S218s PASSIVE
SUBWOOFER
USER’S MANUAL
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INTRODUCTION
Thank you for choosing the Mackie S218s sound rein-
forcement subwoofer.
Connecting and setting up the S218s is a breeze.
It accepts a speaker-level signal via either a Neutrik
Speakon connector or female 1/4-inch TS (Tip/Sleeve)
connector. The built-in low-pass filter allows you to
connect a full-range signal directly to the input of the
subwoofer.
®
The S218s is a professional passive subwoofer, de-
signed to complement our professional line of passive
and active loudspeakers, powered mixers, and power am-
plifiers. It is capable of extremely high sound-pressure
levels, and designed to give you the best performance of
any subwoofer in its class and price range.
The cabinet is constructed using 15 mm multi-layer
birch plywood. A carrying handle is integrated into each
side for easy loading and transport.
The S218s features an 18-inch high-power low-frequency
woofer in a bass-reflex designed cabinet. The woofer inco-
porates technology used in large-format touring systems
and is virtually indestructible.
CONTENTS
IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS .................................................................................................2
INTRODUCTION ........................................................................................................................................3
HOOKUP DIAGRAMS ...............................................................................................................................4
Quick-Start........................................................................................................................................................................... 4
CONNECTIONS ......................................................................................................................................... 6
PLACEMENT ............................................................................................................................................... 6
Room Acoustics .................................................................................................................................................................. 6
SERVICE INFORMATION ......................................................................................................................... 8
Warranty Service ............................................................................................................................................................... 8
Troubleshooting ................................................................................................................................................................ 8
Repair .................................................................................................................................................................................... 8
CARE AND MAINTENANCE .................................................................................................................... 9
S218s SPECIFICATIONS ............................................................................................................................ 9
S218s LIMITED WARRANTY ...................................................................................................................11
for more information about this and other Mackie products.
3
Part No. 0014529 Rev. B 3/05
©2005 LOUD Technologies Inc. All Rights Reserved.
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HOOKUP DIAGRAMS
Quick-Start
Make all initial connections with the
3. Turn on your mixing console (or other signal
source).
power switches OFF on all equip-
ment. Make sure all master volume,
level, or gain controls are all the way
down.
4. Turn on the amplifier. Turn up its volume or gain
control(s) as recommended by the manufacturer.
5. Start the signal source, whether it be speaking
into a microphone or starting a CD player. Adjust
the volume controls on the mixer (or other signal
source) for normal operation.
1. Connect the line-level outputs from your mixing
console (or other signal source) to the inputs of
your power amplifier.
2. Connect the “Speaker Output” from your power
amplifier (or powered mixer) to one of the input
connectors on the S218s.
S215
S218s
S218s
S215
POWERED MIXER
MAXIMUM NUMBER OF SPEAKERS IN PARALLEL IS
2 PER POWERED MIXER OR AMPLIFIED CHANNEL
S218S AND S215: WITH A MACKIE POWERED MIXER, USING THE SPEAKONS AS THRU JACKS
S218s
S215
S215
S218s
S218s
S215
S215
S218s
WOODINVILLE, WA,USA
"MACKIE" AND THE "RUNNING MAN" FIGURE
DESIGNED BY MACKOIDS IN WHITINSVILLE, MA
&
WOODINVILLE, WA,USA
DESIGNED BY MACKOIDS IN WHITINSVILLE, MA
&
WOODINVILLE, WA,USA
DESIGNED BY MACKOIDS IN WHITINSVILLE, MA
&
WOODINVILLE, WA,USA
DESIGNED BY MACKOIDS IN WHITINSVILLE, MA
&
"MACKIE" AND THE "RUNNING MAN" FIGURE
"MACKIE" AND THE "RUNNING MAN" FIGURE
"MACKIE" AND THE "RUNNING MAN" FIGURE
ARE REGISTERED TRADEMARKS OF LOUD TECHNOLOGIES INC.
•
COPYRIGHT ©2004
ARE REGISTERED TRADEMARKS OF LOUD TECHNOLOGIES INC.
