TH-18s
18” Powered Subwoofer
O W N E R ’ S M A N U A L
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CONTENTS
What? Me read a manual?
Before you begin, please make sure you read the
Safety Instructions on page 2 and Getting Started
on page 4.
SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS ........................................... 2
GETTING STARTED................................................... 4
INTRODUCTION ...................................................... 5
HOOKUP DIAGRAMS............................................... 6
MACKIE TH-18s FEATURES ..................................... 8
1. IEC AC RECEPTACLE AND FUSE ..................... 8
2. POWER ..................................................... 8
3. INPUTS ...................................................... 9
4. FULL RANGE OUTPUTS................................ 9
5. HIGH PASS OUTPUTS.................................. 9
6. POLARITY .................................................. 9
7. LEVEL....................................................... 10
8. THERMAL LED........................................... 10
9. OL LED..................................................... 10
10. SIGNAL LED.............................................. 10
11. POWER LED.............................................. 10
INS AND OUTS OF POLARITY................................. 11
PROTECTION CIRCUITS.......................................... 12
LIMITING.............................................................. 12
OVEREXCURSION PROTECTION ............................. 12
THERMAL PROTECTION......................................... 12
PLACEMENT.......................................................... 12
CARE AND MAINTENANCE..................................... 12
APPENDIX A: SERVICE INFORMATION.................... 13
APPENDIX B: CONNECTIONS ................................. 15
APPENDIX C: TH-18s SPECIFICATIONS ................... 16
MACKIE LIMITED WARRANTY................................ 17
Your new Mackie TH-18s powered subwoofers
are designed to set up quickly and operate easily.
We know it’s often seen as a sign of weakness to
read a manual, along with asking for directions
when lost, but we hope you will read the rest of the
manual, at least while nobody is looking.
It is important to keep your receipt in a
safe place, and not a bad idea to write your
product information below for future reference
(i.e., insurance claims, tech support, return
authorization, etc.).
Please write the serial number for your TH-18s here
(or for both TH-18s’s if you have two) for future reference (i.e.,
insurance claims, tech support, return authorization, etc.):
Subwoofer 1
Subwoofer 2
Purchased at:___________________________________ Date of Purchase:_____________
Don’t forget to visit our website at www.mackie.com
for more information about this and other Mackie products.
Part No. SW0786 Rev. A 01/10
©2010 LOUD Technologies Inc. All Rights Reserved.
3
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Getting Started
The following steps will help you set up your
subwoofer(s) quickly.
Now that you have your subwoofers working, it’s time
to hunker down and read the rest of this manual…
especially the following:
INITIAL SETTINGS:
ADDITIONAL TIDBITS OF WIDSDOM:
1. Turn the LEVEL control on the rear panel all the
way down.
2. Turn the POWER switch OFF.
• Never listen to loud music for prolonged periods.
Please see the Safety Instructions on page 2 for
information on hearing protection.
• When you shut down your equipment, turn off the
TH-18s subwoofers first to prevent thumps
and other noises generated by any upstream
equipment from coming out the speakers. When
powering up, turn on the TH-18s last, but just
before your full-range loudspeakers.
CONNECTIONS:
1. Connect the line-level signal from a mixer (or other
signal source) to the INPUT jack on the TH-18s rear
panel (XLR connector). If you are operating the
system in stereo, connect INPUT B, as well.
2. Connect the supplied AC power cord to the IEC
socket on the back of the subwoofer. Plug the other
end into an AC outlet properly configured with the
correct voltage as indicated just above the IEC
socket.
• Save the shipping boxes and packing materials!
You may need them someday. Besides, your
cat will love playing in them and jumping out at
you unexpectedly. Remember to pretend like you
are surprised!
TURN IT ON:
• Save your sales receipt in a safe place.
1. Turn the POWER switch ON.
• Record the serial number in the space provided on
2. Start your signal source (mp3 player, CD, DAW,
band, or whatever), but leave the master level
control on your mixer down.
page 3, along with where and when you bought it.
3. Slowly turn up the LEVEL control on the TH-18s to
the “U” (unity gain) mark at the center position.
