SWA1501
ACTIVE SUBWOOFER
SYSTEM USER’S MANUAL
ACTIVE
LIMIT
THRU
SIGNAL
THERMAL
POWER
PARALLEL
SUBWOOFER
CONTROL
HIGH PASS
(MID/HIGH FREQ)
OUTPUT
FULL RANGE
INPUT
(FULL RANGE OUTPUT)
120Hz
NORMAL
L
L
SUBWOOFER
LEVEL
IN
OUT
NORMAL
R
R
REV 180
PHASE
POWER
ON
SWA1501
ACTIVE SUBWOOFER
115V-AC FUSE AC125V-T6.3A
CONCEIVED AND DESIGNED BY MACKIE DESIGNS INC, WOODINVILLE, WA, USA AND MACKIE EUROPE
MADE IN ITALY COPYRIGHT ©2000 THE FOLLOWING ARE TRADEMARKS OR REGISTERED
TRADEMARKS OF MACKIE DESIGNS INC.: "MACKIE", AND THE "RUNNING MAN" FIGURE PATENT PENDING
•
•
•
•
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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 SWA1501
can produce a
maximum SPL of
1.5
1
Patrice screaming at Ron about deadlines
Loudest parts at a rock concert
0.5
128 dB @ 1m
0.25 or less
THERMAL CONSIDERATIONS .................................. 7
SERVICE INFORMATION .......................................... 7
Warranty Service ............................................... 7
Troubleshooting................................................. 7
Repair ............................................................... 9
SWA1501 SPECIFICATIONS................................... 10
Architect’s and Engineer’s Specifications ......... 10
Frequency Response ....................................... 11
Dimensions ..................................................... 11
CONTENTS
Lend Me Your Ears ................................................... 3
INTRODUCTION....................................................... 3
REAR PANEL DESCRIPTION .................................... 4
HOOKUP DIAGRAMS............................................... 5
CONNECTIONS........................................................ 6
PLACEMENT ............................................................ 6
AC POWER .............................................................. 7
INTRODUCTION
Mackie Designs M•1400i and C300s. 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 full-
range speakers.
The built-in amplifier produces 500 watts of
continuous power. The amplifier module sits on
a heatsink that eliminates the need for fans,
dramatically extending life expectancy, and
eliminating maintenance cycles. A tremendous
benefit of having the amplifier located within
the subwoofer cabinet is that the SWA1501
functions as a system, optimizing acoustic, elec-
tronic, and mechanical designs to achieve the
highest level of performance and value.
The cabinet is constructed with 15mm thick
multi-layered birch plywood. Carrying handles
are integrated into each side for easy loading
and transport.
Thank you for choosing Mackie Designs’
active sound reinforcement speaker systems.
The SWA1501 is a high output active
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
with built-in control and amplifier electronics.
Connecting and setting up the SWA1501 is
a breeze. 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 SWA1501 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 such as the Mackie Designs
SRM450s, or to an amplifier powering a pair of
passive speakers such as the combination of
for more information about this and other Mackie products.
3
Part No. 030068 Rev. B 01/03
©2003 Mackie Designs Inc. All Rights Reserved.
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REAR PANEL DESCRIPTION
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
Use this switch to turn the SWA1501 on
and off. Make sure the signal source’s level
control is turned down before you turn it on.
FULL RANGE INPUT
AC Receptacle
These are female XLR-type connectors
that accept a balanced line-level signal from
a mixing console or other signal source.
This is where you connect the AC line-
cord to provide AC power to the SWA1501’s
built-in power amplifiers. Plug the linecord
into an AC socket properly configured for
your particular model.
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 SWA1501s to-
gether off the same signal source.
LIMIT Indicator
The SWA1501 has a built-in limiter that
prevents the amplifier outputs from
overdriving the transducers. The LIMIT indi-
cator lights when the limiter is activated.
It’s okay for the LIMIT indicator to blink oc-
casionally, but if it blinks frequently or
lights continuously, turn down the level
control until the LIMIT indicator only blinks
occasionally.