•
COPYRIGHT ©2004
ARE REGISTERED TRADEMARKS OF LOUD TECHNOLOGIES INC.
•
COPYRIGHT ©2004
ARE REGISTERED TRADEMARKS OF LOUD TECHNOLOGIES INC. COPYRIGHT ©2004
•
SERIAL NUMBER
MANUFACTURING DATE
SERIAL NUMBER
MANUFAG DATE
SERIAL NUMBER
MANUFG DATE
SERIAL NUMBER
MANUFADATE
Stereo
Power Amplifier
Left
Right
Line-level
Output
Line-level
Output
1202-VLZPRO
Mixer or
Preamplifier
S218S AND S215: WITH A MIXER AND POWER AMPLIFIER
4
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S215
S215
Stereo
Power Amplifier
Pole
Pole
Mount
Mount
Thru
Stereo
Power Amplifier
S218s
S218s
Left
Right
Line-level
Output
Line-level
Output
1202-VLZPRO
Mixer or
Preamplifier
S218S AND S215: WITH A MIXER AND TWO POWER AMPLIFIERS
SA1521z
SA1521z
Power
Cord
Power
Cord
Pole
Mount
Pole
Mount
Thru
Stereo
Power Amplifier
S218s
S218s
Left
Right
Line-level
Output
Line-level
Output
1202-VLZPRO
Mixer or
Preamplifier
S218S AND SA1521Z: WITH A MIXER AND POWER AMPLIFIER
5
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CONNECTIONS
PLACEMENT
The S218s has two connectors. One is a Neutrik
Speakon™ connector and the other is a female 1/4" TS
connector. These connectors are wired in parallel, and
can be used either as an input from a power amplifier,
or as a “thru” connection for connecting the full-range
input signal to another speaker’s input.
The S218s subwoofer is designed to sit on the floor or
stage. A socket is provided on the top of the cabinet for
mounting another speaker on top of the S218s, like the
Mackie S215, SA1521z, SR1521z, SRM350, or SRM450
speakers. Use the optional Mackie speaker mount-
ing pole (SPM100) to mount them on the S218s (see
Hookup Diagrams on page 5).
NEVER connect more than one
output from a power amplifier to the
S218s inputs.
WARNING: The cabinet has no rig-
ging points and is not suitable for
rigging. NEVER attempt to suspend
the S218s by its handles.
Keep in mind, when connecting two or more speakers
in parallel using the “thru” connections, that you want
to be sure not to go below the minimum impedance
requirements for your power amplifier.
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.
The S218s has a nominal impedance
of 8 ohms.
Two 8 ohm cabinets in parallel equals
4 ohms.
Three 8 ohm cabinets in parallel equals
2.7 ohms.
Four 8 ohm cabinets in parallel
equals 2 ohms.
Room Acoustics
The S218s subwoofers are designed to sound as neu-
tral as possible; that is, to reproduce the input signal as
accurately as possible.
Use high-quality speaker cable as recommended by
the power amplifier manufacturer.
Room acoustics play a crucial role in the overall per-
formance of a sound system. Here are some additional
placement tips to help overcome some typical room
problems that might arise:
DO NOT use coaxial shielded cable
like a guitar cord to make speaker
connections. They are not designed
to handle the high currents required
to drive a loudspeaker.
•
Avoid placing loudspeakers in the corners of a
room. This increases the low frequency output and
can cause the sound to be muddy and indistinct.
The Speakon connector is wired as follows:
Pin 1+ = Signal (“+” or hot)
Pin 1– = Ground (“–” or cold)
•
Avoid placing loudspeakers against a wall. This, too,
increases the low frequency output, though not as
much as corner placement. However, if you do need
to reinforce the low frequencies, this is a good way
to do it.
1–
1+
•
Avoid placing the speakers directly on a hollow
stage floor. A hollow stage can resonate at certain
frequencies, causing peaks and dips in the fre-
quency response of the room. It’s better to place the
loudspeakers on a sturdy table or stand designed to
handle the weight of the cabinet(s).
