Mackie SA1232 User manual

OF 6 PAGES
SA1232 Active 3-Way Sound Reinforcement Speaker System
SPEAKER
SA1232
SA1232 Active 3-Way Sound Reinforcement Speaker System
OF 6 PAGES
www.mackie.com
UK
ITALY
FRANCE
GERMANY
SA1232
Active 3-Way Sound
Reinforcement Speaker System
Active 3-Way Sound
Reinforcement Speaker System
Active 3-Way Sound
1OF 6 PAGES
SPEAKER
SA1232
Features
Active, High Output/Wide Dispersion
136 dB of Peak SPL
1300 watts of integrated power
Wide dispersion, ultra-low distortion High-/
Mid-Frequency Combination
Complete electronic and component protection
circuitry
Two RCF Precision 12-inch high-ef ciency, light
mass woofers with high temperature inside/
outside coil technology
State-of-the-art Neodymium RCF Precision com-
pression driver with titanium dome and 3-slot,
low distortion, optimized geometry phase plug
Electronic equalization, time correction, and
phase alignment
Low-frequency dynamic bass protection
RMS Limiting, Power Supply and Ampli er
Thermal Protection
Professional trapezoidal enclosure design
Correctly weight-balanced with two comfortable
side handles for easy carrying and set up
One top and one bottom handle for easy reposi-
tioning of speaker and built-in pole mount cup
on bottom
Applications
Live Applications
Playback Applications
Portable PA Systems
Corporate Events
SA1232

The SA1232 is a high-ef ciency, extreme-output,
active 3-way, wide dispersion, sound reinforcement
speaker system. The SA1232 bene ts from the inte-
gration of 1300 watts of ampli er power, complete
active control electronics, and RCF Precision compo-
nents into a speaker system with 103 dB of sensitivity
(1 watt/1 meter). The result is unprecedented output,
resolution, and clarity as well as mid-range reproduc-
tion previously available only from high end, esoteric
PA speaker systems.

The SA1232 features the same horn assembly as
introduced in the Mackie Designs SR1530 active 3-way
speaker. The horn is a one-piece design with 90° x 40°
dispersion that integrates both the mid-range and
high-frequency sections. This allows for the horn
loading of the mid-range transducer and seamless
coupling between the MF and HF sections. The 6-inch
mid-range’s basket assembly is designed as part of
the horn assembly and is also designed to function
as an optimized compression chamber, dramatically
simplifying the mid-range assembly. Also, in three-
way designs the mid-frequency horn and the high-
frequency horn are physically pointing to a different
location in front of the box. The SA1232 features an
“Optimized Wavefront” horn design. Unlike typical mid/
high horns, the high-frequency section is positioned
to  re down into the 6-inch mid-range’s dispersion
pattern. This creates a focused, single wave front with
excellent phase and power response characteristics.

The SA1232 Mid/High Section is designed to
deliver over 136 dB of acoustic output. This required
designing high-ef ciency, high-power components.
The SA1232 incorporates several state of the art
advancements in transducer technology. The compres-
sion driver uses a new 1.75-inch titanium diaphragm
design featuring a 3-slot, optimized geometry phase
plug. The magnetic structure incorporates pure, high-
grade, Neodymium providing a higher gauss capabil-
ity, signi cant weight reduction, and higher BL (force)
in the magnetic gap. This results in higher control of
the moving mass, and audio reproduction with lower
distortion and distortion artifacts.

