SA1521

2-WAY ACTIVE
SPEAKER SYSTEM
USER’S MANUAL
 9. Power Sources — This Mackie product should be connected to a
CAUTION AVIS power supply only of the type described in these operation
RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK instructions or as marked on this Mackie product.
DO NOT OPEN
RISQUE DE CHOC ELECTRIQUE
10. Power Cord Protection — Power supply cords should be routed
NE PAS OUVRIR so that they are not likely to be walked upon or pinched by items
CAUTION: TO REDUCE THE RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK
placed upon or against them, paying particular attention to cords at
DO NOT REMOVE COVER (OR BACK) plugs, convenience receptacles, and the point where they exit this
NO USER-SERVICEABLE PARTS INSIDE
REFER SERVICING TO QUALIFIED PERSONNEL
Mackie product.
ATTENTION: POUR EVITER LES RISQUES DE CHOC
ELECTRIQUE, NE PAS ENLEVER LE COUVERCLE. AUCUN 11. Object and Liquid Entry — Care should be taken so that objects
ENTRETIEN DE PIECES INTERIEURES PAR L'USAGER. CONFIER do not fall into and liquids are not spilled into this Mackie product.
L'ENTRETIEN AU PERSONNEL QUALIFIE.
AVIS: POUR EVITER LES RISQUES D'INCENDIE OU
D'ELECTROCUTION, N'EXPOSEZ PAS CET ARTICLE 12. Damage Requiring Service — This Mackie product should be
A LA PLUIE OU A L'HUMIDITE serviced only by qualified service personnel when:
The lightning flash with arrowhead symbol within an equilateral A. The power-supply cord or the plug has been
triangle is intended to alert the user to the presence of uninsulated
"dangerous voltage" within the product's enclosure that may be damaged; or
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 B. Objects have fallen, or liquid has spilled into this
équilatéral est utilisé pour alerter l'utilisateur de la présence à
l'intérieur du coffret de "voltage dangereux" non isolé d'ampleur Mackie product; or
suffisante pour constituer un risque d'éléctrocution.
The exclamation point within an equilateral triangle is intended to C. This Mackie product has been exposed to rain; or
alert the user of the presence of important operating and maintenance
(servicing) instructions in the literature accompanying the appliance. D. This Mackie product does not appear to operate
Le point d'exclamation à l'intérieur d'un triangle équilatéral est
employé pour alerter les utilisateurs de la présence d'instructions normally or exhibits a marked change in performance;
importantes pour le fonctionnement et l'entretien (service) dans le
livret d'instruction accompagnant l'appareil.
or
E. This Mackie product has been dropped, or its chassis
SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS damaged.
1. Read Instructions — All the safety and operation instructions
13. Servicing — The user should not attempt to service this Mackie
should be read before this Mackie product is operated.
product beyond those means described in this operating manual. All
2. Retain Instructions — The safety and operating instructions other servicing should be referred to the Mackie Service Department.
should be kept for future reference.
14. To prevent electric shock, do not use this polarized plug with an
3. Heed Warnings — All warnings on this Mackie product and in extension cord, receptacle, or other outlet unless the blades can be
these operating instructions should be followed. fully inserted to prevent blade exposure.
4. Follow Instructions — All operating and other instructions Pour prévenir les chocs électriques ne pas utiliser cette fiche
should be followed. polariseé avec un prolongateur, un prise de courant ou une autre
sortie de courant, sauf si les lames peuvent être insérées à fond
5. Water and Moisture — This Mackie product should not be used sans laisser aucune pariie à découvert.
near water – for example, near a bathtub, washbowl, kitchen sink,
laundry tub, in a wet basement, near a swimming pool, swamp, or 15. Grounding or Polarization — Precautions should be taken so
salivating St. Bernard dog, etc. that the grounding or polarization means of this Mackie product is
not defeated.
6. Cleaning — Clean only with a dry cloth.
16. Power Precaution — Unplug this Mackie product during
7. Ventilation — This Mackie product should be situated so that its lightning storms or when unused for long periods of time. Note that
location or position does not interfere with its proper ventilation. For this Mackie product is not completely disconnected from the AC
example, the Component should not be situated on a bed, sofa, mains when the power switch is in the OFF position.
rug, or similar surface that may block any ventilation openings, or
placed in a built-in installation such as a bookcase or cabinet that 17. This apparatus does not exceed the Class A/Class B (whichever
may impede the flow of air through ventilation openings. is applicable) limits for radio noise emissions from digital apparatus
as set out in the radio interference regulations of the Canadian
8. Heat — This Mackie product should be situated away from heat Department of Communications.
sources such as radiators or other devices which produce heat.
ATTENTION —Le présent appareil numérique n’émet pas de
WARNING: The heatsink may reach high temperatures during bruits radioélectriques dépassant las limites applicables aux
standard use. To ensure proper operation, allow a minimum of 6 appareils numériques de class A/de class B (selon le cas) prescrites
inches of clearance from the heatsink surface and adequate dans le règlement sur le brouillage radioélectrique édicté par les
ventilation. ministere des communications du Canada.
PORTABLE CART WARNING
WARNING — To reduce the risk of fire or
Carts and stands - The
Component should be used
electric shock, do not expose this appliance to
only with a cart or stand rain or moisture.
that is recommended by
the manufacturer.
A Component and cart
combination should be
moved with care. Quick
WARNING — The cabinet has no rigging
stops, excessive force, and points and is not suitable for flying. Never
uneven surfaces may cause
the Component and cart attempt to suspend the cabinet by its handles.
combination to overturn.