THERMAL OL
SIGNAL POWER
OUTPUTS
HIGH PASS
A
A
B
B
4. Adjust the master volume on your mixer to a
comfortably loud listening level. If the volume from
the subwoofer gets really loud, really fast, try turning
down the LEVEL control on the TH-18s a bit. If
the subwoofers don’t get loud enough, turn up the
LEVEL control to achieve a good balance of master
volume control and loudness from the subwoofer.
LEVEL
R
-6dB
+6dB
FULL RANGE
POLARITY
NORMAL
INVERT
TH-18s
ACTIVE SOUND
REINFORCEMENT SUBWOOFER
INPUTS
A
B
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.
AVIS: RISQUE DE CHOC ELECTRIQUE NE PAS OUVRIR
SERIAL NUMBER
—
REVISION
POWER
ON
FUSE: T10AH AC250V
4
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Introduction
Thank you for choosing the Mackie Thump TH-18s subwoofer. Mackie’s Thump Series powered loudspeakers
achieve the perfect balance of power, portability, and most importantly, value. Designed by the same team that
produced the best-selling Mackie SRM450v2, Thump Series loudspeakers deliver real power in a design that is
extremely lightweight and portable. The TH-18s incorporates Mackie-standard professional components like
efficient Class-D Fast Recovery™ amplifiers and system-optimizing Active electronics so that everything sounds
great right out of the box.
The TH-18s has a ported bass reflex design that produces tight low end. And the lightweight, ultra-efficient
Class-D Fast Recovery™ power amplifier delivers 1000W peak power with less risk of thermal overload. This makes
the sub extremely lightweight and portable without compromising the power and performance that you deserve.
Pair this power with our proven built-in Active electronics, including a precision crossover and tuning filters, and
you get professional low end that you can feel...custom tuned to be tight and punchy.
Paired with a Mackie TH-15A or the popular SRM450v2, you have a complete (and completely affordable) “plug
and play” system that is ideal for small clubs, DJs and rehearsal spaces. The TH-18s has both full-range and high-
pass stereo outputs for connection to full-range top boxes. Just dial in the appropriate level and use the polarity
switch to make sure the sub is in phase with the loudspeakers. The integrated pole-cup can accommodate a
standard mounting pole, so your favorite speaker has a nice place to sit. Or you can just stack your full-range box
right on top of the sub...the TH-18s ain’t picky.
So if you are looking for an extremely powerful, affordable PA setup that is simple to use, then you’re in the right
place.
Here are a few of the key features of your new Mackie Thump TH-18s:
• 1000W of ultra-efficient Class-D Fast Recovery™ amplification
• Mackie Active electronics provide total system optimization
• Precision crossover (125Hz)
• Tuning filters for accurate bass response
• 18-inch woofer delivers superior output and low-frequency extension (aka Thump)
• Dual XLR inputs for mono or stereo applications
• Stereo high-pass and full-range outputs
• User-adjustable level and polarity controls
• Individual power, signal, OL, and thermal protect indicators
• Pole receptacle for mounting full-range loudspeakers
• Solid plywood enclosure with high durability, textured black paint
• Extremely lightweight and portable (73 lbs / 33.1 kg)
Read on to learn everything you could possibly want to know about your new subwoofer.
5
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Hookup Diagrams
Main PA System with one subwoofer and two powered loudspeakers
Left and Right Main
Powered Loudspeakers
(Mackie TH-15A shown)
1
2
3
4
5/6
7/8
9/10
11/12
TH-18s
High Pass
Output
MON
MAIN
From Mixer
Left and Right
Outputs
Mixing Console
(Mackie ProFX12 shown)
The left and right line-level outputs from a mixer feed the inputs of the subwoofer. The high pass line-level
outputs of the subwoofer feed the inputs of the powered loudspeakers, so these reproduce the mid-to-high
frequencies in stereo, and the sub provides the low frequencies in mono.