COLD
1–
1+
2+
HOT
2–
Speakon Connectors
The 1/4" TS jack is wired as follows:
Tip = Signal (“+” or hot)
Sleeve = Ground (“–” or cold)
SLEEVE
SLEEVE
TIP
TIP
TIP
SLEEVE
1/4" TS Connectors
6
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•
Position the loudspeakers so the high-frequency
drivers are 2 to 4 feet above ear level for the audi-
ence (make allowances for a standing/dancing in
the aisles audience). High frequencies are highly
directional and tend to be absorbed much easier
than lower frequencies. By providing direct line-of-
sight from the loudspeakers to the audience, you
increase the overall brightness and intelligibility of
the sound system.
•
Highly reverberant rooms, like many gymnasiums
and auditoriums, are a nightmare for sound system
intelligibility. Multiple reflections off the hard walls,
ceiling, and floor play havoc with the sound. Depend-
ing on the situation, you may be able to take some
steps to minimize the reflections, such as putting
carpeting on the floors, closing draperies to cover
large glass windows, or hanging tapestries or other
materials on the walls to absorb some of the sound.
However, in most cases, these remedies are not
possible or practical. So what do you do? Making
the sound system louder generally doesn’t work
because the reflections become louder, too. The
best approach is to provide as much direct sound
coverage to the audience as possible. The farther
away you are from the speaker, the more prominent
will be the reflected sound.
Use more speakers strategically placed so they are
closer to the back of the audience. If the distance
between the front and back speakers is more than
about 100 feet, you should use a delay processor to
time-align the sound. (Since sound travels about 1
foot per millisecond, it takes about 1/10 of a second
to travel 100 feet.)
7
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SERVICE INFORMATION
Repair
Warranty Service
Service for Mackie products is available at a factory-
authorized service center. Service for Mackie products
outside the United States can be obtained through local
dealers or distributors.
Details concerning warranty service are spelled out
on page 11 of this manual.
If you think your subwoofer has a problem, please do
everything you can to confirm it before calling for service,
including reading through the following Troubleshooting
section. Doing so might save you from being deprived of
your Mackie subwoofer.
If your S218s needs service, please follow these
instructions:
1. Review the preceding troubleshooting suggestions.
Please.
Of all Mackie products returned for service (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:
2. Call Tech Support at 1-800-898-3211, 7 am to 5 pm
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 S218s
needs repair, you will be given a Service Request
Number. Have your subwoofer’s serial number
ready. You must have a Service Request Number be-
fore you can obtain service at a factory-authorized
service center.
Troubleshooting
3. Keep this user’s manual. We don’t need it to repair
No sound
the subwoofer.
•
Are the level controls on the mixer or amplifier
turned all the way down? Follow the procedures in
the “Quick-Start” section on page 4 to verify that
all the volume controls in the system are properly
adjusted.
4. Pack the subwoofer in its original packaging,
including protective wrap, endcaps, and box. This
is VERY IMPORTANT. When you call for the Service
Request 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.
•
•
Is the signal source working (and making union
scale)? Make sure the connecting cables are in good
repair and securely connected at both ends.
5. Include a legible note stating your name, shipping
address (no P.O. boxes), daytime phone number,
Service Request Number, and a detailed description
of the problem, including how we can duplicate it.
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.
6. Write the Service Request Number in BIG
PRINT on top of the box. Product shipped with-
out the Service Request Number will be refused.
Poor bass performance
•
Check the polarity of the connections between the
mixer and all the loudspeakers and subwoofers.
You may have your positive and negative connec-
tions reversed at one end of one cable, causing one
loudspeaker to be out-of-phase.
7. Tech Support will tell you where to ship the sub-
woofer for repair. We suggest insurance for all forms
of cartage.
8. We’ll try to fix the subwoofer within five business
days. Once it is repaired, we’ll ship it back the same
way in which it was received. This paragraph does
not necessarily apply to non-warranty service.
Poor sound
•
Is it loud and distorted? Make sure that you’re not
Note: You must have a sales receipt from an Autho-
rized Mackie Dealer to qualify for a warranty repair.
overdriving a stage in the signal chain. Verify that
all level controls are set properly.
