SRS1500
ACTIVE SUBWOOFER
SYSTEM USER’S MANUAL
ACTIVE
THERMAL
THRU
POWER
PARALLEL
SUBWOOFER
CONTROL
HIGH PASS
(MID/HIGH FREQ)
OUTPUT
FULL RANGE
INPUT
(FULL RANGE OUTPUT)
POWER
120Hz
NORMAL
(+4dBu
)
ON
L
L
O
O
+15
OFF
SUBWOOFER
LEVEL
NORMAL
R
R
REV 180
PHASE
IN
OUT
120 VAC 60HZ 350W
DUAL SUBWOOFER APPLICATION:
SINGLE SUBWOOFER APPLICATION:
A. PLUG THE LEFT SUBWOOFER'S LEFT HIGH PASS
OUTPUT INTO THE LEFT SPEAKER'S INPUT.
A. PLUG THE SUBWOOFER'S LEFT HIGH PASS
OUTPUT INTO THE LEFT SPEAKER'S INPUT.
B. PLUG THE RIGHT SUBWOOFER'S RIGHT HIGH PASS
OUTPUT INTO THE RIGHT SPEAKER'S INPUT.
B. PLUG THE SUBWOOFER'S RIGHT HIGH PASS
OUTPUT INTO THE RIGHT SPEAKER'S INPUT.
MID/HIGH
ACTIVE
SPEAKERS
MID/HIGH
ACTIVE
SPEAKERS
IN
IN
IN
IN
SRM450
SRM450
SRM450
SRM450
R
L
R
L
L
R
L
R
L
R
IN OUT
IN OUT
IN OUT
SRS1500
SRS1500
SRS1500
BALANCED
LINE OUTPUTS
BALANCED
LINE OUTPUTS
R
L
R
L
SRS1500
ACTIVE SUBWOOFER
CAUTION
WARNING: TO REDUCE THE RISK OF FIRE OR ELECTRIC SHOCK, DO NOT
EXPOSE THIS EQUIPMENT TO RAIN OR MOISTURE. DO NOT REMOVE COVER.
NO USER SERVICEABLE PARTS INSIDE. REFER SERVICING TO QUALIFIED PERSONNEL.
SERIAL NUMBER
MANUFACTURING DATE
RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK
DO NOT OPEN
AVIS: RISQUE DE CHOC ELECTRIQUE
—
NE PAS OUVRIR
REPLACE WITH THE SAME TYPE FUSE AND RATING.
DISCONNECT SUPPL CORD BEFORE CHANGING FUSE
UTILISE UN FUSIBLE DE RECHANGE DE MÊME TYPE.
DEBRANCHER AVANT DE REMPLACER LE FUSIBLE
Y
CONCEIVED, DESIGNED, AND MANUFACTURED BY MACKIE DESIGNS INC, WOODINVILLE, WA, USA AND MACKIE EUROPE
THE FOLLOWING ARE TRADEMARKS OR REGISTERED TRADEMARKS OF MACKIE DESIGNS INC.:
"MACKIE", AND THE "RUNNING MAN" FIGURE PATENT PENDING
•
MADE IN USA
•
COPYRIGHT ©1999
•
•
Lend Me Your Ears
Exposure to extremely
According to OSHA, any exposure in excess
high noise levels may cause of these permissible limits could result in some
permanent hearing loss. In- hearing loss. To ensure against potentially
dividuals vary considerably dangerous exposure to high sound-pressure
in susceptibility to noise-
induced hearing loss, but nearly everyone will
lose some hearing if exposed to sufficiently in-
tense noise for a period of time. The U.S.
