BassBoss DJ18-MK3 User manual

Single 18”
Powered Subwoofer
DJ18-MK3
User Manual

DJ18-MK3 User Manual bassboss.com
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Table of Contents
Overview 2
QuickStartGuide 4
OutboardProcessorWarning 5
SetupProcedure 5
OperationandControls 6
IndicatorLEDs 6
HowtoUsethePresets 7
Pre-InstalledOnboardPresets 8
PowerDistribution 9
Troubleshooting 9
CardioidMode 10
Specifications 11
Warranty 12
SafetyInformation 13
ImportantNotes 14
FCCComplianceNotice 14
anything over 110V. The amplifier’s high peak-output voltage provides for intense high SPL hits while its
sustained output is unparalleled in its ability to deliver the liquid lows. The amplifier is passively cooled
via its external heat-sink and by woofer-generated air-flow through the port. When necessary, two
blower-fans will engage to provide additional forced-air cooling capacity in more extreme conditions.
New to the MK3 are Neutrik powerCON True 1 TOP (Total Outdoor Protection) waterproof mains
connectors. Waterproof mains connectors along with a totally isolated input connection section and
cones that are waterproofed make the MK3 series the powered loudspeakers that can be used outdoors
without fear of what the weather will bring, or used indoors without fear of what the partiers bring.
Electrical power is converted into the much more desirable acoustical power by a robust, neodymium
motor, 18-inch woofer with a massive 4.5-inch (115mm) copper-wound voice coil. Neodymium magnets
are lighter and their higher intensity provides higher eiciency so the result is a lighter and louder cabinet
than those with ferrite drivers.
New to the MK3 are Neutrik powerCON True 1 TOP (Total Outdoor Protection) waterproof mains
connectors. This permits the levels of multiple loudspeakers to be adjusted together and yet
independently from the levels of other groups of loudspeakers.
Electrical power is converted into the much more desirable acoustical power by two robust, neodymium
motor, 18-inch woofers with massive 4.5-inch (115mm) voice coils. Neodymium magnets are lighter, and
their higher intensity provides higher eiciency, so the result is a lighter and louder cabinet than those with
ferrite drivers.
The MK3 features an all-new DSP. The comprehensive suite of processing includes high-pass and low-
pass filters as well as multiple protection systems and limiters to prevent driver overload in as many
ways as possible, including thermal, excursion and clipping. The five levels of protection actively prevent
overheating of the voice coil, minimize long-term thermal compression and limit excursion. Because they
operate in 5 dierent modes, the limiters are sophisticated enough to have a largely unnoticable eect
on the transient response and allow the subwoofer to deliver peak output safely.
The new DSP features an Ethernet interface. This can be used to control the cabinets from a computer
or to load software or firmware updates. The ethernet connectivity in conjunction with the DSP board
allows signal to be sent via Milan AVB. Firmware updates will provide access to this feature.
Within the software, multiple cabinets can be grouped together, allowing them to respond to commands
simultaneously. This permits the levels of multiple loudspeakers to be adjusted together and yet
independently from the levels of other groups of loudspeakers. In addition to individual and grouped
level controls, presets can be loaded and signal levels and temperatures can be monitored. Each cabinet
includes a two-port switch so multiple cabinets can be chained on the same data cable.
The MK3 DSP features storage capacity of up to 100 presets, eight of which can be accessed at the touch
of a button with no need for a connected computer. The eight directly accessible presets are compatible
with all the presets in the MK3 Top Boxes and are also compatible with previous generation tops and subs.
The DJ18-MK3 is a premium-quality subwoofer which delivers deep bass at levels far higher than
would be expected from its size. Suitable for the truly bass-insatiable who focus on modern music with
frequencies well below the usual 50-100Hz range, this compact sub weighs only 110 lbs and delivers
output down to 27Hz (-3dB).
The DJ18-MK3 is a single 18-inch direct-radiating subwoofer featuring a long-excursion woofer loaded
into a vented enclosure that is tuned to optimize extremely low frequency output using a very large port.
The cabinet was designed to minimize materials and weight and maximize eiciency. The point is to do
less heavy lifting and deliver more heavy bass.
The DJ18-MK3 features a 2500W amplifier with an auto-sensing, globally compatible power supply
that can run on mains supplies anywhere between 90 and 250 Volts. Full output power is available on
DJ18-MK3 Single 18”
Powered Subwoofer
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DJ18-MK3 User Manual bassboss.com
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Outboard Processing Warning
Third-party outboard processing (Drive Racks, etc.) are not recommended and are not necessary
with BASSBOSS MK3 series powered loudspeakers. Outboard processing will not improve, and
will very likely degrade the sound quality, reliability and output capacity. Using external processing
inappropriately can cause driver damage that is not covered by warranty.
The internal processing can accomplish everything an external processor could accomplish without
degrading the sound quality and without putting components at risk. Before considering using an
outboard processor, contact BASSBOSS customer service with your use-case scenario for assistance
in setting up the internal processing to achieve your goals.
Setup Procedure
Once the the cabinet is in the desired location, signal cables should be connected via the XLR-F input.