The RCF Precision engineering team developed a
new Neodymium magnetic structure for the 6-inch
mid-frequency driver that provides the control and
ef ciency required to keep up with the compression
driver. By itself, the mid-range transducer has over
(continued on page 5)

SPEAKER
SA1232
OF 6 PAGES
SA1232 Active 3-Way Sound Reinforcement Speaker System
SA1232 Active 3-Way Sound Reinforcement Speaker System
OF 6 PAGES
OF 6 PAGES
SA1232 Active 3-Way Sound Reinforcement Speaker System
SA1232 Technical Speci cations
System Acoustic
System Acoustic
–3 dB response
45 Hz—18 kHz
–10 dB response
38 Hz—20 kHz
Directivity Factor; Q(DI)
–10 dB response
Directivity Factor; Q(DI)
–10 dB response
13.2 (11.2 averaged 2 to 10 kHz)
System Sensitivity
1
103 dB, 1W @ 1m
Max SPL long-term
130 dB
Max SPL Peak
and 136 dB
Crossover Points
700 Hz, 3000 Hz, 24 dB/octave
1
Measured on-axis in the far  led, referenced back to 1 watt
RMS from maximum power and to 1 meter distance using the
inverse square law.
Input/Output
Input/Output
Input
Bal./unbal. Female XLR
Loop-through
Bal./unbal. Male XLR
Level Control
Rotating knob, center detent @
0 dB (−15 to +5 dB)
Rotating knob, center detent @
0 dB (−15 to +5 dB)
Rotating knob, center detent @
Ampli ers
Ampli ers
Total Ampli er Power
1300 Watts Continuous*
High Frequency
100 Watts*
Type
Class AB
Rated THD
.03%
Mid Frequency
Mid Frequency Mid Frequency
100 Watts*
Type
Class AB
Rated THD
.03%
Low Frequency
Low Frequency Low Frequency
1100 Watts*
Type
Class G Hybrid
Rated THD
.03%
*Rated power is continuous RMS wattage into transducer‘s
rated impedance @ 1 kHz for the HF and MF ampli ers and @
*Rated power is continuous RMS wattage into transducer‘s
rated impedance @ 1 kHz for the HF and MF ampli ers and @
*Rated power is continuous RMS wattage into transducer‘s
100 Hz for the LF ampli er
rated impedance @ 1 kHz for the HF and MF ampli ers and @
100 Hz for the LF ampli er
rated impedance @ 1 kHz for the HF and MF ampli ers and @
High/Mid Frequency Section
High/Mid Frequency Section
Compression Driver
Diaphragm Size
1.75"
Horn Exit Diameter
1"
Phase Plug
3-Slot Optimized Geometry
Diaphragm Material
Damped titanium
Magnet Type
Neodymium
Mid Frequency Driver
Diaphragm Size
6"
Voice Coil Diameter
1.75"
Phase Plug
Optimized Geometry
Diaphragm Material
Epoxy-reinforced Cellulose
Optimized Geometry
Epoxy-reinforced Cellulose
Optimized Geometry
Magnet Type
Neodymium
High/Mid Horn Design
High/Mid Horn Design
Horizontal Coverage (–6 dB)
90° 1 kHz to 10 kHz avg.
Vertical Coverage (–6 dB)
40° 1 kHz to 10 kHz avg.
Type
Constant Directivity
Design Feature
Optimized Wavefront High/Mid Integration
Low Frequency Section
Low Frequency Section
Number of Drivers
2
2
Woofer Size
12"
Voice Coil Diameter
3" with Inside/Outside Winding
Diaphragm Material
Epoxy-reinforced Cellulose
Magnet Type
Ferrite
Construction Features
Basic Design
Trapezoidal
Material
13-ply Baltic birch/resin end caps
Finish
Wear-resistant PVC vinyl
Handles
One on each side, one top, one bottom
Grille
Perforated metal with weather-resistant coating
Line Input Power
Line Input Power
Power consumption
450 W long term with IEC pink noise
and limiter on
US
120 VAC, 60 Hz
Recommended amperage service
20 Amps
Europe
230 VAC, 50 Hz
Recommended amperage service
16 Amps
AC connector
3 pin IEC 250 VAC
Control System function
Electronic Crossover
Phase Alignment
Time Correction
Equalization
Parametric equalization
Safety Features
Protection
Low Frequency Dynamic Bass
Protection, RMS Limiting, Power
Supply and Ampli er Thermal Protection
Display LEDS
Power ON, Signal Present, Limit, and
Thermal (Cool Down Auto Reset)
Power ON, Signal Present, Limit, and
Thermal (Cool Down Auto Reset)
Power ON, Signal Present, Limit, and
Physical
Physical
Height
50.0 in/1270 mm
Width Front
19.1 in/485 mm
Width Back
Width Back Width Back
13.9 in/353 mm
Depth
18.1 in/460 mm
Weight
132 lbs/60 kg
SA1232 Dimensions
13.9 in
(35.3 cm)
19.1 in
48.5 cm)
50.0 in
127 cm)
18.1 in
46.0 cm)
18.1 in
(46.0 cm)
19.1 in
48.5 cm)

