FUSSION 1800SA & 1800S

ACTIVE SOUND
REINFORCEMENT
SUBWOOFER SYSTEM
USER’S MANUAL
 7. Heat — This Mackie product should be situated away from heat
sources such as radiators, or other devices which produce heat.
CAUTION AVIS
RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK WARNING: The heatsink may reach high temperatures during
DO NOT OPEN standard use. To ensure proper operation, allow a minimum of 6
RISQUE DE CHOC ELECTRIQUE inches of clearance from the heatsink surface and adequate
NE PAS OUVRIR ventilation.
CAUTION: TO REDUCE THE RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK
DO NOT REMOVE COVER (OR BACK) 8. Power Sources — This Mackie product should be connected to a
NO USER-SERVICEABLE PARTS INSIDE power supply only of the type described in these operation
REFER SERVICING TO QUALIFIED PERSONNEL
instructions or as marked on this Mackie product.
ATTENTION: POUR EVITER LES RISQUES DE CHOC
ELECTRIQUE, NE PAS ENLEVER LE COUVERCLE. AUCUN
ENTRETIEN DE PIECES INTERIEURES PAR L'USAGER. CONFIER
9. Power Cord Protection — Power supply cords should be routed
L'ENTRETIEN AU PERSONNEL QUALIFIE. so that they are not likely to be walked upon or pinched by items
AVIS: POUR EVITER LES RISQUES D'INCENDIE OU placed upon or against them, paying particular attention to cords at
D'ELECTROCUTION, N'EXPOSEZ PAS CET ARTICLE
A LA PLUIE OU A L'HUMIDITE plugs, convenience receptacles, and the point where they exit this
Mackie product.
The lightning flash with arrowhead symbol within an equilateral
triangle is intended to alert the user to the presence of uninsulated 10. Object and Liquid Entry — Care should be taken so that
"dangerous voltage" within the product's enclosure that may be
of sufficient magnitude to constitute a risk of electric shock to persons.
objects do not fall into and liquids are not spilled into this Mackie
Le symbole éclair avec point de flèche à l'intérieur d'un triangle product.
équilatéral est utilisé pour alerter l'utilisateur de la présence à
l'intérieur du coffret de "voltage dangereux" non isolé d'ampleur 11. Damage Requiring Service — This Mackie product should be
suffisante pour constituer un risque d'éléctrocution.
serviced only by qualified service personnel when:
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.
A. The power-supply cord or the plug has been
Le point d'exclamation à l'intérieur d'un triangle équilatéral est damaged; or
employé pour alerter les utilisateurs de la présence d'instructions
importantes pour le fonctionnement et l'entretien (service) dans le B. Objects have fallen, or liquid has spilled into this
livret d'instruction accompagnant l'appareil.
Mackie product; or
SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS C. This Mackie product has been exposed to rain; or
1. Read Instructions — All the safety and operation instructions D. This Mackie product does not appear to operate
should be read before this Mackie product is operated. normally or exhibits a marked change in performance;
2. Retain Instructions — The safety and operating instructions or
should be kept for future reference. E. This Mackie product has been dropped, or its chassis
3. Heed Warnings — All warnings on this Mackie product and in damaged.
these operating instructions should be followed. 12. Servicing — The user should not attempt to service this
4. Follow Instructions — All operating and other instructions Mackie product beyond those means described in this operating
should be followed. manual. All other servicing should be referred to the Mackie Service
Department.
5. Water and Moisture — This Mackie product should not be used
near water – for example, near a bathtub, washbowl, kitchen sink, 13. To prevent electric shock, do not use this polarized plug with an
laundry tub, in a wet basement, near a swimming pool, swamp or extension cord, receptacle or other outlet unless the blades can be
salivating St. Bernard dog, etc. fully inserted to prevent blade exposure.

