User manual MACKIE C300Z

[. . . ] C300z TWO-WAY LOUDSPEAKER USER'S MANUAL C300z SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS 1. Do not install near any heat sources such as radiators, heat registers, stoves, or other apparatus (including amplifiers) that produce heat. Servicing is required when the apparatus has been damaged in any way, such as liquid has been spilled or objects have fallen into the apparatus, the apparatus has been exposed to rain or moisture, does not operate normally, or has been dropped. The entire sound system must be designed in compliance with the current standards and laws regarding electrical systems. [. . . ] Other types of signals, like highly compressed rock music, have a higher average signal level with fewer peaks. Speech reinforcement requires less power overall, but involves large moment-to-moment variations in level. Assuming you want to use the full capability of the loudspeaker, and the program contains at least some momentary peaks, we recommend that you use an amplifier that is rated at twice the continuous power rating of the loudspeaker (into 8 ohms). For the C300z, this would be 300 watts x 2 = 600 watts per channel into 8 ohms. This insures that the amplifier can reproduce peaks that are 6 dB higher than the continuous (rms) power-handling rating before clipping occurs. Clipping interrupts the motion of the transducer, creating distortion and excessive heat in the driver, which can damage it over time. Some folks think that if they use a power amplifier whose power rating is below the maximum power-handling rating of the loudspeaker, then they can't possibly damage the loudspeaker. But if the amplifier is driven into clipping, even a lower power amplifier can damage the loudspeaker. The bottom line is that to prevent damage to the loudspeakers, you must have a properly operating sound system. Proper operation of a sound system includes being aware of the types of audio signals being reproduced, controlling the output levels accordingly, and operating all the devices in the system so that no clipping occurs within the signal chain. RIGGING The C300z cabinets are fitted with ten rigging points as shown in the diagram on the previous page. M10 threaded eyebolts (M10 x 1. 5 mm x 20 mm) are available to fit in these inserts (PA-A1 Eyebolts). WARNING: Never attempt to suspend the C300z loudspeakers by their handles. Consult a professional rigger or structural engineer prior to suspending loudspeakers from a structure not intended for that use. Always know the working load limit of the structure supporting the loudspeaker array. Always make sure that the rigging hardware minimum rating is at least five times the actual load. 7 Preventing Loudspeaker Damage Speaking of clipping, this is likely the number one cause of damage to loudspeakers. Clipping occurs when the signal at the output of any device in the system (not just the amplifier) reaches its maximum level. The input signal to the device may continue to increase, but the output simply SERVICE INFO Warranty Service Details concerning Warranty Service are spelled out on page 11 of this manual. If you think your loudspeaker has a problem, please do everything you can to confirm it before calling for service, including reading through the following Troubleshooting section. Doing so might save you from being deprived of your Mackie loudspeaker. Of all Mackie products returned for service (which is hardly any at all), many are coded "CND" -- Could Not Duplicate, which usually means the problem lay somewhere else in the system. These may sound obvious to you, but here are some things you can check: Bad sound! · Is it loud and distorted?Follow the procedures described in the "Quick Start" section to verify that the levels are set properly. It's a good idea to periodically clean all electrical connections with a non-lubricating electrical contact cleaner. [. . . ] Ship the product in its original shipping carton, freight prepaid to the authorized service center. The address of your closest authorized service center will be given to you by Technical Support. IMPORTANT: Make sure that the Service Request Number is plainly written on the shipping carton. 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. [. . . ]