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 SWA1501 reproduces the
frequencies below 120Hz.
SIGNAL Present Indicator
This LED illuminates whenever there is
a signal present at the FULL RANGE INPUT
connector on the rear panel.
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 set-
ting the balance between the subwoofer
and the main speakers.
THERMAL Indicator
The SWA1501 has a thermal protection
circuit that monitors the internal tempera-
ture 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 continues.
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.
PHASE
This switch reverses the polarity of the
system. Depending on the placement of the
SWA1501 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.
POWER Indicator
When the POWER switch is turned on
and the linecord is connected to an active
LIMIT
THRU
SIGNAL
THERMAL
POWER
PARALLEL
SUBWOOFER
CONTROL
HIGH PASS
(MID/HIGH FREQ)
OUTPUT
FULL RANGE
INPUT
(FULL RANGE OUTPUT)
120Hz
NORMAL
L
L
POWER
ON
SUBWOOFER
LEVEL
IN
OUT
NORMAL
R
R
SWA1501
ACTIVE SUBWOOFER
REV 180
115V-AC FUSE AC125V-T6.3A
PHASE
CONCEIVED AND DESIGNED BY MACKIE DESIGNS INC, WOODINVILLE, WA, USA AND MACKIE EUROPE
•
MADE IN ITALY
•
COPYRIGHT ©2000 THE FOLLOWING ARE TRADEMARKS OR REGISTERED
•
TRADEMARKS OF MACKIE DESIGNS INC.: "MACKIE", AND THE "RUNNING MAN" FIGURE PATENT PENDING
•
4
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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
Pole
Pole
Power
Cord
Power
Cord
Stereo
Power
Pole
Pole
Mount
Mount
Line-Level
Mid/High
Out Left
Line-Level
Mid/High
Out Right
Mount
Mount
Amplifier
ACTIVE
ACTIVE
ACTIVE
ACTIVE
Line-Level
Hi-Pass Out
Full
Range
Left
Full
Range
Right
Full
Range
Full
Range
1202-VL
Z
PRO
1202-VL
Z
PRO
SWA1501
Plays the Low
Frequencies
SWA1501
Plays the Low
Frequencies
Power
Cords
Power
SWA1501
Plays the Low
Frequencies
SWA1501
Plays the Low
Frequencies
Power
Cord
Power
Cord
Cords
2 SWA1501S WITH 2 SRM450S
2 SWA1501S WITH STEREO AMPLIFIER AND 2 C300S
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
Full
Full
Range
Range
Range
Range
1202-VL
Z
PRO
1202-VL
Z
PRO
Power
Cord
Power
Cord
SWA1501
ACTIVE
Line-Level
Line-Level
Plays the Low
Frequencies
ACTIVE
Hi-Pass
Out L
Hi-Pass
Out R
Power
Cord
Line-Level
Power
Cord
Hi-Pass Out
SWA1501
Plays the Low
Frequencies
Power
Cord
Stereo Power
Amplifier
1 SWA1501 WITH STEREO AMPLIFIER AND 2 C300S
1 SWA1501 WITH 2 SRM450S
5
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CONNECTIONS
The THRU output connectors allow you
to connect more than one SWA1501 to
your system. Simply plug the signal source
(i.e., mixer output) into the first speaker’s
FULL RANGE INPUT jacks, and patch that
speaker’s THRU jacks to the next speaker’s
INPUT jacks, and so on, daisy-chaining
multiple speakers.
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 dia-
grams on the rear panel of the SWA1501
for additional connection information.
The SWA1501 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:
XLR
Hot (+)
Cold (–)
Shield (Ground)
Pin 2
Pin 3
Pin 1
PLACEMENT
Balanced XLR Connectors
The SWA1501 subwoofer is designed to
sit on the floor or on sturdy stands.
A socket is provided on the top of the
SWA1501 for mounting the Mackie
SRM450 active speaker. Use the optional
Mackie speaker mounting pole to mount
the SRM450 on the SWA1501 (see Hookup
Diagram on page 5).
