Mackie HRS120 User manual

HIGH RESOLUTION
HIGH RESOLUTION
HRS120
HIGH RESOLUTION
POWERED SUBWOOFER
OWNER’S maNUaL
120 VAC, 60 Hz,
575WATTS
POWER
ON
POLARITY
(N/A)
LFE GAIN
SUBSONIC FILTER
SUBSONIC FILTER
CROSSOVER CONTROLS
FILTER SELECT
FILTER BYPASS
STANDARD SETTINGS
NORMAL
80Hz
SUB SAT
INPUTSENSITIVITY
THX PM3 SETTINGS
POLARITY
LFE GAIN
CROSSOVER CONTROLS
FILTER SELECT
FILTER BYPASS
NORMAL
80Hz
SUB SAT
INPUTSENSITIVITY
RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK
DO NOT OPEN
WARNING: TO REDUCETHE RISK OF FIRE OR ELECTRIC SHOCK, DO NOTEXPOSE THIS
EQUIPMENT TO RAIN ORMOISTURE. DO NOT REMOVE COVER. NO USER SERVICEABLEPARTS INSIDE.
REFER SERVICING TOQUALIFIED PERSONNEL.
CAUTIONCAUTION
HEATSINK SURFACE HOT
AVOID CONTACT
CAUTION
AVIS: RISCQUE DE CHOC ÉLECTRIQUE — NE PASOUVRIR
SERIAL NUMBER MANUFACTURINGDATE
( 5.1)
LFE GAIN
"MACKIE","FR SERIES",AND THE "RUNNING MAN" FIGURE
ARE REGISTERED TRADEMARKSOF MACKIEDESIGNS, INC.
"THX PM3"AND "LUCASFILM" ARE TRADEMARKS OF
LUCASFILM, LTD.USED BY PERMISSION
S M
SLAVE/MASTER
SLAVE
IN
INPUT/OUTPUTINPUT/OUTPUT
MASTER
OUT
LEFT
IN OUT
RIGHT
IN OUT
FOOT SWITCH
*MAX OPENCIRCUIT 24V
*MAX CLOSEDCIRCUIT 1A
OPEN- SUB ON, L/R BASS MANAGED
CLOSED- SUB DEFEAT,L/R FULL RANGE
REMOTE INDICATOR
SUBSONIC FILTER
FLAT
15Hz
OFF NORMAL
POLARITY
INPUT SENSITIVITY
0 ϒ
180 ϒ
FILTER SELECT
LFE GAIN
CROSSOVER
VARIABLE
110Hz ELLIPTICAL
VARIABLE
110Hz ELLIPTICAL
0dB
+
10dB
FILTER BYPASS
FILTER IN
FULLRANGE
SUB
110Hz55Hz
80Hz
SAT
CROSSOVER
SUB
110Hz55Hz
80Hz
SAT
(MONO)
POWERPOWER SUB BYPASSED
DESIGNED BY MACKOIDS IN WOODINVILLE, WA, USA
©2001 MACKIE DESIGNS INC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
PATENTS PENDING
INTERNAL AMPLIFICATION
500W
™
OUTIN
L
R
L
R
*TO INSURE PRODUCTSAFETY, POWERSUPPLIES MEETING CLASS-2 INSULATION
REQUIREMENTSSHOULD ONLYBE USED WITHTHIS CONNECTOR
SUBWOOFER BYPASS
REMOTEINDICATOR CIRCUITCLOSED WHEN SUBBYPASSED
POLARITY &
INPUTSENSITIVITY ACTIVE PROCESSED SIGNAL

2
9. Power Sources — This Mackie product should be connected to a power
supply only of the type described in these operation instructions or as marked
on this Mackie product.
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.
11. Object and Liquid Entry — Care should be taken so that objects do not
fall on, and liquids are not spilled into, this Mackie product.
12. Damage Requiring Service — This Mackie product should be serviced only
by qualified service personnel when:
A. The power-supply cord or the plug has been damaged; or
B. Objects have fallen, or liquid has spilled into this Mackie product; or
C. This Mackie product has been exposed to rain; or
D. This Mackie product does not appear to operate normally or exhibits
a marked change in performance; or
E. This Mackie product has been dropped, or its chassis damaged.
13. Servicing — The user should not attempt to service this Mackie product
beyond those means described in this operating manual. All other servicing
should be referred to the Mackie Service Department.
14. To prevent electric shock, do not use this polarized plug with an extension
cord, receptacle or other outlet unless the blades can be fully inserted to
prevent blade exposure.
Pour prévenir les chocs électriques ne pas utiliser cette fiche polariseé avec un
prolongateur, un prise de courant ou une autre sortie de courant, sauf si les
lames peuvent être insérées à fond sans laisser aucune pariie à découvert.
15. Grounding or Polarization — Precautions should be taken so that the
grounding or polarization means of this Mackie product is not defeated.
16. Power Precaution — Unplug this Mackie product during lightning storms
or when unused for long periods of time. Note that this Mackie product is not
completely disconnected from the AC mains service when the power switch is in
the OFF position.
17. This apparatus does not exceed the Class A/Class B (whichever is ap-
plicable) limits for radio noise emissions from digital apparatus as set out in the radio
interference regulations of the Canadian Department of Communications.
ATTENTION —Le présent appareil numérique n’émet pas de bruits radioélec-
triques dépassant las limites applicables aux appareils numériques de class
A/de class B (selon le cas) prescrites dans le règlement sur le brouillage
radioélectrique édicté par les ministere des communications du Canada.
WARNING — To reduce the risk of fire or electric shock,
do not expose this appliance to rain or moisture.
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
ATTENTION: POUR EVITER LES RISQUES DE CHOC
ELECTRIQUE, NE PAS ENLEVER LE COUVERCLE. AUCUN
ENTRETIEN DE PIECES INTERIEURES PAR L'USAGER. CONFIER
L'ENTRETIEN AU PERSONNEL QUALIFIE.
AVIS: POUR EVITER LES RISQUES D'INCENDIE OU
D'ELECTROCUTION, N'EXPOSEZ PAS CET ARTICLE
A LA PLUIE OU A L'HUMIDITE
The lightning flash with arrowhead symbol within an equilateral
triangle is intended to alert the user to the presence of uninsulated
"dangerous voltage" within the product's enclosure that may be
of sufficient magnitude to constitute a risk of electric shock to persons.
Le symbole éclair avec point de flèche à l'intérieur d'un triangle
équilatéral est utilisé pour alerter l'utilisateur de la présence à
l'intérieur du coffret de "voltage dangereux" non isolé d'ampleur
suffisante pour constituer un risque d'éléctrocution.
The exclamation point within an equilateral triangle is intended to
alert the user of the presence of important operating and maintenance
(servicing) instructions in the literature accompanying the appliance.
Le point d'exclamation à l'intérieur d'un triangle équilatéral est
employé pour alerter les utilisateurs de la présence d'instructions
importantes pour le fonctionnement et l'entretien (service) dans le
livret d'instruction accompagnant l'appareil.
SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
1. Read Instructions — All the safety and operation instructions should be read
before this Mackie product is operated.
2. Retain Instructions — The safety and operating instructions should be kept
for future reference.
3. Heed Warnings — All warnings on this Mackie product and in these operating
instructions should be followed.
4. Follow Instructions — All operating and other instructions should be
followed.
5. Water and Moisture — This Mackie product should not be used near water
– for example, near a bathtub, washbowl, kitchen sink, laundry tub, in a wet
basement, near a swimming pool, swamp or salivating St. Bernard dog, etc.
6. Cleaning — Clean only with a dry cloth.
7. Ventilation — This Mackie product should be situated so that its
location or position does not interfere with its proper ventilation. For
example, the Component should not be situated on a bed, sofa, rug, or
similar surface that may block any ventilation openings, or placed in a
built-in installation such as a bookcase or cabinet that may impede the flow
of air through ventilation openings.
8. Heat — This Mackie product should be situated away from heat sources
such as radiators, or other devices which produce heat.
• Please write the serial number for your HRS120 here for
future reference (i.e., insurance claims, tech support, return
authorization, etc.):
Purchased at:_______________________________ Date of Purchase:_________________