SPEAKER
SA1232
OF 6 PAGES
SA1232 Active 3-Way Sound Reinforcement Speaker System
SA1232 Active 3-Way Sound Reinforcement Speaker System
OF 6 PAGES OF 6 PAGES
SA1232 Active 3-Way Sound Reinforcement Speaker System
3
SA1232 Horizontal Polars
SA1232 Horizontal Off-Axis
Frequency Response
8kHz
10kHz
12.5kHz
16kHz
60°
30°
0°
330°
300°
270°
240°
210°
180°
150°
120°
–12
–36
90°
500Hz
630Hz
800Hz
1kHz
60°
30°
0°
330°
300°
270°
240°
210°
180°
150°
120°
–12
–36
90°
3.15kHz
4kHz
5kHz
6.3kHz
60°
30°
0°
330°
300°
270°
240°
210°
180°
150°
120°
–12
–36
90°
200Hz
250Hz
315Hz
400Hz
60°
30°
0°
330°
300°
270°
240°
210°
180°
150°
120°
–12
–36
90°
1.25kHz
1.6kHz
2kHz
2.5kHz
60°
30°
0°
330°
300°
270°
240°
210°
180°
150°
120°
–12
–36
90°
Frequency (Hz)
Attenuation (dB)
20 100 1000 10000 20000
–30
–20
–10
0
10
0 deg
10 deg
20 deg
30 deg
40 deg
SA1232 Horizontal Off-Axis Frequency Response

SPEAKER
SA1232
OF 6 PAGES
SA1232 Active 3-Way Sound Reinforcement Speaker System
SA1232 Active 3-Way Sound Reinforcement Speaker System
OF 6 PAGES OF 6 PAGES
SA1232 Active 3-Way Sound Reinforcement Speaker System
4
SA1232 Vertical Polars
SA1232 Vertical Off-Axis Frequency
Response (UP)
SA1232 Vertical Off-Axis Frequency
Response (DOWN)
8kHz
10kHz
12.5kHz
16kHz
–12–36
30°
60°
90°
120°
150°
180°
210°
240°
270°
300°
330°
0°
500Hz
630Hz
800Hz
1kHz
–12–36
30°
60°
90°
120°
150°
180°
210°
240°
270°
300°
330°
0°
3.15kHz
4kHz
5kHz
6.3kHz
–12–36
30°
60°
90°
120°
150°
180°
210°
240°
270°
300°
330°
0°
200Hz
250Hz
315Hz
400Hz
30°
60°
90°
120°
150°
180°
210°
240°
270°
300°
330°
–12–36
0°
1.25kHz
1.6kHz
2kHz
2.5kHz
–12–36
30°
60°
90°
120°
150°
180°
210°
240°
270°
300°
330°
0°
Frequency (Hz)
Attenuation (dB)
20 100 1000 10000 20000
–30
–20
–10
0
10
0 deg
10 deg
20 deg
30 deg
40 deg
SA1232 Vertical Off-Axis Frequency Response (Up)
Frequency (Hz)
Attenuation (dB)
20 100 1000 10000 20000
–30
–20
–10
0
10
0 deg
–10 deg
–20 deg
–30 deg
–40 deg
SA1232 Vertical Off-Axis Frequency Response (Down)

