notational conventions
This manual uses the following notational conventions:
Letterings
Instructions
6
The letterings for connectors and controls are marked by square brackets and italics.
Examples: [VOLUME] control, [Mono] button.
The individual steps of an instruction are numbered consecutively. The result of a step is
indented and highlighted by an arrow.
Example:
1. Switch on the device.
2. Press [Auto].
Automatic operation is started.
ð
3. Switch o the device.
active subwoofer
1.3 Symbols and signal words
In this section you will nd an overview of the meaning of symbols and signal words that are
used in this manual.
Signal word Meaning
DANGER! This combination of symbol and signal word indicates an
CAUTION! This combination of symbol and signal word indicates a pos‐
NOTICE! This combination of symbol and signal word indicates a pos‐
General information
immediate dangerous situation that will result in death or
serious injury if it is not avoided.
sible dangerous situation that can result in minor injury if it
is not avoided.
sible dangerous situation that can result in material and
environmental damage if it is not avoided.
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General information
Warning signs Type of danger
Warning – high-voltage.
Warning – danger zone.
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2 Safety instructions
Safety instructions
Intended use
Safety
This device is designed for sound reinforcement. Use the device only as described in this user
manual. Any other use or use under other operating conditions is considered to be improper
and may result in personal injury or property damage. No liability will be assumed for damages
resulting from improper use.
This device may be used only by persons with sucient physical, sensorial, and intellectual
abilities and having corresponding knowledge and experience. Other persons may use this
device only if they are supervised or instructed by a person who is responsible for their safety.
DANGER!
Danger for children
Ensure that plastic bags, packaging, etc. are disposed of properly and are not
within reach of babies and young children. Choking hazard!
Ensure that children do not detach any small parts (e.g. knobs or the like) from
the unit. They could swallow the pieces and choke!
Never let children unattended use electrical devices.
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Safety instructions
DANGER!
Electric shock caused by high voltages inside
Within the device there are areas where high voltages may be present. Never
remove any covers.
There are no user-serviceable parts inside.
Do not use the device if covers, protectors or optical components are missing or
damaged.
DANGER!
Electric shock caused by short-circuit
Always use proper ready-made insulated mains cabling (power cord). Do not
modify the mains cable. Failure to do so could result in electric shock/death or
re. If in doubt, seek advice from a registered electrician.
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active subwoofer
Safety instructions
CAUTION!
Possible hearing damage
The device can produce volume levels that may cause temporary or permanent
hearing impairment. Over an extended period of time, even levels that seem to
be uncritical can cause hearing damage.
Decrease the volume level immediately if you experience ringing in your ears or
hearing impairment. If this is not possible, keep a greater distance or use su‐
cient ear protectors.
NOTICE!
Risk of re
Do not block areas of ventilation. Do not install the device near any direct heat
source. Keep the device away from naked ames.
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Safety instructions
NOTICE!
Operating conditions
This device has been designed for indoor use only. To prevent damage, never
expose the device to any liquid or moisture. Avoid direct sunlight, heavy dirt, and
strong vibrations.
Only operate the device within the ambient conditions specied in the chapter
‘Technical specications’ of this user manual. Avoid heavy temperature uctua‐
tions and do not switch the device on immediately after it was exposed to tem‐
perature uctuations (for example after transport at low outside temperatures).
Dust and dirt inside can damage the unit. When operated in harmful ambient
conditions (dust, smoke, nicotine, fog, etc.), the unit should be maintained by
qualied service personnel at regular intervals to prevent overheating and other
malfunction.
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active subwoofer
Safety instructions
NOTICE!
Power supply
Before connecting the device, ensure that the input voltage (AC outlet) matches
the voltage rating of the device and that the AC outlet is protected by a residual
current circuit breaker. Failure to do so could result in damage to the device and
possibly injure the user.
Unplug the device before electrical storms occur and when it is unused for long
periods of time to reduce the risk of electric shock or re.
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Features
3 Features
Special features of the device:
n Active subwoofer with 2 × 18" woofers (4" voice coils)
n 2 × 1000 W Class D amplier
n Internal Sound Processor (DSP) with four presets
n Connection options: XLR chassis socket for signal input, XLR chassis plug for signal output
n Lockable input socket (Power Twist)
n Network port for connecting a notebook/PC using exclusively the CanBus converters (item
no. 440591 the box pro USB2CAND CanBus Converter) and the Pronet software (free
download from
n Ten carrying handles
n Birch plywood housing with waterproof paint
n Four heavy-duty casters included
www.thomann.de)
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active subwoofer
4 Installation
Installation
Unpack and check carefully there is no transportation damage before using the unit. Keep the
equipment packaging. To fully protect the product against vibration, dust and moisture during
transportation or storage use the original packaging or your own packaging material suitable
for transport or storage, respectively.
Create all connections while the device is o. Use the shortest possible high-quality cables for
all connections. Take care when running the cables to prevent tripping hazards.
CAUTION!
Risk of injury due to heavy weight
Due to the heavy weight of the device, at least two persons are required for trans‐
port and installation.
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Installation
NOTICE!