3
Part No. 0006802 Rev. D 01/08
©2003-2008 LOUD Technologies Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Printed in China.
INTRODUCTION
• The amplifier is designed to provide maximum
acoustic output from the speaker, yet minimize
the danger of speaker damage due to overdriving.
• The connecting wire between the amplifier
output and the low-frequency driver is kept to an
absolute minimum, so the damping factor of the
amplifier isn’t compromised by the resistance of
long speaker cables.
In short, all the complex interconnected compo-
nents in the system are designed to work in harmony
with each other to produce the best possible sound.
The Transducers...
The subwoofer features a bottom-firing 12-inch
die-cast frame woofer and a 12-inch passive radiator
in the front.
The unique passive radiator design provides a
smooth response down to 19Hz — an astounding
accomplishment for a cabinet of this size! And since
the radiator is complementing and adding to the
output at the lowest frequencies, there is very little
distortion generated from the woofer because its cone
movement stays well within its maximum excursion.
The Cabinet...
The cabinet is made of black oak veneered MDF
wood. Extensive internal bracing further increases
the strength and rigidity (stiffness) of the box.
The box is packed with an adiabatic polyester-fill
material to absorb internal reflections and dampen
standing waves.
FR Series Power Amplifiers...
What better way to power the subwoofer than
with our acclaimed FR Series “Fast Recovery” power
amplifiers. Our Fast Recovery design uses low nega-
tive feedback, yet allows the amplifier to maintain low
distortion and stability even when driven into clipping.
The low-frequency amplifier produces up to 400
watts continuous (500 watts peak) before clipping.
Thank you for choosing a Mackie HRS120 Powered
Subwoofer. We realize that monitors are a critically
important tool whether your application is studio
recording, audio/video post production, hi-fi, or
home theater, and the use of a subwoofer not only
improves low-frequency accuracy for stereo moni-
toring and playback, but is absolutely necessary for
surround sound applications.
The HRS120 complements our line of studio
reference monitors and, like our HR824 and HR624,
meets all THX™ requirements for mixing and
monitoring multi-channel programs.
In order to achieve a seamless integration between
the subwoofer and the main speakers in the system,
speaker placement is very important. The charac-
teristics of the room and the location of the speakers,
including the subwoofer, relative to the walls and
your listening position can have a drastic effect on
the accuracy of the sound. We’ve provided a section
on positioning the subwoofers, offering tips on how to
find the best placement for your particular application.
What is it? The Advantages...
The HRS120 is a high-resolution powered sub-
woofer employing an internal variable 4th-order
Linkwitz-Riley crossover system with a built-in
front-firing mass-loaded passive radiator. Whew!
There are many benefits to integrating an active
crossover, power amplifier, and drivers into a single
cabinet, and we’ve taken full advantage of these
benefits in the design of the HRS120.
• The crossover point is variable so that the high-
pass output can be programmed to match the
frequencies the main speakers are best able to
reproduce.
Lend Me Your Ears
Exposure to extremely high noise
levels may cause permanent hearing
loss. Individuals vary considerably
in susceptibility to noise-induced
hearing loss, but nearly everyone will
lose some hearing if exposed to suf-
ficiently intense noise for a period of time. The U.S.
Government’s Occupational Safety and Health Ad-
ministration (OSHA) has specified the permissible
noise level exposures shown in this chart.
According to OSHA, any exposure in excess
of these permissible limits could result in some
hearing loss. To ensure against potentially danger-
ous exposure to high sound-pressure levels, it is
recommended that all persons exposed to equip-
ment capable of producing these levels use hearing
protectors while this unit is in operation. Ear plugs
or protectors in the ear canals or over the ears must
be worn when operating this amplification system
in order to prevent a permanent hearing loss if
exposure is in excess of the limits set forth here.
Duration Per Day Sound Level dBA, Typical
In Hours Slow Response Example
8 90 Duo in small club
6 92
4 95 Subway Train
3 97
2 100 Very loud classical music
1.5 102
1 105 Patrice screaming at Ron about deadlines
0.5 110
0.25 or less 115 Loudest parts at a rock concert
The HRS120
can produce a
maximum SPL of
117 dB @ 1m
R

4
For stereo and surround sound applications:
4. Set the POWER switch on the rear
panel to the ON position. The red POWER
LED will turn on.
5. Turn on the power to the other components
in the system.
6. Start your signal source (tape deck, CD, DAW,
or whatever), but leave the master volume
control on your mixer or preamp down.
7. Adjust the master volume on your mixer or
preamp to a comfortably loud listening level.
8. Slowly turn up the INPUT SENSITIVITY
control on the back of the HRS120 to
its fully clockwise position (NORMAL) , or
until you achieve a balance between the
subwoofer and the other speakers in the
system.
9. Enjoy the authoritative, commanding lows
of the HRS120.
Then read the rest of this manual...
especially the following (see page 6):
QUICK START
We realize that you can’t
wait to hook up your new
Mackie HRS120 High Reso-
lution Powered Subwoofer
and try it out. Nevertheless,
please take the time to read this page NOW,
and the rest can wait until you’re good and
ready.
The HRS120 has its own built-in power
amplifier. You should turn the INPUT SENSI-
TIVITY control on the back of the cabinet
down (fully counterclockwise) before turning
on the HRS120 for the first time. Also be sure
to set the power switch on the rear panel
off (down). This will prevent you from acci-
dentally connecting a hot signal source to the
subwoofer and getting a rude surprise.
There are a number of other settings you
can make on the back of the HRS120, and you
can read about them later on in this manual
so you really know what they do. For now, just
leave all the switches out, and the CROSSOVER
controls set to the center position (80Hz).
For stereo applications:
1. Connect the left and right line-level signal
from your mixer, preamp, or other signal
source to the LEFT and RIGHT IN jacks
on the HRS120 (XLR or RCA).
2. Connect the LEFT and RIGHT OUT
jacks on the HRS120 (XLR or RCA) to the
inputs of the left and right main powered
speakers (or to the inputs of the amplifiers
powering the left and right main speakers).
3. Connect the supplied AC power cord to the
IEC socket on the back of the sub-
woofer. Plug the other end into an AC outlet
properly configured with the correct voltage
for your particular model.
For surround sound applications:
1. Connect the LFE (Low-Frequency Effects)
or subwoofer line-level signal from your
mixer, preamp, or other signal source to the
LEFT (MONO) IN jack on the HRS120
(XLR or RCA).
2. Set the FILTER BYPASS switch to the
FULL RANGE position (pushed in).
3. Connect the supplied AC power cord to the
IEC socket on the back of the sub-
woofer. Plug the other end into an AC outlet
properly configured with the correct voltage
for your particular model.
Contents
SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS.....................................2
INTRODUCTION................................................3
QUICK START....................................................4
PLACEMENT......................................................6
REAR PANEL DESCRIPTION ...............................8
POWER LED.........................................8
SUB BYPASSED LED.............................8
SUBSONIC FILTER ................................8
FILTER BYPASS ....................................8
FILTER SELECT......................................8
LFE GAIN.............................................8
INPUT SENSITIVITY .............................8
POLARITY ...........................................9
LEFT AND RIGHT INPUTS.....................9
LEFT AND RIGHT OUTPUTS..................9
CROSSOVER........................................9
MASTER OUT/SLAVE IN....................10
SUBWOOFER BYPASS FOOT SWITCH 10
REMOTE INDICATOR..........................10
POWER.............................................11
MAINS INPUT....................................11
HOOKUP DIAGRAM........................................11
PROTECTION CIRCUITS...................................12
CONNECTIONS................................................12
SERVICE INFO.................................................13
TECHNICAL INFORMATION .............................15
COLOPHON ....................................................18
HRS120 Limited Warranty..............................19