Government’s Occupational Safety and Health
Administration (OSHA) has specified the per-
missible noise level exposures shown in this
chart.
levels, it is recommended that all persons
exposed to equipment capable of producing
these levels use hearing protectors while this
unit is in operation. Ear plugs or protectors in
the ear canals or over the ears must be worn
when operating this amplification system in
order to prevent a 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
Duo in small club
8
90
92
95
97
100
102
105
110
115
6
4
Subway Train
3
2
Very loud classical music
The SRS1500
can produce a
maximum SPL of
123 dB @ 1m
1.5
1
Patrice screaming at Ron about deadlines
Loudest parts at a rock concert
0.5
0.25 or less
CONTENTS
THERMAL CONSIDERATIONS .................................. 6
SERVICE INFORMATION .......................................... 6
Warranty Service ............................................... 6
Troubleshooting................................................. 7
Repair ............................................................... 7
SPECIFICATIONS ..................................................... 8
SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS.......................................... 2
INTRODUCTION....................................................... 3
REAR PANEL DESCRIPTION .................................... 4
HOOKUP DIAGRAMS............................................... 5
CONNECTIONS........................................................ 5
PLACEMENT ............................................................ 6
AC POWER .............................................................. 6
INTRODUCTION
Thank you for choosing Mackie Designs’
active sound reinforcement speaker systems.
The SRS1500 is a high output active
SRM450s, or to an amplifier powering a pair of
passive speakers such as the Mackie Designs
M•1400i and C300s. A Phase switch gives you
the option of reversing the phase to the full-range
speakers by 180º. A Subwoofer Level control
allows you to adjust the balance between the
subwoofer system. It features a high-precision
15˝ transducer combined with application
specific amplifier technology. The system is
composed of a single, compact subwoofer cabinet subwoofer and the full-range speakers.
The built-in amplifier produces up to 600
watts of power. The amplifier module sits on a
mammoth heatsink that eliminates the need for
fans, dramatically extending life expectancy,
and eliminating maintenance cycles. A tremen-
dous benefit of having the amplifier located
within the subwoofer cabinet is the speed with
which power is delivered to the woofer.
The cabinet is constructed with 18mm thick
multi-layered birch plywood. Carrying handles
are integrated into each side for easy loading
and transport.
with built-in control and amplifier electronics.
Connecting and setting up the SRS1500 is a
breeze. It accepts a stereo line-level signal via
female XLR input jacks. Male XLR Thru jacks
are provided for daisy-chaining the signal to
additional SRS1500 cabinets. The built-in
crossover separates the low frequencies from
the high frequencies, and routes the high fre-
quencies to the male XLR high-pass output
jacks. Connect these to the inputs of full-range
active speakers such as the Mackie Designs
Don’t forget to visit our website at www.mackie.com
for more information about this and other Mackie products.
3
Part No. 820-187-00 Rev. A 3/00
©2000 Mackie Designs Inc. All Rights Reserved. Printed in the U.S.A.
REAR PANEL DESCRIPTION
FULL RANGE INPUT
The SRS1500 has several connectors and
features that you should understand.
These are female XLR-type connectors
that accept a balanced line-level signal from
a mixing console or other signal source.
POWER Switch
Use this switch to turn the SRS1500 on
and off. Make sure the signal source’s level
control is turned down before you turn it on.
THRU (FULL RANGE OUTPUT)
These are male XLR-type connectors
that produce exactly the same signal that is
connected to the FULL RANGE INPUT jack.
Use it to daisy-chain several SRS1500s to-
gether off the same signal source.
AC Receptacle
This is where you connect the AC line-
cord to provide AC power to the SRS1500’s
built-in power amplifiers. Plug the linecord
into an AC socket properly configured for
your particular model.
HIGH PASS (MID/HIGH FREQ) OUTPUT
These are male XLR-type connectors
that produce the frequencies above 120Hz.
Connect these to a pair of full-range active
speakers or to an amplifer/passive speaker
combination. The SRS1500 reproduces the
frequencies below 120Hz.
THERMAL Indicator
The SRS1500 has a thermal protection
circuit that monitors the internal tempera-
ture of the amplifier and heatsink. If the
temperature should exceed a safe operating
level, the signal is muted and the THERMAL
indicator lights. When the temperature
cools to a safe level once again, the thermal
protection circuit deactivates and normal
operation continues.