Main PA System with two subwoofers and two powered loudspeakers
Left Main
Right Main
Powered Loudspeaker
(Mackie SRM450v2 shown)
Powered Loudspeaker
(Mackie SRM450v2 shown)
High Pass
Output
High Pass
Output
Pole Mount
Pole Mount
1
2
3
4
5/6
7/8
9/10
11/12
From Mixer
Right Output
From Mixer
Left Output
TH-18s
TH-18s
MON
MAIN
Mixing Console
(Mackie ProFX12 shown)
The left and right line-level outputs from a mixer feed the inputs of the subwoofers. The high pass line-
level outputs of the subwoofers feed the inputs of the powered loudspeakers, so these reproduce the
mid-to-high frequencies in stereo, and the subs provide the low frequencies in stereo.
6
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Daisy-chaining two subwoofers
TH-18s
Subwoofer 2
TH-18s
Subwoofer 1
Mixing Console
(Mackie ProFX12 shown)
Full-Range
Output
TH-18s
TH-18s
1
2
3
4
5/6
7/8
9/10
11/12
MON
MAIN
From Mixer
Output
The left and right line-level outputs from a mixer feed the left and right inputs of the first subwoofer. The
inputs are summed in mono to play in the subwoofer, but this does not affect the full-range or high-pass
outputs, which remain fully stereo. The left and right full-range line-level outputs of this subwoofer feed
the left and right inputs of the second subwoofer. The high-pass outputs or full-range outputs of either
subwoofer could feed the other powered loudspeakers in your system.
Lots ‘o Thump
Straps
Straps
Left Main
Powered
Loudspeaker
(Mackie SRM450v2
shown)
Right Main
Powered
Loudspeaker
(Mackie SRM450v2
shown)
High-Pass
Outputs
TH-18s
TH-18s
TH-18s Left
Subwoofer 2
TH-18s Right
Subwoofer 2
Full-Range
Outputs
From Mixer
Left Output
From Mixer
Right Output
TH-18s
TH-18s
TH-18s Left
Subwoofer 1
TH-18s Right
Subwoofer 1
1
2
3
4
Mixing Console
(Mackie CFX12mkII shown)
The left and right line-level outputs from a mixer feed the inputs of a pair of subwoofers. Their respective
full-range outputs feed the inputs of another pair of subwoofers. The high-pass outputs from the second
set of subwoofers then feed the inputs of a pair of powered loudspeakers.
NOTE: It is highly recommended that you use straps to secure your loudspeakers for stacked scenarios
such as this one. Be sure to loop a strap through each handle going down each side of the cabinet setup,
as shown above.
7
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Mackie TH-18s Features
8 9 10 11
THERMAL OL
SIGNAL POWER
OUTPUTS
HIGH PASS
A
A
B
B
LEVEL
5
4
R
7
- 6dB
+6dB
FULL RANGE
POLARITY
NORMAL
INVERT
6
TH-18s
ACTIVE SOUND
REINFORCEMENT SUBWOOFER
INPUTS
A
B
3
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.
NE PAS OUVRIR
AVIS: RISQUE DE CHOC ELECTRIQUE
—
SERIAL NUMBER
REVISION
POWER
ON
2
1
The rear panel is where you connect AC power
and your signals to and from the subwoofer. You may
also adjust the level and polarity to match the other
loudspeakers in your system and account for the
subwoofer’s location and your room’s environment.
2. POWER
Press up on this switch to turn the TH-18s subwoofer
on. The power LED [11] above the LEVEL knob [7]
illuminates when the POWER switch is on and AC power
is available at the linecord socket.
1. IEC AC Receptacle and Fuse
Press the bottom of this switch to put the subwoofer
into standby mode. It will not function, but the circuits
are still live. To remove AC power, either turn off the
AC mains supply, or unplug the power cord from the
subwoofer and the AC mains supply.
Connect the detachable line cord to this IEC socket
securely, and plug the other end into an AC outlet.
Make sure the AC power is matched to the AC power
indicated on the rear panel above the IEC socket.
The fuse is located behind the fuse cover, at the
bottom of the IEC socket. See the “Troubleshooting”
section on page 13 for information about replacing the
fuse.
As a general guide, powered
subwoofers should be turned on after
the mixer and other sources, but prior
to full-range speakers. Additionally, they
should also be powered off after the tops,
but before the mixer and other sources. This will reduce
the possibility of any turn-on, or turn-off thumps in your
speakers.
Always turn off the power and disconnect
the power cord before inspecting or
changing the fuse. Always replace the fuse
with the exact same type and rating as the
original fuse.