If connecting an unbalanced signal to the
SWA1501 balanced input, be sure that the
signal high (hot) connection is wired to Pin 2
and the unbalanced ground connection is
wired to the low and the ground connec-
tions of the balanced input (Pins 3 and 1).
If there are ground-loop problems, try con-
necting the unbalanced ground connection
only to the input low connection (Pin 3),
and leaving the input ground connection
disconnected.
As with any powered
components, protect the
SWA1501s from exposure
to moisture. If you are
setting them up outdoors,
make sure they are under
cover if you expect rain.
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.
WARNING: The cabinet
has no rigging points and
is not suitable for rigging.
NEVER attempt to sus-
pend the SWA1501 by its
handles.
Unbalanced Male XLR Connector
6
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AC POWER
Be sure the SWA1501 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.
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.
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.
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:
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.
Never remove the
ground pin on the power
cord of the SWA1501 or
any other component.
This is very dangerous.
Troubleshooting
THERMAL
CONSIDERATIONS
No power
The SWA1501 has a powerful 500 watt
amplifier built-in. As amplifiers produce
heat, it is important to dissipate the heat as
quickly as possible. This results in increased
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 SWA1501, 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, which mutes the signal. When the
amplifier has cooled down to a safe operat-
ing temperature, the thermal switch resets
itself, and the SWA1501 resumes normal
operation.
•
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”
next.
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 on page 9.
•
•
•
7
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No sound
Noise
•
Is the input LEVEL control for the input
• Make sure all connections to the active
loudspeakers are good and sound.
• Make sure none of the signal cables are
routed near AC cables, power trans-
source or the subwoofer turned all the
way down? Verify that all the volume
controls in the system are properly
adjusted.
formers, or other EMI-inducing devices.
•
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.
• Is there a light dimmer or other SCR-
based device on the same AC circuit as
the SWA1501? Use an AC line filter or
plug the SWA1501 into a different AC
circuit.
Hum
•
•
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.
Is the thermal protection circuit activated?
Make sure there is at least six inches of
free space behind the SWA1501.
• 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
SWA1501. 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.
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.
•
Try switching the PHASE switch on the
rear panel. This affects the polarity
between the full-range speakers and the
SWA1501 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.
8
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Repair
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.
Service for the SWA1501 is available
only from one of our authorized domestic
service stations or at the factory service cen-
ter located in Whitinsville, Massachusetts.
Service outside the United States can be ob-
tained through local dealers or distributors.
If your SWA1501 needs service, please
follow these instructions:
1. Review the preceding troubleshooting
suggestions. Please.
5. Include a legible note stating your name,
shipping address (no P.O. boxes),
daytime phone number, RA number,
and a detailed description of the prob-
lem, including how we can duplicate it.
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 SWA1501 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.
6. Write the RA number in BIG PRINT
on top of the box.
7. Ship the subwoofer to us. We suggest
insurance for all forms of cartage. Ship
to this address:
Mackie Designs
SERVICE DEPARTMENT
One Main Street
3. Keep this user’s manual. We don’t need
it to repair the subwoofer.
Whitinsville, MA 01588
8. We’ll try to fix the subwoofer in three to
five business days. Ask Tech Support
for current turnaround times when you
call for your RA number. Once it is
repaired, we’ll ship it back the same way
in which it was received. This para-
graph does not necessarily apply to
non-warranty service.
9
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SWA1501 SPECIFICATIONS
System Specifications
Physical Properties
Frequency Range (–10 dB):
36 Hz–120 Hz
Frequency Response (–3 dB):
Height:
Width:
Depth:
23.5˝ (597 mm)
17.2˝ (436 mm)
23.7˝ (603 mm)
47 Hz–120 Hz
Maximum SPL @ 1m: 125 dB
Weight:
Enclosure:
88 lbs. (40 kg)
15 mm thick multi-layered baltic
birch wood
Peak Output @ 1m:
Crossover Frequency:
Input Type:
Input Impedance:
Input Protection:
Thermal Protection:
128 dB
120 Hz (12 dB/octave)
Balanced differential
50k ohms
Level protected
Input stage muting,
auto-reset
Enclosure Geometry:
Rectangular
Mounting Methods:
Floor mount only
WARNING: The cabinet has no rigging points
and is not suitable for rigging. NEVER attempt
to suspend the SWA1501 by its handles.