2
 Lend Me Your Ears According to OSHA, any exposure in ex-
Exposure to extremely cess of these permissible limits could result
high noise levels may cause in some hearing loss. To ensure against po-
permanent hearing loss. In- tentially dangerous exposure to high
dividuals vary considerably sound-pressure levels, it is recommended
in susceptibility to noise- that all persons exposed to equipment ca-
induced hearing loss, but nearly everyone pable of producing these levels use hearing
will lose some hearing if exposed to suffi- protectors while this unit is in operation.
ciently intense noise for a period of time. Ear plugs or protectors in the ear canals or
The U.S. Government’s Occupational over the ears must be worn when operating
Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) this amplification system in order to pre-
has specified the permissible noise level ex- vent a permanent hearing loss if exposure is
posures shown in this chart. 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 SA1521
1.5 102
1 105 Patrice screaming at Ron about deadlines can produce a
0.5 110 maximum SPL of
0.25 or less 115 Loudest parts at a rock concert 133 dB @ 1m

Contents
SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS .............................................................................................................2
INTRODUCTION ...........................................................................................................................4
REAR PANEL DESCRIPTION ........................................................................................................4
HOOKUP DIAGRAM .....................................................................................................................5
CONNECTIONS ............................................................................................................................5
PLACEMENT.................................................................................................................................6
AC POWER ...................................................................................................................................6
THERMAL CONSIDERATIONS .....................................................................................................6
SERVICE INFORMATION .............................................................................................................7
Warranty Service ....................................................................................................... 7
Troubleshooting .......................................................................................................... 7
Repair ....................................................................................................................... 8
CARE AND MAINTENANCE .........................................................................................................8
SA1521 SPECIFICATIONS ...........................................................................................................9
Architects and Engineers’ Specifications ..................................................................... 10
FREQUENCY RESPONSE GRAPH ..............................................................................................10
SA1521 LIMITED WARRANTY ...................................................................................................11

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

for more information about this and other Mackie products.

Part No. 820-262-00 Rev. B 03/02

© 2002 Mackie Designs Inc. All Rights Reserved.

3
INTRODUCTION
Thank you for choosing Mackie Designs’ 100 Hz. It’s quite capable of dealing with
active sound reinforcement speaker systems. the high phase shift characteristics of large
The SA1521 is a high-efficiency, extreme diameter woofers.
output, active two-way, wide dispersion, More importantly, the amplifier incorpo-
sound reinforcement speaker system. The rates the high-voltage output required to
SA1521 benefits from the integration of generate extreme SPL levels. The SA1521
500 watts of amplifier power, complete ac- also features a low-distortion, high-output
tive control electronics, horn design. This was
and RCF Precision developed to provide the
components. These correct power response
elements together and phase alignment
form a speaker system MAIN INPUT
characteristics at the
with 100 dB of sensitiv- crossover frequency. Ultra- 0dB
POWER

SIGNAL

SA1521

PARALLEL
ity (@ 1 watt/1 meter). LOOP OUT wide, controlled dispersion -15 +5 LIMIT
ACTIVE SOUND REINFORCEMENT
The result is unprec- performance continues to
SPEAKER SYSTEM
CONCEIVED AND DESIGNED BY MACKIE DESIGNS INC, WOODINVILLE, WA, USA
THERMAL

AND MACKIE EUROPE • MANUFACTURED IN ITALY • COPYRIGHT ©2001 •

edented output, be one of Mackie Designs’

THE FOLLOWING ARE TRADEMARKS OR REGISTERED TRADEMARKS OF MACKIE DESIGNS INC.:
"MACKIE", AND THE "RUNNING MAN" FIGURE • PATENT PENDING

resolution and clarity. most important engineer-

The components ing goals for sound ON

inside the SA1521 CAUTION reinforcement enclosures.

RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK
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
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

incorporate several With the resulting 75º x

QUALIFIED PERSONNEL. TO REDUCE THE RISK OF FIRE OR ELECTRIC SHOCK, DO NOT
EXPOSE THIS APPLIANCE TO RAIN OR MOISTURE.
AVIS: RISQUE DE CHOC ELECTRIQUE — NE PAS OUVRIR
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