8
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8
9 10 11
THERMAL OL
SIGNAL POWER
OUTPUTS
HIGH PASS
A
A
B
B
LEVEL
7
6
5
4
-
6dB
+6dB
FULL RANGE
POLARITY
NORMAL
INVERT
INPUTS
A
B
3
3. INPUTS
5. HIGH PASS OUTPUTS
Balanced XLR female connectors are provided for the
left and right inputs. Connect the full-range line-level
signal from the mixer or other signal source to these
input jacks.
Balanced XLR male connectors are provided for the
line-level A and B high-pass outputs. The subwoofer’s
internal active crossover splits the input signals into
two frequency bands. The low frequency range below
125 Hz goes to the internal amplifier that powers the
subwoofer. The frequency range above 125 Hz is sent to
these line-level output jacks.
If you are connecting a single subwoofer output, or
LFE (low-frequency effects) output to the subwoofer,
you may use either the A or B input connector.
Connect these outputs to the inputs of your main
powered loudspeakers, or to the inputs of the amplifier
powering the main loudspeakers. In this way, the main
loudspeakers will play the range above 125 Hz. If the
main loudspeakers have good low-frequency response,
then you may decide to use the full-range outputs [4]
instead.
CAUTION: NEVER connect the output of
an amplifier directly to the input of the
subwoofer. This could damage the input
circuitry of the active subwoofer.
4. FULL RANGE OUTPUTS
The level control and polarity switch have no effect
on the high-pass outputs. The outputs are separate and
maintain the stereo separation of the input signals.
Balanced XLR male connectors are provided for the
line-level A and B full-range outputs. Connect these
outputs to the inputs of another powered subwoofer,
main powered loudspeakers, or to an amplifier powering
passive loudspeakers.
6. POLARITY
The signal at these outputs is a direct copy of the
input signals. These outputs allow you to daisy-chain
multiple subwoofers, and/or send the full-range signals
to the main loudspeakers.
This switch reverses the polarity of the signal going
into the subwoofer amplifier by 180°. It has no effect on
the signal at the line-level outputs.
There is no right or wrong setting for this switch.
Listen to the overall blend of the subwoofer with the
rest of the system and select the switch position that
gives you the best sound for your audience. In fact,
your system may vary when positioned differently and
in alternate venues. Don’t be afraid to experiment with
the position of the polarity switch. See page 11 for more
information.
The level control and polarity switch have no effect
on the full-range outputs. The outputs are separate and
maintain the stereo separation of the input signals.
9
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8
9 10 11
THERMAL OL
SIGNAL POWER
OUTPUTS
HIGH PASS
A
A
B
B
LEVEL
7
6
5
4
-
6dB
+6dB
FULL RANGE
POLARITY
NORMAL
INVERT
INPUTS
A
B
3
9. OL LED
7. LEVEL
The OL (overload) indicator lights when the
amplifier in the TH-18s is near the clipping point. It is
okay if the OL indicator blinks occasionally, because
this means that the transient peaks are just reaching
the maximum output of the amplifier and you are
getting the most from your TH-18s.
The LEVEL control adjusts the overall signal level at
the input to the built-in power amplifier. It ranges from
-6 dB to +6 dB (maximum gain), with unity gain at the
center position (12 o’clock).
The control has no effect on the level of the high-
pass outputs [5] or the full-range outputs [4].
If the OL indicator is blinking frequently or lighting
continuously, turn down the LEVEL control [7] on the
TH-18s or turn down the signal at it source
(e.g., the mixing console) until the OL indicator blinks
occasionally or not at all.
8. THERMAL LED
The TH-18s is equipped with a thermal protection
circuit that monitors the internal temperature of the
amplifiers and heatsink. If the temperature exceeds a
safe operating level, this indicator lights and the input
signal is muted to allow the amplifiers to cool. When
the temperature cools to a safe level once again, the
thermal protection circuit deactivates, the Thermal
LED turns off and the TH-18s returns to normal
operation.
10. SIGNAL LED
This LED illuminates green whenever there is a
signal present at the main input connector. It senses the
signal just after the Level control, so adjustments to the
level control will affect the signal indicator.
