SRM1801

18” Powered Subwoofer

OWNER’S MANUAL
Important Safety Instructions
1. Read these instructions. 20. NOTE: This equipment has been tested and found to comply with
2. Keep these instructions. the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to part 15 of the FCC
3. Heed all warnings. Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection
4. Follow all instructions. against harmful interference in a residential installation. This equip-
5. Do not use this apparatus near water. ment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if
6. Clean only with a dry cloth. not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause
7. Do not block any ventilation openings. Install in accordance with the harmful interference to radio communications. However, there is no
manufacturer’s instructions. guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If
8. Do not install near any heat sources such as radiators, heat registers, this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television
stoves, or other apparatus (including amplifiers) that produce heat. reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and
on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or
9. Do not defeat the safety purpose of the polarized or grounding-type more of the following measures:
plug. A polarized plug has two blades with one wider than the other.
A grounding-type plug has two blades and a third grounding prong. • Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
The wide blade or the third prong are provided for your safety. If the • Increase the separation between the equipment and the receiver.
provided plug does not fit into your outlet, consult an electrician for • Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from
replacement of the obsolete outlet. that to which the receiver is connected.
10. Protect the power cord from being walked on or pinched particularly at • Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.
plugs, convenience receptacles, and the point where they exit from the CAUTION: Changes or modifications to this device not expressly
apparatus. approved by LOUD Technologies Inc. could void the user's authority to
11. Only use attachments/accessories specified by the manufacturer. operate the equipment under FCC rules.
12. Use only with a cart, stand, tripod, bracket, or PORTABLE CART
21. This apparatus does not exceed the Class A/Class B (whichever is
table specified by the manufacturer, or sold with WARNING applicable) limits for radio noise emissions from digital apparatus as
the apparatus. When a cart is used, use caution set out in the radio interference regulations of the Canadian Department
when moving the cart/apparatus combination to of Communications.
avoid injury from tip-over. ATTENTION — Le présent appareil numérique n’émet pas de bruits
13. Unplug this apparatus during lightning storms or radioélectriques dépassant las limites applicables aux appareils
when unused for long periods of time. numériques de class A/de class B (selon le cas) prescrites dans le
14. Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel. Servicing is required réglement sur le brouillage radioélectrique édicté par les ministere des
when the apparatus has been damaged in any way, such as power- communications du Canada.
supply cord or plug is damaged, liquid has been spilled or objects have 22. Exposure to extremely high noise levels may cause permanent hearing
fallen into the apparatus, the apparatus has been exposed to rain or loss. Individuals vary considerably in susceptibility to noise-induced
moisture, does not operate normally, or has been dropped. hearing loss, but nearly everyone will lose some hearing if exposed to
15. This apparatus shall not be exposed to dripping or splashing, and no sufficiently intense noise for a period of time. The U.S. Government’s
object filled with liquids, such as vases or beer glasses, shall be placed Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has specified
on the apparatus. the permissible noise level exposures shown in the following chart.
16. Do not overload wall outlets and extension cords as this can result in a According to OSHA, any exposure in excess of these permissible limits
risk of fire or electric shock. could result in some hearing loss. To ensure against potentially danger-
17. This apparatus has been designed with Class-I construction and must ous exposure to high sound pressure levels, it is recommended that all
be connected to a mains socket outlet with a protective earthing con- persons exposed to equipment capable of producing high sound pres-
nection (the third grounding prong). sure levels use hearing protectors while the equipment is in operation.
Ear plugs or protectors in the ear canals or over the ears must be worn
18. This apparatus has been equipped with a rocker-style AC mains power when operating the equipment in order to prevent permanent hearing
switch. This switch is located on the rear panel and should remain loss if exposure is in excess of the limits set forth here:
readily accessible to the user.
19. The MAINS plug or an appliance coupler is used as the disconnect
device, so the disconnect device shall remain readily operable. Duration, Sound Level Typical Example
per day in dBA, Slow
CAUTION AVIS hours Response
RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK. DO NOT OPEN 8 90 Duo in small club
RISQUE DE CHOC ELECTRIQUE. NE PAS OUVRIR
6 92
CAUTION: TO REDUCE THE RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK DO NOT REMOVE COVER (OR BACK)
NO USER-SERVICEABLE PARTS INSIDE. REFER SERVICING TO QUALIFIED PERSONNEL
4 95 Subway Train
ATTENTION: POUR EVITER LES RISQUES DE CHOC ELECTRIQUE, NE PAS ENLEVER LE COUVERCLE.
AUCUN ENTRETIEN DE PIECES INTERIEURES PAR L'USAGER.
3 97
CONFIER L'ENTRETIEN AU PERSONNEL QUALIFIE.
AVIS: POUR EVITER LES RISQUES D'INCENDIE OU D'ELECTROCUTION, N'EXPOSEZ PAS CET ARTICLE
2 100 Very loud classical music
A LA PLUIE OU A L'HUMIDITE 1.5 102
The lightning flash with arrowhead symbol within an equilateral triangle is 1 105 Greg and Ben screaming at Troy
intended to alert the user to the presence of uninsulated "dangerous
voltage" within the product's enclosure, that may be of sufficient magnitude
about deadlines
to constitute a risk of electric shock to persons. 0.5 110
Le symbole éclair avec point de flèche à l'intérieur d'un triangle équilatéral
est utilisé pour alerter l'utilisateur de la présence à l'intérieur du coffret de 0.25 or less 115 Loudest parts at a rock concert
"voltage dangereux" non isolé d'ampleur suffisante pour constituer un risque
d'éléctrocution.
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.
Le point d'exclamation à l'intérieur d'un triangle équilatéral est employé
pour alerter les utilisateurs de la présence d'instructions importantes pour le WARNING — To reduce the risk of fire or electric shock, do not
expose this apparatus to rain or moisture.
fonctionnement et l'entretien (service) dans le livret d'instruction
accompagnant l'appareil.