state of the art ad- 65º dispersion pattern, the

SERIAL NUMBER MANUFACTURING DATE

vancements in SA1521 provides very

transducer technology. open, natural sound
These advancements reproduction at extreme
have been in develop- output levels.
ment for over two The rear mounted am-
years. The compression driver is a new plifier assembly features separate signal and
1.75-inch titanium diaphragm design. It AC power panels separated by a large alumi-
features a 3-slot, low-distortion geometry num heatsink. The signal input panel contains:
phase plug. The amplifier for the compres- • an input XLR and loop through XLR
sion driver incorporates a Class AB topology • a volume level control
renowned for its clarity and warmth. • Power On indicator
The low-frequency amplifier features an • Signal Present indicator
innovative Class G hybrid topology. By • Limit indicator
incorporating a high-frequency switcher • Thermal protection indicator
into the amplifier power supply design and The system accepts a standard line-level
focusing the design effort into generating signal via an XLR input connector.
the best possible “application-specific” The SA1521 cabinet is constructed using
amplifier design, we arrived at a high- both multi-layered plywood and pressure-
efficiency amplifier that delivers 400 watts injected structural resin caps. The top and
rms (continuous), and 600 watts peak at bottom sections both have handles for easy
movement and relocation.

REAR PANEL DESCRIPTION

MAIN INPUT Level Control
This is a female XLR-type connector that This controls the overall signal level at the
accepts a balanced line-level signal from a input to the built-in power amplifiers. This
mixing console or other signal source. control ranges from –15 dB to +5 dB of
gain. The center detent is 0 dB (unity gain).
LOOP OUT
This is a male XLR-type connector that Power ON Indicator
produces exactly the same signal that is When the power switch is turned on,
connected to the MAIN INPUT jack. Use it and the linecord is connected to an active
to daisy-chain several SA1521s together off AC power supply, this indicator lights green
the same signal source. to let you know that you’re ready to rock
4
 and roll. The cool blue LED on the front of THERMAL Indicator
the cabinet works in the same way. There is also a thermal protection circuit
that monitors the internal temperature of
SIGNAL Present Indicator the amplifiers and heatsink. If the tempera-
This LED illuminates whenever there is ture should exceed a safe operating level,
a signal present at the MAIN INPUT connec- this indicator lights and the signal is muted
tor on the rear panel. It senses the signal to allow the amplifiers to cool. When the
just after the Level control, so if the Level temperature cools to a safe level once again,
control is turned down, the SIGNAL Present the thermal protection circuit deactivates
indicator turns off. and normal operation continues.
Note: Activation of the thermal protection
LIMIT Indicator circuit is an indication that you should take
The SA1521 has a built-in limiter that steps to avoid continued thermal problems.
prevents the amplifier outputs from clip- See “Thermal Considerations” on page 6.
ping or overdriving the transducers. The
LIMIT indicator lights when the limiter is Power Switch
activated. It’s okay for the LIMIT indicator Use this switch to turn the SA1521 on
to blink occasionally, but if it blinks fre- and off. Make sure the level control is
quently or lights continuously, turn down turned down before you turn it on.
the level control until the LIMIT indicator
only blinks occasionally. AC Receptacle
This is where you connect the AC linecord
to provide AC power for the built-in power am-
plifiers. Plug the linecord into an AC socket
properly configured for your particular model.
HOOKUP DIAGRAM
DAISY-CHAINING MULTIPLE SA1521s

To Next MAIN INPUT MAIN INPUT MAIN INPUT MAIN INPUT

To Next
Speaker SA1521
0dB
POWER

SIGNAL

SA1521
0dB
POWER

SIGNAL

SA1521
0dB
POWER

SIGNAL

SA1521
0dB
POWER

SIGNAL
Speaker
PARALLEL

PARALLEL

PARALLEL

PARALLEL
LOOP OUT LOOP OUT LOOP OUT LOOP OUT
-15 +5 LIMIT -15 +5 LIMIT -15 +5 LIMIT -15 +5 LIMIT
ACTIVE SOUND REINFORCEMENT ACTIVE SOUND REINFORCEMENT ACTIVE SOUND REINFORCEMENT ACTIVE SOUND REINFORCEMENT
SPEAKER SYSTEM THERMAL SPEAKER SYSTEM THERMAL SPEAKER SYSTEM THERMAL SPEAKER SYSTEM THERMAL
CONCEIVED AND DESIGNED BY MACKIE DESIGNS INC, WOODINVILLE, WA, USA CONCEIVED AND DESIGNED BY MACKIE DESIGNS INC, WOODINVILLE, WA, USA CONCEIVED AND DESIGNED BY MACKIE DESIGNS INC, WOODINVILLE, WA, USA CONCEIVED AND DESIGNED BY MACKIE DESIGNS INC, WOODINVILLE, WA, USA
AND MACKIE EUROPE • MANUFACTURED IN ITALY • COPYRIGHT ©2001 • AND MACKIE EUROPE • MANUFACTURED IN ITALY • COPYRIGHT ©2001 • AND MACKIE EUROPE • MANUFACTURED IN ITALY • COPYRIGHT ©2001 • AND MACKIE EUROPE • MANUFACTURED IN ITALY • COPYRIGHT ©2001 •
THE FOLLOWING ARE TRADEMARKS OR REGISTERED TRADEMARKS OF MACKIE DESIGNS INC.: THE FOLLOWING ARE TRADEMARKS OR REGISTERED TRADEMARKS OF MACKIE DESIGNS INC.: THE FOLLOWING ARE TRADEMARKS OR REGISTERED TRADEMARKS OF MACKIE DESIGNS INC.: THE FOLLOWING ARE TRADEMARKS OR REGISTERED TRADEMARKS OF MACKIE DESIGNS INC.:
"MACKIE", AND THE "RUNNING MAN" FIGURE • PATENT PENDING "MACKIE", AND THE "RUNNING MAN" FIGURE • PATENT PENDING "MACKIE", AND THE "RUNNING MAN" FIGURE • PATENT PENDING "MACKIE", AND THE "RUNNING MAN" FIGURE • PATENT PENDING