Possible property damage by magnetic elds
Loudspeakers produce a static magnetic eld. Therefore, maintain an appropriate
distance to devices that can be adversely aected or damaged by an external
magnetic eld.
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5 Connections and operating elements
Connections and operating elements
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Connections and operating elements
1 [INPUT]
Audio signal input with lockable XLR chassis socket. The socket is electronically perfectly symmetrical wired to ach‐
ieve an optimal signal-to-noise ratio and a sucient power reserve, including A / D conversion.
2 [GND LIFT] pushbutton
If hum is caused by a ground loop, you can use this switch to disconnect the connection between the earth pin of the
device and the signal ground of the device. Switching only has an eect when using balanced connection cables.
3 [LINK]
Audio signal output with XLR chassis plug to connect other line array elements or speakers to which the input signal
is passed.
4 [TERMINATE] pushbutton
If the devices is networked together with Line Array elements, the last unit must be terminated with the built-in load
resistance. Press the pushbutton [TERMINATE]. The LED above it lights up.
5 [MAINS IN]
Blue lockable input socket (Power Twist). To turn the unit on, plug the Power Twist power cord or the Power Twist
connector cable from another device into this socket and turn the plug clockwise to the position [ON]. To turn the
unit o, pull the locking lever on the plug backwards and turn the plug counter-clockwise to the position [PUSH OFF].
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active subwoofer
Connections and operating elements
6, 7 [NETWORK IN/OUT]
RJ45 CAT5 connectors for establishing a network connection to the CanBus Converter (item no. 440591), to the
Pronet software and to the line array elements.
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Connections and operating elements
8 Preset button
This button has two functions:
n If kept pressed while turning the device on, the ID assignment is made. The internal digital signal processor (DSP)
assigns a new ID to the device for the remote control within the Pronet network. Each element must have a
unique ID so that it can be represented in the Pronet network. If you assign a new ID, all elements with already
assigned IDs must be turned on and connected to the Pronet network.
n If the elements is already on, pressing the button selects the DSP preset. The selected preset is indicated by the
corresponding LED.
– [STANDARD]
This setting is suitable for all applications where the frequency range up to 90 Hz is to be transmitted and
amplied. The setting is suitable for most environments and for combinations with vertically own Line
Arrays.
– [INFRA]
This setting can be used when a deeper ‘response’ in the bass range is required. This will slightly reduce the
sound pressure of the system. Note that the settings [STANDARD] and [INFRA] must not be used by two adja‐
cent devices at a time.
– [CARDIOID]
This setting is useful for a device that is aligned to the stage in the back of two other subwoofers. The bass
level is reduced towards the stage. For a sample application, see
woofers’ on page 23.
– [USER]
Ä
‘Application example for stacked sub‐
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active subwoofer
Connections and operating elements
This LED lights up when the user setting is loaded. This setting corresponds to the user preset no. 1 of the
DSP. In delivered condition, the user setting is identical to the setting [STANDARD]. If you want to change it,
you must connect the element to a PC, edit the parameters using the Pronet software, and save the setting
to user memory preset no. 1.
9 LED [SIGN/LIMIT]
This LED lights green when an input signal is present.
This LED lights red when the internal output signal is limited (due to excessive input signal level!).
10 LED [PROT]
This LED lights red when the protection circuit of the amplier module responds due to an internal error and the
amplier is therefore muted.
This LED lights red when the internal output signal is limited (due to excessive input signal level!).
11 LED [ON]
This LED lights green when the unit is turned on and the power supply voltage is present.
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Starting up
6 Starting up
Switching on
DSP preset
22
After you have made all the required connections, turn on the audio system.
It is recommended to provide one switch for turning on the entire audio system and to always
leave the Power Twist plugs connected to the sockets of the individual units. With this simple
trick you can extend the life of the Power Twist connectors.
Select the desired DSP preset ([STANDARD], [INFRA], [CARDIOID] or [USER]).
active subwoofer
Starting up
Application example for stacked
subwoofers
The units can be combined vertically or horizontally to subwoofer stacks. Of each three
devices, the middle one should aim to the stage working with the DSP preset [CARDIOID]. The
other two devices point toward the audience and work with the DSP preset [STANDARD]. By
this conguration, the bass level for the artists on stage is reduced, but maximized for the audi‐
ence.
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Starting up
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active subwoofer
1 Stage
2 Wall or huge obstacle
3 Auditorium
4 Doubled bass
5 Reduced bass
Starting up
Subwoofer stacks must be placed at a minimum distance of 80 cm from walls and xed obsta‐
cles, so that the sound is not aected by reections.
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Networking and remote control
7 Networking and remote control
Network capability
Pronet
USB2CAND
26
Using the network ports on the rear panel, the individual devices of the entire audio system
can be networked and controlled remotely with a notebook/PC.
The communication protocol used in the Pronet network is CanBus.
All you need to build such a network is the free Thomann Pronet software oered in the Tho‐
mann Cyberstore for download, the CanBus Converter (item no. 440591) available from Tho‐
mann and a notebook/PC. Installation and user's guides are included in the free download of
the software.
active subwoofer
Networking and remote control
1 Network ports on the rear panel of the rst unit.
2 [TERMINATE] pushbutton must not be pressed.