2
CONTENTS What? Me read a manual?
SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS............................................ 2 Before you begin, please make sure you read the
GETTING STARTED.................................................... 4 Safety Instructions on page 2 and Getting Started
INTRODUCTION....................................................... 5 on page 4.
HOOKUP DIAGRAMS............................................... 6
MACKIE SRM1801 FEATURES .................................. 8 Your new Mackie SRM1801 powered subwoofers
1. IEC AC RECEPTACLE...................................... 8
are designed to set up quickly and operate easily.
We know it’s often seen as a sign of weakness to
2. POWER ...................................................... 8
read a manual, along with asking for directions
3. INPUTS....................................................... 9
when lost, but we hope you will read the rest of the
4. FULL RANGE OUTPUTS................................. 9
manual, at least while nobody is looking.
5. HIGH PASS OUTPUTS................................... 9
6. POLARITY................................................... 9 It is important to keep your receipt in a
7. LEVEL........................................................ 10 safe place, and not a bad idea to write your
8. THERMAL LED............................................ 10 product information below for future reference
9. OL LED...................................................... 10 (i.e., insurance claims, tech support, return
10. SIGNAL LED............................................... 10 authorization, etc.).
11. POWER LED............................................... 10
INS AND OUTS OF POLARITY.................................. 11
PROTECTION CIRCUITS........................................... 12
LIMITING............................................................... 12
OVEREXCURSION PROTECTION.............................. 12
THERMAL PROTECTION.......................................... 12
PLACEMENT........................................................... 12
CARE AND MAINTENANCE...................................... 12
APPENDIX A: SERVICE INFORMATION..................... 13
APPENDIX B: CONNECTIONS ................................. 15
APPENDIX C: SRM1801 SPECIFICATIONS................ 16
MACKIE LIMITED WARRANTY................................. 18

Please write the serial number for your SRM1801 here

(or for both SRM1801’s if you have two) for ­future reference
(i.e., insurance claims, tech support, return authorization, etc.):

Subwoofer 1 Subwoofer 2

Purchased at:___________________________________ Date of Purchase:_____________

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

for more information about this and other Mackie products.

Part No. SW0842 Rev. C 07/11

©2011 LOUD Technologies Inc. All Rights Reserved. 3
Getting Started
The following steps will help you set up your Now that you have your subwoofers working, it’s time
subwoofer(s) quickly. to hunker down and read the rest of this manual…
especially the following:
INITIAL SETTINGS:
ADDITIONAL TIDBITS OF WIDSDOM:
1. Turn the LEVEL control on the rear panel all the
way down. • Never listen to loud music for prolonged periods.
2. Turn the POWER switch OFF. Please see the Safety Instructions on page 2 for
information on hearing protection.

CONNECTIONS: • When you shut down your equipment, turn off the
SRM1801 subwoofers first to prevent thumps
1. Connect the line-level signal from a mixer (or other and other noises generated by any upstream
signal source) to the INPUT jack on the SRM1801 equipment from coming out the speakers. When
rear panel (XLR connector). If you are operating the powering up, turn on the SRM1801 last, but just
system in stereo, connect INPUT B, as well. before your full-range loudspeakers.
2. Connect the supplied AC power cord to the IEC
socket on the back of the subwoofer. Plug the other • Save the shipping boxes and packing materials!
end into an AC outlet properly configured with the You may need them someday. Besides, your
correct voltage as indicated just above the IEC cat will love playing in them and jumping out at
socket. you unexpectedly. Remember to pretend like you
are surprised!