When the TH-18s is in thermal protect mode, the
power LED [11] will remain lit, indicating that the unit
is still powered on despite the lack of output.
11. POWER LED
This LED illuminates when the power switch [2] is
turned on and the linecord is connected to an active AC
Mains supply.
Activation of the thermal protection circuit
is an indication that you should take steps
to avoid continued thermal problems. See
“Thermal Protection” on page 12.
10
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The Ins and Outs of Polarity
The polarity invert switch comes into play when the
TH-18s subwoofer is paired with a loudspeaker. Ideally,
the woofer cones of the subwoofer and full-range
loudspeaker would work together by pushing and
pulling in unison. TH-18s subwoofers are designed to
be used in a broad range of applications, and with a
wide variety of full-range loudspeakers. The flexibility
provided by the polarity switch is necessary to ensure
that you are receiving the best possible sound from your
system, regardless of your setup.
Mackie’s Thump TH-18s subwoofer includes a switch
that allows you to quickly invert the polarity of the sub-
woofer’s output relative to the input signal it is receiving
from the mixer or other sound source. But what exactly
does that mean? A subwoofer works by literally pumping
air as the woofer cone moves in and out with respect to
the cabinet in which it is housed. It does so according to
the low-frequency portion of the signal it receives from
the sound source.
The woofer cone is simply following the waveform
as seen in the sine wave in Figure 1. As the sine wave
rises, the woofer cone pushes out. Likewise, as the sine
wave falls, the woofer cone pulls into the cabinet. A
musical signal is much more complex, of course, but the
same principle applies. Movement of the woofer cone
causes air pressure changes that we perceive as sound.
Listed below are some recommended configurations
for pairing a Mackie TH-18s subwoofer (using the High-
Pass output) with a Mackie full-range loudspeaker.
These settings are a good start, but be sure to
experiment to find the best sound for your venue. The
loudspeakers may be stacked, pole-mounted, or flown.
When the Polarity Invert switch [6] is engaged, the
original waveform is simply reversed 180º (see Figure
2). Again, the subwoofer cone follows the waveform.
However, this time the woofer cone starts by pulling into
the cabinet followed by the woofer cone pushing out. If
you have ever experimented with a subwoofer polarity
switch, you may not have noticed any changes to the
sound regardless of its position, especially if you are
listening to just the subwoofer. This is normal, as our
ears perceive them both as the same.
• TH-15A full-range loudspeakers - Engage the
Polarity Invert switch on the TH-18s.
• SRM450v2 full-range loudspeakers - Disengage the
Polarity Invert switch on the TH-18s.
In alternate setups where the full-range loudspeakers
are not co-located with the subwoofers or are not
connected to the TH-18s subwoofer’s High-Pass outputs,
you will need to experiment with the Polarity Invert
switch to determine which setting gives you the desired
bass response for your application.
< - - T i m e - - >
< - - T i m e - - >
Figure 1
Figure 2
11
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Protection Circuits
There are several protection mechanisms designed
into the TH-18s to safeguard the subwoofers and
amplifiers from inadvertent damage.
Placement
The TH-18s subwoofer is designed to sit on the
floor or stage. It is not designed to be pole-mounted or
suspended.
CAUTION: The protection circuits are
designed to protect the subwoofers under
reasonable and sensible conditions. Should
When pole-mounting loudspeakers, be sure that the
TH-18s subwoofers are stabilized and secured from
falling over or being accidentally pushed over. For
you choose to ignore the warning signs (i.e., stacked scenarios, it is highly suggested that straps are
frequent OL LED indications, excessive distortion), you
utilized. Failure to follow these precautions may result
can still damage the speakers in the TH-18s by overdriving in damage to the equipment, personal injury, or death.
them past the point of amplifier clipping. Such damage is
beyond the scope of the warranty.
WARNING: The cabinet has no rigging
points and is not suitable for rigging.
NEVER attempt to suspend the TH-18s by
its handles.
Limiting
The driver has its own compression circuit, which
helps protect it from damaging transient peaks. The
compressor is designed to be transparent and is not
noticeable under normal operating conditions.
As with any powered components, protect them from
moisture and extreme cold and follow the other Care
and Maintenance suggestions below.