OF 6 PAGES
SA1232 Active 3-Way Sound Reinforcement Speaker System
SPEAKER
SA1232
SA1232 Active 3-Way Sound Reinforcement Speaker System
OF 6 PAGES
www.mackie.com
UK
ITALY
FRANCE
GERMANY
SA1232
1OF 6 PAGES
SPEAKER
SA1232
5
SA1232 Frequency Response
Frequency (Hz)
Vert BW
Horz BW
–6 dB Beamwidth (degrees)
20
60
120
180
240
300
360
100 1000 10000 20000
SA1232 Beamwidth vs. Frequency
Frequency (Hz)
Directivity Factor (Q)
Directivity Index (DI), dB
20
0
10
20
1
10
100
100 1000 10000 20000
SA1232 Directivity Index

The SA1232 produces deep bass through
a duo of 12-inch high-ef ciency RCF Precision
woofers. The magnetic structure designed for
the woofer motor is responsible for the system’s
resulting low-frequency section sensitivity of 101
dB at 1 watt/1 meter. High-ef ciency motors pro-
vide an extraordinary amount of force compared
to the overall cone area along with complete
control of the cone mass. Two 12-inch woof-
ers provide greater air movement than a single
18-inch woofer but with greater speed, control,
and better attack. This type of control allows the
woofers to deliver extended bass response and
to ef ciently reach the mid-frequency crossover
point. The SA1232 frequency response is linear
between 45 Hz and 18 KHz (±3 dB).

A signal panel and a power panel are located
on the ampli er assembly at the back of the
cabinet, separated by a large aliminum heat
sink. The signal input panel contains XLR con-
nectors for line-level input and loop-through
connections, a level control, and four status LEDs
for Power ON, Signal Present, Limit, and Thermal
functions. The power switch and IEC AC connec-
tor are located on the power panel.

The internal processor provides complete sys-
tem management of all electronic and acoustic
functions including electronic active crossover,
electronic phase alignment, electronic time cor-
rection, electronic equalization, and complete
ampli er and component protection.

To ensure long-term reliability and perfor-
mance, the ampli ers are mounted on a mas-
sive heat sink, which is convection cooled and
dramatically extends the life expectancy of the
heat-producing components.

The SA1232 cabinet is constructed using both
multi-layered plywood and pressure injected
structural resin. The combination provides a
robust enclosure system with useful ergonomic
features. There are three-part cast aluminum
handles on each side of the enclosure placed at
the speaker's center of gravity for easy carrying
and setup. Handles are also located on the top
and
bottom of the cabinet for easy movement and
relocation. A full-size, oval punched, weather-
resistant steel grille protects the front of the cabinet.
106 dB of sensitivity at 1 watt/1 meter, but more
importantly, it also provides low distortion and
excellent linearity characteristics. This is a funda-
mental reason why 3-way systems can reproduce
mid-band audio signal with higher output, de ni-
tion, and dynamics. The mid-range transducer
operates between 700 Hz and 3,000 Hz, elimi-
nating the placement of a crossover point in the
middle of critical voice frequencies.

The ampli ers for the compression driver
and mid-range incorporate a Class AB topology,
renowned for its clarity, warmth, and high-voltage
output required to generate extreme SPL levels.
A Class G design is used for the low-frequency
ampli er, which features two power supplies for
improved ef ciency and more output power
per pound.
(continued from page 3)
SA1232 Frequency Response On-Axis
Frequency (Hz)
SPL, 100 dB @ 1kHz (ref.)
20
70
80
90
100
110
100 1000 10000 20000