Note: Activation of the thermal protec-
tion circuit is an indication that you must
take steps to avoid continued thermal prob-
lems. See “Thermal Considerations” on
page 6.
SUBWOOFER LEVEL Control
This adjusts the subwoofer level. Use
this control to balance the volume between
the subwoofer and the full-range speakers.
The center detent position is +4 dBu gain,
which is the normal position. Unity gain is
at the 9 o’clock position.
PHASE
This switch reverses the phase of the
signal at the HIGH PASS OUTPUT jacks.
Depending on the placement of the
SRS1500 subwoofer relative to the full-
range speakers, you may get a better
low-frequency response in the room if you
reverse the phase of the signal. Experiment
with this switch to determine which position
sounds best.
POWER Indicator
When the POWER switch is turned on
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.
THERMAL
THRU
POWER
PARALLEL
HIGH PASS
(MID/HIGH FREQ)
OUTPUT
SUBWOOFER
CONTROL
FULL RANGE
INPUT
(FULL RANGE OUTPUT)
POWER
120Hz
NORMAL
(+4dBu )
ON
L
L
O
O
+15
OFF
SUBWOOFER
LEVEL
NORMAL
R
R
REV 180
PHASE
IN
OUT
120 VAC 60HZ 350W
4
HOOKUP DIAGRAMS
SRM450
SRM450
C300
C300
Plays the Mid and
High Frequencies
Plays the Mid and
High Frequencies
Plays the Mid and
High Frequencies
Plays the Mid and
High Frequencies
Full
Full
Range
Range
1202-VLZ
PRO
Pole
Pole
Power
Cord
Power
Cord
SRS1500
Mount
Mount
Line-Level
Mid/High
Out Left
Line-Level
Mid/High
Out Right
Plays the Low
Frequencies
ACTIVE
ACTIVE
ACTIVE
Full
Range
Left
Full
Power
Cord
Range
Right
Line-Level
1202-VLZ
PRO
Hi-Pass Out
SRS1500
Plays the Low
Frequencies
SRS1500
Plays the Low
Frequencies
Power
Cords
Power
Cords
Power
Cord
Stereo Power
Amplifier
2 SRS1500S WITH 2 SRM450S
1 SRS1500 WITH STEREO AMPLIFIER AND 2 C300S
CONNECTIONS
The SRS1500 has two female XLR in-
puts that accept a balanced line-level signal.
When connecting a balanced signal, be sure
it’s wired per AES (Audio Engineering So-
ciety) standards:
There are also four male XLR connec-
tors labeled THRU (FULL RANGE OUTPUT)
and HIGH PASS (MID/HIGH FREQ) OUTPUT
These are also wired according to the
AES standard.
The THRU output connectors allow you
to connect more than one SRS1500 to your
system. Simply plug the signal source (i.e.,
mixer output) into the first speaker’s FULL
RANGE INPUT jacks, and patch that speak-
er’s THRU jacks to the next speaker’s
INPUT jacks, and so on, daisy-chaining
multiple speakers.
.
XLR
Hot (+)
Cold (–)
Shield (Ground)
Pin 2
Pin 3
Pin 1
The THRU jack is wired straight from the
FULL RANGE INPUT connector — there is
no electronic circuitry between — so the
signal coming out of the THRU jack is ex-
actly the same as the signal going in.
The HIGH PASS OUTPUT jacks provide a
line-level signal of the frequencies above
120Hz that you connect to a pair of active
speakers (or to a stereo amplifier powering a
pair of passive speakers). See the diagrams
on the rear panel of the SRS1500 for addi-
tional connection information.
Balanced XLR Connectors
5
PLACEMENT
THERMAL
CONSIDERATIONS
The SRS1500 subwoofer is designed to
sit on the floor or on sturdy stands.
A socket is provided on the top of the
SRS1500 for mounting the Mackie
SRM450 active speaker. Use the optional
Mackie speaker mounting pole to mount
the SRM450 on the SRS1500 (see Hookup
Diagram on page 5).