6. Ventilation — This Mackie product should be situated so Pour préevenir les chocs électriques ne pas utiliser cette fiche
that its location or position does not interfere with its proper polariseé avec un prolongateur, un prise de courant ou une autre
ventilation. For example, the Component should not be situated sortie de courant, sauf si les lames peuvent être insérées à fond
on a bed, sofa, rug, or similar surface that may block any sans laisser aucune pariie à découvert.
ventilation openings, or placed in a built-in installation such as a 14. Grounding or Polarization — Precautions should be taken so
bookcase or cabinet that may impede the flow of air through that the grounding or polarization means of this Mackie product is
ventilation openings. not defeated.
15. This apparatus does not exceed the Class A/Class B (whichever
is applicable) limits for radio noise emissions from digital apparatus
as set out in the radio interference regulations of the Canadian
PORTABLE CART WARNING Department of Communications.
Carts and stands - The ATTENTION —Le présent appareil numérique n’émet pas de bruits
Component should be used radioélectriques dépassant las limites applicables aux appareils
only with a cart or stand
that is recommended by
numériques de class A/de class B (selon le cas) prescrites dans le
the manufacturer. règlement sur le brouillage radioélectrique édicté par les ministere
A Component and cart des communications du Canada.
combination should be
moved with care. Quick
stops, excessive force, and WARNING — To reduce the risk of fire or
uneven surfaces may cause
the Component and cart electric shock, do not expose this appliance to
combination to overturn. rain or moisture.
 Lend Me Your Ears
Exposure to extremely According to OSHA, any exposure in
high noise levels may excess of these permissible limits could
cause permanent hear- result in some hearing loss. To ensure
ing loss. Individuals vary against potentially dangerous exposure to
considerably in susceptibility to noise-in- high sound-pressure levels, it is recommend-
duced hearing loss, but nearly everyone will ed that all persons exposed to equipment
lose some hearing if exposed to sufficiently capable of producing these levels use hearing
intense noise for a period of time. The U.S. protectors while this unit is in operation.
Government’s Occupational Safety and Ear plugs or protectors in the ear canals or
Health Administration (OSHA) has speci- over the ears must be worn when operating
fied the permissible noise level exposures this amplification system in order to prevent
shown in this chart. 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 The Fussion
1.5 102 1800SA and 1800S
1 105 Patrice screaming at Ron about deadlines can produce a
0.5 110 peak SPL of
0.25 or less 115 Loudest parts at a rock concert 139 dB @ 1m

CONTENTS
SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS .......................................... 2 CONNECTIONS ........................................................ 6
INTRODUCTION ....................................................... 4 PLACEMENT ............................................................ 7
REAR PANEL DESCRIPTION .................................... 5 RIGGING .................................................................. 8
AC Receptacle ............................................ 5 AC POWER .............................................................. 8
FUSE ........................................................... 5 SERVICE INFORMATION .......................................... 9
POWER Switch ............................................ 5 Warranty Service ............................................... 9
POWER Indicator ......................................... 5 Troubleshooting ................................................. 9
MAIN INPUT ............................................... 5 Repair ............................................................. 10
LOOP OUT .................................................. 5 CARE AND MAINTENANCE .................................... 10
POWER OUT ............................................... 5 FUSSION 1800SA/1800S SPECIFICATIONS .......... 11

Don’t forget to visit our website at www.mackie.com

for more information about this and other Mackie products.

©2000 Mackie Designs Inc. All Rights Reserved. Printed in Italy. 3

Rev. B
INTRODUCTION
Thank you for choosing Mackie Designs’ cabinet is that the FUSSION 1800SA func-
active sound reinforcement speaker systems. tions as a system, optimizing acoustic,
The FUSSION 1800SA and 1800S is an electronic, and mechanical designs to achieve
extreme output active subwoofer system. the highest level of performance and value.
Designed to live on the road, this subwoofer Size was a paramount design objective
system is a double 18˝ design broken down during the development of the FUSSION
into two individual enclosures that make 1800SA and 1800S. Double 18˝ subwoofer
load-in and load-out quick and easy. It in- bins are typically very heavy, bulky, and dif-
corporates a 2500 watt high-efficiency ficult to handle. We spent over a year
amplifier system and two front-loaded, speaking with regional touring companies
high-precision 18˝ woofers mounted within and gaining valuable insight from their ex-
each cabinet. Connection and setup is a periences and suggestions. The result is an
breeze. Just connect the SUB OUT line- extremely compact system that is easy to
level signal from a Fussion Series full-range transport and set up.
active speaker, plug in the power cord, and
you’re ready to go. High-Efficiency, High-Current Design
The FUSSION 1800SA accepts a line- The FUSSION 1800SA is the first
level signal via a female XLR input jack. All subwoofer system to incorporate a passively
Fussion Series full-range active speaker sys- cooled, high-efficiency, high-current design
tems include a SUB OUT signal via a male into an enclosure. The physical design is
XLR that connects to the subwoofer system based on an amp-module philosophy that
quickly and easily. The FUSSION 1800SA facilitates easy field service and repair. Re-
is specifically designed to work with the production of transients was the key goal
FUSSION 1800S. Power for the passive when designing the amplifier, and to ac-
1800S is provided by the 1800SA via a complish this we used an exorbitant
Neutrik™ female Speakon connector lo- quantity of high-voltage capacitors in the
cated on the rear panel. power supply to store the necessary energy.
Because the amplifier is located just The result is a compact system that delivers
inches away from the driver within its own concert-level, high-quality performance
protected enclosure, the amplifier enjoys without the need of external amplification
several benefits. It sees a non-reactive load and processing.
with a constant impedance, which substan- The FUSSION 3000 can run on 115VAC
tially improves performance. It also sits on a or 230VAC and features soft-start circuitry
mammoth heatsink that eliminates the that eliminates “pops” and precisely con-
need for fans, dramatically extending life trols in-rush surges. The cabinet is
expectancy, and eliminating maintenance constructed of 13-ply, 18mm thick baltic
cycles. A tremendous benefit of having the birch wood and is coated with high impact,
amplifier located within the subwoofer black textured paint.