TURN IT ON: • Save your sales receipt in a safe place.

1. Turn the POWER switch ON. • Record the serial number in the space provided on
2. Start your signal source (mp3 player, CD, DAW, page 3, along with where and when you bought it.
band, or whatever), but leave the master level
control on your mixer down.
3. Slowly turn up the LEVEL control on the SRM1801
to the “U” (unity gain) mark at the center position.
4. Adjust the master volume on your mixer to a
THERMAL OL SIGNAL POWER
OUTPUTS
HIGH PASS
A B
LEVEL

comfortably loud listening level. If the volume from - 6dB +6dB

the subwoofer gets really loud, really fast, try turning POL ARITY A
FULL RANGE
B

down the LEVEL control on the SRM1801 a bit. If

NORMAL
INVERT

the subwoofers don’t get loud enough, turn up the

18-INCH POWERED SOUND REINFORCEMENT SUBWOOFER
INPUTS
A B

LEVEL control to achieve a good balance of master

volume control and loudness from the subwoofer.

WARNING: TO REDUCE THE RISK OF FIRE OR ELECTRIC

SHOCK, DO NOT EXPOSE THIS EQUIPMENT TO RAIN OR
MOISTURE. DO NOT REMOVE COVER. NO USER SERVICEABLE
AVIS: RISQUE DE CHOC ELECTRIQUE — NE PAS OUVRIR PARTS INSIDE. REFER SERVICING TO QUALIFIED PERSONNEL.
SERIAL NUMBER REVISION

POWER

4
Introduction
Thank you for choosing the Mackie SRM1801 subwoofer. Mackie’s SRM Series powered loudspeakers achieve the
perfect balance of power, portability, and sound quality. Designed by the same team that produced the best-selling
Mackie SRM450v2, the SRM1801 delivers real power in a design that is extremely lightweight and portable. The
SRM1801 incorporates Mackie-standard professional components like efficient Class-D Fast Recovery™ amplifiers
and system-optimizing Active electronics so that everything sounds great right out of the box.

The SRM1801 all-wood enclosure has a ported bass reflex design that produces tight low end. And the
lightweight, ultra-efficient Class-D Fast Recovery™ power amplifier delivers 1000W peak power with less risk of
thermal overload. This makes the sub extremely lightweight and portable without compromising the power and
performance that you deserve. Pair this power with our proven built-in Active electronics, including a precision
crossover and tuning filters, and you get professional low end that you can feel...custom tuned to be tight and
punchy.

Pair the SRM1801 with the best-selling SRM450v2 and you have a complete (and completely affordable) “plug
and play” system that is ideal for small clubs, DJs and rehearsal spaces. The SRM1801 has both full-range and
high-pass stereo outputs for connection to full-range top boxes. Just dial in the appropriate level and use the
polarity switch to make sure the sub is in phase with the loudspeakers. The integrated pole-cup can accommodate
a standard mounting pole, so your favorite speaker has a nice place to sit. Or you can just stack your full-range box
right on top of the sub...the SRM1801 ain’t picky.

So if you are looking for an extremely powerful, professional and great sounding PA setup that is simple to use
and easy on the wallet, then you’re in the right place.

Here are a few of the key features of your new Mackie SRM1801:

• 1000W of ultra-efficient Class-D Fast Recovery™ amplification

• Mackie Active electronics provide total system optimization
• Precision crossover (125Hz)
• Tuning filters for accurate bass response
• 18-inch woofer delivers superior output and low-frequency extension
• Dual XLR inputs for mono or stereo applications
• Stereo high-pass and full-range outputs
• User-adjustable level and polarity controls
• Individual power, signal, OL, and thermal protect indicators
• Pole receptacle for mounting full-range loudspeakers
• Solid plywood enclosure with high durability, textured black paint
• Extremely lightweight and portable (73 lbs / 33.1 kg)

Read on to learn everything you could possibly want to know about your new subwoofer.

5
Hookup Diagrams
Main PA System with one subwoofer and two powered loudspeakers

ACTIVE SOUND REINFORCEMENT SYSTEM ACTIVE SOUND REINFORCEMENT SYSTEM

Left and Right Main

Powered Loudspeakers
(Mackie SRM450v2 shown)

MIC MIC MIC MIC MIC MIC (UNBALANCED)

L L
TAPE TAPE
IN OUT
R R
PROFESSIONAL MIC/LINE MIXER WITH FX
THERMAL OL SIGNAL POWER
OUTPUTS
A
HIGH PASS
B
LINE
HI-Z 1 2 3 4 5/6 7/8 9/10 11/12
LEVEL (MONO) (MONO) (MONO) (MONO) (MONO)
BAL / BAL / BAL / BAL / BAL /
UNBAL UNBAL UNBAL UNBAL L L L L L UNBAL L

