
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
30.10.2017, ID: 415616

Table of contents
1 General information................................................................................................................................. 4
1.1 Further information........................................................................................................................... 5
1.2 Notational conventions.................................................................................................................... 6
1.3 Symbols and signal words............................................................................................................... 6
2 Safety instructions..................................................................................................................................... 8
3 Features....................................................................................................................................................... 13
4 Installation.................................................................................................................................................. 14
4.1 Tips on handling speakers............................................................................................................ 15
5 Connections and controls................................................................................................................... 16
6 Technical specifications....................................................................................................................... 22
7 Plug and connection assignment.................................................................................................... 25
8 Cleaning....................................................................................................................................................... 29
9 Protecting the environment.............................................................................................................. 30
Table of contents
MS 12
3

1 General information
This manual contains important instructions for the safe operation of the unit. Read and follow
the safety instructions and all other instructions. Keep the manual for future reference. Make
sure that it is available to all those using the device. If you sell the unit please make sure that
the buyer also receives this manual.
Our products are subject to a process of continuous development. Thus, they are subject to
change.
General information
active speaker
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1.1 Further information
On our website (www.thomann.de) you will find lots of further information and details on the
following points:
Download This manual is also available as PDF file for you to download.
Keyword search
Use the search function in the electronic version to find the topics of
interest for you quickly.
Online guides
Our online guides provide detailed information on technical basics
and terms.
Personal consultation For personal consultation please contact our technical hotline.
Service
If you have any problems with the device the customer service will
gladly assist you.
General information
MS 12
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1.2 Notational conventions
This manual uses the following notational conventions:
The letterings for connectors and controls are marked by square brackets and italics.
Examples: [VOLUME] control, [Mono] button.
1.3 Symbols and signal words
In this section you will find an overview of the meaning of symbols and signal words that are
used in this manual.
Letterings
General information
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Signal word Meaning
DANGER! This combination of symbol and signal word indicates an
immediate dangerous situation that will result in death or
serious injury if it is not avoided.
CAUTION! This combination of symbol and signal word indicates a pos-
sible dangerous situation that can result in minor injury if it
is not avoided.
NOTICE! This combination of symbol and signal word indicates a pos-
sible dangerous situation that can result in material and
environmental damage if it is not avoided.
Warning signs Type of danger
Warning – high-voltage.
Warning – danger zone.
General information
MS 12
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2 Safety instructions
This device is intended to be used in a sound reinforcement system. 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 sufficient 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.
Intended use
Safety
Safety instructions
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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) with a protective contact plug. Do not modify the mains cable or the plug. Failure to do so
could result in electric shock/death or fire. If in doubt, seek advice from a registered electrician.
Safety instructions
MS 12
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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 sufficient ear protectors.
NOTICE!
Risk of fire
Do not block areas of ventilation. Do not install the device near any direct heat
source. Keep the device away from naked flames.
Safety instructions
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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.
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 fire.
Safety instructions
MS 12
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NOTICE!
Danger of short circuit
Switching on phantom power will damage the device if unbalanced XLR cables
are connected.
Only turn on phantom power when exclusively balanced XLR cables are connected.
Safety instructions
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3 Features
n 2-way speaker system with active and passive loudspeaker box
n
12" woofer, 1" tweeter (Neodym)
n
Output power 150 W (RMS)
n
Frequency range 55 Hz … 20 kHz
n
four mono input channels (Line, MIC) with built-in 2-band equalizer and individually
switchable FX
n
two stereo input channels (Line) with built-in 2-band equalizer
n
switchable phantom power
n
built-in WAV / MP3 player (USB, Bluetooth)
n
Housing with tripod flange and carrying handle
Features
MS 12
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4 Installation
Unpack and carefully check that there is no transportation damage before using the unit. Keep
the equipment packaging. To fully protect the device against vibration, dust and moisture
during transportation or storage use the original packaging or your own packaging material
suitable for transport or storage, respectively.
Establish all connections as long as the unit is switched off. Use the shortest possible highquality cables for all connections.
NOTICE!
Possible property damage by magnetic fields
Loudspeakers produce a static magnetic field. Therefore, maintain an appropriate
distance to devices that can be adversely affected or damaged by an external
magnetic field.
Installation
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4.1 Tips on handling speakers
We recommend you to set up the speakers in a way, that the sound signals can reach the audience unobstructedly. It will often be helpful to mount the speakers on tripods. Thus, the sound
will be evenly spread with maximum range throughout the audience area.
Always use high grade cable to connect your equipment. Otherwise you won't reach maximum sound quality.
For optimum results both impedance and power handling of the speakers must match the
requirements of the amplifier. Always follow the technical specifications of the speakers! The
overall impedance of the connected loudspeakers must not deceed the minimum output
impedance of the amp. The amps max. RMS output power should be 50 % above the power
handling capacity of the connected speakers.
If you notice distortion during operation, either the amp or the speaker is overloaded. This may
permanently damage the amp or the speaker. Always reduce the volume when you hear distortion.
Installation
MS 12
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5 Connections and controls
Control panel
Connections and controls
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1 [HF]
Equalizer: Control for adjusting the high frequencies of each channel in a range of –15 … +15 db.
2 [LF]
Equalizer: Control for adjusting the low frequencies of each channel in a range of –15 … +15 db.
3 [FX]
Pushbutton for turning the digital effect for channels CH1 … CH4 on and off.
4 [LEVEL]
Separate volume controls for CH1 … CH7/8.
5 [MIC]
Microphone inputs of channels CH1 … CH4.
Only microphones may be connected to these inputs. When using condenser microphones, turn on phantom power
with pushbutton [PHANTOM] (7).