Left Right
Line level Line level
Output Output
1202-VLZ PRO

ON ON ON ON

CAUTION
RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK
DO NOT OPEN
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
THE RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK DO NOT REMOVE THIS PANEL OR ANY ATTACHED
COMPONENT. NO OPERATOR SERVICEABLE PARTS INSIDE. REFER SERVICING TO
CAUTION
RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK
DO NOT OPEN
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
THE RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK DO NOT REMOVE THIS PANEL OR ANY ATTACHED
COMPONENT. NO OPERATOR SERVICEABLE PARTS INSIDE. REFER SERVICING TO
Mixer or CAUTION
RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK
DO NOT OPEN
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
THE RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK DO NOT REMOVE THIS PANEL OR ANY ATTACHED
COMPONENT. NO OPERATOR SERVICEABLE PARTS INSIDE. REFER SERVICING TO
CAUTION
RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK
DO NOT OPEN
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
THE RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK DO NOT REMOVE THIS PANEL OR ANY ATTACHED
COMPONENT. NO OPERATOR SERVICEABLE PARTS INSIDE. REFER SERVICING TO

Preamplifier
QUALIFIED PERSONNEL. TO REDUCE THE RISK OF FIRE OR ELECTRIC SHOCK, DO NOT QUALIFIED PERSONNEL. TO REDUCE THE RISK OF FIRE OR ELECTRIC SHOCK, DO NOT QUALIFIED PERSONNEL. TO REDUCE THE RISK OF FIRE OR ELECTRIC SHOCK, DO NOT QUALIFIED PERSONNEL. TO REDUCE THE RISK OF FIRE OR ELECTRIC SHOCK, DO NOT
EXPOSE THIS APPLIANCE TO RAIN OR MOISTURE. EXPOSE THIS APPLIANCE TO RAIN OR MOISTURE. EXPOSE THIS APPLIANCE TO RAIN OR MOISTURE. EXPOSE THIS APPLIANCE TO RAIN OR MOISTURE.
AVIS: RISQUE DE CHOC ELECTRIQUE — NE PAS OUVRIR AVIS: RISQUE DE CHOC ELECTRIQUE — NE PAS OUVRIR AVIS: RISQUE DE CHOC ELECTRIQUE — NE PAS OUVRIR AVIS: RISQUE DE CHOC ELECTRIQUE — NE PAS OUVRIR
REPLACE WITH THE SAME TYPE FUSE AND RATING. UTILISE UN FUSIBLE DE RECHANGE DE MÊME TYPE. POWER REPLACE WITH THE SAME TYPE FUSE AND RATING. UTILISE UN FUSIBLE DE RECHANGE DE MÊME TYPE. POWER REPLACE WITH THE SAME TYPE FUSE AND RATING. UTILISE UN FUSIBLE DE RECHANGE DE MÊME TYPE. POWER REPLACE WITH THE SAME TYPE FUSE AND RATING. UTILISE UN FUSIBLE DE RECHANGE DE MÊME TYPE. POWER
DISCONNECT SUPPLY CORD BEFORE CHANGING FUSE DEBRANCHER AVANT DE REMPLACER LE FUSIBLE DISCONNECT SUPPLY CORD BEFORE CHANGING FUSE DEBRANCHER AVANT DE REMPLACER LE FUSIBLE 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 SERIAL NUMBER MANUFACTURING DATE SERIAL NUMBER MANUFACTURING DATE

115V AC FUSE AC125V-T6.3A 115V AC FUSE AC125V-T6.3A 115V AC FUSE AC125V-T6.3A 115V AC FUSE AC125V-T6.3A

CONNECTIONS
The SA1521 has one female XLR input
that accepts a balanced line-level signal.
When connecting a balanced signal, be sure
it’s wired per AES (Audio Engineering So-
ciety) standards:

XLR
Hot (+) Pin 2
Cold (–) Pin 3
Shield (Ground) Pin 1 Balanced XLR Connectors
5
 There is also a male XLR connector la- should drop below 97% of the specified line
beled LOOP OUT. This is also wired voltage, the built-in amplifiers will no longer
according to the AES standard. be able to supply rated power. (They will
The LOOP OUT connector allows you to continue to operate down to 80% of the
connect more than one SA1521 to your sys- rated line voltage, but won’t reach full power,
tem. Simply plug the signal source (i.e., resulting in lower headroom.)
mixer output) into the first MAIN INPUT Be sure the electrical service can supply
jack, and patch that speaker’s LOOP OUT enough amperage for all the components
jack to the next MAIN INPUT jack, and so connected to it.
on, daisy-chaining multiple speakers. We recommend that a stiff (robust) supply
The LOOP OUT jack is wired straight of AC power be used because the amplifiers
from the MAIN INPUT connector — there is place high current demands on the AC line.
no electronic circuitry between — so the The more power that is available on the line,
signal coming out of the LOOP OUT jack is the louder the speakers will play and the
exactly the same as the signal going in. more peak output power will be available for
cleaner, punchier bass. A suspected problem
PLACEMENT of “poor bass performance” is often caused
by a weak AC supply to the amplifiers.
The SA1521 speaker is designed to sit on
CAUTION: Never remove the ground pin
the floor or stage. It can be pole-mounted via
on the power cord of the SA1521 or any
the built-in socket on the bottom of the cabinet.
other component. This is very dangerous.
WARNING: The cabi-
net has no rigging
points and is not suit-
able for flying. NEVER THERMAL
attempt to suspend the
SA1521 by its handles. CONSIDERATIONS
You can create a horizontal array by plac- The SA1521 has two powerful built-in
ing the cabinets side-by-side. However, you amplifiers capable of producing a combined
should have a good understanding of the re- 500 watts of power. As amplifiers produce
lationship between the splay angle (the heat, it is important to dissipate the heat as
angle between the facing sides of the cabi- quickly as possible. This results in increased
nets), the on-axis power, and frequency reliability and longevity for the amplifier.
cancellation effects between cabinets. The amplifier module is mounted on a
When two cabinets are placed side-by- large heatsink, which is cooled by convection
side, the actual splay angle is 20º (determined where cool air is drawn through it’s fins, car-
by a 10º angle on each cabinet side). As the rying the heat away. In order for this
splay angle increases toward the angle of convection cooling to work efficiently, it is
horizontal coverage (75º for the SA1521), important to provide adequate airspace be-
the on-axis power decreases, but the fre- hind the loudspeaker. When you position the
quency response becomes smoother as the SA1521, we recommend leaving at least six
comb-filtering effects (caused by the interac- inches of air space behind it.
tion in the area of double-coverage) decrease. In the unlikely event of the amplifier over-
heating, a built-in thermal switch will
As with any powered activate, which mutes the signal and lights
components, protect the THERMAL LED. When the amplifier has
them from moisture. If cooled down to a safe operating temperature,
you are setting them up the thermal switch resets itself, and the
outdoors, make sure SA1521 resumes normal operation.
they are under cover if If the thermal switch activates frequently,
you expect rain. try turning down the level control a notch or
two on the mixing console (or the back of the
SA1521) to avoid overheating the amplifier.
AC POWER If the temperature in the room is too high,
Be sure the SA1521 is plugged into an it could cause the amplifier to overheat. In
outlet that is able to supply the correct volt- this case, you should try aiming a fan at the
age specified for your model. If the voltage rear panel to move more air through the fins.

6
SERVICE INFORMATION
Warranty Service
If you think your loudspeaker has a • Is the THERMAL indicator lit red on the
problem, please do everything you can to rear panel? Make sure there is at least six
confirm it before calling for service, includ- inches of free space behind the SA1521.
ing reading through the following
Poor bass performance
Troubleshooting section. Doing so might
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-
• Our favorite question: Is it plugged in? pletely into the jack? Be sure all
Make sure the AC outlet is live (check connections are secure. It’s a good idea
with a tester or lamp). to periodically clean all electrical
• Our next favorite question: Is the connections with a non-lubricating
POWER switch on? If not, try turning electrical contact cleaner.
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
• The internal AC line fuse may be blown. routed near AC cables, power trans-
This is not a user serviceable part. If you formers, or other EMI-inducing devices.
suspect the AC line fuse is blown, please • Is there a light dimmer or other SCR-
see the REPAIR section next. based device on the same AC circuit as
the SA1521? Use an AC line filter or
No sound plug the SA1521 into a different AC
• Is the input LEVEL control for the circuit.
input 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 SA1521.
connected at both ends. Make sure the Try some of the following troubleshooting
output volume (gain) control on the ideas:
mixing console is turned up sufficiently • Use balanced connections throughout
to drive the inputs of the speaker. your system for the best noise rejection.
• Make sure the mixer does not have a • Whenever possible, plug all the audio
Mute on or a Processor loop engaged. If equipment’s linecords into outlets which
you find something like this, make sure share a common ground. The distance
the volume/gain is turned down before between the outlets and the common
disengaging the offending switch. ground should be as short as possible.