The SRS1500 has a powerful 600 watt
amplifier built-in. As amplifiers produce
heat, it is important to dissipate the heat as
quickly as possible. This results in in-
creased reliability and longevity for the
amplifier.
The amplifier module is mounted on a
large heatsink, which is cooled by convec-
tion where cool air is drawn through it’s
fins, carrying the heat away. In order for
this convection cooling to work efficiently,
it is important to provide adequate airspace
behind the loudspeaker. When you position
the SRS1500, we recommend leaving at
least six inches of air space behind it.
In the unlikely event of the amplifier
overheating, a built-in thermal switch will
activate, muting the signal and causing the
THERMAL indicator on the rear panel to
light. When the amplifier has cooled down
to a safe operating temperature, the thermal
switch resets itself, the THERMAL LED
turns off, and the SRS1500 resumes normal
operation.
If the thermal switch activates frequently,
try turning down the level control a notch
or two on the mixing console (or other sig-
nal source) or on the subwoofer itself to
avoid overheating the amplifiers.
If the temperature in the room is too
high, it could cause the amplifier to over-
heat. In this case, you should try aiming a
fan at the rear panel to move more air
across the heatsink panel.
As with any powered
components, protect
them from moisture. If
you are setting them up
outdoors, make sure they
are under cover if you
expect rain.
AC POWER
Be sure the SRS1500 is plugged into an
outlet that is able to supply the correct volt-
age specified for your model. If the voltage
should drop below 97% of the specified line
voltage, the built-in amplifiers will no
longer be able to supply rated power. (They
will continue to operate down to 80% of
the rated line voltage, but won’t reach full
power, resulting in lower headroom.)
Be sure the electrical service can supply
enough amperage for all the components
connected to it.
We recommend that a stiff (robust) sup-
ply of AC power be used because the
amplifiers place high current demands on
the AC line. The more power that is avail-
able on the line, the louder the speakers will
play and the more peak output power will
be available for cleaner, punchier bass. A
suspected problem of “poor bass perfor-
mance” is often caused by a weak AC
supply to the amplifiers.
SERVICE INFORMATION
Warranty Service
If you think your subwoofer has a prob-
lem, please do everything you can to
confirm it before calling for service, includ-
ing reading through the following
Troubleshooting section. Doing so might
save you from being deprived of your
Mackie loudspeaker.
Never remove the
ground pin on the power
cord of the SRS1500 or
any other component.
This is very dangerous.
6
Of all Mackie products returned for ser-
vice (which is hardly any at all), many are
coded “CND” — Could Not Duplicate—
which usually means the problem lay some-
where else in the system. The following
troubleshooting tips may sound obvious,
but here are some things you can check:
• Try switching the PHASE switch on the
rear panel. This affects the polarity
between the full-range speakers and the
SRS1500 and may improve the low-
frequency response.
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 com-
pletely into the jack? Be sure all
connections are secure. It’s a good idea
to periodically clean all electrical
connections with a non-lubricating
electrical contact cleaner.
Troubleshooting
No power
• Our favorite question: Is it plugged in?
Make sure the AC outlet is live (check
with a tester or lamp).
• Our next favorite question: Is the POWER
switch on? If not, try turning it on.
• Is the POWER LED on the rear panel
glowing green? If not, make sure the AC
outlet is live. If so, refer to “No sound”
below.
Noise
• Make sure all connections to the active
loudspeakers are good and sound.
• The internal AC line fuse may be
blown. This is not a user serviceable
part. If you suspect the AC line fuse is
blown, please see the REPAIR section
next.
• Make sure none of the signal cables are
routed near AC cables, power trans-
formers, or other EMI-inducing devices.
• Is there a light dimmer or other SCR-
based device on the same AC circuit as
the SRS1500? Use an AC line filter or
plug the SRS1500 into a different AC
circuit.
No sound
• Is the input LEVEL control for the input
source or the subwoofer turned all the
way down? 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
output volume (gain) control on the
mixing console is turned up sufficiently
to drive the inputs of the speaker.