BAL / BAL / BAL / BAL / BAL / BAL /

LINE/HI-Z IN 1 LINE IN 2 LINE IN 3 LINE IN 4 LINE IN 5 LINE IN 7 LINE IN 9 LINE IN 11
UNBAL UNBAL UNBAL UNBAL UNBAL MON SEND UNBAL FOOTSWITCH
- 6dB +6dB
BAL /
R R R R R UNBAL R
FULL RANGE
POL ARITY A B
INSERT INSERT INSERT INSERT LINE IN 6 LINE IN 8 LINE IN 10 LINE IN 12 ST RETURN FX SEND MAIN OUT PHONES
NORMAL
INVERT
U U U U
STEREO GRAPHIC EQ
IC GAIN IC GAIN IC GAIN IC GAIN C GAIN C GAIN U U
M M M M MI MI
LEVEL LEVEL LEVEL LEVEL LEVEL LEVEL
SET SET SET SET SET SET 15 15
48V
10 10
U +50 U +50 U +50 U +50 PHANTOM
18-INCH POWERED SOUND REINFORCEMENT SUBWOOFER -20dB +30dB -20dB +30dB -20dB +30dB -20dB +30dB
U +50 U +50 -20 +20 -20 +20
5 5 POWER
INPUTS GAIN GAIN GAIN GAIN GAIN GAIN GAIN GAIN

High Pass
0 0
A B LOW CUT
100 Hz
LOW CUT
100 Hz
LOW CUT
100 Hz
LOW CUT
100 Hz
LOW CUT
100 Hz
LOW CUT
100 Hz
5 5
POWER
U EQ U EQ U EQ U EQ U EQ U EQ U EQ U EQ 10 10

HI HI HI HI HI HI HI HI 15 15 MAIN
12kHz 12kHz 12kHz 12kHz 12kHz 12kHz 12kHz 12kHz METERS
125 250 500 1K 2K 4K 8K 0dB=0dBu
-15 +15 -15 +15 -15 +15 -15 +15 -15 +15 -15 +15 -15 +15 -15 +15
U U U U U U U U OL
MAIN MIX EQ IN 15
MID MID MID MID MID MID MID MID MON BYPASS
10
2.5kHz 2.5kHz 2.5kHz 2.5kHz 2.5kHz 2.5kHz 2.5kHz 2.5kHz
6
-15 +15 -15 +15 -15 +15 -15 +15 -15 +15 -15 +15 -15 +15 -15 +15
U U U U U U U U 3
USB 0
LOW LOW LOW LOW LOW LOW LOW LOW FX PRESETS 2
80Hz 80Hz 80Hz 80Hz 80Hz 80Hz 80Hz 80Hz

Output
01 BRIGHT ROOM
4
02 WARM LOUNGE
-15 +15 -15 +15 -15 +15 -15 +15 -15 +15 -15 +15 -15 +15 -15 +15 U 7
03 SMALL STAGE
04 WARM THEATER
U AUX U AUX U AUX U AUX U AUX U AUX U AUX U AUX 05 WARM HALL
10
06 CONCERT HALL 20
07 PLATE REVERB 30
MON MON MON MON MON MON MON MON OO +20
08 CATHEDRAL
09 CHORUS INPUT LEVEL L R
OO +15 OO +15 OO +15 OO +15 OO +15 OO +15 OO +15 OO +15 10 CHORUS + REV
PRESETS
U U U U U U U U 11 DOUBLER
12 TAPE SLAP
13 DELAY 1 (300ms) MUTE
FX FX FX FX FX FX FX FX 14 DELAY 2 (380ms)

From Mixer
15 DELAY 3 (480ms)
OO +15 OO +15 OO +15 OO +15 OO +15 OO +15 OO +15 OO +15 16 REVERB + DLY (250ms) USB THRU BREAK
(MUTES ALL CHANNELS)
PAN PAN PAN PAN PAN PAN PAN PAN U U U
OL

L R L R L R L R L R L R L R L R OO +15 OO +15 OO MAX OO +20

FX MASTER FX TO MON PHONES TAPE LEVEL

MUTE MUTE MUTE MUTE MUTE MUTE MUTE MUTE MUTE MON MAIN
OL OL OL OL OL OL OL OL OL

1 2 3 4 5/6 7/8 9/10 11/12 ST RTN FX RTN

dB dB dB dB dB dB dB dB dB dB dB dB
10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10