4
 REAR PANEL DESCRIPTION
AC Receptacle POWER Switch
This is where you connect the AC line- Switch up to turn the FUSSION 1800SA
cord to provide AC power to the FUSSION on, and switch down to turn it off. Make
1800SA’s built-in power amplifiers. Plug sure the signal source’s level control is
the linecord into an AC socket properly turned down before you turn it on.
configured for your particular model.
The FUSSION 1800SA is shipped with a POWER Indicator
connector that mates with the AC recep- When the POWER switch is turned on,
tacle on the rear panel. Use heavy gauge and the linecord is connected to an active
wire for the linecord to avoid power losses AC Mains supply, this indicator lights green
across the wire. (See page 8 for more info.) to let you know that you’re ready to rock
The bar A on the rear panel is there to and roll.
secure the linecord and prevent it from acci-
dentally getting pulled loose from the AC MAIN INPUT
receptacle. Wrap the linecord through the This is a female XLR-type connector that
bar and tie it in a knot to secure it. accepts a balanced line-level SUB OUT signal
Note: You can change the AC voltage from a Fussion Series full-range active
configuration from 115V to 230V (or vice speaker system.
versa) internally by reconfiguring the trans-
former primary wiring on the power supply LOOP OUT
board. Contact Mackie Technical Support This is a male XLR-type connector that
for instructions (1-800-258-6883). produces exactly the same signal that is
FUSE connected to the MAIN INPUT jack. Use it to
daisy-chain several FUSSION 1800SAs to-
Always replace the fuse with the type in- gether off the same signal source.
dicated on the rear panel. Never replace the
fuse with one of a higher value than indi- POWER OUT
cated on the rear panel. This is a female Neutrik™ Speakon con-
WARNING: Make sure nector that produces a speaker-level signal
you use the correct fuse between the frequencies of 35Hz to 85Hz.
relative to the AC operat- Connect this to the FUSSION 1800S pas-
ing voltage. sive subwoofer. The signal at this connector
115VAC=16A Slow-Blow comes from a 2000W amplifier identical to
230VAC=10A Slow-Blow the one powering the FUSSION 1800SA.

CAUTION WARNING: THIS SURFACE MAY REACH HIGH TEMPERATURE DURING

STANDARD USE. TO ENSURE PROPER OPERATION ALLOW A MINIMUM OF 6 INS.
OF CLEARANCE FROM THIS SURFACE AND ADEQUATE VENTILATION. TO REDUCE
NEMA LS-20 20A-115VAC RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK
THE RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK DO NOT REMOVE THIS PANEL OR ANY ATTACHED
COMPONENT. NO OPERATOR SERVICEABLE PARTS INSIDE. REFER SERVICING TO
DO NOT OPEN QUALIFIED PERSONNEL. TO REDUCE THE RISK OF FIRE OR ELECTRIC SHOCK, DO NOT
POWER EXPOSE THIS APPLIANCE TO RAIN OR MOISTURE. POWER OUT MAIN INPUT POWER
AVIS: RISQUE DE CHOC ELECTRIQUE — NE PAS OUVRIR 35-85Hz
REPLACE WITH THE SAME TYPE FUSE AND RATING. UTILISE UN FUSIBLE DE RECHANGE DE MÊME TYPE.
DISCONNECT SUPPLY CORD BEFORE CHANGING FUSE DEBRANCHER AVANT DE REMPLACER LE FUSIBLE
SERIAL NUMBER MANUFACTURING DATE 10A - 230 VAC

ON
PARALLEL

LOOP OUT

OFF

FUSSION 1800SA MIN. 8

FUSE
16A / SB
FUSE A
CONCEIVED, DESIGNED, AND MANUFACTURED BY MACKIE DESIGNS INC, WOODINVILLE, WA, USA
AND MACKIE EUROPE • MANUFACTURED IN ITALY • COPYRIGHT ©1998 •
THE FOLLOWING ARE TRADEMARKS OR REGISTERED TRADEMARKS OF MACKIE DESIGNS INC.: FS
™
FUSE
10A / SB
FUSE
"MACKIE", AND THE "RUNNING MAN" FIGURE • PATENT PENDING