5
120 VAC, 60 Hz,
575 WATTS
POWER
ON
POLARITY
(N/A)
LFE GAIN
SUBSONIC FILTER
SUBSONIC FILTER
CROSSOVER CONTROLS
FILTER SELECT
FILTER BYPASS
STANDARD SETTINGS
NORMAL
80Hz
SUB SAT
INPUT SENSITIVITY
THX PM3 SETTINGS
POLARITY
LFE GAIN
CROSSOVER CONTROLS
FILTER SELECT
FILTER BYPASS
NORMAL
80Hz
SUB SAT
INPUT SENSITIVITY
RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK
DO NOT OPEN
WARNING: TO REDUCE THE RISK OF FIRE OR ELECTRIC SHOCK, DO NOT EXPOSE THIS
EQUIPMENT TO RAIN OR MOISTURE. DO NOT REMOVE COVER. NO USER SERVICEABLE PARTS INSIDE.
REFER SERVICING TO QUALIFIED PERSONNEL.
CAUTIONCAUTION
HEATSINK SURFACE HOT
AVOID CONTACT
CAUTION
AVIS:
RISCQUE DE CHOC ÉLECTRIQUE — NE PAS OUVRIR
SERIAL NUMBER MANUFACTURING DATE
( 5.1)
LFE GAIN
"MACKIE", "FR SERIES", AND THE "RUNNING MAN" FIGURE
ARE REGISTERED TRADEMARKSOF MACKIE DESIGNS, INC.
"THX PM3" AND "LUCASFILM" ARE TRADEMARKS OF
LUCASFILM, LTD. USED BY PERMISSION
S M
SLAVE/MASTER
SLAVE
IN
INPUT/OUTPUTINPUT/OUTPUT
MASTER
OUT
LEFT
IN OUT
RIGHT
IN OUT
FOOT SWITCH
*MAX OPEN CIRCUIT 24V
*MAX CLOSED CIRCUIT 1A
OPEN - SUB ON, L/R BASS MANAGED
CLOSED - SUB DEFEAT, L/R FULL RANGE
REMOTE INDICATOR
SUBSONIC FILTER
FLAT
15Hz
OFF NORMAL
POLARITY
INPUT SENSITIVITY
0 ϒ
180 ϒ
FILTER SELECT
LFE GAIN
CROSSOVER
VARIABLE
110Hz ELLIPTICAL
VARIABLE
110Hz ELLIPTICAL
0dB
+10dB
FILTER BYPASS
FILTER IN
FULL RANGE
SUB
110Hz55Hz
80Hz
SAT
CROSSOVER
SUB
110Hz55Hz
80Hz
SAT
(MONO)
POWERPOWER SUB BYPASSED
DESIGNED BY MACKOIDS IN WOODINVILLE, WA, USA
©2001 MACKIE DESIGNS INC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
PATENTS PENDING
INTERNAL AMPLIFICATION
500W
™
OUTIN
L
R
L
R
*TO INSURE PRODUCT SAFETY, POWER SUPPLIES MEETING CLASS-2 INSULATION
REQUIREMENTS SHOULD ONLY BE USED WITH THIS CONNECTOR
SUBWOOFER BYPASS
REMOTE INDICATOR CIRCUIT CLOSED WHEN SUB BYPASSED
POLARITY &
INPUT SENSITIVITY ACTIVE PROCESSED SIGNAL
120 VAC, 60 Hz,
575 WATTS
POWER
ON
POLARITY
(N/A)
LFE GAIN
SUBSONIC FILTER
SUBSONIC FILTER
CROSSOVER CONTROLS
FILTER SELECT
FILTER BYPASS
STANDARD SETTINGS
NORMAL
80Hz
SUB SAT
INPUT SENSITIVITY
THX PM3 SETTINGS
POLARITY
LFE GAIN
CROSSOVER CONTROLS
FILTER SELECT
FILTER BYPASS
NORMAL
80Hz
SUB SAT
INPUT SENSITIVITY
RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK
DO NOT OPEN
WARNING: TO REDUCE THE RISK OF FIRE OR ELECTRIC SHOCK, DO NOT EXPOSE THIS
EQUIPMENT TO RAIN OR MOISTURE. DO NOT REMOVE COVER. NO USER SERVICEABLE PARTS INSIDE.
REFER SERVICING TO QUALIFIED PERSONNEL.
CAUTIONCAUTION
HEATSINK SURFACE HOT
AVOID CONTACT
CAUTION
AVIS: RISCQUE DE CHOC ÉLECTRIQUE — NE PAS OUVRIR
SERIAL NUMBER MANUFACTURING DATE
( 5.1)
LFE GAIN
"MACKIE", "FR SERIES", AND THE "RUNNING MAN" FIGURE
ARE REGISTERED TRADEMARKSOF MACKIE DESIGNS, INC.
"THX PM3" AND "LUCASFILM" ARE TRADEMARKS OF
LUCASFILM, LTD. USED BY PERMISSION
S M
SLAVE/MASTER
SLAVE
IN
INPUT/OUTPUTINPUT/OUTPUT
MASTER
OUT
LEFT
IN OUT
RIGHT
IN OUT
FOOT SWITCH
*MAX OPEN CIRCUIT 24V
*MAX CLOSED CIRCUIT 1A
OPEN - SUB ON, L/R BASS MANAGED
CLOSED - SUB DEFEAT, L/R FULL RANGE
REMOTE INDICATOR
SUBSONIC FILTER
FLAT
15Hz
OFF NORMAL
POLARITY
INPUT SENSITIVITY
0ϒ
180ϒ
FILTER SELECT
LFE GAIN
CROSSOVER
VARIABLE
110Hz ELLIPTICAL
VARIABLE
110Hz ELLIPTICAL
0dB
+
10dB
FILTER BYPASS
FILTER IN
FULL RANGE
SUB
110Hz55Hz
80Hz
SAT
CROSSOVER
SUB
110Hz55Hz
80Hz
SAT
(MONO)
POWERPOWER SUB BYPASSED
DESIGNED BY MACKOIDS IN WOODINVILLE, WA, USA
©2001 MACKIE DESIGNS INC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
PATENTS PENDING
INTERNAL AMPLIFICATION
500W
™
OUTIN
L
R
L
R
*TO INSURE PRODUCT SAFETY, POWER SUPPLIES MEETING CLASS-2 INSULATION
REQUIREMENTS SHOULD ONLY BE USED WITH THIS CONNECTOR
SUBWOOFER BYPASS
REMOTE INDICATOR CIRCUIT CLOSED WHEN SUB BYPASSED
POLARITY &
INPUT SENSITIVITY ACTIVE PROCESSED SIGNAL
POLARITY
(N/A)
LFE GAIN
SUBSONIC FILTER
CROSSOVER CONTROLS
FILTER SELECT
FILTER BYPASS
NORMAL
80Hz
SUB SAT
INPUT SENSITIVITY
THX PM3 SETTINGS

6
Corner or Center Placement
Placing the subwoofer in a corner (corner
loading) excites the most room modes in the
room, which tends to smooth the individual
peaks and dips caused by each standing wave.
Moving the subwoofer outward from the corner
along the wall results in fewer standing waves,
but may result in noticeable peaks at certain
frequencies.
Some people prefer to place the subwoofer
between the left and right main speakers, so
that all the sound is coming from the same
plane. Some prefer to use two subwoofers and
place one with the left speaker and the other
with the right speaker. The Master Out/Slave
In connections on the HRS120 allow you to do
this quite easily.
Another benefit of corner placement is
increased efficiency and lower distortion. The
energy that is reflected off the walls reinforces
the direct sound, putting less of a demand on
the power amplifier to reach higher sound
pressure levels.
It is important that the corner has good
structural strength, or the low-frequency en-
ergy can cause rattling and other distracting
vibrations.
Experiment with the orientation of the
subwoofer. The driver in the HRS120 faces
downward toward the floor while the passive
radiator faces out the front. In some cases,
the subwoofer may sound better with the pas-
sive radiator facing toward the wall. It may be
helpful to play steady-state tones or pink noise
while a partner moves the subwoofer (perhaps
on a small wheeled cart), to make it easier to
hear the differences in the sound as the changes
in placement and orientation are made.
Principle of Reciprocity
One trick that has been used successfully to
find the best location for a subwoofer is placing
the subwoofer in your listening position. The
principle of reciprocity says that you can find
the best location for the subwoofer by switching
places between the listening position and the
subwoofer position. It is important that the
cabinet be raised off the ground and at the same
level as your ears. If that’s not possible, at least
put the subwoofer in the same location as your
listening position to achieve a close approximation.
PLACEMENT
AN IMPORTANT NOTE
ON HRS120 BASS
RESPONSE AND YOUR
CONTROL ROOM OR
LISTENING ROOM
You’ve heard it before. “Low-frequencies are
non-directional, so it doesn’t matter where you
place the subwoofer.” Although it is true that fre-
quencies below about 100Hz are non-directional,
it is also true that a lot of factors can conspire
to thwart the HRS120’s extended low frequency
— including room shape, room volume, and
acoustical treatment.
This is not a cop-out or an apology. It’s plain
old physics in action. Here are some tips to help
you find the best placement for your HRS120
and optimize the low-frequency response in
your particular room. Consider the following:
Room acoustics and bass-handling ability
Nobody likes to buy a subwoofer and a new
set of speakers and then be told that they
should spend extra bucks on bass traps or a re-
modeling job. But the simple fact is, “standard”
rooms, i.e. rectangular rooms in conventional
business or residential structures, are rarely if
ever conducive to optimal low bass reproduc-
tion without some modifications.
However, understanding what can cause
degradation of the low-frequency response in
a room can help in choosing a location that can
minimize the problems associated with poor
bass response—most notably interference and
resonance.
Interference is caused when the reflected
wave from the surrounding walls arrive out-of-
phase with the direct sound. This can weaken
or even cancel the sound. Keeping the distance
between the subwoofer driver and any adjacent
walls no longer than 1/8 of a wavelength (20 in.
or 51 cm at 80Hz) can minimize interference.
Room resonance is caused by the reinforce-
ment of certain frequencies between 20Hz and
200Hz, which creates “standing waves” or room
modes. These resonant frequencies are deter-
mined by the dimensions of the room. The bass
response is sharply boosted for a narrow band
near resonance, and then appears to be attenu-
ated between resonances.