Left and Right

5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5

U U U U U U U U U U U U

5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5

10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10

20 20 20 20 20 20 20 20 20 20 20 20

30 30 30 30 30 30 30 30 30 30 30 30

40 40 40 40 40 40 40 40 40 40 40 40
50 50 50 50 50 50 50 50 50 50 50 50
60 60 60 60 60 60 60 60 60 60 60 60

Outputs
OO OO OO OO OO OO OO OO OO OO OO OO

WARNING: TO REDUCE THE RISK OF FIRE OR ELECTRIC

SHOCK, DO NOT EXPOSE THIS EQUIPMENT TO RAIN OR
MOISTURE. DO NOT REMOVE COVER. NO USER SERVICEABLE
AVIS: RISQUE DE CHOC ELECTRIQUE — NE PAS OUVRIRPARTS INSIDE. REFER SERVICING TO QUALIFIED PERSONNEL.
SERIAL NUMBER REVISION

Mixing Console
POWER

(Mackie ProFX12 shown)

The left and right line-level outputs from a mixer feed the inputs of the Mackie SRM1801 powered
subwoofer. The high pass line-level outputs of the subwoofer feed the inputs of the Mackie SRM450v2
powered loudspeakers, so these reproduce the mid-to-high frequencies in stereo, and the sub provides
the low frequencies in mono.
Main PA System with two subwoofers and two powered loudspeakers

ACTIVE SOUND REINFORCEMENT SYSTEM ACTIVE SOUND REINFORCEMENT SYSTEM

Right Main Left Main

Powered Loudspeaker Powered Loudspeaker
(Mackie SRM450v2 shown) (Mackie SRM450v2 shown)

High Pass High Pass

Pole Mount Pole Mount
Output Output

THERMAL OL SIGNAL POWER THERMAL OL SIGNAL POWER

OUTPUTS OUTPUTS
HIGH PASS HIGH PASS
A B A B
LEVEL LEVEL

From Mixer From Mixer

- 6dB +6dB - 6dB +6dB

FULL RANGE FULL RANGE

POL ARITY A B POL ARITY A B

NORMAL NORMAL
INVERT INVERT

STEREO EFX EFX SEND TAPE TAPE MAIN INSERT MAIN OUT MAIN OUT LAMP
MIC 1 MIC 2 MIC 3 MIC 4 MIC 5 MIC 6 MIC 7 MIC 8

Right Output Left Output

RETURN INPUT OUTPUT 12V 0.5A
18-INCH POWERED SOUND REINFORCEMENT SUBWOOFER L R 18-INCH POWERED SOUND REINFORCEMENT SUBWOOFER
INPUTS
L L INPUTS
1
A B 1 L A B
L L
R R
2
2 R R EFX

BAL/UNBAL BAL/UNBAL BAL/UNBAL BAL/UNBAL BAL/UNBAL BAL/UNBAL BAL/UNBAL BAL/UNBAL

R
(MONO) (MONO) 1 1 3
LINE IN LINE IN LINE IN LINE IN LINE IN LINE IN LINE IN LINE IN 9 11 L FOOT
LEFT LEFT SWITCH

RIGHT RIGHT 2 2 4
INSERT INSERT INSERT INSERT INSERT INSERT INSERT INSERT 10 12 R S
75Hz
UTILITY OUT AUX SEND SUB OUT SUB OUT PHONES

U 1 U 2 U 3 U 4 U 5 U 6 U 7 U 8 U
9/10 U
11/12
IC GAIN IC GAIN IC GAIN IC GAIN IC GAIN IC GAIN IC GAIN IC GAIN
M

ZERO ZERO ZERO ZERO ZERO ZERO ZERO ZERO

5 +50 LEVEL 5 +50 LEVEL 5 +50 LEVEL 5 +50 LEVEL 5 +50 LEVEL 5 +50 LEVEL 5 +50 LEVEL 5 +50 LEVEL
-15dB +30dB -15dB +30dB -15dB +30dB -15dB +30dB -15dB +30dB -15dB +30dB -15dB +30dB -15dB +30dB -20 +20 -20 +20
GAIN GAIN GAIN GAIN GAIN GAIN GAIN GAIN GAIN GAIN
LOW CUT LOW CUT LOW CUT LOW CUT LOW CUT LOW CUT LOW CUT LOW CUT
100 Hz 100 Hz 100 Hz 100 Hz 100 Hz 100 Hz 100 Hz 100 Hz +15 15+
MASTER SEND
10 10
U AUX U AUX U AUX U AUX U AUX U AUX U AUX U AUX U AUX U AUX U AUX
5 5
1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 0 0