115VAC Version 230VAC Version

5
CONNECTIONS
The FUSSION 1800SA has a female The LOOP OUT connector allows you to
XLR input that accepts a balanced line-level connect more than one FUSSION 1800SA
signal. When connecting a balanced signal, to the SUB OUT connector from your
be sure it’s wired per AES (Audio Engi- FUSSION full-range active speaker system.
neering Society) standards: Simply plug the SUB OUT into the first
XLR MAIN INPUT jack, and patch that speaker’s
Hot (+) Pin 2 LOOP OUT jack to the next MAIN INPUT
Cold (–) Pin 3 jack, and so on, daisy-chaining multiple
Shield (Ground) Pin 1 speakers.
The LOOP OUT jack is wired straight
There is also a male XLR connector la- from the MAIN IN connector — there is no
beled LOOP OUT. This is also wired electronic circuitry between — so the signal
according to the above AES standard. coming out of the LOOP OUT jack is exactly
the same as the signal going in.
The POWER OUT connector delivers a
speaker-level signal to the FUSSION 1800S
cabinet. Use 4-pin Neutrik™ Speakon con-
nectors on heavy-gauge speaker wire. The
connector is wired as follows:
Neutrik
Hot (+) Pins 3 and 4
Cold (–) Pins 1 and 2

POWER OUT
35-85Hz

Balanced XLR Connectors 4 1

+ –
3 2

MIN. 8

FUSSION 3000 FUSSION 3000

CAUTION WARNING: THIS SURFACE MAY REACH HIGH TEMPERATURE DURING PARALLEL CAUTION WARNING: THIS SURFACE MAY REACH HIGH TEMPERATURE DURING PARALLEL
STANDARD USE. TO ENSURE PROPER OPERATION ALLOW A MINIMUM OF 6 INS. STANDARD USE. TO ENSURE PROPER OPERATION ALLOW A MINIMUM OF 6 INS.
OF CLEARANCE FROM THIS SURFACE AND ADEQUATE VENTILATION. TO REDUCE OF CLEARANCE FROM THIS SURFACE AND ADEQUATE VENTILATION. TO REDUCE
THE RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK DO NOT REMOVE THIS PANEL OR ANY ATTACHED THE RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK DO NOT REMOVE THIS PANEL OR ANY ATTACHED
RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK
FUSE ON DO NOT OPEN
COMPONENT. NO OPERATOR SERVICEABLE PARTS INSIDE. REFER SERVICING TO
QUALIFIED PERSONNEL. TO REDUCE THE RISK OF FIRE OR ELECTRIC SHOCK, DO NOT
LOOP OUT MAIN INPUT FUSE ON DO NOT OPEN
COMPONENT. NO OPERATOR SERVICEABLE PARTS INSIDE. REFER SERVICING TO
QUALIFIED PERSONNEL. TO REDUCE THE RISK OF FIRE OR ELECTRIC SHOCK, DO NOT
LOOP OUT MAIN INPUT
16A / SB EXPOSE THIS APPLIANCE TO RAIN OR MOISTURE. 16A / SB EXPOSE THIS APPLIANCE TO RAIN OR MOISTURE.
AVIS: RISQUE DE CHOC ELECTRIQUE — NE PAS OUVRIR HIGH PASS AVIS: RISQUE DE CHOC ELECTRIQUE — NE PAS OUVRIR HIGH PASS
REPLACE WITH THE SAME TYPE FUSE AND RATING. UTILISE UN FUSIBLE DE RECHANGE DE MÊME TYPE. 85Hz - 20kHz REPLACE WITH THE SAME TYPE FUSE AND RATING. UTILISE UN FUSIBLE DE RECHANGE DE MÊME TYPE. 85Hz - 20kHz
DISCONNECT SUPPLY CORD BEFORE CHANGING FUSE DEBRANCHER AVANT DE REMPLACER LE FUSIBLE DISCONNECT SUPPLY CORD BEFORE CHANGING FUSE DEBRANCHER AVANT DE REMPLACER LE FUSIBLE
FUSE FUSE
SERIAL NUMBER MANUFACTURING DATE SERIAL NUMBER MANUFACTURING DATE
FULL RANGE FULL RANGE
55Hz - 20kHz 55Hz - 20kHz