•
Is the input connector plugged completely into the
jack? Make sure all connections are secure. It’s a
good idea to periodically clean all electrical con-
nections with a non-lubricating electrical contact
cleaner.
8
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•
•
Avoid exposure to extreme cold (below freezing
temperatures). If you must operate the subwoof-
ers in a cold environment, warm up the voice coil
slowly by sending a low-level signal through it for
about 15 minutes prior to high-power operation.
CARE AND MAINTENANCE
Your Mackie subwoofer will provide many years of reli-
able service if you follow these guidelines:
Avoid exposing the subwoofer to
moisture. If your loudspeakers are
set up outdoors, be sure they are
under cover if you expect rain.
Use a slighty damp cloth with a mild soap solution
to clean the cabinets. Only do this when the power
is turned off. Avoid getting moisture into any of
the openings of the cabinet, particularly where the
driver is located.
S218s SPECIFICATIONS
Acoustic Performance
Physical Properties
Frequency Range (–10 dB)
Height
Width
Depth
Mounting Methods
30.0 in/76.2 cm
21.0 in/53.3 cm
21.0 in/53.3 cm
Floor mount only.
38 Hz–360 Hz
Axial Sensitivity
Peak Sensitivity
95.1 dB, 1 W/1 m
98.6 dB, 1 W/1 m
Max SPL long-term 122 dB @ 1m
The S218s cabinet has no rigging points and is
not suitable for flying. Never attempt to suspend
the cabinet by its handles.
Max SPL peak
Crossover Point
Woofer Loading
128 dB @ 1m
180 Hz, 12 dB/octave
Bass reflex
Input/Output
Disclaimer
Input/Output Type
Neutrik Speakon™ and
Since we are always striving to make our products better by in-
corporating new and improved materials, components, and manufac-
turing methods, we reserve the right to change these specifications
at any time without notice.
female 1/4-in. TS jack
Input Impedance (nominal)
8 ohms
Input Impedance (minimum)
“Mackie” and the “Running Man” figure are registered trademarks
of LOUD Technologies Inc.
3.9 ohms @ 110 Hz
Recommended Lowpass Filter (if using external
crossover) 150 Hz, 24 dB/octave
Recommended Amplifier Power
500 watts rms continuous
2000 watts rms peak
All other brand names mentioned are trademarks or registered
trademarks of their respective holders, and are hereby acknowledged.
Low-Frequency Section
Woofer Diameter
18.0 in/457 mm
Voice Coil Diameter 3 in/76 mm
Diaphragm Material Cellulose
Magnet Material
Ferrite
Need Help?
Construction Features
Basic Design
Material
Finish
Handles
Grille
Bass reflex
15 mm multi-layered plywood
Black paint
One on each side
Perforated metal with weather-
resistant coating
You can reach a technical support representative
Monday through Friday
from 7 AM to 5 PM PST at:
1-800-898-3211
or email us at: [email protected]
©2005 LOUD Technologies Inc.
All Rights Reserved.
9
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S218s Frequency Response On-Axis
110
100
90
80
70
20
100
1000
Frequency (Hz)
S218s Dimensions
30.0 in/
76.2 cm
8
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10
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S218s LIMITED WARRANTY
Please keep your sales receipt in a safe place.
A. LOUD Technologies Inc. warrants all materials,
be repaired or replaced within thirty days of receipt. LOUD
Technologies and its authorized service centers may use
refurbished parts for repair or replacement of any product.
Products returned to LOUD Technologies that do not meet
the terms of this Warranty will be not be repaired unless
payment is received for labor, materials, return freight,
and insurance. Products repaired under warranty will be
returned freight prepaid by LOUD Technologies to any
location within the boundaries of the USA.
workmanship and proper operation of this product for a
period of two years from the original date of purchase. If
any defects are found in the materials or workmanship or if
the product fails to function properly during the applicable
warranty period, LOUD Technologies, at its option, will
repair or replace the product. This warranty applies only
to equipment sold and delivered within the U.S. by
LOUD Technologies Inc. or its authorized dealers.