Overexcursion Protection
Care and Maintenance
A 12 dB/octave high-pass filter at 40 Hz just prior
to the low-frequency amplifier prevents very low
frequencies from being amplified. Excessive low-
frequency energy below 40 Hz can damage the woofer by
causing it to “bottom out,” also known as overexcursion,
which is equivalent to a mechanical form of clipping.
Your Mackie subwoofers will provide many years of
reliable service if you follow these guidelines:
•
Avoid exposing the subwoofers to moisture. If
they are set up outdoors, be sure they are under
cover if rain is expected.
•
Avoid exposure to extreme cold (below
freezing temperatures). If you must operate
the subwoofers in a cold environment, warm
up the voice coils slowly by sending a low-level
signal through them for about 15 minutes prior
to high-power operation.
Thermal Protection
All amplifiers produce heat. The TH-18s is designed
to be efficient both electrically and thermally.
The amplifier module is mounted on a large
heatsink, which is cooled by convection where cool air
is drawn over the rear panel, carrying the heat away.
In order for this convection cooling to work efficiently,
it is important to provide adequate airspace behind
the subwoofer. When you position the TH-18s, we
recommend leaving at least six inches of air space
behind it.
•
Use a dry cloth to clean the cabinets. Only do
this when the power is turned off. Avoid getting
moisture into any of the openings of the cabi-
net, particularly where the driver is located.
If for some reason the internal temperature gets too
hot, a built-in thermal switch activates and turns down
the amplifier. When the amplifier cools down to a safe
temperature, the thermal switch resets and normal
operation resumes. If the internal temperature again
gets too hot, the output level reduction process repeats.
Should this happen, make sure that airflow to the rear
of the cabinet is not restricted.
12
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Appendix A: Service Information
If you think your Mackie product has a problem,
please check out the following troubleshooting tips and
do your best to confirm the problem. Visit the Support
get some ideas or contact our technical support heroes.
You may find the answer to the problem without having
to send your Mackie product away.
4. Replace the fuse drawer by pushing it all the way
back into the IEC socket.
If two fuses blow in a row, then something is very wrong.
Try a different outlet in a totally different location. If fuses
continue to blow, see the “Repair” section on the next page
to find out what to do.
Troubleshooting
No Power
No Sound
• Is the power LED on the rear panel illuminated?
• Is the LEVEL control turned up?
• Our favorite question: Is it plugged in?
• Is the signal source turned up? Make sure the
signal level from the mixing console (or whatever
device immediately precedes the subwoofer) is
high enough to produce sound.
• Make sure the line cord is securely seated in the
line cord socket and plugged all the way into the
AC outlet.
• Make sure the AC outlet is live (check with a
• If it’s a stereo pair, try switching them around.
For example, if a left subwoofer is presumed dead,
switch the left and right cords at the subwoofers.
If the problem switches sides, it’s not the TH-18s.
It could be a bad cable, or no signal from the mixer.
tester or lamp).
• Is the POWER switch in the ON position?
• Is the power LED on the rear panel illuminated?
If not, make sure the AC outlet is live. If so, refer
to “No Sound” below.
Bad Sound
• If the power LEDs are not illuminated, and you
are certain that the AC outlet is live, it is possible
the fuse has blown.
• Is the input connector plugged completely into
the input jack?
• Is something connected to an output jack? Try
unplugging it. If the sound improves, whatever
was plugged into the output jack may have
affected the signal.
To remove and replace the fuse:
1. Disconnect the power cord from the IEC socket.
• Is it loud and distorted? Reduce the signal level at
2. Remove the fuse drawer using a small screwdriver.
It will slide all the way out.
the mixer.
• If possible, listen to the signal source with
headphones plugged into the preamp stage. If it
sounds bad there, it’s not the subwoofer.
• Too much bass or not enough bass? Move
around the room and see if the bass response
changes. It’s possible your listening position
coincides with a room mode where the
low frequencies either become exaggerated or
nulled. If so, try using an alternate polarity switch
position, moving the subwoofers to a different
location in the room, or moving your listening
position.
3. Remove the fuse
and replace it with
an equivalent-type
fuse.