NEMA LS-20 20A-115VAC NEMA LS-20 20A-115VAC

CONCEIVED, DESIGNED, AND MANUFACTURED BY MACKIE DESIGNS INC, WOODINVILLE, WA, USA POWER (GREEN) PIN 1- GND / PIN 2- POS (+) / CONCEIVED, DESIGNED, AND MANUFACTURED BY MACKIE DESIGNS INC, WOODINVILLE, WA, USA POWER (GREEN) PIN 1- GND / PIN 2- POS (+) /
AND MACKIE EUROPE • MANUFACTURED IN ITALY • COPYRIGHT ©1998 • AND MACKIE EUROPE • MANUFACTURED IN ITALY • COPYRIGHT ©1998 •
THE FOLLOWING ARE TRADEMARKS OR REGISTERED TRADEMARKS OF MACKIE DESIGNS INC.:
PROTECT (RED) PIN 3- NEG (-) THE FOLLOWING ARE TRADEMARKS OR REGISTERED TRADEMARKS OF MACKIE DESIGNS INC.:
PROTECT (RED) PIN 3- NEG (-)
"MACKIE", AND THE "RUNNING MAN" FIGURE • PATENT PENDING "MACKIE", AND THE "RUNNING MAN" FIGURE • PATENT PENDING

FILL OUT OUTPUT SUB-OUT FILL OUT OUTPUT SUB-OUT

85Hz - 20kHz LEVEL 20Hz - 85Hz 85Hz - 20kHz LEVEL 20Hz - 85Hz

FUSSION 3000 FUSSION 3000

FS
™
FS
0 10 ™ 0 10

PHASE PHASE

0˚ 180˚ 0˚ 180˚

FUSSION 1800SA FUSSION 1800SA

CAUTION WARNING: THIS SURFACE MAY REACH HIGH TEMPERATURE DURING CAUTION WARNING: THIS SURFACE MAY REACH HIGH TEMPERATURE DURING
STANDARD USE. TO ENSURE PROPER OPERATION ALLOW A MINIMUM OF 6 INS. STANDARD USE. TO ENSURE PROPER OPERATION ALLOW A MINIMUM OF 6 INS.
OF CLEARANCE FROM THIS SURFACE AND ADEQUATE VENTILATION. TO REDUCE OF CLEARANCE FROM THIS SURFACE AND ADEQUATE VENTILATION. TO REDUCE
NEMA LS-20 20A-115VAC RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK
THE RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK DO NOT REMOVE THIS PANEL OR ANY ATTACHED NEMA LS-20 20A-115VAC RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK
THE RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK DO NOT REMOVE THIS PANEL OR ANY ATTACHED
COMPONENT. NO OPERATOR SERVICEABLE PARTS INSIDE. REFER SERVICING TO COMPONENT. NO OPERATOR SERVICEABLE PARTS INSIDE. REFER SERVICING TO
DO NOT OPEN QUALIFIED PERSONNEL. TO REDUCE THE RISK OF FIRE OR ELECTRIC SHOCK, DO NOT DO NOT OPEN QUALIFIED PERSONNEL. TO REDUCE THE RISK OF FIRE OR ELECTRIC SHOCK, DO NOT
POWER EXPOSE THIS APPLIANCE TO RAIN OR MOISTURE. POWER OUT MAIN INPUT POWER EXPOSE THIS APPLIANCE TO RAIN OR MOISTURE. POWER OUT MAIN INPUT
AVIS: RISQUE DE CHOC ELECTRIQUE — NE PAS OUVRIR 35-85Hz AVIS: RISQUE DE CHOC ELECTRIQUE — NE PAS OUVRIR 35-85Hz
REPLACE WITH THE SAME TYPE FUSE AND RATING. UTILISE UN FUSIBLE DE RECHANGE DE MÊME TYPE. REPLACE WITH THE SAME TYPE FUSE AND RATING. UTILISE UN FUSIBLE DE RECHANGE DE MÊME TYPE.
DISCONNECT SUPPLY CORD BEFORE CHANGING FUSE DEBRANCHER AVANT DE REMPLACER LE FUSIBLE DISCONNECT SUPPLY CORD BEFORE CHANGING FUSE DEBRANCHER AVANT DE REMPLACER LE FUSIBLE
SERIAL NUMBER MANUFACTURING DATE SERIAL NUMBER MANUFACTURING DATE