Transducer Specifications
Low-Frequency Transducer
* Rated power into loudspeaker’s rated impedance.
Diameter:
15˝ (380 mm)
3˝ (75 mm)
Voice Coil Diameter:
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.
Power Amplifier
Low-Frequency Power Amplifier
Rated Power*:
Rated THD:
Cooling:
500 watts RMS
< 0.03%
Passive
“Mackie” and the “Running Man” figure are
trademarks or registered trademarks of Mackie
Designs Inc.
Line Input Power
US:
120 VAC, 60Hz
All other brand names mentioned are trade-
marks or registered trademarks of their respective
holders, and are hereby acknowledged.
Recommended Amperage Service: 8 A
Europe: 230 VAC, 50Hz
Recommended Amperage Service: 4 A
©2003 Mackie Designs Inc.
All Rights Reserved.
Printed in the U.S.A.
Architect’s and Engineer’s Specifications
The active subwoofer loudspeaker system shall in-
corporate one 15-inch low-frequency (LF)
dard line-level signal via the XLR input connectors.
The power switch and IEC AC connector shall be lo-
cated on the power panel.
transducer mounted within a vented enclosure and
tuned for optimum low-frequency response. System
frequency response shall vary no more than 3 dB
from 47 Hz to 120 Hz measured on axis. The loud-
speaker shall incorporate a low-frequency amplifier
system capable of delivering 500 watts RMS over a
frequency range of 30Hz to 150Hz. The system shall
provide 125 dB of continuous output and 128 dB of
peak output. The amplifier system shall be mounted
on an aluminum heat sink, which shall be mounted
on the rear of the enclosure, and shall be convection
cooled.
Thermal protection shall be provided by a heat sink-
mounted thermal sensor, which monitors the heat
sink temperature and triggers the thermal protection
circuit should the temperature exceed 140º F (60º C).
The Thermal LED shall light and the input signal shall
be muted until the heat sink cools to a safe operating
temperature, at which point the thermal protection
circuit auto-resets and normal operation resumes.
Overload protection shall be provided by a limiter
circuit, which monitors the amplifier output and re-
duces the input level to the amplifier should the
amplifier output begin to clip.
The rear-mounted amplifier assembly shall comprise
separate signal and AC power panels separated by a
large aluminum heat sink. The signal input panel
shall contain two input and two loop-through XLR
connectors, two high-pass output XLR connectors, a
volume level control, a phase switch, and four status
LEDs for Power ON, Signal Present, Limit, and
Thermal functions. The system shall accept a stan-
The enclosure shall have a rectangular shape and
shall incorporate two side handles, one on each side,
and a top-mounted pole receptacle. The enclosure
shall be constructed of multi-ply wood.
The active subwoofer loudspeaker system shall be
the Mackie Designs SWA1501.
10
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Frequency Response
110
100
90
80
70
60
50
Fundamental
Second
Third
40
20
100
1000
10000 20000
Frequency (Hz)
Dimensions
23.7" (603 mm)
17.2" (436 mm)
5.0"
(127 mm)
10.0"
(254 mm)
6.0"
(152
mm)
7.0"
(178 mm)
FRONT
SIDE
17.2" (436 mm)
7.0"
(178
mm)
TOP
11
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Some of the
people at our
®
factory who helped
design, build, sell,
and support your
product.
®
™
®
Mackie Designs Inc.
16220 Wood-Red Rd. NE • Woodinville, WA 98072 • USA
US & Canada: 800/898-3211
Europe, Asia, Central & South America: 425/487-4333
Middle East & Africa: 31-20-654-4000
E-mail: [email protected]
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