Mackie Speaker S218s User Manual

S218s PASSIVE  
SUBWOOFER  
USER’S MANUAL  
 
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.  
 
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 amplier. 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 amplier.  
2. Connect the Speaker Outputfrom your power  
amplier (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
 
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
 
CONNECTIONS  
PLACEMENT  
The S218s has two connectors. One is a Neutrik  
Speakonconnector 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 amplier,  
or as a thruconnection for connecting the full-range  
input signal to another speakers input.  
The S218s subwoofer is designed to sit on the oor 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 amplier 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 thruconnections, that you want  
to be sure not to go below the minimum impedance  
requirements for your power amplier.  
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 amplier 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 oor. A hollow stage can resonate at certain  
frequencies, causing peaks and dips in the fre-  
quency response of the room. Its 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
 
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 reections off the hard walls,  
ceiling, and oor play havoc with the sound. Depend-  
ing on the situation, you may be able to take some  
steps to minimize the reections, such as putting  
carpeting on the oors, 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 doesnt work  
because the reections 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 reected 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
 
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 conrm 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  
Duplicatewhich 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 subwoofers 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 users manual. We dont need it to repair  
No sound  
the subwoofer.  
Are the level controls on the mixer or amplier  
turned all the way down? Follow the procedures in  
the Quick-Startsection 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 nd 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. Well try to x the subwoofer within ve business  
days. Once it is repaired, well 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 youre 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. Its a  
good idea to periodically clean all electrical con-  
nections with a non-lubricating electrical contact  
cleaner.  
8
 
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 Hz360 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 ying. 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 reex  
Input/Output  
Disclaimer  
Input/Output Type  
Neutrik Speakonand  
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 specications  
at any time without notice.  
female 1/4-in. TS jack  
Input Impedance (nominal)  
8 ohms  
Input Impedance (minimum)  
Mackieand 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 reex  
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
 
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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21.0 in/  
53.3 cm  
21.0 in/  
53.3 cm  
21.0 in/  
53.3 cm  
10  
 
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  
 
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  
 

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