ON ON
PARALLEL

PARALLEL

LOOP OUT LOOP OUT

OFF OFF

FUSSION 1800SA MIN. 8

FUSSION 1800SA MIN. 8

FUSE FUSE FUSE FUSE

16A / SB CONCEIVED, DESIGNED, AND MANUFACTURED BY MACKIE DESIGNS INC, WOODINVILLE, WA, USA ™ 16A / SB CONCEIVED, DESIGNED, AND MANUFACTURED BY MACKIE DESIGNS INC, WOODINVILLE, WA, USA ™
AND MACKIE EUROPE • MANUFACTURED IN ITALY • COPYRIGHT ©1998 •
THE FOLLOWING ARE TRADEMARKS OR REGISTERED TRADEMARKS OF MACKIE DESIGNS INC.:
"MACKIE", AND THE "RUNNING MAN" FIGURE • PATENT PENDING
FS AND MACKIE EUROPE • MANUFACTURED IN ITALY • COPYRIGHT ©1998 •
THE FOLLOWING ARE TRADEMARKS OR REGISTERED TRADEMARKS OF MACKIE DESIGNS INC.:
"MACKIE", AND THE "RUNNING MAN" FIGURE • PATENT PENDING
FS

FUSSION 1800S FUSSION 1800S

MIXER

6
PLACEMENT
The FUSSION 1800SA and 1800S • Position the loudspeakers so the high-
subwoofers are designed to sit on the floor frequency drivers are 2 to 4 feet above ear
or sturdy stands. level for the audience (make allowances
You can stack cabinets vertically. If you for a standing/dancing in the aisles
do, place the FUSSION 1800SA and 1800S audience). High frequencies are highly
on the bottom of the stack, side by side, and directional and tend to be absorbed much
place the full-range active Fussion Series easier than lower frequencies. By provid-
cabinets on top. If you stack two full-range ing direct line-of-sight from the
cabinets, turn the upper cabinet upside down loudspeakers to the audience, you
so the high-frequency driver is closest to the increase the overall brightness and
high-frequency driver in the lower cabinet. intelligibility of the sound system.
• Highly reverberant rooms, like many
As with any powered gymnasiums and auditoriums, are a
components, protect nightmare for sound system intelligibility.
them from moisture. If Multiple reflections off the hard walls,
you are setting them up ceiling, and floor play havoc with the
outdoors, make sure they sound. Depending on the situation, you
are under cover if you may be able to take some steps to mini-
expect rain. mize the reflections, such as putting
carpeting on the floors, closing draperies
Room Acoustics to cover large glass windows, or hanging
The Fussion Series loudspeakers are de- tapestries or other materials on the walls
signed to sound as neutral as possible; that to absorb some of the sound.
is, to reproduce the input signal as accu- However, in most cases, these remedies
rately as possible. are not possible or practical. So what do
Room acoustics play a crucial role in the you do? Making the sound system louder
overall performance of a sound system. generally doesn’t work because the
However, the wide high-frequency disper- reflections become louder, too. The best
sion of the Fussion Series helps to minimize approach is to provide as much direct
the problems that typically arise. sound coverage to the audience as pos-
sible. The farther away you are from the
Here are some other placement tips: speaker, the more prominent will be the
• Avoid placing loudspeakers in the reflected sound.
corners of a room. This increases the Use more speakers strategically placed so
low-frequency output and can cause the they are closer to the back of the audience.
sound to be muddy and indistinct. If the distance between the front and back
• Avoid placing loudspeakers against a wall. speakers is more than about 100 feet, you
This, too, increases the low frequency should use a delay processor to time-align
output, though not as much as corner the sound. (Since sound travels about 1
placement. However, if you do need to foot per millisecond, it takes about 1/10 of
reinforce the low frequencies, this is a a second to travel 100 feet.)
good way to do it.
• Avoid placing the active loudspeakers
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.

7
 RIGGING
The FUSSION 1800SA and 1800S cabi- specified line voltage, the built-in amplifiers
nets are not designed for rigging or flying. will no longer be able to supply rated
The cabinets are for floor-mounting only. power. (They will continue to operate
down to 80% of the rated line voltage, but
WARNING: Never attempt to suspend the won’t reach full power, resulting in lower
FUSSION 1800SA or 1800S loudspeakers headroom.)
by their handles. Under maximum SPL conditions,
where musical peaks are just clipping, the
FUSSION 1800SA has the following cur-
AC POWER rent requirements:

115V 230V
The FUSSION 1800SA is shipped with a Max. Continuous RMS 10A 6A
connector that mates with the AC recep-
Max. Peak 12A 8A
tacle on the rear panel. Use heavy gauge
wire for the linecord to avoid power losses
across the wire. Be sure the electrical service can supply
The following guide should be followed enough amperage for all the components
when wiring a linecord: connected to it.
We recommend that a stiff (robust) sup-
North America International ply of AC power be used because the
115VAC 230VAC amplifiers place high current demands on
Hot Black Blue the AC line. The more power that is avail-
Neutral White Brown able on the line, the louder the speakers will
Earth (Ground) Green w/ Green play and the more peak output power will
yellow stripe be available for cleaner, punchier bass. A
suspected problem of “poor bass perfor-
NEUTRAL
mance” is often caused by a weak AC
WHITE (115V) OR
BROWN (230V) HOT supply to the amplifiers.
BLACK (115V) OR
BLUE (230V)

20A. 250V
Never remove the
20A. 250V

MALE ground pin on the power

NEUTRAL FEMALE cord of the FUSSION
WHITE (115V) OR
GROUND
GREEN BROWN (230V) 1800SA or any other
W/YELLOW GROUND
STRIPE (115V)
or GREEN (230V)
GREEN
W/YELLOW
component. This is very
STRIPE (115V)
or GREEN (230V) dangerous.
HOT
BLACK (115V) OR
BLUE (230V)

AC Power Connectors

Be sure the FUSSION 1800SA is plugged

into an outlet that is able to supply the cor-
rect voltage specified for your model. If the
voltage should drop below 97% of the

8
SERVICE INFORMATION
Warranty Service • Is the POWER/PROTECT LED lit red on
If you think your subwoofer has a prob- the Fussion Series Active Speaker?
lem, please do everything you can to Make sure there is at least six inches of
confirm it before calling for service, includ- free space behind the heatsinks.
ing reading through the following
Troubleshooting section. Doing so might Poor bass performance
save you from being deprived of your • Check the polarity of the connections
Mackie loudspeaker. between the mixer and the loudspeak-
Of all Mackie products returned for ser- ers. You may have your positive and
vice (which is hardly any at all), many are negative connections reversed at one
coded “CND” — Could Not Duplicate— end of one cable, causing one loud-
which usually means the problem lay some- speaker to be out-of-phase.
where else in the system. The following
troubleshooting tips may sound obvious, Poor sound
but here are some things you can check:
• Is it loud and distorted? Make sure that
you’re not overdriving a stage in the
Troubleshooting signal chain. Verify that all level controls
are set properly.
No power • Is the input connector plugged com-
pletely into the jack? Be sure all
• Our favorite question: Is it plugged in?
connections are secure. It’s a good idea
Make sure the AC outlet is live (check
to periodically clean all electrical
with a tester or lamp).
connections with a non-lubricating
• Our next favorite question: Is the POWER electrical contact cleaner.
switch on? If not, try turning it on.
• Is the POWER LED on the rear panel Noise
glowing green? If not, make sure the AC
• Make sure all connections to the active
outlet is live. If so, refer to “No sound”
loudspeakers are good and sound.
below.
• Make sure none of the signal cables are
• Check the AC line fuse to see if it is
routed near AC cables, power trans-
blown. If so, make sure you replace it
formers, or other EMI-inducing devices.
with the same fuse rating as indicated
on the rear panel next to the fuseholder. • Is there a light dimmer or other SCR-
based device on the same AC circuit as
No sound the FUSSION 1800SA? Use an AC line
filter or plug the FUSSION 1800Sa into
• Is the input LEVEL control for the input a different AC circuit.
source turned all the way down? Verify
that all the volume controls in the Hum
system are properly adjusted.
• Try disconnecting the cable connected
• Is the signal source working (and making
to the MAIN INPUT jack. If the noise
union scale)? Make sure the connecting
disappears, it could be a “ground loop,”
cables are in good repair and securely
rather than a problem with the
connected at both ends. Make sure the
FUSSION 1800SA. Try some of the
output volume (gain) control on the
following troubleshooting ideas:
mixing console is turned up sufficiently
to drive the inputs of the speaker. • Use balanced connections throughout
your system for the best noise rejection.
• Make sure the mixer does not have a
Mute on or a Processor loop engaged. If • Whenever possible, plug all the audio
you find something like this, make sure equipment’s linecords into outlets which
the volume/gain is turned down before share a common ground. The distance
disengaging the offending switch. between the outlets and the common
ground should be as short as possible.