7
Play music with a good strong bass line and
crawl on the floor on your hands and knees
until you find a spot where the bass sounds
the best, with a smooth, tight response. Your
ears need to be at the same height that the
subwoofer’s driver will be when it is sitting on
the floor. If you have access to a real-time ana-
lyzer (RTA), play pink noise over the system
and use the RTA to find a location that exhibits
the flatest bass response. Once you’ve found
the place where the bass sounds the best, put
the subwoofer there and it should sound just as
good from your listening position.
Polarity
The setting of the polarity switch can affect
how the low frequencies sound in relation to the
main speakers. Listen to bass-heavy music with
the polarity switch in and out. In one position
the low frequencies should sound full, while in
the other position they may sound hollow and
thin. Choose the position that yields the fullest
low-frequency sound.
Feel free to experiment
In many respects, every room is unique in
terms of its acoustics. Even after you’ve placed
your subwoofer where you think it’ll sound
best, try moving it around. You might be pleas-
antly surprised.
Additional Tidbits of Wisdom
• Avoid using EQ to compensate for dips in
the frequency response caused by room
modes. It is better to place the subwoofer
in a position where dips are minimized and
use the EQ to smooth out any peaks.
• Provide at least six inches clearance around
the heatsink to allow air to get at it.
• Provide at least three feet clearance from
a TV, computer monitor, or any form of
magnetic media (video and audio recording
tapes, computer disks, etc.), to prevent the
HR120’s powerful magnet from distorting the
video screen or erasing the magnetic media.
• When you shut down your equipment, turn
off the HRS120 powered subwoofer first
(and any other powered speakers in the
system) to prevent thumps and other noises
generated by any upstream equipment from
coming out the speakers. When power-
ing up, turn on the powered speakers and
subwoofer last.
• Save the shipping box! You may need it
someday, and you don’t want to have to pay
for another one.
• Save your sales receipt in a safe place.
• Also record the HRS120 serial number
in the space provided on the inside front
cover, along with where and when you
bought it.
A Few Words About THX™ pm3™
Certification
Nearly two decades ago, George Lucas
turned a passion for great sound into the
world’s most accepted and trusted solution for
achieving it. The standard was named THX
(for Tomlinson Holman, who developed the
THX Sound System when he was the research
and technical director at Lucasfilm Ltd.™
in the early 80s), and today, with hundreds
of thousands of home theater customers and
more than 3000 THX Certified movie theaters
enjoying its benefits, the THX name has be-
come nothing short of legendary. Simply put:
when it comes to premium sound, no other
name so closely defines ‘quality’ for millions of
movie-goers and home theater enthusiasts alike.
Today, a new landscape is emerging. A
landscape comprised of hundreds of small,
professional multi-channel facilities, whose
need for differentiation, expert technical and
marketing support, and a true, multi-channel
standard is becoming a competitive fact of life.
Again, THX has a singular solution and this
time it’s called THX pm3 Certification.
All facilities involved with mixing and/or
monitoring of multi-channel material should
have the option to use pm3. THX pm3 Certifi-
cation is ideal for DVD mastering, sweetening,
and mixing; and is also perfect for facilities
doing work in broadcast, music, or multi-media
applications.
HRS120 THX pm3 Certification
Anyone seeking THX Certification for their
studio, or striving to maintain THX standards,
can use the HRS120s and rest assured that
their facility is in full compliance.

8
REAR PANEL DESCRIPTION
FILTER SELECT
FILTER SELECT VARIABLE
110Hz ELLIPTICAL
VARIABLE
110Hz ELLIPTICAL
This switch selects either the built-in 4th-order
24 dB/octave Linkwitz-Riley variable crossover
or the 7th-order 42 dB/octave 110Hz elliptical
low-pass filter for the subwoofer.
Use the elliptical filter when mixing for sur-
round sound applications with a LFE channel.
This steep filter emulates the “brick-wall” low-
pass filter used in AC-3 and DTS formats.
Use the variable crossover filter for normal
playback of stereo sound.
LFE GAIN
LFE GAIN
0dB
+ 10dB
THX = 0dB
For Surround Sound Mixing: Push this
switch in to add 10 dB of gain to the subwoofer
signal. This allows you to record the LFE chan-
nel at –10 dB relative to the other channels,
as specified by AC-3 encoding standards. Note
that 10 dB of gain is added back when decoding
the LFE channel.
For Playback: Push this switch in to add
10 dB of gain to the subwoofer signal. This is
useful for home theater applications where the
LFE channel requires additional gain to bal-
ance with the other channels in the surround
sound system.
INPUT SENSITIVITY
OFF NORMAL
INPUT SENSITIVITY
THX = NORMAL
The HRS120 expects a line-level signal at its
input connectors.
• The sensitivity is 89 dB SPL at one meter with
a 100mV (–17.8 dBu) input signal, with the
INPUT SENSITIVITY control set to its NOR-
MAL position (in other words, wide open).
• The HRS120 is designed to operate with
a nominal +4 dBu signal when the INPUT
SENSITIVITY control is in the NORMAL
position.
• Refer to the
QUICK START section on page
4 for the level-setting procedure.
This is where you connect your signal in-
puts and outputs to the subwoofer, and make
adjustments to the crossover, filters, and input
sensitivity.
For THX applications, the
rear panel switches and
controls should be set to the
THX positions as indicated
on the rear panel.
POWER LED
The POWER LED lights when the power
switch is turned on and the subwoofer is oper-
ating normally.
If there is no signal present for several min-
utes, the HRS120 goes into bypass mode, the
POWER LED turns off, and the SUB BYPASSED
LED turns on. The instant a signal appears at
its input, the HRS120 comes to life and the
POWER LED lights again.
SUB BYPASSED LED
When the SUBWOOFER BYPASS circuit is
activated by either the auto-off circuit or the
FOOTSWITCH connection, the SUB BYPASSED
LED lights.
SUBSONIC FILTER
SUBSONIC FILTER
FLAT
15Hz
THX = FLAT
Push this switch in to engage the 3rd-or-
der 18 dB/octave Butterworth subsonic filter,
which rolls off frequencies below 15Hz. This
eliminates unwanted low-frequency energy so
that all the power from the HRS120 amplifier is
dedicated to useful low frequencies.
FILTER BYPASS
FILTER BYPASS
FILTER IN
FULL RANGE
THX = FULL RANGE
This switch bypasses the built-in low-pass
filters (variable and elliptical). Push this switch
in when connecting an LFE or subwoofer
output signal from a mixer or preamp to the
LEFT(MONO) and/or RIGHT inputs, to avoid
“double-filtering” the low-frequency signal.
Note that the LEFT(MONO) and RIGHT
OUT puts are still high-pass filtered and af-
fected by the CROSSOVER controls.