7
Repair
Service for the SA1521 is available only 5. Include a legible note stating your name,
from one of our authorized domestic ser- shipping address (no P.O. boxes),
vice stations or at the factory service center daytime phone number, RA number,
located in Whitinsville, Massachusetts. Ser- and a detailed description of the prob-
vice outside the United States can be lem, including how we can duplicate it.
obtained through local dealers or distribu- 6. Write the RA number in BIG PRINT
tors. on top of the box.
If your SA1521 needs service, please fol- 7. Ship the loudspeaker to us. We recom-
low these instructions: mend United Parcel Service (UPS). We
1. Review the preceding troubleshooting suggest insurance for all forms of
suggestions. Please. cartage. Ship to this address:
2. Call Tech Support at 1-800-258-6883,
7am to 5pm PST, to explain the problem
Mackie Designs
in detail. They will ask you all sorts of
impertinent questions in the hope of SERVICE DEPARTMENT
sorting out the problem. If it appears One Main Street
that the SA1521 needs repair, request Whitinsville, MA 01588
an RA (Return Authorization) number.
Have your loudspeaker’s serial number 8. We’ll try to fix the loudspeaker in three
ready. You must have an RA number to five business days. Ask Tech Support
before you can obtain service at the for current turnaround times when you
factory or an authorized service center. call for your RA number. We normally
3. Keep this user’s manual. We don’t need send everything back prepaid using UPS
it to repair the loudspeaker. ORANGE (Third Day Air). However, if
4. Pack the loudspeaker in its original you rush your loudspeaker to us by air
packaging, including protective wrap, shipment, we’ll treat it in kind by
endcaps, and box. This is very impor- placing it on the ‘priority’ shelf. Once it
tant. When you call for the RA number, is repaired, we’ll ship it back to you the
please let Tech Support know if you same way in which it was received. This
need new packaging. Mackie is not paragraph does not necessarily apply to
responsible for any damage that occurs non-warranty service.
due to non-factory packaging.

CARE AND MAINTENANCE

Your Mackie loudspeak- environment, warm up the voice coils
ers will provide many slowly by sending a low-level signal
years of reliable service through them for about 15 minutes
if you follow these prior to high-power operation.
guidelines: • Use a slighty damp cloth with a mild
• Avoid exposing the loudspeakers to soap solution to clean the cabinets. Only
moisture. If they are set up outdoors, be do this when the power is turned off.
sure they are under cover if you expect Avoid getting moisture into any of the
rain. openings of the cabinet, particularly
• Avoid exposure to extreme cold (below where the drivers and amplifier assem-
freezing temperatures). If you must bly are located.
operate the loudspeakers in a cold

8
SA1521 SPECIFICATIONS
System Specifications Control System Functions
Frequency Range (–10 dB): Electronic Crossover
49Hz - 20kHz Phase Alignment
Frequency Response (–3 dB): Time Correction
57Hz - 18kHz Equalization
Horz. Coverage Angle (–6 dB): Electronic System protection
75° averaged 1kHz to 6kHz Thermal Overload protection
Vert. Coverage Angle (–6 dB): Independent High- and Low-Frequency Driver
65° averaged 1kHz to 6kHz protection
Sensitivity (1W@1m):
100 dB Indicator LEDs
Maximum SPL Long-term: Power On: Green LED
130 dB @ 1m Signal Present: Green LED
Maximum SPL Peak: Limit: Yellow LED
133 dB @ 1m Thermal: Red LED
Crossover Point:
1,300Hz Safety Features
RMS Limiting:
Transducers Monitoring and limiting of continuous
Low Frequency RMS output of amplifiers
Diameter: 15-inch (381mm) Thermal:
High Frequency Monitoring of thermal condition of
Diaphragm Diameter: 1.75-inch (44mm) power supply and amplifiers. High
Diaphragm Material: Titanium temperature condition engages input-
Exit Throat: 1.00 inch (28.4mm) stage shut down and autoreset function.