OO +15 OO +15 OO +15 OO +15 OO +15 OO +15 OO +15 OO +15 OO +15 OO +15 OO +15
5 5
U U U U U U U U U U U 10 10

2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 –15 15–

OO +15 OO +15 OO +15 OO +15 OO +15 OO +15 OO +15 OO +15 OO +15 OO +15 OO +15 63 125 250 500 1K 2K 4K 8K 16K
PRE FADER PRE FADER PRE FADER PRE FADER PRE FADER PRE FADER PRE FADER PRE FADER PRE FADER PRE FADER STEREO GRAPHIC EQ
U U U U U U U U U U U EFX
EFX EFX EFX EFX EFX EFX EFX EFX EFX EFX
1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1
(EXT) (EXT) (EXT) (EXT) (EXT) (EXT) (EXT) (EXT) (EXT) (EXT) (EXT)
OO +15 OO +15 OO +15 OO +15 OO +15 OO +15 OO +15 OO +15 OO +15 OO +15 OO +15 12 CHANNEL COMPACT INTEGRATED LIVE SOUND MIXER
U U U U U U U U U U
EFX EFX EFX EFX EFX EFX EFX EFX EFX EFX
2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 DIGITAL STEREO EFFECTS PROCESSOR
(INT) (INT) (INT) (INT) (INT) (INT) (INT) (INT) (INT) (INT)
PHANTOM POWER
OO +15 OO +15 OO +15 OO +15 OO +15 OO +15 OO +15 OO +15 OO +15 OO +15 CLIP EFX 2 (INT) RETURN MASTERS
48v
U EQ U EQ U EQ U EQ U EQ U EQ U EQ U EQ U EQ U EQ U U U U U
POWER STATUS
HI HI HI HI HI HI HI HI HI HI
12k 12k 12k 12k 12k 12k 12k 12k 12k 12k
LEFT RIGHT
-15 +15 -15 +15 -15 +15 -15 +15 -15 +15 -15 +15 -15 +15 -15 +15 -15 +15 -15 +15 OO +15 OO +15 OO +15 OO +15 OO +20 CLIP 22
U U U U U U U U U U EFX 2 TO MAIN MIX AUX 1 AUX 2
EFX 1 RETURN
U 10
HI HI SEND EFFECTS TO MONITOR
MID MID MID MID MID MID MID MID MID MID 7
3k 3k REVERSE DELAY 1
-15 +15 -15 +15 -15 +15 -15 +15 -15 +15 -15 +15 -15 +15 -15 +15 -15 +15 -15 +15 GATED DELAY 2 4
600 600 600 600 600 600 600 600 U U OO +20
CATHEDRAL DELAY 3
TAPE LEVEL 2
LG. LOW LOW HALL DELAY 4
150 1.5k FREQ 150 1.5k FREQ 150 1.5k FREQ 150 1.5k FREQ 150 1.5k FREQ 150 1.5k FREQ 150 1.5k FREQ 150 1.5k FREQ MID MID 0
MD. 400Hz 400Hz HALL CHORUS
LG. 100 PLATE FLANGE BREAK SWITCH 2
100 8k 100 8k 8k 100 8k 100 8k 100 8k 100 8k 100 8k -15 +15 -15 +15 (MUTES ALL CHANNELS)
U U MD. U U U U U U U U PLATE PHASER 4
SM. ROOM SPRING
LOW LOW LOW LOW LOW LOW LOW LOW LOW LOW ZERO 7
80Hz 80Hz 80Hz 80Hz 80Hz 80Hz 80Hz 80Hz 80Hz 80Hz NORMAL EFX NORMAL
LEVEL
OO MAX SET 10
-15 +15 -15 +15 -15 +15 -15 +15 -15 +15 -15 +15 -15 +15 -15 +15 -15 +15 -15 +15 PHONES LEVEL
20
U
WARNING: TO REDUCE THE RISK OF FIRE OR ELECTRIC PAN PAN PAN PAN PAN PAN PAN PAN PAN PAN 30 WARNING: TO REDUCE THE RISK OF FIRE OR ELECTRIC
SHOCK, DO NOT EXPOSE THIS EQUIPMENT TO RAIN OR WIDE BYPASS SHOCK, DO NOT EXPOSE THIS EQUIPMENT TO RAIN OR
0 10 0 10 0dB=0dBu
MOISTURE. DO NOT REMOVE COVER. NO USER SERVICEABLE MOISTURE. DO NOT REMOVE COVER. NO USER SERVICEABLE
REVERBS
AVIS: RISQUE DE CHOC ELECTRIQUE — NE PAS OUVRIRPARTS INSIDE. REFER SERVICING TO QUALIFIED PERSONNEL. TIME DELAYS DAMPING RUDE AVIS: RISQUE DE CHOC ELECTRIQUE — NE PAS OUVRIRPARTS INSIDE. REFER SERVICING TO QUALIFIED PERSONNEL.
OO +10
SERIAL NUMBER REVISION L R L R L R L R L R L R L R L R L R L R RATE CHORUS/FLANGE/PHASER DEPTH UTILITY OUT LEVEL SOLO SERIAL NUMBER REVISION