9
120 VAC, 60 Hz,
575 WATTS
POWER
ON
POLARITY
(N/A)
LFE GAIN
SUBSONIC FILTER
SUBSONIC FILTER
CROSSOVER CONTROLS
FILTER SELECT
FILTER BYPASS
STANDARD SETTINGS
NORMAL
80Hz
SUB SAT
INPUT SENSITIVITY
THX PM3 SETTINGS
POLARITY
LFE GAIN
CROSSOVER CONTROLS
FILTER SELECT
FILTER BYPASS
NORMAL
80Hz
SUB SAT
INPUT SENSITIVITY
RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK
DO NOT OPEN
WARNING: TO REDUCE THE RISK OF FIRE OR ELECTRIC SHOCK, DO NOT EXPOSE THIS
EQUIPMENT TO RAIN OR MOISTURE. DO NOT REMOVE COVER. NO USER SERVICEABLE PARTS INSIDE.
REFER SERVICING TO QUALIFIED PERSONNEL.
CAUTIONCAUTION
HEATSINK SURFACE HOT
AVOID CONTACT
CAUTION
AVIS:
RISCQUE DE CHOC ÉLECTRIQUE — NE PAS OUVRIR
SERIAL NUMBER MANUFACTURING DATE
( 5.1)
LFE GAIN
"MACKIE", "FR SERIES", AND THE "RUNNING MAN" FIGURE
ARE REGISTERED TRADEMARKSOF MACKIE DESIGNS, INC.
"THX PM3" AND "LUCASFILM" ARE TRADEMARKS OF
LUCASFILM, LTD. USED BY PERMISSION
S M
SLAVE/MASTER
SLAVE
IN
INPUT/OUTPUTINPUT/OUTPUT
MASTER
OUT
LEFT
IN OUT
RIGHT
IN OUT
FOOT SWITCH
*MAX OPEN CIRCUIT 24V
*MAX CLOSED CIRCUIT 1A
OPEN - SUB ON, L/R BASS MANAGED
CLOSED - SUB DEFEAT, L/R FULL RANGE
REMOTE INDICATOR
SUBSONIC FILTER
FLAT
15Hz
OFF NORMAL
POLARITY
INPUT SENSITIVITY
0 ϒ
180
ϒ
FILTER SELECT
LFE GAIN
CROSSOVER
VARIABLE
110Hz ELLIPTICAL
VARIABLE
110Hz ELLIPTICAL
0dB
+10dB
FILTER BYPASS
FILTER IN
FULL RANGE
SUB
110Hz55Hz
80Hz
SAT
CROSSOVER
SUB
110Hz55Hz
80Hz
SAT
(MONO)
POWERPOWER SUB BYPASSED
DESIGNED BY MACKOIDS IN WOODINVILLE, WA, USA
©2001 MACKIE DESIGNS INC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
PATENTS PENDING
INTERNAL AMPLIFICATION
500W
™
OUTIN
L
R
L
R
*TO INSURE PRODUCT SAFETY, POWER SUPPLIES MEETING CLASS-2 INSULATION
REQUIREMENTS SHOULD ONLY BE USED WITH THIS CONNECTOR
SUBWOOFER BYPASS
REMOTE INDICATOR CIRCUIT CLOSED WHEN SUB BYPASSED
POLARITY &
INPUT SENSITIVITY ACTIVE PROCESSED SIGNAL
POLARITY
POLARITY
0ϒ
180ϒ
THX = 0˚
This switch reverses the polarity of the sig-
nal going to the subwoofer amplifier by 180º.
It has no effect on the signal at the LEFT and
RIGHT OUT or the MASTER OUT .
There is no right or wrong setting for this
switch. Listen to the overall blend of the sub-
woofer with the rest of the system, and select the
switch position that gives you the best sound.
LEFT AND RIGHT INPUTS
Balanced XLR female and unbalanced RCA
female connectors are provided for the left and
right inputs. Connect the full-range line-level
signal from the mixer or preamplifier to one of
these input jacks.
The connectors are wired as follows (per the
AES/IEC standard):
XLR RCA
Hot (+) Pin 2 Tip
Cold (–) Pin 3 —
Shield (Ground) Pin 1 Shield
If connecting a single subwoofer or LFE
output to the HRS120, use the
LEFT (MONO)
input with the FILTER BYPASS switch pushed
in.
LEFT AND RIGHT OUTPUTS
Balanced XLR male and unbalanced RCA fe-
male connectors are provided for the line-level
left and right high-pass outputs. Connect these
to the inputs of the main speakers (if they are
powered speakers) or to the inputs of the am-
plifier powering the main speakers.
The signal at the left and right outputs is
post-crossover. The low-pass output from the
crossover goes to the internal power amplifier
in the HRS120, while the high-pass output goes
to these output jacks.
CROSSOVER
CROSSOVER
SUB
110Hz55Hz
80Hz
SAT
THX = 80Hz
This adjusts the crossover frequency for the
built-in 24 dB/octave Linkwitz-Riley variable
crossover. The crossover frequency can be ad-
justed from 55Hz to 110Hz.
POLARITY
(N/A)
LFE GAIN
SUBSONIC FILTER
CROSSOVER CONTROLS
FILTER SELECT
FILTER BYPASS
NORMAL
80Hz
SUB SAT
INPUT SENSITIVITY
THX PM3 SETTINGS

10
Frequencies below the crossover frequency
are sent to the subwoofer, and frequencies
above the crossover frequency are sent to the
LEFT and RIGHT OUT puts, which are con-
nected to the main/satellite speakers.
Set the crossover frequency to the lowest
frequency response rating of the main/satellite
speakers.
MASTER OUT/SLAVE IN
Balanced XLR and unbalanced RCA female
connectors are provided for the MASTER OUT/
SLAVE IN puts. Use these for daisy-chaining two
HRS120s by connecting the
MASTER OUT jack
from the first subwoofer to the SLAVE IN jack
on the second subwoofer (see note below).
The SLAVE IN bypasses all filtering, but is
affected by the POLARITY and INPUT SENSI-
TIVITY settings.
The MASTER OUT is post-filtering (vari-
able and elliptical crossover, subsonic filter,
and LFE gain) and pre- POLARITY and INPUT
SENSITIVITY .
Note: You cannot daisy-chain more than one
additional subwoofer using these connections.
If SLAVE IN is used as an input, the MASTER
OUT has no signal present. To connect more
subwoofers, connect the MASTER OUT from
the first subwoofer to the LEFT (MONO) IN-
put of the second subwoofer with the FILTER
BYPASS switch pushed in. Then connect the
MASTER OUT of the second subwoofer to the
LEFT (MONO) IN put of the third subwoofer,
and so on.
SUBWOOFER BYPASS FOOT SWITCH
This is a 1/4” jack for connecting a normally-
open footswitch. When the switch is closed, the
subwoofer is muted and the LEFT and RIGHT
OUT puts pass the full-range signal to the main/
satellite speakers.
This is useful for making a quick com-
parison between the HRS120 enhanced and
non-enhanced low-frequency playback.
REMOTE INDICATOR
This is a 1/4” jack for connecting a remote
indicator to indicate when the subwoofer is
bypassed. An internal relay closes, shorting
the tip and sleeve of the REMOTE INDICA-
TOR jack whenever the subwoofer is in bypass
mode, either triggered manually with the
FOOT SWITCH or by the auto-off function.
This can be used to turn on a remote, low-
voltage lamp. Note that this jack does not
provide power. It accepts a maximum of 24 VDC
120 VAC, 60 Hz,
575 WATTS
POWER
ON
POLARITY
(N/A)
LFE GAIN
SUBSONIC FILTER
SUBSONIC FILTER
CROSSOVER CONTROLS
FILTER SELECT
FILTER BYPASS
STANDARD SETTINGS
NORMAL
80Hz
SUB SAT
INPUT SENSITIVITY
THX PM3 SETTINGS
POLARITY
LFE GAIN
CROSSOVER CONTROLS
FILTER SELECT
FILTER BYPASS
NORMAL
80Hz
SUB SAT
INPUT SENSITIVITY
RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK
DO NOT OPEN
WARNING: TO REDUCE THE RISK OF FIRE OR ELECTRIC SHOCK, DO NOT EXPOSE THIS
EQUIPMENT TO RAIN OR MOISTURE. DO NOT REMOVE COVER. NO USER SERVICEABLE PARTS INSIDE.
REFER SERVICING TO QUALIFIED PERSONNEL.
CAUTIONCAUTION
HEATSINK SURFACE HOT
AVOID CONTACT
CAUTION
AVIS:
RISCQUE DE CHOC ÉLECTRIQUE — NE PAS OUVRIR
SERIAL NUMBER MANUFACTURING DATE
( 5.1)
LFE GAIN
"MACKIE", "FR SERIES", AND THE "RUNNING MAN" FIGURE
ARE REGISTERED TRADEMARKSOF MACKIE DESIGNS, INC.
"THX PM3" AND "LUCASFILM" ARE TRADEMARKS OF
LUCASFILM, LTD. USED BY PERMISSION
S M
SLAVE/MASTER
SLAVE
IN
INPUT/OUTPUTINPUT/OUTPUT
MASTER
OUT
LEFT
IN OUT
RIGHT
IN OUT
FOOT SWITCH
*MAX OPEN CIRCUIT 24V
*MAX CLOSED CIRCUIT 1A
OPEN - SUB ON, L/R BASS MANAGED
CLOSED - SUB DEFEAT, L/R FULL RANGE
REMOTE INDICATOR
SUBSONIC FILTER
FLAT
15Hz
OFF NORMAL
POLARITY
INPUT SENSITIVITY
0 ϒ
180
ϒ
FILTER SELECT
LFE GAIN
CROSSOVER
VARIABLE
110Hz ELLIPTICAL
VARIABLE
110Hz ELLIPTICAL
0dB
+
10dB
FILTER BYPASS
FILTER IN
FULL RANGE
SUB
110Hz55Hz
80Hz
SAT
CROSSOVER
SUB
110Hz55Hz
80Hz
SAT
(MONO)
POWERPOWER SUB BYPASSED
DESIGNED BY MACKOIDS IN WOODINVILLE, WA, USA
©2001 MACKIE DESIGNS INC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
PATENTS PENDING
INTERNAL AMPLIFICATION
500W
™
OUTIN
L
R
L
R
*TO INSURE PRODUCT SAFETY, POWER SUPPLIES MEETING CLASS-2 INSULATION
REQUIREMENTS SHOULD ONLY BE USED WITH THIS CONNECTOR
SUBWOOFER BYPASS
REMOTE INDICATOR CIRCUIT CLOSED WHEN SUB BYPASSED
POLARITY &
INPUT SENSITIVITY ACTIVE PROCESSED SIGNAL
120 VAC, 60 Hz,
575 WATTS
POWER
ON
POLARITY
(N/A)
LFE GAIN
SUBSONIC FILTER
SUBSONIC FILTER
CROSSOVER CONTROLS
FILTER SELECT
FILTER BYPASS
STANDARD SETTINGS
NORMAL
80Hz
SUB SAT
INPUT SENSITIVITY
THX PM3 SETTINGS
POLARITY
LFE GAIN
CROSSOVER CONTROLS
FILTER SELECT
FILTER BYPASS
NORMAL
80Hz
SUB SAT
INPUT SENSITIVITY
RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK
DO NOT OPEN
WARNING: TO REDUCE THE RISK OF FIRE OR ELECTRIC SHOCK, DO NOT EXPOSE THIS
EQUIPMENT TO RAIN OR MOISTURE. DO NOT REMOVE COVER. NO USER SERVICEABLE PARTS INSIDE.
REFER SERVICING TO QUALIFIED PERSONNEL.
CAUTIONCAUTION
HEATSINK SURFACE HOT
AVOID CONTACT
CAUTION
AVIS:
RISCQUE DE CHOC ÉLECTRIQUE — NE PAS OUVRIR
SERIAL NUMBER MANUFACTURING DATE
( 5.1)
LFE GAIN
"MACKIE", "FR SERIES", AND THE "RUNNING MAN" FIGURE
ARE REGISTERED TRADEMARKSOF MACKIE DESIGNS, INC.
"THX PM3" AND "LUCASFILM" ARE TRADEMARKS OF
LUCASFILM, LTD. USED BY PERMISSION
S M
SLAVE/MASTER
SLAVE
IN
INPUT/OUTPUTINPUT/OUTPUT
MASTER
OUT
LEFT
IN OUT
RIGHT
IN OUT
FOOT SWITCH
*MAX OPEN CIRCUIT 24V
*MAX CLOSED CIRCUIT 1A
OPEN - SUB ON, L/R BASS MANAGED
CLOSED - SUB DEFEAT, L/R FULL RANGE
REMOTE INDICATOR
SUBSONIC FILTER
FLAT
15Hz
OFF NORMAL
POLARITY
INPUT SENSITIVITY
0 ϒ
180 ϒ
FILTER SELECT
LFE GAIN
CROSSOVER
VARIABLE
110Hz ELLIPTICAL
VARIABLE
110Hz ELLIPTICAL
0dB
+10dB
FILTER BYPASS
FILTER IN
FULL RANGE
SUB
110Hz55Hz
80Hz
SAT
CROSSOVER
SUB
110Hz55Hz
80Hz
SAT
(MONO)
POWERPOWER SUB BYPASSED
DESIGNED BY MACKOIDS IN WOODINVILLE, WA, USA
©2001 MACKIE DESIGNS INC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
PATENTS PENDING
INTERNAL AMPLIFICATION
500W
™
OUTIN
L
R
L
R
*TO INSURE PRODUCT SAFETY, POWER SUPPLIES MEETING CLASS-2 INSULATION
REQUIREMENTS SHOULD ONLY BE USED WITH THIS CONNECTOR
SUBWOOFER BYPASS
REMOTE INDICATOR CIRCUIT CLOSED WHEN SUB BYPASSED
POLARITY &
INPUT SENSITIVITY ACTIVE PROCESSED SIGNAL
across the tip/sleeve when the internal relay is
open, and a maximum 1 amp of current when
the relay is closed.
CAUTION: There is an
internal 1A fuse to protect
the REMOTE INDICATOR
circuit. Exceeding 1A of cur-
rent may blow the internal
1A fuse.