• 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.
Hum
• Try disconnecting the cable connected
to the INPUT jack. If the noise disap-
pears, it could be a “ground loop,”
rather than a problem with the
SRS1500. Try some of the following
troubleshooting ideas:
• Use balanced connections throughout
your system for the best noise rejection.
• Whenever possible, plug all the audio
equipment’s linecords into outlets which
share a common ground. The distance
between the outlets and the common
ground should be as short as possible.
• Is the THERMAL indicator lit red on the
rear panel? Make sure there is at least six
inches of free space behind the SRS1500.
REPAIR
Service for the SRS1500 is available only
from one of our authorized domestic ser-
vice stations or at the factory, located in
sunny Woodinville, Washington. Service
outside the United States can be obtained
through local dealers or distributors.
Poor bass performance
• Check the polarity of the connections
between the mixer and the loudspeak-
ers. You may have your positive and
negative connections reversed at one
end of one cable, causing one loud-
speaker to be out-of-phase.
7
If your SRS1500 needs service, please
follow these instructions:
1. Review the preceding troubleshooting
suggestions. Please.
SPECIFICATIONS
System Specifications
2. Call Tech Support at 1-800-258-6883,
7am to 5pm 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 SRS1500 needs repair, request
an RA (Return Authorization) number.
Have your subwoofer’s serial number
ready. You must have an RA number
before you can obtain service at the
factory or an authorized service center.
Frequency Range
Frequency Response (–3 dB)
40Hz–120Hz
45Hz–120Hz
Maximum SPL @ 1m 123 dB
Peak Output @ 1m
Crossover Frequency
Input Type
Input Impedance
Input Protection
Thermal Protection
126 dB
120Hz (12 dB/octave)
Balanced differential
50k ohms
Level protected
Input stage muting,
auto-reset
Transducer Specifications
Low-Frequency Transducer
3. Keep this user’s manual. We don’t need
it to repair the subwoofer.
Diameter
15˝ (381mm)
4. Pack the subwoofer in its original
packaging, including protective wrap,
endcaps, and box. This is very impor-
tant. When you call for the RA 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.
Voice Coil Diameter
Power Handling
3.0˝ (75mm)
350 watts rms
Power Amplifier
Low-Frequency Power Amplifier
Burst Capability
Rated THD
Cooling
600 watts
< 0.05%
Passive
Line Input Power
5. Include a legible note stating your name,
shipping address (no P.O. boxes),
US
Europe
120V, 60Hz
230V, 50Hz
daytime phone number, RA number,
and a detailed description of the prob-
lem, including how we can duplicate it.
Physical Properties
6. Write the RA number inBIG PRINT
Height
Width
23.25˝ (590mm)
17.0˝ (432mm)
on top of the box.
Depth
Weight
Enclosure
23.5˝ (597mm)
100 lbs. (45.4kg)
18mm thick multi-layered baltic
birch wood
7. Ship the subwoofer to us. We recom-
mend United Parcel Service (UPS). We
suggest insurance for all forms of
cartage. Ship to this address:
Enclosure Geometry
Rectangular
Mounting Methods
Floor mount only
Mackie Designs
SERVICE DEPARTMENT
16220 Wood-Red Rd. NE
Woodinville, WA 98072
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.
8. We’ll try to fix the subwoofer within
three business days. Ask Tech Support
for the latest turnaround times when
you call for your RA number. We
normally send everything back prepaid
using UPS BLUE (Second Day Air).
However, if you rush your subwoofer to
us by Next Day Air, we’ll treat it in kind
by shipping it back to you UPS RED
(Next Day Air). This paragraph does
not necessarily apply to non-warranty
service.
“Mackie” and the “Running Man” figure are
trademarks or registered trademarks of Mackie
Designs Inc.
All other brand names mentioned are trade-
marks or registered trademarks of their respective
holders, and are hereby acknowledged.
©2000 Mackie Designs Inc.
All Rights Reserved.
Printed in the U.S.A.
8
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