1
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9-10 11-12 SUB 1 SUB 2 SUB 3 SUB 4
STEREO
STEREO
MUTE MUTE MUTE MUTE MUTE MUTE MUTE MUTE MUTE MUTE MAIN MIX
ASSIGN ASSIGN ASSIGN ASSIGN ASSIGN ASSIGN ASSIGN ASSIGN ASSIGN ASSIGN ASSIGN ASSIGN ASSIGN ASSIGN

dB dB dB dB dB dB dB dB dB dB dB dB dB dB dB
10 1-2 10 1-2 10 1-2 10 1-2 10 1-2 10 1-2 10 1-2 10 1-2 10 1-2 10 1-2 10 LEFT 10 LEFT 10 LEFT 10 LEFT 10

POWER POWER
5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5
3-4 3-4 3-4 3-4 3-4 3-4 3-4 3-4 3-4 3-4 RIGHT RIGHT RIGHT RIGHT
I I
U U U U U U U U U U U U U U U

5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5

10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10
O O
20 20 20 20 20 20 20 20 20 20 20 20 20 20 20

30 30 30 30 30 30 30 30 30 30 30 30 30 30 30

40 SOLO 40 SOLO 40 SOLO 40 SOLO 40 SOLO 40 SOLO 40 SOLO 40 SOLO 40 SOLO 40 SOLO 40 40 40 40 40
50 PFL 50 PFL 50 PFL 50 PFL 50 PFL 50 PFL 50 PFL 50 PFL 50 PFL 50 PFL 50 50 50 50 50
60 60 60 60 60 60 60 60 60 60 60 60 60 60 60
OO OO OO OO OO OO OO OO OO OO OO OO OO OO OO

Mixing Console
(Mackie CFX12mkII shown)

The left and right line-level outputs from a mixer feed the inputs of the Mackie SRM1801 powered
subwoofers. The high pass line-level outputs of the subwoofers feed the inputs of the Mackie SRM450v2
powered loudspeakers, so these reproduce the mid-to-high frequencies in stereo, and the subs provide
the low frequencies in stereo.
6
 Daisy-chaining two subwoofers
SRM1801 SRM1801
Subwoofer 2 Subwoofer 1
Mixing Console
(Mackie 1604-VLZ3 shown)
THERMAL OL

LEVEL
SIGNAL POWER

A
OUTPUTS
HIGH PASS
B
Full-Range THERMAL OL

LEVEL
SIGNAL POWER

A
OUTPUTS
HIGH PASS
B

Output
- 6dB +6dB - 6dB +6dB

FULL RANGE FULL RANGE

POL ARITY A B POL ARITY A B

NORMAL NORMAL
INVERT INVERT

18-INCH POWERED SOUND REINFORCEMENT SUBWOOFER 18-INCH POWERED SOUND REINFORCEMENT SUBWOOFER
INPUTS INPUTS
A B A B

From Mixer
Output
WARNING: TO REDUCE THE RISK OF FIRE OR ELECTRIC WARNING: TO REDUCE THE RISK OF FIRE OR ELECTRIC
SHOCK, DO NOT EXPOSE THIS EQUIPMENT TO RAIN OR SHOCK, DO NOT EXPOSE THIS EQUIPMENT TO RAIN OR
MOISTURE. DO NOT REMOVE COVER. NO USER SERVICEABLE MOISTURE. DO NOT REMOVE COVER. NO USER SERVICEABLE
AVIS: RISQUE DE CHOC ELECTRIQUE — NE PAS OUVRIRPARTS INSIDE. REFER SERVICING TO QUALIFIED PERSONNEL. AVIS: RISQUE DE CHOC ELECTRIQUE — NE PAS OUVRIRPARTS INSIDE. REFER SERVICING TO QUALIFIED PERSONNEL.
SERIAL NUMBER REVISION SERIAL NUMBER REVISION

POWER POWER

I I

O O

The left and right line-level outputs from a mixer feed the left and right inputs of the first Mackie
SRM1801 powered subwoofer. The inputs are summed in mono to play in the subwoofer, but this does
not affect the full-range or high-pass outputs, which remain fully stereo. The left and right full-range line-
level outputs of this subwoofer feed the left and right inputs of the second Mackie SRM1801 powered
subwoofer. The high-pass outputs or full-range outputs of either subwoofer could feed the other powered
loudspeakers in your system.
A lot of low-end
Straps Straps