11
HOOKUP DIAGRAM
120VAC, 60 Hz,
575WATTS
POWER
ON
POLARITY
(N/A)
LFEGAIN
SUBSONIC FILTER
SUBSONIC FILTER
CROSSOVERCONTROLS
FILTER SELECT
FILTER BYPASS
STANDARD SETTINGS
NORMAL
80Hz
SUB SAT
INPUTSENSITIVITY
THX PM3 SETTINGS
POLARITY
LFEGAIN
CROSSOVERCONTROLS
FILTER SELECT
FILTER BYPASS
NORMAL
80Hz
SUB SAT
INPUTSENSITIVITY
RISKOF ELECTRICSHOCK
DONOT OPEN
WARNING: TOREDUCE THE RISK OF FIRE ORELECTRIC SHOCK, DO NOT EXPOSE THIS
EQUIPMENTTO RAIN OR MOISTURE. DO NOT REMOVE COVER.NO USER SERVICEABLE PARTS INSIDE.
REFERSERVICING TO QUALIFIED PERSONNEL.
CAUTIONCAUTION
HEATSINKSURFACEHOT
AVOIDCONTACT
CAUTION
AVIS: RISCQUEDE CHOC ÉLECTRIQUE — NE PAS OUVRIR
SERIALNUMBER MANUFACTURINGDATE
( 5.1)
LFEGAIN
S M
SLAVE/MASTER
SLAVE
IN
INPUT/OUTPUTINPUT/OUTPUT
MASTER
OUT
LEFT
IN OUT
RIGHT
IN OUT
FOOTSWITCH
*MAXOPEN CIRCUIT24V
*MAXCLOSED CIRCUIT1A
OPEN- SUB ON, L/R BASSMANAGED
CLOSED- SUB DEFEAT,L/R FULL RANGE
REMOTEINDICATOR
SUBSONIC FILTER
FLAT
15Hz
OFF NORMAL
POLARITY
INPUTSENSITIVITY
0 ϒ
180
ϒ
FILTER SELECT
LFE GAIN
CROSSOVER
VARIABLE
110HzELLIPTICAL
VARIABLE
110HzELLIPTICAL
0dB
+
10dB
FILTER BYPASS
FILTERIN
FULLRANGE
SUB
110Hz55Hz
80Hz
SAT
CROSSOVER
SUB
110Hz55Hz
80Hz
SAT
(MONO)
POWERPOWER SUB BYPASSED
DESIGNEDBY MACKOIDSIN WOODINVILLE, WA, USA
©2001MACKIE DESIGNSINC. ALLRIGHTS RESERVED
PATENTSPENDING
INTERNAL AMPLIFICATION
500W
™
OUTIN
L
R
L
R
*TOINSUREPRODUCT SAFETY, POWERSUPPLIESMEETING CLASS-2 INSULATION
REQUIREMENTS SHOULDONLYBE USED WITH THISCONNECTOR
SUBWOOFER BYPASS
REMOTEINDICATORCIRCUITCLOSED WHENSUB BYPASSED
POLARITY&
INPUTSENSITIVITY ACTIVE PROCESSEDSIGNAL
From Mixer or
Preamplifier
Left and Right Outputs
Left Main/Satellite
Powered Speaker Right Main/Satellite Powered Speaker
To Optional
2nd HRS120
Slave Input
Surround Sound
Preamplifier
OR
Mixing Console
(1604-VLZ PRO shown)
"MACKIE","FR SERIES",AND THE "RUNNINGMAN" FIGURE
AREREGISTEREDTRADEMARKSOFMACKIE DESIGNS,INC.
"THXPM3" AND "LUCASFILM"ARETRADEMARKSOF
LUCASFILM,LTD.USED BY PERMISSION
POWER
Use this switch to turn the HRS120 on and
off. The subwoofer is muted for about three
seconds after the HRS120 is turned on while
the power supply and internal circuitry stabi-
lize. The auto on/off circuit is disabled when
the POWER switch is off.
MAINS INPUT
Connect the power cord to this IEC socket, and
plug the other end into your AC outlet. Make
sure the outlet is properly configured for the
voltage rating of your model.