Connections and controls
MS 12
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6 [LINE]
Line inputs of channels CH1 … CH4.
Instruments like keyboards, synthesizers or drum machines as well as effects devices can be connected to these
inputs.
7 [PHANTOM]
Push button to turn the phantom power on / off for the XLR microphone inputs of the CH1 … CH4.
The phantom power leads to damage to the device if unbalanced cables are connected. Only switch on phantom
power while exclusively balanced cables are connected.
8 MP3 / WAV player with display and function buttons.
Press the [MODE] button of the player to select the desired audio source. Options: USB (‘USB’ ), SD card (‘SD’), Bluetooth (‘VIRE BT’ ).
Use the [VOL-], [SCAN] and [VOL+] buttons to control the playback.
Keep the buttons [VOL-] or [VOL+] for at least two seconds pressed to adjust the volume of the player.
Connections and controls
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9 [MONITOR]
Control to adjust the monitor volume.
[EFFECTS]
Control to adjust the effect proportion of the output signal.
10 LED indicators:
n [PW]: Power indicator. This LED lights when the unit is powered and turned on.
n
[DL] … [–20]: Output signal strength indicator
11 [MASTER]
Overall output volume control
12 [NORMAL/SPEECH]
Pushbutton to switch between basic frequency settings for music (Normal) and speech.
13 [MONITOR OUT]
1/4" output sockets for connecting the unit to an external amplifier or active speaker boxes.
Connections and controls
MS 12
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14 [7/8]
RCA input sockets for connecting an external audio source.
[RECORD OUT]
RCA output sockets for connecting the device to an external recording device.
15 [5/6]
1/4" input sockets for connecting an external audio source. For mono operation, use the [L (MONO)] socket only.
Connections and controls
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16 IEC chassis plug for mains connection, with fuse holder.
17 Main switch to turn the device on and off.
18 Output for connecting the external passive speaker box (1/4" phone socket).
Rear panel
Connections and controls
MS 12
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6 Technical specifications
Active speaker
Inputs 4 × XLR (mono)
4 × 1/4" phone socket (mono)
1 × pair of 1/4" phone sockets
1 × pair of RCA sockets (L/R)
1 × USB
Outputs 1 × pair of 1/4" phone sockets
1 × pair of RCA sockets (L/R)
1 × speaker 150 W, 8 Ω
Speakers Two-way system with 1" driver (Neodym) and 12" woofer
Frequency range 55 Hz … 20 kHz
Crossover frequency 3.5 kHz
Technical specifications
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Active speaker
Sound pressure level (max.) 122 dB
Power consumption 50 W
Output power 150 W (RMS)
Operating supply voltage
AC 100/230 V 50/ 60 Hz
Fuse 110 V: 5 mm x 20 mm, 1,6 A, 250 V, slow-blow
230 V: 5 mm x 20 mm, 1 A, 250 V, slow-blow
Dimensions (W × H × D) 390 mm × 515 mm × 370 mm
Weight 15 kg
Technical specifications
MS 12
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Passive speaker
Input 1 × 1/4" phone socket
Speakers Two-way system with 1" driver (Neodym) and 12" woofer
Frequency range 55 Hz … 20 kHz
Crossover frequency 3.5 kHz
Sound pressure level (max.) 122 dB
Power handling 300 W
Dimensions (W × H × D) 390 mm × 515 mm × 370 mm
Weight 14.6 kg
Technical specifications
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7 Plug and connection assignment
This chapter will help you select the right cables and plugs to connect your valuable equipment 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 fits 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 hifi 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 transmitted 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 conductors ‘Ground’ and ‘Signal’, in a balanced transmission a second core is added. This also transfers
the signal, but phase-shifted by 180°.
Introduction
Balanced and unbalanced transmission
Plug and connection assignment
MS 12
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Since the interference affects both cores equally, by subtracting the phase-shifted signals, the
interfering signal is completely neutralized. The result is a pure signal without any noise interference.
1 Signal
2 Ground, shielding
1 Signal (in phase, +)
2 Signal (out of phase, –)
3 Ground
1/4" TS phone plug (mono,
unbalanced)
1/4" TRS phone plug (mono, balanced)
Plug and connection assignment
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1 Signal (left)
2 Signal (right)
3 Ground, shielding
1 Ground, shielding
2 Signal (in phase, +)
3 Signal (out of phase, –)
Three-pole 1/8" mini phone jack
(stereo, unbalanced)
XLR plug (balanced)
Plug and connection assignment
MS 12
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Drawing and table indicate the pin assignment of an RCA plug.
1 Signal
2 Ground, shielding
RCA connection
Plug and connection assignment
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8 Cleaning
Clean the device components that are accessible from the outside regularly. The cleaning frequency depends on the operating environment: damp, smoky or particularly dirty environments can cause greater accumulation of dirt on the device components.
n Clean with a dry soft cloth.
n
Stubborn dirt can be removed with a slightly dampened cloth.
n
Never use solvents or alcohol for cleaning.
Device components
Cleaning
MS 12
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9 Protecting the environment
For the 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.
Batteries do contain some hazardous chemicals so they should not be thrown away with the
normal household waste. They should be returned to the manufacturer for disposal or recycled
elsewhere in accordance with your local regulations.
Remove lithium batteries from the device before disposal. Protect used lithium batteries
against short circuit, for example by taping the poles.
Disposal of the packaging material
Disposal of batteries
Protecting the environment
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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 firm 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.
Disposal of your old device
Protecting the environment
MS 12
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Musikhaus Thomann · Hans-Thomann-Straße 1 · 96138 Burgebrach · Germany · www.thomann.de