9
REPAIR
Service for the FUSSION 1800SA and 8. We’ll try to fix the subwoofer within
1800S is available only from one of our three business days. Ask Tech Support
authorized domestic service stations or at for the latest turnaround times when
the factory service center, located in you call for your RA number.
Whitinsville, Massachusetts. Service out-
side the United States can be obtained
through local dealers or distributors.
If your FUSSION 1800SA or 1800S
needs service, please follow these instruc-
tions:
1. Review the preceding troubleshooting
CARE AND
suggestions. Please. MAINTENANCE
2. Call Tech Support at 1-800-258-6883,
7am to 5pm PST, to explain the problem Your Mackie subwoofers will provide
in detail. They will ask you all sorts of many years of reliable service if you follow
impertinent questions in the hope of these guidelines:
sorting out the problem. If it appears
that the FUSSION 1800 needs repair, Avoid exposing the
request an RA (Return Authorization) subwoofers to moisture.
number. Have your subwoofer’s serial If they are set up out-
number ready. You must have an RA doors, be sure they are
number before you can obtain service at under cover if you expect
the factory or an authorized service rain.
center. • Avoid exposure to extreme cold (below
3. Keep this user’s manual. We don’t need freezing temperatures). If you must
it to repair the subwoofer. operate the subwoofers in a cold envi-
4. Pack the subwoofer in its original ronment, warm up the voice coils
packaging, including protective wrap, slowly by sending a low-level signal
endcaps, box, and pallet. This is very through them for about 15 minutes
important. When you call for the RA prior to high-power operation.
number, please let Tech Support know • Use a slighty damp cloth with a mild
if you need new packaging. Mackie is soap solution to clean the cabinets. Only
not responsible for any damage that do this when the power is turned off.
occurs due to non-factory packaging. Avoid getting moisture into any of the
5. Include a legible note stating your name, openings of the cabinet, particularly
shipping address (no P.O. boxes), where the drivers are located.
daytime phone number, RA number,
and a detailed description of the prob-
lem, including how we can duplicate it.
6. Write the RA number in BIG PRINT
on top of the box.
7. Ship the subwoofer to us via ground
freight. We suggest insurance for all
forms of cartage. Ship to this address:

Mackie Designs
SERVICE DEPARTMENT
One Main Street
Whitinsville, MA 01588

10
FUSSION 1800SA/1800S SPECIFICATIONS
System Specifications Physical Properties
Frequency Range (–10 dB): Enclosure:
38Hz-160Hz 18mm multi-layered birch wood
Frequency Response (–3 dB): Enclosure Geometry:
40Hz-150Hz Rectangular
Maximum SPL (long term): Handles:
136 dB @ 1m (system) 4 each aluminum/rubber grips
Maximum SPL (peak): 139 dB @ 1m (system) Mounting Methods:
Recommended Crossover Point: Floor mount only
85Hz Height: 32.9˝ (836mm)
Width: 23.6˝ (600mm)
Depth: 23.6˝ (600mm)
Transducers Weight:
Low-Frequency Transducers—Two Each 1800SA 145 lbs. (65.8kg)
1800S 106 lbs. (48.1kg)
Cone Diameter: 18˝ (457mm)
Voice Coil Diameter: 4.0˝ (100mm)
Nominal Impedance: 8 ohms
Power Handling: 800W rms (long term)1 23.6" (600mm) 23.6" (600mm)

Power Amplifiers
Low-Frequency Power Amplifier—Two Each

32.9" (836mm)
Rated Power: 2000W continuous @ 4Ω
2500W peak @ 4Ω
Rated THD: < 0.03%

Audio Input/Output
Input Impedance: 20k ohms (F1800SA)
4 ohms (F1800S)
Input Type: Balanced differential FUSSION 1800
Speaker Level Output (1800SA): EP4 female
23.6" (600mm)
Speaker Level Input (1800S): EP4 male
23.6" (600mm)

Line Input Power

TOP
US: 115V, 60Hz
Recommended Amperage Service:
12A recommended
AC Connector: 3-pin Twistlock
250VAC, 20A male
Europe: 230V, 50Hz
Recommended Amperage Service:
8A recommended
AC Connector: 3-pin IEC Disclaimer
250VAC, 16A male
Since we are always striving to make our
In-rush Current Protection: Transistor-based
products better by incorporating new and improved
materials, components, and manufacturing methods,
we reserve the right to change these specifications at
Safety Features any time without notice.
(Provided by FUSSION full-range or mid-high speaker “Mackie,” the “Running Man” figure, and
systems only; no onboard controls in 1800SA) “FUSSION” are trademarks or registered trade-
RMS Limiting: Monitoring and limiting marks of Mackie Designs Inc.
of continuous RMS All other brand names mentioned are trade-
output of amplifiers marks or registered trademarks of their respective
Thermal Protection: Input stage shutdown, holders, and are hereby acknowledged.
auto-reset
©2000 Mackie Designs Inc.
1 Power handling for transducers is based on an AES long term power
All Rights Reserved.
testing standard conducted for 100 hours full power, free air. Printed in Italy.

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