12
PROTECTION CIRCUITS CONNECTIONS
There are several protection mechanisms
designed into the HRS120 to safeguard the
loudspeaker and amplifier from inadvertent
damage.
Peak Limiter
A peak limiter is located at the input to the
power amplifier section. It monitors both the
amplifier output signal and the power supply
voltages to guard against clipping and over-
loading the amplifier. This allows for loud and
punchy bass performance without distortion,
ensuring long-term reliability.
Thermal Protect
All amplifiers produce heat. The HRS120 is
designed to be efficient both electrically and
thermally.
• If for some reason the heatsink or power
transformer gets too hot, a thermal switch
activates, placing the HRS120 into Standby
mode.
• Should this happen, make sure that airflow
to the rear of the cabinet is not restricted.
• When the heatsink or power transformer
cools down to a safe temperature, the switch
resets and normal operation resumes.
Note: The POWER LED remains lit if the ther-
mal protection circuit is activated.
Input and Output Signal Wiring
You should use high-quality, shielded cable
to connect the signal source to the LEFT
and RIGHT IN and OUT jacks on the
HRS120.
• Foil shielded cables, such as Belden 8451,
8761, or 9501 are commonly used for studio
wiring.
• Microphone cables work well.
• The better the shield, the better the im-
munity from externally induced noise (like
EMI and RFI). Route the cable away from
AC power cords and outlets. These are com-
mon sources for hum in an audio signal.
Wall warts and line lumps are especially
insidious hum inducers!
You can purchase quality cables from your
Mackie dealer.
• In certain home theater applications, it
may be necessary to connect the speaker
outputs from a stereo receiver to the inputs
of the HRS120s, if the receiver doesn’t have
preamp outputs or other line-level output
connections.
CAUTION: Do not attempt
to connect a speaker output
directly to the input of the
HRS120! Speaker levels
are much higher than line
levels and can damage the input circuitry in
the HRS120.
You can, however, insert a speaker-level to
line-level signal attenuator between the
receiver’s speaker output and the HRS120’s
input. Your Mackie dealer may be able to
help you find one, or you can build your
own. Contact our tech support department
for more information.

13
SERVICE INFO
Bad Sound
• Is the input connector plugged completely
into the jack?
• Is it loud and distorted? Reduce the signal
level at the mixer.
• If possible, listen to the signal source with
headphones plugged into the preamp stage.
If it sounds bad there, it’s not the subwoofer.
• Too much bass or not enough bass? Move
around the room and see if the bass
response changes. It’s possible your listen-
ing position coincides with a room mode
where the low frequencies either become
exaggerated or nulled. If so, try moving the
subwoofer to a different position, or moving
your listening position.
• If the signal source is an LFE or subwoofer
output from a home theater preamplier,
make sure the signal level for the low-fre-
quency output is turned up in the preamp.
If you have connected the low-frequency
signal to the LEFT (and RIGHT) INput,
make sure the FILTER BYPASSED switch is
pushed in.
Noise/Hum/Buzz
• Check the signal cable between the mixer/
preamp and the subwoofer. Make sure all
connections are secure. These problems
usually produce crackling noises, hum, or buzz.
• If connecting an unbalanced output to the
HRS120 balanced input, make sure the
shield is connected to both pins 1 and 3 on
the XLR.
• If a CATV cable is connected to the system,
try disconnecting it. If the hum goes away,
call your cable carrier to check for proper
grounding of the cable.
• Make sure the signal cable is not routed
near AC cables, power transformers, or
other EMI sources (including wall warts
and line lumps!). These sources usually
produce hum.
• Is there a light dimmer or other triac-based
(SCR) device on the same AC circuit as the
monitor? Dimmers cause buzzing noises.
Use an AC line filter or plug the subwoofer
into a different AC circuit.
• If possible, listen to the signal source with
headphones plugged in. If it sounds noisy
there, it’s not the subwoofer.
If you think your Mackie product has a prob-
lem, please check out the following trouble-
shooting tips and do your best to confirm the
problem. Visit the Support section of our
website (www.mackie.com/support) where
you will find lots of useful information such as
FAQs, documentation, and user forums. You
may find the answer to the problem without
having to send your Mackie product away.
Troubleshooting
No Power
• Our favorite question: Is it plugged in?
• Make sure the power cord is securely
seated in the IEC socket and plugged
all the way into the AC outlet.
• Make sure the AC outlet is live (check with
a tester or lamp).
• Is the POWER switch on the rear panel
in the ON position?
• Is the POWER LED or BYPASSED
LED on the rear panel illuminated? If not,
make sure the AC outlet is live. If so, refer
to “No Sound” below.
• If the POWER LED or BYPASSED LED
is not illuminated, and you are certain that
the AC outlet is live, it will be necessary
to have the HRS120 serviced. There are
no user-serviceable parts inside. Refer to
“Repair” at the end of this section to find
out how to proceed.
No Sound
• Is the POWER LED or BYPASSED
LED on the rear panel illuminated? If not,
refer to “No Power” above.
• Is the INPUT SENSITIVITY control
turned up?
• Is the signal source turned up? Make sure
the signal level from the mixing console (or
whatever device immediately precedes the
subwoofer) is high enough to produce sound.

14
Repair
For warranty repair or replacement, refer to
the warranty information on page 19.
Non-warranty repair for Mackie products is
available at a factory-authorized service cen-
ter. To locate your nearest service center, visit
www.mackie.com, click “Support” and select
“Locate a Service Center.” Service for Mackie
products living outside the United States can be
obtained through local dealers or distributors.
If you do not have access to our website, you
can call our Tech Support department at 1-800-
898-3211, Monday-Friday, 7 am to 5 pm Pacific
Time, to explain the problem. Tech Support
will tell you where the nearest factory-autho-
rized service center is located in your area.

15
TECHNICAL INFORMATION
HRS120 Block Diagram
2
3
1
RIGHT
LINE INPUT
2
3
1
LEFT/MONO
LINE INPUT
CROSSOVER
FREQ
CROSSOVER
FREQ
FILTER
SELECT FILTER
BYPASS
55Hz-110Hz
24 dB/OCT LINKWITZ-RILEY
CENTER POSITION (80Hz) FOR THX
110Hz
42 dB/OCT ELLIPTICAL
LPF (FOR AC-3/DTS)
15Hz
18 dB/OCT
BUTTERWORTH
LPF
A
B
CTL
OUT
A
B
CTL
OUT
A
B
CTL
OUT
2
3
1
LEFT/MONO
LINE OUTPUT
2
3
1
RIGHT
LINE OUTPUT
55Hz-110Hz FILTER IN
SUBSONIC
FILTER
LFE
GAIN
15Hz
FLAT (THX)
+10 dB
Av = 10 dB
0 dB (THX)
POLARITY
COMPRESSOR
ACE-BASS EQ
POWER
AMPLIFIER
INPUT
SENSITIVITY
(CW = THX)
180º
0º (THX)
INOUT
POWER SUPPLY TRACKING/
PEAK POWER LIMITER
FAST ATTACK/SLOW RELEASE
FULL RANGE
(THX)
110Hz
ELLIPTICAL
+70V
+60V
–60V
–70V
SENSE
RESISTOR
SUBWOOFER
2
3
1
MASTER
OUTPUT
2
3
1
SLAVE
INPUT
SUBWOOFER
BYPASS
FOOTSWITCH
NOTE: WHEN USED AS A SLAVE, THE MASTER OUTPUT OF THE FIRST SUB DRIVES THIS INPUT. "POLARITY" AND "INPUT SENSITIVITY" ONLY ARE ACTIVE ON THIS INPUT.
OPEN = HPF FROM CROSSOVER AT LEFT AND RIGHT OUTPUTS SUBWOOFER ACTIVE REMOTE INDICATOR SWITCH OPEN CLOSED = FULL-RANGE SIGNAL FROM INPUTS AT LEFT AND RIGHT OUTPUTS SUBWOOFER MUTED REMOTE INDICATOR SWITCH CLOSED
FUSE
SUBWOOFER
BYPASS
REMOTE
INDICATOR
CLOSED WHEN SUBWOOFER IS MUTED
MAXIMUM VOLTAGE ALLOWED ACROSS
OPEN CONTACTS = 24V
MAXIMUM CURRENT ALLOWED THROUGH
CLOSED SWITCH = 1A
THE POTENTIAL ON THESE TERMINALS MUST BE
FLOATING OR REFERENCED TO SAFETY GROUND
SUB
BYPASSED
+5V
POWER
INPUT SIGNAL DETECTOR
WHEN SIGNAL IS PRESENT THE OUTPUT IS ACTIVE. OUTPUT REMAINS ACTIVE FOR SEVERAL MINUTES AFTER SIGNAL IS REMOVED. OUTPUT IS INACTIVE WHEN NO SIGNAL IS PRESENT AND BECOMES ACTIVE AFTER SIGNAL RETURNS.
IN OUT
MACKIE HRS120 THX BLOCK DIAGRAM (#110501DF)