FUSE
115 VAC unit: 6.3 amp slo-blo (T 6.3 A H 250 V)
230 VAC unit: 3.15 amp slo-blo (T 3.15 A H 250 V)
13
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Noise/Hum
• Check the signal cable between the mixer and
the subwoofer. Make sure all connections are
secure. These problems usually produce crackling
noises or hum.
• If you are using two or more TH-18s powered
subwoofers, try plugging them all into the same
AC outlet panel or outlet strip. The purpose for
this is to connect them all to the same earth
ground point and reduce the possibility of creating
a ground loop.
• If connecting an unbalanced output to the TH-18s
balanced input, make sure the shield is connected
to the unbalanced ground and to pin 1 of the XLR.
Repair
For warranty service, refer to the warranty
information on page 17.
Non-warranty service for Mackie products is
available at a factory-authorized service center. To
locate your nearest service center, call our Tech
Support department at 1-800-898-3211, Monday-Friday,
during normal business hours, Pacific Time, to explain
the problem. Tech Support will tell you where the
nearest factory-authorized service center is located in
your area.
14
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Appendix B:
Connections
XLR Connectors
The TH-18s has two female XLR input jacks that
accept balanced line-level signals. When connecting
a balanced signal, be sure it’s wired per AES (Audio
Engineering Society) standards:
There is a limit to how many you can
daisy-chain together. A general rule is
to maintain a load impedance ten times
or more than the source impedance to
prevent excessive loading on the source. For example,
if your mixer has an output impedance of 120 ohms,
then you can daisy chain up to nine TH-18s’s. This is a
load of 1222 ohms (TH-18s input impedance=11 kohms;
9 of these in parallel=1222 ohms). Since microphones
typically have a higher output impedance, you should
limit daisy-chaining from a mic source to two TH-18s’s
(assuming that loudspeakers are also connected to the
subwoofers).
Balanced XLR Connectors
XLR
Pin 1 – Shield (Ground)
Pin 2 – Hot (+)
Pin 3 – Cold (–)
You should use high-quality, shielded cable to
connect the signal source to the INPUT jacks on the
TH-18s.
• High quality microphone cables work well.
• Foil shielded cables are commonly used for audio
wiring.
• The better the shield, the better the immunity
from externally induced noise (like EMI and
RFI). Route the cable away from AC power cords
and outlets. These are common sources for hum
in an audio signal. You can purchase quality
cables from your Mackie dealer.
There are also two male XLR connectors on
the TH-18s labeled FULL RANGE and two labled HIGH
PASS. These are also wired according to the AES
standards listed above.
The FULL RANGE connectors allow you to connect
several TH-18s’s. Simply plug the signal source
(e.g., mixer output) into the TH-18s input jack, and
patch that subwoofer’s full range jack to the next
subwoofer’s input jack, and so on, daisy-chaining
multiple subwoofers.
15
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Appendix C: TH-18s Specifications
Acoustic Performance
Construction Features
Basic Design:
Material:
Frequency Range (–10 dB):
Frequency Response (–3 dB):
Max peak SPL (calculated)1:
Max peak SPL (measured)2:
35 Hz – 150 Hz
50 Hz – 115 Hz
129 dB
Trapezoidal
Void-free plywood
Finish:
Textured black catalyzed
polyurethane paint
124 dB
Handles:
Grille:
One on each side
Perforated metal
Transducer
Diameter:
18 in / 457 mm
3 in / 76 mm
Paper
Physical Properties
Height:
Voice coil diameter:
Diaphragm material:
Magnet material:
24.1 in / 612 mm
20.2 in / 513 mm
15.1 in / 383 mm
25.3 in / 643 mm
73 lb / 33.1 kg
Front Width:
Rear Width:
Depth:
Ferrite
Power Amplifier
Rated Power:
500 watts rms
1000 watts peak
Weight:
THD:
<0.1%
Mounting Method:
Design:
Cooling:
Class D
Convection
The TH-18s subwoofer is designed to sit on the floor or stage.
It is NOT designed to be pole-mounted or suspended. The
cabinet has no rigging points and is not suitable for rigging.
Never attempt to suspend the TH-18s by its handles.