Horn Physical
Type: Constant Directivity Enclosure:
Mouth Size: 10.6˝ x 10.6˝ Trapezoidal, 10° side angles, 18mm
(27 x 27 cm) multi-layered plywood, top and bottom
Throat Size: 1.0˝ (2.54 cm) high-pressure resin injected “caps”
Handles:
Volume Control One on top, one on bottom cap; two
Rotating Knob: –15 to +5 dB three-piece handles on each side
(0 dB detent) Color:
Black, PVC coated finish
Amplifiers Grille:
Low Frequency: Custom perforated oval steel grille with
Rated Output*: 400 watts RMS anti-corrosive treatment
continuous Mounting Methods:
Rated THD: <0.03% Floor mount only—not suitable for flying
Design: Class G, High Efficiency/ Pole-mountable via built-in socket on bottom
High Current
*Rated power is continuous RMS wattage into the transducer’s Dimensions
rated impedance using a 100Hz sine wave.
Height: 32.0 in (81.3 cm)
High Frequency: Front Width: 19.1 in (48.5 cm)
Rated Output*: 100 watts RMS Rear Width: 13.9 in (35.3 cm)
continuous Depth: 18.1 in (46.0 cm)
Rated THD: <0.03% Net Weight: 83.6 lbs. (37.9 kg)
Design: Class AB
*Rated power is into the transducer’s rated impedance using a Disclaimer
1kHz sine wave signal.
Since we are always striving to make our prod-
ucts better by incorporating new and improved
Audio Input/Output materials, components, and manufacturing meth
Main Input, Loop Out: 50kΩ impedance, ods, we reserve the right to change these specifica-
balanced tions at any time without notice.
Connector Type: XLR “Mackie” and the “Running Man” figure are
trademarks or registered trademarks of Mackie
Line Input Power Designs Inc.
US : 120V, 60 Hz All other brand names mentioned are trade-
Recommended Amperage Service: 13 amps marks or registered trademarks of their respective
AC Connector: 3 pin IEC- Male holders, and are hereby acknowledged.
Europe: 230V, 50 Hz ©2002 Mackie Designs Inc.
Recommended Amperage Service: 7 amps All Rights Reserved.
AC Connector: 3 pin IEC-Male 9
 Architects and Engineers’ Specifications
The active two-way, full-range loudspeaker Thermal protection shall be provided by
system shall incorporate one 15-inch a thermal sensor mounted on the heatsink,
low-frequency (LF) transducer and a 1-inch which monitors the heatsink temperature
exit compression driver high-frequency and triggers the thermal protection circuit
(HF) transducer. The LF driver shall be should the temperature exceed 140º F
mounted in a vented enclosure tuned for (60º C). The thermal LED shall light and
optimum low-frequency response. The HF the input signal shall be muted until the
transducer shall be loaded on a symmetrical heatsink cools to a safe operating level, at
constant directivity horn. which point the thermal protection circuit
The system shall have a nominal coverage auto-resets and normal operation resumes.
pattern of 75° (horizontal) x 65° (vertical). Overload protection shall be provided by
System frequency response shall vary no a limiter circuit, which monitors the low-
more than ± 3 dB from 57Hz to 18kHz frequency amplifier output and reduces the
measured on axis. The loudspeaker shall in- input level to the amplifier should the am-
corporate a Class G low-frequency amplifier plifier output begin to clip.
capable of delivering 400 watts RMS over a The loudspeaker enclosure shall have a
frequency range of 20Hz–1300Hz. The sys- trapezoidal shape and shall incorporate two
tem shall incorporate a Class AB 100 watt side handles and a top and bottom relocation
RMS amplifier specifically designed to power handle. The enclosure shall be constructed
the HF driver over the range of 1300Hz – of a combination multi-ply wood and high-
20kHz. The amplifiers shall be mounted on pressure injected structural resin, with a black
an aluminum heatsink, which shall be PVC vinyl finish. The front of the loudspeaker
mounted on the rear of the speaker system, shall be covered with a powder coated,
and shall be convection cooled. weather-resistant perforated steel grille.
The active two-way full-range loudspeaker
system shall be a Mackie Designs SA1521.
Dimensions

MAIN INPUT

POWER

0dB
SIGNAL

SA1521
PARALLEL

13.9 in
LOOP OUT
-15 +5 LIMIT
ACTIVE SOUND REINFORCEMENT
SPEAKER SYSTEM
THERMAL
CONCEIVED AND DESIGNED BY MACKIE DESIGNS INC, WOODINVILLE, WA, USA
AND MACKIE EUROPE • MANUFACTURED IN ITALY • COPYRIGHT ©2001 •
THE FOLLOWING ARE TRADEMARKS OR REGISTERED TRADEMARKS OF MACKIE DESIGNS INC.:
"MACKIE", AND THE "RUNNING MAN" FIGURE • PATENT PENDING

(35.3 cm)

32.0 in
(81.3 cm)

ON

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
THE RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK DO NOT REMOVE THIS PANEL OR ANY ATTACHED
RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK 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
EXPOSE THIS APPLIANCE TO RAIN OR MOISTURE.
AVIS: RISQUE DE CHOC ELECTRIQUE — NE PAS OUVRIR
REPLACE WITH THE SAME TYPE FUSE AND RATING. UTILISE UN FUSIBLE DE RECHANGE DE MÊME TYPE. POWER
DISCONNECT SUPPLY CORD BEFORE CHANGING FUSE DEBRANCHER AVANT DE REMPLACER LE FUSIBLE

SERIAL NUMBER MANUFACTURING DATE

115V AC FUSE AC125V-T6.3A

18.1 in 19.1 in 19.1 in

(46.0 cm) (48.5 cm) (48.5 cm)