OF 6 PAGES
SA1232 Active 3-Way Sound Reinforcement Speaker System
SPEAKER
SA1232
SA1232 Active 3-Way Sound Reinforcement Speaker System
OF 6 PAGES
Mackie Designs continually engages in research related to product improvement. New material, pro-
duction methods, and design re nements are introduced into existing products without notice as a
routine expression of that philosophy. For this reason, any current Mackie product may differ in some
respect from its published description, but will always equal or exceed the original design speci ca-
tions unless otherwise stated. ©1999–2003 Mackie Designs Inc. All rights Reserved. Mackie and
the “Running Man”  gure are registered trademarks of Mackie Designs Inc.
www.mackie.com
16220 Wood-Red Road NE, Woodinville, WA 98072 USA
888.337.7404, fax [phone], [e-mail]
UK
+44.1268.571.212, fax [phone], [e-mail]
UK +44.1268.571.212, fax [phone], [e-mail]
ITALY
+39.0522.354.111, fax [phone], [e-mail]
FRANCE
+33.3.85.46.91.60, fax [phone], [e-mail]
GERMANY
+49.2572.96042.0, fax [phone], [e-mail]
GERMANY +49.2572.96042.0, fax [phone], [e-mail]
SA1232
1OF 6 PAGES
SPEAKER
SA1232
Part No. 0003214 Rev. A1 03/03
SA1232 Architects' and Engineers' Speci cations
6
The active three-way, full-range loudspeaker
system shall incorporate two 12-inch low-frequency
(LF) transducers, a 6-inch horn loaded mid-frequency
(MF) transducer, and a 1-inch exit, 1.75-inch tita-
nium dome compression driver high-frequency (HF)
transducer. The LF drivers shall be mounted in a
vented enclosure tuned for optimum low-frequency
response. The MF and HF transducers shall be
loaded on a symmetrical constant-directivity horn
assembly designed for wide dispersion.
The system shall have a nominal coverage pat-
tern of 90° (horizontal) x 40° (vertical). System
frequency response shall vary no more than ±3 dB
from 45 Hz to 18 kHz measured on axis. The loud-
speaker shall incorporate a Class G low-frequency
ampli er capable of delivering 1100 watts RMS
over a frequency range of 20 Hz – 700 Hz. The
system shall incorporate two Class AB 100 watt RMS
ampli ers speci cally designed to power the MF and
HF drivers over the range of 700 Hz – 3000 Hz
and
3000 Hz – 20 kHz respectively. The ampli ers shall
be mounted on an aluminum heat sink, which shall
be mounted on the rear of the speaker system, and
shall be convection cooled.
The rear mounted ampli er assembly shall com-
prise separate signal and AC power panels sepa-
rated by a large aluminum heat sink. The signal
input panel shall contain an input and loop-through
XLR, a volume level control, and four status LEDs
for Power ON, Signal Present, Limit, and Thermal
functions. The system shall accept a standard line-
level signal via the XLR input connector. The power
switch and IEC AC connector are located on the
power panel.
Thermal protection shall be provided by a ther-
mal sensor mounted on the heat sink, which mon-
itors the heat sink temperature and triggers the
thermal protection circuit should the temperature
exceed 158° F (70° C). The Thermal LED shall
light and the input signal shall be muted until the
heat sink cools to a safe operating level, at which
point the thermal protection circuit auto-resets and
normal operation resumes.
Overload protection shall be provided by a
limiter circuit, which monitors the low-frequency
ampli er output and reduces the input level to the
ampli er should the ampli er output begin to clip.
The loudspeaker enclosure shall have a trape-
zoidal shape and shall incorporate two side han-
dles, one on each side, and a top and bottom relo-
cation handle. The enclosure shall be constructed
of a combination multi-ply wood and high-pressure
injected structural resin, with a black PVC vinyl
 nish. The front of the loudspeaker shall be covered
with a powder coated, weather-resistant perforated
steel grille.
The active three-way full-range loudspeaker
system shall be a Mackie Designs SA1232.
Electronic  les for this product available at:
www.mackie.com
This Speci cation Sheet
SA1232_SS.PDF
Architects' and Engineers' Speci cations
SA1232_AE.TXT
Instruction Manual
SA1232_IM.PDF