MACKIE SA1530Z
Owner's Manual

Room Acoustics
The SA1530z loudspeakers are designed to sound as neutral as possible; that is, to reproduce the input signal as accurately as possible. Room acoustics play a crucial role in the overall performance of a sound system. Here are some additional placement tips to help overcome some typical room problems that might arise: � Avoid placing loudspeakers in the corners of a room. This increases the low frequency output and can cause the sound to be muddy and indistinct. Avoid placing loudspeakers against a wall. This, too, increases the low frequency output, though not as much as corner placement. However, if you do need to reinforce the low frequencies, this is a good way to do it. Avoid placing the speakers directly on a hollow stage floor. A hollow stage can resonate at certain frequencies, causing peaks and dips in the frequency response of the room. It�s better to place the loudspeakers on a sturdy table or stand designed to handle the weight of the SA1530z. Position the loudspeakers so the high-frequency drivers are 2 to 4 feet above ear level for the audience (make allowances for a standing/dancing in the aisles audience). High frequencies are highly directional and tend to be absorbed much easier than lower frequencies. By providing direct line-of-sight from the loudspeakers to the audience, you increase the overall brightness and intelligibility of the sound system. Highly reverberant rooms, like many gymnasiums and auditoriums, are a nightmare for sound system intelligibility. Multiple reflections off the hard walls, ceiling, and floor play havoc with the sound. Depending on the situation, you may be able to take some steps to minimize the reflections, such as putting carpeting on the floors, closing draperies to cover large glass windows, or hanging tapestries or other materials on the walls to absorb some of the sound. However, in most cases, these remedies are not possible or practical. So what do you do? Making the sound system louder generally doesn�t work because the reflections become louder, too. The best approach is to provide as much direct sound coverage to the audience as possible. The farther away you are from the speaker, the more prominent will be the reflected sound. Use more speakers strategically placed so they are closer to the back of the audience. If the distance between the front and back speakers is more than about 100 feet, you should use a delay processor to time-align the sound. (Since sound travels about 1 foot per millisecond, it takes about 1/10 of a second to travel 100 feet.) 6

THERMAL CONSIDERATIONS
The SA1530z has three powerful built-in amplifiers capable of producing a combined 1300 watts of power. As amplifiers produce heat, it is important to dissipate the heat as quickly as possible. This results in increased reliability and longevity for the amplifier. The amplifier module is mounted on a large heatsink, which is cooled by convection where cool air is drawn through it�s fins, carrying the heat away. In order for this convection cooling to work efficiently, it is important to provide adequate airspace behind the loudspeaker. When you position the SA1530z, we recommend leaving at least six inches of air space behind it. In the unlikely event of the amplifier overheating, a built-in thermal switch will activate, which mutes the signal and lights the THERMAL LED. When the amplifier has cooled down to a safe operating temperature, the thermal switch resets itself, and the SA1530z resumes normal operation. If the thermal switch activates frequently, try turning down the level control a notch or two on the mixing console (or the back of the SA1530z) to avoid overheating the amplifier. If the temperature in the room is too high, it could cause the amplifier to overheat. In this case, you should try aiming a fan at the rear panel to move more air through the heatsink fins.

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AC POWER
Be sure the SA1530z is plugged into an outlet that is able to supply the correct voltage specified for your model. If the voltage should drop below 97% of the specified line voltage, the built-in amplifiers will no longer be able to supply rated power. (They will continue to operate down to 80% of the rated line voltage, but won�t reach full power, resulting in lower headroom.) Be sure the electrical service can supply enough amperage for all the components connected to it. We recommend that a stiff (robust) supply of AC power be used because the amplifiers place high current demands on the AC line. The more power that is available on the line, the louder the speakers will play and the more peak output power will be available for cleaner, punchier bass. A suspected problem of �poor bass performance� is often caused by a weak AC supply to the amplifiers. Never remove the ground pin on the power cord of the SA1530z or any other component. This is very dangerous.

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