FREQUENCY RESPONSE GRAPH

10
SA1521 LIMITED WARRANTY
Please keep your sales receipt in a safe place.
A. Mackie warrants all materials, workmanship and thorized Service Center and they can’t find any
proper operation of this SA1521 for a period of one thing wrong with it, you may be charged a ser-
year from the original date of purchase. If you com- vice fee.
plete the optional questionnaire portion of the 4. If the Mackie Authorized Service Center is lo-
Product Registration Card, the warranty will be ex- cated in another city, pack the loudspeaker in its
tended for an additional FOUR years with the original shipping carton. More information on
following exception: warranty on all its loudspeaker packing can be found in the Service section of
components including woofers and compression this manual.
drivers are only warranted for an additional one year 5. Contact the Mackie Authorized Service Cen-
(for a total of two years). If any defects are found in ter to arrange service or bring the loudspeaker to
the materials or workmanship or if the product fails them.
to function properly during the applicable warranty F. Mackie and Mackie Authorized Service Centers
period, Mackie, at its option, will repair or replace reserve the right to inspect any products that may be
the product. This warranty applies only to equip- the subject of any warranty claims before repair or
ment sold and delivered within the U.S. by Mackie replacement is carried out. Mackie and Mackie Au-
or its authorized dealers. thorized Service Centers may, at their option,
B. Failure to return the card will not void the 1-year require proof of the original date of purchase in the
warranty. form of a dated copy of the original dealer’s invoice
C. Service and repairs of Mackie products are to be or sales receipt. Final determination of warranty cov-
performed only at the factory (see D below) OR at erage lies solely with Mackie Designs Inc. or its
an Authorized Mackie Service Center (see E below). Authorized Service Centers.
Unauthorized service, repairs, or modification will G. Mackie loudspeakers returned to Mackie and
void this warranty. deemed eligible for repair or replacement under the
D. To obtain factory service: terms of this warranty will be repaired or replaced
1. Call Mackie at 800/258-6883, 8AM to 5PM within thirty days of receipt by Mackie. Products re-
Monday through Friday (Pacific Time) to get a turned to Mackie that do not meet the terms of this
Return Authorization (RA). Products returned Warranty will be repaired and returned C.O.D. with
without an RA number will be refused. billing for labor, materials, return freight, and insur-
2. Pack the SA1521 in its original shipping car- ance. Products repaired under warranty at Mackie’s
ton. If you do not have the carton, just ask for factory will be returned freight prepaid by Mackie to
one when you get your RA number, and we’ll any location within the boundaries of the USA.
send a shipping carton out promptly. More infor- H. Mackie assumes no responsibility for the quality
mation on packing can be found in the Service or timeliness of repairs performed by Mackie Autho-
section of this manual. Also include a note ex- rized Service Centers.
plaining exactly how to duplicate the problem, a I. This warranty is extended to the original pur-
copy of the sales receipt with price and date chaser and to anyone who may subsequently
showing, and your return street address (no P.O. purchase this product within the applicable warranty
boxes or route numbers, please!). If we cannot period.
duplicate the problem at the Mackie Factory or J. This is your sole warranty. Mackie does not autho-
establish the starting date of your Limited War- rize any third party, including any dealer or sales
ranty, we may, at our option, charge for service representative, to assume any liability on behalf of
time. Mackie Designs or to make any warranty for Mackie
3. Ship the product in its original shipping car- Designs.
ton, freight prepaid to: K. THE WARRANTY GIVEN ON THIS PAGE IS
Mackie Designs Inc. THE SOLE WARRANTY GIVEN BY MACKIE AND
SERVICE DEPARTMENT IS IN LIEU OF ALL OTHER WARRANTIES,
One Main Street EXPRESS AND IMPLIED, INCLUDING THE
Whitinsville, MA, 01588, USA WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND
IMPORTANT: Make sure that the RA number is FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE. THE
plainly written on the shipping carton. WARRANTY GIVEN ON THIS PAGE SHALL BE
E. To obtain service from an Authorized Mackie Ser- STRICTLY LIMITED IN DURATION TO ONE
vice Center: YEAR FROM THE DATE OF ORIGINAL PUR-
1. Call Mackie at 800/258-6883, 8AM to 5PM CHASE FROM AN AUTHORIZED MACKIE
Monday through Friday (Pacific Time) to get: DEALER. UPON EXPIRATION OF THE APPLI-
1) The name and address of your nearest Mackie CABLE WARRANTY PERIOD, MACKIE SHALL
Authorized Service Center and 2) A return au- HAVE NO FURTHER WARRANTY OBLIGATION
thorization (RA). You must have an RA number OF ANY KIND. MACKIE SHALL NOT BE LIABLE
before taking your unit to a service center. FOR ANY INCIDENTAL, SPECIAL, OR CONSE-
2. Make sure that you have a copy of your QUENTIAL DAMAGES THAT MAY RESULT
loudspeaker’s sales receipt from the store where FROM ANY DEFECT IN THE MACKIE PRODUCT
you bought the product. It is necessary to estab- OR ANY WARRANTY CLAIM. Some states do not
lish purchase date and thus determine whether allow exclusion or limitation of incidental,
or not your loudspeaker is still under warranty. special, or consequential damages or a limitation
If you can’t find it, the Authorized Service Cen- on how long warranties last, so some of the above
ter may charge you for repairs even if your loud- limitations and exclusions may not apply to you.
speaker is still covered by Mackie’s 1-Year Lim- This warranty provides specific legal rights and
ited Warranty. you may have other rights which vary from state
3. Make sure that the problem can be dupli- to state.
cated. If you bring your loudspeaker to an Au-

11
 Some of the
®

people at our
factory who helped
design, build, sell,
and support your
product.

Mackie Designs Inc.

16220 Wood-Red Rd. NE • Woodinville, WA 98072 • USA
US & Canada: 800/898-3211
Europe, Asia, Central & South America: 425/487-4333
Middle East & Africa: 31-20-654-4000
Fax: 425/487-4337 • www.mackie.com
E-mail: sales@mackie.com