Input/Output
Input Type:
Female XLR Balanced
differential (stereo
left/right)
LOUD Technologies Inc. is always striving to improve our products
by incorporating new and improved materials, components, and
manufacturing methods. Therefore, we reserve the right to change
these specifications at any time without notice.
Input Impedance:
Full Range Output:
20 k balanced
Male XLR Balanced
(parallel with input)
“Mackie,” and the “Running Man” are registered trademarks of LOUD
Technologies Inc. All other brand names mentioned are trademarks
or registered trademarks of their respective holders, and are hereby
acknowledged.
High Pass Output:
Level Control:
Male XLR Balanced
–6 dB to +6 dB
Electronic Crossover
Crossover Type:
©2010 LOUD Technologies Inc. All Rights Reserved.
24 dB/oct.
Linkwitz-Riley
Crossover Frequency:
125 Hz
15.1 in /
383 mm
Protection Features
Over-excursion Protection:
W E IG H T
73 lb
33.1 kg
40 Hz 24 dB/oct.
Butterworth High
Pass Filter
25.3 in /
643 mm
Thermal Protection:
Amplifier mute, auto
reset
Driver Protection:
Display LEDs:
Peak/RMS Limiter
Thermal, OL, Signal,
Power
AC Power Requirements
TH-18s
US:
100-120 VAC, 50-60 Hz
Fuse: T 6.3A H 250V
220-240 VAC, 50-60 Hz
Fuse: T 3.15A H 250V
160 watts @ 1/4 power
24.1 in /
612 mm
Europe:
Power Consumption:
AC Connector:
20.2 in / 513 mm
3-pin IEC 250 VAC,
15 A male
1
2
Calculated from peak driver sensitivity and amplifier power, half space.
Measured with swept sine at 1 W within operating range, scaled for max power, half space.
16
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Mackie Limited Warranty
Please keep your sales receipt in a safe place.
This Limited Product Warranty (“Product Warranty”) is provided by LOUD Technologies Inc. (“LOUD”)
and is applicable to products purchased in the United States or Canada through a LOUD-authorized
reseller or dealer. The Product Warranty will not extend to anyone other than the original purchaser of
the product (hereinafter, “Customer,” “you” or “your”).
For products purchased outside the U.S. or Canada, please visit www.mackie.com/warranty to find
contact information for your local distributor, and information on any warranty coverage provided by the
distributor in your local market.
LOUD warrants to Customer that the product will be free from defects in materials and workmanship
under normal use during the Warranty Period. If the product fails to conform to the warranty then LOUD
or its authorized service representative will at its option, either repair or replace any such nonconforming
product, provided that Customer gives notice of the noncompliance within the Warranty Period to the
Company at: www.mackie.com/support or by calling LOUD technical support at 1.800.898.3211 (toll-
free in the U.S. and Canada) during normal business hours Pacific Time, excluding weekends or LOUD
holidays. Please retain the original dated sales receipt as evidence of the date of purchase. You will need it
to obtain any warranty service.
For full terms and conditions, as well as the specific duration of the Warranty for this product, please visit
www.mackie.com/warranty.
The Product Warranty, together with your invoice or receipt, and the terms and conditions located
at www.mackie.com/warranty constitutes the entire agreement, and supersedes any and all prior
agreements between LOUD and Customer related to the subject matter hereof. No amendment,
modification or waiver of any of the provisions of this Product Warranty will be valid unless set forth in a
written instrument signed by the party to be bound thereby.
Need help with your new subwoofer?
• Telephone 1-800-898-3211 to speak with one of our splendid technical support chaps (Monday
through Friday, normal business hours, PST).
Correct Disposal of this product: This symbol indicates that this product should not be disposed of with your household waste, according to the WEEE
Directive (2002/96/EC) and your national law. This product should be handed over to an authorized collection site for recycling waste electrical and
electronic equipment (EEE). Improper handling of this type of waste could have a possible negative impact on the environment and human health due
to potentially hazardous substances that are generally associated with EEE. At the same time, your cooperation in the correct disposal of this product will
contribute to the effective usage of natural resources. For more information about where you can drop off your waste equipment for recycling, please
contact your local city office, waste authority, or your household waste disposal service.
17
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16220 Wood-Red Road NE • Woodinville, WA 98072 • USA
United States 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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