It’s recommended to run balanced signal cables to minimize the chance of noise and ground-loop hum.
The incoming signal should be unprocessed because all the necessary processing is done in the built-
in DSP. The signal should be run directly from the outputs of a mixer or controller.
The XLR-M connector provides a full-range, unprocessed, pass-through connection to additional
cabinets. This output can be connected to additional subs or tops. Up to 12 cabinets can be connected
on a single output from a mixer or controller.
Connecting the mains power. The power connector is a Neutrik PowerCON TOP waterproof type. The
power connector inserts with the silver tab rotated counter clockwise from vertical, at about the 10:00
position, and once inserted, rotates clockwise to the 12:00 position to lock in place. Once locked, this
connector is waterproof.
This connector also serves as the power switch. To disconnect and remove the connector, pull back
on the silver tab to unlock it and rotate it counter clockwise. Once rotated to the insertion angle, the
connector can be removed.
When connecting and disconnecting, no force should need to be applied. If the connector doesn’t
insert and rotate smoothly, either it’s in the wrong position or it’s damaged and should be replaced.
Always use a grounded outlet. The supplied power cord includes a standard grounding NEMA 5-15
(Edison) 120-Volt US wall plug. In unfamiliar locations it’s recommended to verify the correct wiring of
outlets before powering your system.
It’s highly recommended to connect all signal and power cords to the speakers before plugging the
power cords into mains outlets. When your speaker is powered on, you’ll see all the indicator lights turn
on and then show the system’s current status.
Although the DJ18 cabinet is equipped with a 35mm steel pole socket, DO NOT use this speaker on a
tripod or extension pole. This socket is to be used with a special, short section of pole to prevent it from
moving once stacked on a subwoofer.
Quick Start Guide
1. Ensure the cabinet is secure and stable, on level ground.
2. Attach any poles/additional mid-high cabinets to the subwoofer.
3. Connect signal via the XLR-F input.
4. Connect the XLR-M connector to additional subs or tops.
5. Connect the mains power and verify the “Ready” LED is lit.
BASSBOSS systems are easy to set up quickly. The best possible results are achieved consistently
because of the integrated nature of the designs. All BASSBOSS loudspeakers are complete, integrated
systems, featuring the cabinet, transducer, amplifier and a comprehensive suite of processing. Setup
is particularly easy because the products integrate with each other.
Provided the cabinets are physically aligned, any BASSBOSS sub can be combined with any
BASSBOSS top and their outputs will be phase-coherent. This means no cancellations and no gaps in
the response at the crossover frequency, regardless of which preset is selected.
The on-board BASSBOSS processing allows for the following:
Any BASSBOSS powered subwoofer can be combined with any other BASSBOSS Powered subwoofer
and their outputs will sum coherently. (i.e.: in phase with each other.)
Any BASSBOSS powered subwoofer or combination of BASSBOSS powered subwoofers can be
combined with any BASSBOSS powered top and their outputs will sum coherently through the
crossover region.
HOWEVER only one model of top should be used at a time. An assortment of dierent tops cannot be
stacked together and still achieve coherence and clarity.
The following tops should be used individually, i.e. should NOT be arrayed:
AT312 (Co-axial point-source Main)
DiaMon (Co-axial point-source satellite)
SV9 (2-way monitor with Satellite mode)
The following tops can be used in arrays:
MFLA (Medium Format Line Array, up to 20 cabinets can be arrayed)
AT212 (Horizontally arrayable when necessary)
DV12 (Arrayable in PAIRS ONLY with the upper box of the pair inverted.)

DJ18-MK3 User Manual bassboss.com
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How to Use the Presets
Setting the low-pass filter frequency on the subwoofer to match the top cabinet’s high-pass filter
frequency and balancing their levels will achieve the smoothest sound across the frequency range.
There are no incompatible combinations.
Selecting high numbered presets on subs with low-numbered presets on tops will result in increased
system output in the overlap range, which can be helpful in some situations but can also result in a
“boomy” sound.
When the subwoofer levels are to be run higher than tops levels, (which is almost always) the eective
crossover moves higher in frequency. If you intend to run your system “bass-heavy” it’s recommended
to run lower-numbered presets on the subs and higher-numbered presets on the tops to avoid an
excessively “boomy” sound.
Selecting low-numbered presets on subs with high-numbered presets on tops may result in a lack
of “punch” in certain combinations. This is most likely when not enough level is available from
the subwoofer(s).
When not enough output is available from the sub(s), using a preset combination with overlap can help
provide a little more bass level but it does limit the maximum level of the tops due to the added demand for
low-frequencies from the tops.
It’s recommended that you try several, if not all, combinations when first setting up to determine which
combination works best in each environment. You will likely choose dierent combinations for wood
floors, concrete floors and outdoors.
Experiment with dierent combinations to dial in your preferred combination in dierent environments.
Operation & Controls
There are 2 controls on the amplifier.
1: Input
This knob adjusts the input level from -72dB to -0dB. To avoid distortion and clipping, make sure the
input signal doesn’t exceed +22dB and the output doesn’t reach clipping before you achieve the desired
sound level.
