Mackie SWA1801 User manual

SWA1801
Active Subwoofer System
1OF 4 PAGES
SPEAKER
SWA1801
Features
Active, high-output 18-inch subwoofer system
High-ef ciency, high-current 900 watt RMS
continuous output ampli er
High output 135 dB of peak SPL
Response down to 35Hz (–10 dB point)
Can be used with active or passive speaker systems
Built-in crossover network with stereo or mono high-
pass outputs
Recessed level control, center detent rotating knob
(–15 to +5 dB)
Recessed phase switch (0°–180°)
4-inch, inside/outside high-temperature coil
technology
Compact, portable enclosure
Small footprint allows for unobtrusive, strategic
placement
Baltic birch wood construction, built-in pole mount
Correctly weight-balanced enclosure
Two comfortable side handles for easy carrying and
setup
SWA1801

The SWA1801 is an 18-inch high output, active sub-
woofer system. It features a newly designed high-preci-
sion 18-inch
transducer combined with application-speci c
ampli er technology. The system is composed of a single,
compact subwoofer cabinet with built-in control and ampli-
 er electronics.

The transducer used in the SWA1801 system features
an RCF Precision 4-inch, inside/outside wound voice
coil that offers extreme power handling capabilities. The
magnetic assembly used features advancements in coil
venting, composite polymide former construction, and
structural cooling that provide lower temperature rise and
substantially improved power compression characteristics.

The ampli er found in the SWA1801 cabinet is an
example of application-speci c ampli er design that can
be
exercised when designing active speaker systems. The
system uses a proprietary high-ef ciency, high-current
ampli er
designed to provide high current levels at all
levels of operation. Having access to high current levels,
no matter what the power output, is absolutely critical
in achieving precise, total control of the woofer mass.
This control is responsible for lowering audible distor-
tion artifacts and providing aggressive attack through the
operating band pass of the system. The ampli er, which is
mounted on a large,  nned aluminum heat sink, is rated at
900 watts RMS continuous output.

The SWA1801 features a sophisticated on board con-
trol system, allowing for  exible integration with active or
passive full range or mid/high speaker systems. The input
panel accepts a line-level input signal and has LOOP OUT
connectors for signal routing to other devices. It also has
HIGH PASS out connectors for connection to active full range
speakers or ampli ers powering passive full range speakers.
All signal routing is through XLR connectors in L+R stereo
or mono. There is a phase selection switch and a recessed
level control. The system features thermal protection for
the power supply and ampli er and also incorporates RMS
limiting protection for the ampli er stage that limits the
amount of long term power delivered to the transducer.

The cabinet is constructed using 18 mm thick multi-
layered birch plywood and  nished in black splatter paint.
There is one handle on each side for ef cient loading and
transport as well as a top, female pole mount  xture.
RELATED PRODUCTS
SRM450/SR1530/SA1521 Active Loudspeakers, SWA1501
Active Subwoofer, 1202-VLZ PRO 12-Channel Mic/Line
Mixer, 1402-VLZ PRO 14-Channel Mic/Line Mixer, 1604-VLZ
PRO and 1642-VLZ PRO 16-Channel Mic/Line Mixers.
Applications

