
SSP218-MK3 User Manual bassboss.com
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Versatility is one of the SSP218-MK3s greatest strengths. There are two 35mm pole sockets in each cabinet.
Having two sockets allows the subs to be deployed horizontally or vertically while still providing for smaller top
cabinets to be mounted on poles above the subs. In addition, using these sockets allows front-fills or larger
BASSBOSS top cabinets to be locked in place when stacked on the subs with no unsightly straps required.
The enclosures feature four large rubber feet and corresponding recesses in their tops to facilitate interlocking
the boxes when stacked. The feet also interlock with the available wheel carts, allowing multiple boxes to
be stacked on a cart for rapid deployment with minimal eort. The stacked set’s footprint measures 29.5” x
48”, making it easy to fit them securely in almost any commercial truck. The carts can accommodate up to 4
subwoofers, allowing for extremely tight truck-pack density. Alternatively, three-high stacks or 3-high cardioid
stacks can be pre-configured on carts, ready to roll in and rock!
The cabinets are made from 18mm Birch plywood, are extensively braced and feature 4 steel bar handles.
They are coated in weatherproof high-pressure Polyurea and the drivers are protected by a powder-coated,
perforated steel grille. The cones also feature a waterproof coating.
The SSP218-MK3 features a 5000W amplifier with an auto-sensing, globally compatible power supply that
can run on input voltages anywhere between 90 and 250 Volts. Full output power is available on anything
over 110V. The amplifier’s 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, four 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.
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-inch (100mm) voice coils. Neodymium magnets are lighter, and their higher
intensity provides higher eiciency, 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 dierent
modes, the limiters are sophisticated enough to have a largely unnoticable eect 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.