While the amplifier has built-in limiters and safety features to protect itself and the speaker, it can’t
protect the speaker from distorted incoming signals. The amplifier will simply amplify the clipped signal,
which can do the same damage as clipping an amplifier. Since it’s essentially impossible for these
amplifiers to clip, signal-level clipping is the most common cause of damage to these speakers.
If you hear distortion, lower the input level right away.
2: Preset Select
Pressing the Preset Select button cycles through presets 1-8, and pressing it again after preset 8 returns
to preset 1. Each preset includes all necessary low-pass and high-pass filters at the selected frequencies
and all the necessary alignments to maintain phase coherence in the crossover range when used with
other BASSBOSS powered speakers.
Presets help you fine-tune the balance between the subwoofers and top speakers. More details on the
dierent combinations are on page 7.
Indicator LEDs
Indicator LEDs – Left side, bottom to top:
Ready: Indicates that power is on and the system is ready to play.
Signal: Indicates the presence of input signal.
-12dB: Indicates there is 12dB of headroom remaining before reaching maximum output.
-6dB: Indicates there is 6dB of headroom remaining before reaching maximum output.
Limiting: Indicates one of the channels is reducing the incoming signal level to prevent overdrive.
Overheat: Indicates the amplifier is reducing output to prevent shut-down from overheating.
Protect: Indicates the amplifier is shut down due to a condition that could cause further damage.
The Protect LED also is engaged when the system has been muted via the software.
Comm Link: Indicates communication is active on the LAN connection(s).
Indicator LEDs, Right Side, Bottom to top:
Presets 1-8 - The illuminated LED indicates the corresponding preset is loaded.

DJ18-MK3 User Manual bassboss.com
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Power Distribution
Connect no more than one 5000W or two 2500W subwoofer amplifiers to a single 20A circuit. If you
need to share circuits don’t exceed two BASSBOSS single-driver subwoofers or one double-driver
subwoofer along with one or two top speakers on the same circuit.
Although amplifiers for tops and subs may be specified to have the same power capacity, amplifiers
used for tops applications tend to draw significantly less current. Subwoofers draw far more current
than tops due to the demands for level and the duration of the notes.
The amplifiers can operate on mains supply from 100 to 250VAC. To connect to voltages other than
120V, a dierent mains connector plug must be used. Contact your salesperson for information about
purchasing cables for alternate voltages.
Pass-through Power connections can be used to power additional cabinets. With optional True 1 TOP
cables, power can be linked between subs and tops. Do not connect equipment that will draw more than
15A on a single power outlet. Contact your salesperson for information about linking power cables.
Avoid powering all subwoofers on the same circuit. Instead, use separate circuits for each subwoofer
and top speaker combo to help prevent overloading a single circuit and tripping a breaker.
Troubleshooting
If, after following the previous instructions for setup, you have no output from the loudspeaker:
Verify that the green Ready LED is lit. If NOT lit, check the following:
1. Is the power cord plugged into a live outlet?
2. Is the Neutrik powerCON connector rotated into the locked position?
If the green Ready LED is lit, check the following:
1. Is the red Protect LED illuminated? The unit may be in protect mode or set into mute via software.
2. Is the signal cable connected to the input?
3. Is the signal cable connected to an operating output at the other end?
4. Is there signal flowing to the input? Check the integrity of the cable against a dierent cable.
5. Is the volume knob turned all the way down or at a very low level?
6. Is the signal flowing to the input full-range?
Filters in the signal may remove the operating frequencies of the loudspeaker receiving them.
7. If you’re connected via LAN, check the level and filter settings in the software.
Pre-Installed Onboard Presets
High-pass and low-pass filters with included phase compensation.
Preset 1 - 30 Hz - 70 Hz
Preset 2 - 30 Hz - 75 Hz
Preset 3 - 30 Hz - 80 Hz
Preset 4 - 30 Hz - 85 Hz
Preset 5 - 30 Hz - 90 Hz
Preset 6 - 30 Hz - 95 Hz
Preset 7 - 40 Hz - 100 Hz (Vinyl/Good Neighbor Mode)*
Preset 8 - Cardioid Mode (Use only when cabinet is facing away from audience)
*Preset 7 raises the high-pass filter to 30 Hz, reducing the level of the deepest bass notes. This provides an option
to keep operators out of trouble with neighbors, venue owners or local authorities in the event of noise complaints.
**Preset 8 is the Cardioid mode setting. More information on using Cardioid Mode can be found on page 10.
Additional presets are accessible through software. See “How to Use the Presets” section for more information.
New presets will be available for download at bassboss.com/software as they are developed.
To be notified when new presets are released register your gear at: www.bassboss.com/support
Instructions on linking to your computer for remote monitoring and control: www.bassboss.com/software
Information and setup tips about how to get the best and most out of your system:
bassboss.com/edu
29.5” D
20.5” W
27.5” H
29.5” D
20.5” W
27.5” H
29.5” D
20.5” W
27.5” H