Live Sound/Music Reinforcement

High-Level AV Playback

Small to Medium-Sized Portable PA Systems

Corporate Events

Night Clubs

Houses of Worship

SPEAKER
SWA1801
OF 4 PAGES
SWA1801 Active Subwoofer System
SWA1801
OF 4 PAGES
Active Subwoofer System
SPEAKER
SWA1801
2
SWA1801 Technical Speci cations
System Acoustic
System Acoustic
Acoustic Performance
–3 dB Response:
45 Hz–120 Hz
–10 dB Response:
35 Hz–120 Hz
Max SPL Long-term:
129 dB
Max SPL Peak:
135 dB
Crossover Point:
120 Hz
Input/Output
Input/Output
Input:
Stereo bal./unbal. female XLR
Input Impedance:
50 k
Ω
Loop-Through:
Stereo bal./unbal. male XLR
High Pass Output:
Stereo bal./unbal. male XLR
Level Control:
Recessed rotating knob, center detent
(–15 to +5 dB)
Recessed rotating knob, center detent
(–15 to +5 dB)
Recessed rotating knob, center detent
Phase Control (0° – 180°)
Recessed sliding switch
Ampli er
Ampli er
Total Ampli er Power:
900 W continuous*
1200 W peak
Type:
High-ef ciency, high-current Class G hybrid
1200 W peak
High-ef ciency, high-current Class G hybrid
1200 W peak
Rated THD:
.03%
*Rated power is continuous RMS wattage into transducer’s
rated impedance @ 100 Hz
Transducer
Number of Drivers:
1
Woofer Size:
18 " (457 mm)
Voice Coil Diameter:
4" (102 mm) with inside/
outside winding
Diaphragm Material:
Epoxy-reinforced cellulose
Magnet Type:
Ferrite
Line Input Power
Line Input Power
US:
120 VAC, 60 Hz
Recommended Amperage Service:
15 A
Europe:
230 VAC, 50 Hz
Recommended Amperage Service:
8 A
AC Connector:
3-pin IEC 250 VAC, 16 A male
Control System Function
Control System Function
Electronic Crossover
Equalization
Safety Features
Safety Features
Protection:
Low-frequency dynamic bass protection,
RMS limiting, power supply and
ampli er thermal protection
RMS limiting, power supply and
ampli er thermal protection
RMS limiting, power supply and
Display:
Signal present, limit, power on, and
thermal (cool down auto-reset) LEDs
Signal present, limit, power on, and
thermal (cool down auto-reset) LEDs
Signal present, limit, power on, and
Physical
Physical
Basic Design:
Compact/rectangular
Material:
.75" (18 mm) thick 13-ply baltic birch plywood
Finish:
High-quality splatter black paint
Handles:
One on each side
Pole Mount:
Metal pole mount located on top of cabinet
Moving Wheels:
4 each (2 swivel with bushing-
mounted ball bearings)
4 each (2 swivel with bushing-
mounted ball bearings)
4 each (2 swivel with bushing-
Dimensions (HxWxD):
28.5" x 23.5" x 23.5"
(724 mm x 597 mm x 597 mm)
Weight:
132 lbs/60 kg
SWA1801 Dimensions
FRONT SIDE
TOP
23.5" (597 mm) 23.5" (597 mm)
7.0"
(178 mm)
3.3"
(83 mm)
3.3"
(83 mm)
5.3"
(135
mm)
28.5" (724 mm)
6.8"
(173 mm)
27.9" (709 mm)
23.5" (597 mm)
13.8"
(351 mm)
7.0"
(178
mm)
3.5"
(89 mm)
3.5"
(89 mm)

SPEAKER
SWA1801
OF 4 PAGES
SWA1801 Active Subwoofer System
SWA1801
OF 4 PAGES
Active Subwoofer System
SPEAKER
SWA1801
3
SWA1801 Rear Panel Connector Plate
THRU
(FULL RANGE OUTPUT)
LIMIT
SIGNAL
THERMAL
POWE
R
HIGH PASS
(MID/HIGH FREQ
)
OUTPU
T
SUBWOOFER
CONTROL
FULL RANG
E
INPU
T
PARALLEL
120Hz
NORMAL
REV 180
PHAS
E
L
R
SUBWOOFER
LEVEL
NORMAL
IN
OUT
L
R
SWA1801 On-Axis Frequency Response
(With Second and Third Harmonic Components)
Fundamental
Second
Third
SWA1801 Frequency Response On-Axis
Frequency (Hz)
SPL, 100 dB @ 100 Hz (ref.)
20
40
50
60
70
80
90
100
110
100 1000 10000 20000

SPEAKER
SWA1801
SWA1801 Active Subwoofer System
OF 4 PAGES
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]
4
Electronic  les for this product available at:
www.mackie.com
Electronic  les for this product available at:
www.mackie.com
Electronic  les for this product available at:
This Speci cation Sheet
SWA1801_SS.PDF
Owner/Operator’s Manual
SWA1801_OM.PDF
CADD  les
SWA1801.DXF
Mackie Designs continually engages in research related to product improvement. New material,
production 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 Designs product may
differ in some respect from its published description, but will always equal or exceed the original
design speci cations unless otherwise stated. ©1999-2002 Mackie Designs Inc. All rights Reserved.
Architects’ and Engineers’ Speci cations
The active subwoofer loudspeaker system shall
incorporate one 18-inch low-frequency (LF) trans-
ducer mounted within a vented enclosure and
tuned for optimum low-frequency response. System
frequency response shall vary no more than ±3 dB
from 45 Hz to 120 Hz measured on axis. The loud-
speaker shall incorporate a low-frequency ampli er
system capable of delivering 900 watts RMS over
a frequency range of 30 Hz to 150 Hz. The system
shall provide 129 dB of continuous output and
135 dB of peak output. The ampli er system shall
be mounted on an aluminum heat sink, which shall
be mounted on the rear of the enclosure, 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 two input and two loop-
through XLR connectors, two high-pass output XLR
connectors, a volume level control, a phase switch,
and four status LEDs for Power ON, Signal Pres-
ent, Limit, and Thermal functions. The system shall
accept a standard line-level signal via the XLR input
connectors. The power switch and IEC AC connector
shall be located on the power panel.
Thermal protection shall be provided by a heat
sink-mounted thermal sensor, which monitors the
heat sink temperature and triggers the thermal
protection circuit should the temperature exceed
140° F (60° 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 lim-
iter circuit, which monitors the ampli er output and
reduces the input level to the ampli er should the
ampli er output begin to clip.
The enclosure shall have a rectangular shape
and shall incorporate two side handles, one on each
side, and a top-mounted pole receptacle. The enclo-
sure shall be constructed of multi-ply wood.
The active subwoofer loudspeaker system shall
be the Mackie Designs SWA1801.
Part No. 0003348 Rev A1 6/03