16
Specifications
Enclosure
Materials:
MDF construction with black oak veneer.
Sides: 0.75 in/19 mm thick
Top: 1.25 in/32 mm thick
Bottom: 1.00 in/25 mm thick
Internal Volume:
2.15 cubic feet/60.88 liters
Transducers
Low-frequency driver:
12-inch/305 mm die-cast frame, oversized ferrite magnet
structure, 4-inch/100 mm voice coil, and over 45 mm cone
excursion
Passive Radiator:
12-inch/305 mm mass-loaded
System Specifications
Crossover Type:
Linkwitz-Riley, 24 dB/octave, variable 55 Hz to 110 Hz
Input Type:
Balanced differential XLR; Unbalanced RCA
Input Impedance:
20kΩ, balanced bridging
10kΩ, unbalanced
Input Sensitivity:
89 dB SPL with a 100 mV (–17.8 dBu) input signal
Maximum Input Level:
+20 dBu
Signal Sense Threshold:
–74 dBu (0.155 mV)
High-Cut Filter (LFE):
7th order elliptical filter @ 110 Hz
Subsonic Filter:
–3 dB @ 15 Hz, 3rd-order Butterworth High-Pass filter
Input Protection:
RFI and level protected
Driver Protection:
Power supply tracking peak limiter
Thermal Protection:
Heatsink and Power Transformer temperature, auto reset
Amplifier Section
Rated power output (1% THD @ 100 Hz):
400 watts rms into rated 8Ωload
Burst power output (100 Hz sine with 10% duty cycle):
500 watts
Distortion:
THD (20 Hz-300 Hz, from 1W to –1 dBr=325 W):
< 0.02% (typically 0.0025%)
Signal-to-Noise Ratio:
> 107 dB, referenced to 325 watts into 8 ohms
Acoustic Section:
Free-Field Frequency Response:
±1.5 dB, 20 Hz to 150 Hz
Lower cutoff frequency: –3 dB @ 19 Hz
Maximum SPL: 117 dB SPL @ 1m
Residual noise: < 8 dBA SPL @ 1m
General:
Power Consumption:
280 watts with musical program, loud mix
30 watts quiescent (idle)
Dimensions:
Height (including feet): 21.0 in/533 mm
Width: 18.0 in/457 mm
Depth (including grille): 18.8 in/478 mm
Overall Depth: 21.3 in/541 mm
Weight: 94 lb/42.6 kg
LOUD Technologies Inc. is always striving to improve our
products by incorporating new and improved materials, com-
ponents and manufacturing methods. Therefore, we reserve
the right to change these specifications at any time without
notice.
21.0 in/
533 mm
19.0 in/
483 mm
HRS120
WEIGHT
94 lb/
42.6 kg
18.0 in/457 mm18.0 in/457 mm
18.8 in/478 mm
21.3 in/541 mm
HIGH RESOLUTION
HIGH RESOLUTION

17
Graphs
-40
+10
-38
-36
-34
-32
-30
-28
-26
-24
-22
-20
-18
-16
-14
-12
-10
-8
-6
-4
-2
-0
+2
+4
+6
+8
10 20k20 50 100 200 500 1k 2k 5k 10k
Hz
dBr
55Hz
80Hz
110Hz
HRS120 Crossover Filter Response
-40
+10
-38
-36
-34
-32
-30
-28
-26
-24
-22
-20
-18
-16
-14
-12
-10
-8
-6
-4
-2
-0
+2
+4
+6
+8
dBr
20 20k50 100 200 500 1k 2k 5k 10k
Hz
HRS120 Elliptical Filter Response
-40
+10
-38
-36
-34
-32
-30
-28
-26
-24
-22
-20
-18
-16
-14
-12
-10
-8
-6
-4
-2
-0
+2
+4
+6
+8
10 50020 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100 200 300 400
Hz
dBr
HRS120 Free-Field Frequency Response (THX pm3 setting)

18
COLOPHON
The text is a compilation based on input
from a number of sources including Cam Jones,
Terry Wetherbee, Marcelo Vercelli, and Keith
Olsen. Dave Franzwa produced this manual
using the following tools:
Initially written in Microsoft®Word 98 for
the Macintosh, the text was imported into
Adobe PageMaker®6.5. Illustrations were
produced in Adobe Illustrator®9.0. Most of
the work was done on a Power Macintosh®
G4 with Mac OS 9.1 installed. This machine
has a PowerPC G4 processor, 384MB of RAM,
a 10GB internal hard drive, an internal Mat-
shita DVD-ROM drive, and an internal Iomega
Zip™ Drive for backup and transfer of files. A
Hewlett-Packard LaserJet 5000N with a duplex
tray installed (to save trees) was used to print
out laser proofs. PDF files were created with
Acrobat™ Distiller 4.0. A wind-driven open
window provided much-needed relief as the
production deadline approached. This entire
manual was written and produced while sit-
ting in a comfy chair, which was actually more
comfy than the one used while producing the
HR824 manual.
The following are trademarks or registered
trademarks of LOUD Technologies Inc.: The
Mackie logo, HR Series, and the Running Man.
THX pm3 and Lucasfilm are trademarks of
Lucasfilm Ltd. Used by permission.
This manual also contains names and
marks of other companies which belong to
those respective companies, and are hereby
acknowledged.
©2003-2008 LOUD Technologies Inc.
All Rights Reserved.
R

19
A. LOUD Technologies Inc. warrants all materials,
workmanship and proper operation of this product for a period
of three years from the original date of purchase. You may
purchase an additional 24-month Extended Warranty (for a
total of 60 months of coverage). Visit our website and follow
the “Product Registration” links for details (www.mackie.com).
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. and Canada by LOUD
Technologies Inc. or its authorized dealers.
B. For faster processing (not to mention a free gift), register
online or mail in the product registration card.
C. Unauthorized service, repairs, or modification of Mackie
products will void this warranty. To obtain repairs or
replacement under warranty, you must have a copy of your
sales receipt from the authorized Mackie dealer where you
purchased the product. It is necessary to establish purchase
date and determine whether your Mackie product is within
the warranty period.
D. To obtain warranty repair or replacement:
1. Call Mackie Technical Support at 800/898-3211, 7 AM
to 5 PM Monday through Friday (Pacific Time) to get
authorization for repair or replacement. Alternately, go to
the Mackie website, click “Support” (www.mackie.com/
support), and follow the instructions for reporting a warranty
issue and submitting a request for an advance replacement.
2. Advance Replacement: Mackie will ship a replacement
unit to you along with an invoice for the suggested
retail price of the replacement unit. You must return the
defective unit immediately to cancel the invoice. If you do
not return the defective unit within 30 days, you must pay
the full amount stated in the invoice to satisfy your debt.
3. Repair: When you call Mackie Technical Support,
explain the problem and obtain a Service Request
Number. Have your Mackie product’s serial number
ready. You must have a Service Request Number before
you can obtain factory-authorized service.
• 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, your daytime phone number and return street
address (no P.O. boxes or route numbers, please!), and
the Service Request Number. If we cannot duplicate the
problem or establish the starting date of your Limited
Warranty, we may, at our option, charge for service time
and parts.
• Ship the product in its original shipping carton,
freight prepaid to the authorized service center. Write
the Service Request Number in BIG PRINT on top of
the box. The address of your closest authorized service
center will be given to you by Technical Support, or it
may be obtained from our website. Once it’s repaired,
the authorized service center will ship it back by ground
shipping, pre-paid (if it qualified as a warranty repair).
Note: Under the terms of the warranty, you must ship
or drop-off the unit to an authorized service center.
The return ground shipment is covered for those units
deemed by us to be under warranty.
Note: You must have a sales receipt from an authorized
Mackie dealer for your unit to be considered for
warranty repair.
IMPORTANT: Make sure that the Service Request Number
is plainly written on the shipping carton. No receipt, no
warranty service.
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.
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 be repaired or replaced. 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 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
or Canada.
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.
H. LOUD Technologies assumes no responsibility for the
timeliness of repairs performed by an authorized service center.
I. This warranty is extended to the original purchaser. This
warranty may be transferred to anyone who may subsequently
purchase this product within the applicable warranty period
for a nominal fee. A copy of the original sales receipt is
required to obtain warranty repairs or replacement.
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.
K. THE WARRANTY GIVEN ON THIS PAGE IS THE SOLE
WARRANTY GIVEN BY LOUD TECHNOLOGIES INC.
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
SHALL BE STRICTLY LIMITED IN DURATION TO THREE
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
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.
Please keep your sales receipt in a safe place.
HRS120 Limited Warranty

16220 Wood-Red Road NE • Woodinville, WA 98072 • USA
United States and Canada: 800.898.3211
Europe, Asia, Central and South America: 425.487.4333
Middle East and Africa: 31.20.654.4000
Fax: [phone] • www.mackie.com
E-mail: [email protected]