User manual MACKIE SA1232

[. . . ] SA1232 3-WAY ACTIVE SPEAKER SYSTEM USER'S MANUAL CAUTION AVIS RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK DO NOT OPEN RISQUE DE CHOC ELECTRIQUE NE PAS OUVRIR CAUTION: TO REDUCE THE RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK DO NOT REMOVE COVER (OR BACK) NO USER-SERVICEABLE PARTS INSIDE REFER SERVICING TO QUALIFIED PERSONNEL 10. Power Cord Protection -- Power supply cords should be routed so that they are not likely to be walked upon or pinched by items placed upon or against them, paying particular attention to cords at plugs, convenience receptacles, and the point where they exit this Mackie product. Object and Liquid Entry -- Care should be taken so that objects do not fall into and liquids are not spilled into this Mackie product. Damage Requiring Service -- This Mackie product should be serviced only by qualified service personnel when: A. [. . . ] When you begin talking about amplifier systems that deliver high power levels (more than 1, 000 watts), the limitations of 115V AC service create problems. Here are some basic calculations for some high power amplifiers: Amp Output Power 1000 watts 1500 watts 2000 watts 2500 watts 3000 watts Required Amps 8. 7 Amps 13 Amps 17. 4 Amps 21. 7 Amps 26 Amps AC Service 115V 115V 115V 115V 115V If the signal reproduced were a full bandwidth sine wave, then the above data would be true at full output with an absolutely flat signal. An audio signal presents a distinct problem when it comes to the reproduction of transient signals found in the typical programs. For a very short time, the amplifier's power supply could require up to four times the amperage as it tries to reproduce a 6 dB peak. This is especially true of subwoofer amplifier systems trying to reproduce frequencies below 50 Hz, which is the frequency that AC power usually travels at. The SA1232 amplifiers have extremely robust toroidal transformers and use a large number of capacitors. Toroidal power supplies have one huge advantage over other types of supplies, which is their ability to provide higher output beyond their nominal rating. For a very short period of time, a well designed 2500 watt transformer can deliver up to 7 5000 watts of power. This provides the headroom necessary to deal with the peak transient signals that must be reproduced. The AC current supplied to the active speaker is especially critical to the overall performance of the audio system. In light of the limitations created by standard 115V service, we have a list of suggestions that will help you avoid problems. THERMAL CONSIDERATIONS The SA1232 has three powerful built-in amplifiers capable of producing a combined 1300 watts of power. 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 convection where cool air is drawn through its 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 SA1232, 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 and lights the THERMAL LED. When the amplifier has cooled down to a safe operating temperature, the thermal switch resets itself, and the SA1232 resumes normal operation. If the thermal switch activates frequently, try turning down the level control a notch or two on the mixing console (or the back of the SA1232) to avoid overheating the amplifier. If the temperature in the room is too high, it could cause the amplifier to overheat. In this case, you should try aiming a fan at the rear panel to move more air through the fins. AC Recommended Checklist · Always check your installation/set up for available AC supply rated circuit amperage · Locate the main electrical board for breaker location · Make sure you are not sharing the AC supply for amplifiers with lighting or other services · Whenever possible, specify 20 amp (15 minimum) service for individual boxes · Use 16 gauge AC cable as a minimum standard. The 230 volt AC systems are more stable and run into far fewer current supply problems. [. . . ] It is necessary to establish purchase date and thus determine whether or not your loudspeaker is still under warranty. If you can't find it, the Authorized Service Center may charge you for repairs even if your loudspeaker is still covered by Mackie's 1-Year Limited Warranty. Make sure that the problem can be duplicated. If you bring your loudspeaker to an Authorized Service Center and they can't find any thing wrong with it, you may be charged a service fee. [. . . ]