B. Failure to register online or return the product
G. LOUD Technologies warrants all repairs performed
for 90 days or for the remainder of the warranty period.
This warranty does not extend to damage resulting from
improper installation, misuse, neglect or abuse, or to
exterior appearance. This warranty is recognized only if
the inspection seals and serial number on the unit have not
been defaced or removed.
registration card will not void the two-year warranty.
C. Service and repairs of Mackie products are to be
performed only at a factory-authorized facility (see D
below). Unauthorized service, repairs, or modification will
void this warranty. To obtain repairs under warranty, you
must have a copy of your sales receipt from the authorized
Mackie dealer where you purchased the product. It is
H. LOUD Technologies assumes no responsibility for the
necessary to establish purchase date and determine whether quality or timeliness of repairs performed by an authorized
your Mackie product is within the warranty period.
service center.
D. To obtain factory-authorized service:
I. This warranty is extended to the original purchaser and
to anyone who may subsequently purchase this product
within the applicable warranty period. A copy of the
original sales receipt is required to obtain warranty repairs.
1. Call Mackie Technical Support at 800/898-3211,
7 AM to 5 PM Monday through Friday (Pacific Time)
to get a Service Request Number. Products returned
without a Service Request Number will be refused.
J. This is your sole warranty. LOUD Technologies does
not authorize any third party, including any dealer or
sales representative, to assume any liability on behalf of
LOUD Technologies or to make any warranty for LOUD
Technologies Inc.
2. Pack the product in its original shipping carton. Also
include a note explaining exactly how to duplicate the
problem, a copy of the sales receipt with price and date
showing, and your return street address (no P.O. boxes
or route numbers, please!). If we cannot duplicate the
problem or establish the starting date of your Limited
K. THE WARRANTY GIVEN ON THIS PAGE IS THE SOLE
WARRANTY GIVEN BY LOUD TECHNOLOGIES INC.
Warranty, we may, at our option, charge for service time. AND IS IN LIEU OF ALL OTHER WARRANTIES, EXPRESS
AND IMPLIED, INCLUDING THE WARRANTIES OF
MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR
PURPOSE. THE WARRANTY GIVEN ON THIS PAGE
3. Ship the product in its original shipping carton,
freight prepaid to the authorized service center. The
address of your closest authorized service center will be
SHALL BE STRICTLY LIMITED IN DURATION TO TWO
given to you by Technical Support.
YEARS FROM THE DATE OF ORIGINAL PURCHASE
FROM AN AUTHORIZED MACKIE DEALER. UPON
EXPIRATION OF THE APPLICABLE WARRANTY PERIOD,
LOUD TECHNOLOGIES INC. SHALL HAVE NO FURTHER
WARRANTY OBLIGATION OF ANY KIND. LOUD
IMPORTANT: Make sure that the Service Request
Number is plainly written on the shipping carton.
E. LOUD Technologies reserves the right to inspect
any products that may be the subject of any warranty
claims before repair or replacement is carried out. LOUD
Technologies may, at our option, require proof of the
original date of purchase in the form of a dated copy
of the original dealer’s invoice or sales receipt. Final
determination of warranty coverage lies solely with LOUD
Technologies.
TECHNOLOGIES INC. SHALL NOT BE LIABLE FOR ANY
INCIDENTAL, SPECIAL, OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES
THAT MAY RESULT FROM ANY DEFECT IN THE MACKIE
PRODUCT OR ANY WARRANTY CLAIM. Some states do
not allow exclusion or limitation of incidental, special,
or consequential damages or a limitation on how long
warranties last, so some of the above limitations and
exclusions may not apply to you. This warranty provides
specific legal rights and you may have other rights which
vary from state to state.
F. Any products returned to one of the LOUD Technologies
factory-authorized service centers and deemed eligible for
repair or replacement under the terms of this warranty will
11
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16220 Wood-Red Road NE • Woodinville, WA 98072 • USA
US and Canada: 800.898.3211
Europe, Asia, Central and South America: 425.487.4333
Middle East and Africa: 31.20.654.4000
E-mail: [email protected]
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