The LED above it is o.
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Networking and remote control
3 Network ports on the rear panel of the last unit.
4 [TERMINATE] pushbutton must be pressed.
The LED above it is on.
Network setup and termination
ID assignment
28
The individual units must be linearly linked by RJ45 CAT5 cable. Beginning and end of the net‐
work bus must be terminated. The beginning is terminated by the CanBus converter. At the
end, the [TERMINATE] switch must be pressed on the rear panel of the last unit to enable the
built-in terminating resistor for termination. The [TERMINATE] switch on all units between the
CanBus converter and the last device must not be pressed.
Each device of a Pronet network must have a unique identier or ID. By default, the USB2CAND
converter has the ID 0. Any other device can only have an ID equal or higher than 1. There
must be no devices with the same ID on the network. The ID is assigned automatically when a
device connected to the network is turned on for the rst time.
Proceed as follows to assign a unique ID to all devices in the Pronet network:
1. Turn o all devices.
2. Connect them with the RJ-45 CAT5 cables in the desired order.
active subwoofer
Networking and remote control
3. Press the [TERMINATE] button on the rear panel of the last unit.
4. Turn on the rst device while holding down its [PRESET] button on the rear panel.
5. Leave the rst device turned on and repeat step 4 for all other devices until the last
device is turned on.
When a new device is to be added, only step 4 must be repeated. Each device keeps its ID,
even if it is turned o, as it is stored in the internal memory of the device. The ID is only deleted
or reassigned by explicit allocation as described above. Find more detailed information and
instructions in the User Manual supplied with the Pronet software.
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Technical specications
8 Technical specications
Speaker 2 × 18" woofer (4" voice coil)
Input connections Power supply 1 × lockable input socket (Power Twist)
Audio signal 1 × XLR panel socket, 3-pin (balanced)
Network connection 1 × RJ45-CAT5 input socket
Input impedance 20 kΩ
Input sensitivity +4 dBu / 1,25 V
Output connections Audio signal 1 × XLR panel socket, 3-pin (balanced)
Network connection 1 × RJ45-CAT5 input socket
Output power 2 × 2000 W (RMS)
Frequency range 36 Hz … 100 Hz (–3 dB)
Sound pressure level (SPL), max. 141 dB
Power consumption 1400 W (nominal)
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3400 W (maximum)
Technical specications
Operating supply voltage
Dimensions (B ×H ×T, without casters) 1215 mm × 590 mm × 950 mm
Weight 101.7 kg
Ambient conditions Temperature range 0 °C…40 °C
Further information
Colour Black
Tripod ange No
Protective cover Not included (item no. 334761)
230 V 50 Hz
Relative humidity 50 %, non-condensing
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Plug and connection assignment
9 Plug and connection assignment
Introduction
Balanced and unbalanced trans‐
mission
32
This chapter will help you select the right cables and plugs to connect your valuable equip‐
ment in such a way that a perfect sound experience is ensured.
Please note these advices, because especially in ‘Sound & Light’ caution is indicated: Even if a
plug ts into the socket, an incorrect connection may result in a destroyed power amp, a short
circuit or ‘just’ in poor transmission quality!
Unbalanced transmission is mainly used in semi-professional environment and in hi use.
Instrument cables with two conductors (one core plus shielding) are typical representatives of
the unbalanced transmission. One conductor is ground and shielding while the signal is trans‐
mitted through the core.
Unbalanced transmission is susceptible to electromagnetic interference, especially at low
levels, such as microphone signals and when using long cables.
In a professional environment, therefore, the balanced transmission is preferred, because this
enables an undisturbed transmission of signals over long distances. In addition to the conduc‐
tors ‘Ground’ and ‘Signal’, in a balanced transmission a second core is added. This also transfers
the signal, but phase-shifted by 180°.
active subwoofer
XLR plug (balanced)
Plug and connection assignment
Since the interference aects both cores equally, by subtracting the phase-shifted signals, the
interfering signal is completely neutralized. The result is a pure signal without any noise inter‐
ference.
1 Ground, shielding
2 Signal (in phase, +)
3 Signal (out of phase, –)
4 Shielding on plug housing (option)
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Protecting the environment
10 Protecting the environment
Disposal of the packaging mate‐
rial
For the transport and protective packaging, environmentally friendly materials have been
chosen that can be supplied to normal recycling.
Ensure that plastic bags, packaging, etc. are properly disposed of.
Do not just dispose of these materials with your normal household waste, but make sure that
they are collected for recycling. Please follow the notes and markings on the packaging.
Disposal of your old device
This product is subject to the European Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment Directive
(WEEE) in its currently valid version. Do not dispose with your normal household waste.
Dispose of this device through an approved waste disposal rm or through your local waste
facility. When discarding the device, comply with the rules and regulations that apply in your
country. If in doubt, consult your local waste disposal facility.
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active subwoofer
Musikhaus Thomann · Hans-Thomann-Straße 1 · 96138 Burgebrach · Germany · www.thomann.de
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