Right Main Left Main

Powered ACTIVE SOUND REINFORCEMENT SYSTEM ACTIVE SOUND REINFORCEMENT SYSTEM
Powered
Loudspeaker Loudspeaker
(Mackie SRM450v2 (Mackie SRM450v2
shown) shown)

High-Pass
Outputs

THERMAL OL SIGNAL POWER THERMAL OL SIGNAL POWER

OUTPUTS OUTPUTS
HIGH PASS HIGH PASS
A B A B
LEVEL LEVEL

- 6dB +6dB - 6dB +6dB

FULL RANGE FULL RANGE

POL ARITY A B POL ARITY A B

NORMAL NORMAL
INVERT INVERT

18-INCH POWERED SOUND REINFORCEMENT SUBWOOFER 18-INCH POWERED SOUND REINFORCEMENT SUBWOOFER
INPUTS INPUTS
A B A B

SRM1801 Right SRM1801 Left

Subwoofer 2 Subwoofer 2

WARNING: TO REDUCE THE RISK OF FIRE OR ELECTRIC WARNING: TO REDUCE THE RISK OF FIRE OR ELECTRIC
SHOCK, DO NOT EXPOSE THIS EQUIPMENT TO RAIN OR SHOCK, DO NOT EXPOSE THIS EQUIPMENT TO RAIN OR
MOISTURE. DO NOT REMOVE COVER. NO USER SERVICEABLE MOISTURE. DO NOT REMOVE COVER. NO USER SERVICEABLE
AVIS: RISQUE DE CHOC ELECTRIQUE — NE PAS OUVRIRPARTS INSIDE. REFER SERVICING TO QUALIFIED PERSONNEL. AVIS: RISQUE DE CHOC ELECTRIQUE — NE PAS OUVRIRPARTS INSIDE. REFER SERVICING TO QUALIFIED PERSONNEL.
SERIAL NUMBER REVISION SERIAL NUMBER REVISION

O
I
POWER

Full-Range I

O
POWER

Outputs

THERMAL OL

LEVEL
SIGNAL POWER

A
OUTPUTS
HIGH PASS
B
From Mixer From Mixer THERMAL OL

LEVEL
SIGNAL POWER

A
OUTPUTS
HIGH PASS
B

Right Output Left Output

- 6dB +6dB - 6dB +6dB

FULL RANGE FULL RANGE

POL ARITY A B POL ARITY A B

NORMAL NORMAL
INVERT INVERT

48V 48V 48V 48V 48V 48V 48V 48V 48V 48V 48V 48V 48V 48V 48V 48V
18-INCH POWERED SOUND REINFORCEMENT SUBWOOFER 18-INCH POWERED SOUND REINFORCEMENT SUBWOOFER

SRM1801 Right SRM1801 Left

PREMIUM ANALOG MIXER w/ PERKINS EQ & FIREWIRE
INPUTS INPUTS
A B A B

Subwoofer 1 Subwoofer 1
EQ EQ EQ EQ EQ EQ EQ EQ EQ EQ EQ EQ EQ EQ EQ EQ

SOLO

SOLO

SOLO

SOLO

WARNING: TO REDUCE THE RISK OF FIRE OR ELECTRIC WARNING: TO REDUCE THE RISK OF FIRE OR ELECTRIC
SHOCK, DO NOT EXPOSE THIS EQUIPMENT TO RAIN OR SHOCK, DO NOT EXPOSE THIS EQUIPMENT TO RAIN OR
MOISTURE. DO NOT REMOVE COVER. NO USER SERVICEABLE MOISTURE. DO NOT REMOVE COVER. NO USER SERVICEABLE
AVIS: RISQUE DE CHOC ELECTRIQUE — NE PAS OUVRIRPARTS INSIDE. REFER SERVICING TO QUALIFIED PERSONNEL. AVIS: RISQUE DE CHOC ELECTRIQUE — NE PAS OUVRIRPARTS INSIDE. REFER SERVICING TO QUALIFIED PERSONNEL.
SERIAL NUMBER REVISION SERIAL NUMBER REVISION
SOLO

SOLO

POWER POWER

I I

O O

MUTE MUTE MUTE MUTE MUTE MUTE MUTE MUTE MUTE MUTE MUTE MUTE MUTE MUTE MUTE MUTE

SOLO SOLO SOLO SOLO SOLO SOLO SOLO SOLO SOLO SOLO SOLO SOLO SOLO SOLO SOLO SOLO

Mixing Console
(Mackie Onyx 1640i shown)

The left and right line-level outputs from a mixer feed the inputs of a pair of Mackie SRM1801 powered
subwoofers. Their respective full-range outputs feed the inputs of another pair of Mackie SRM1801
powered subwoofers. The high-pass outputs from the second set of subwoofers then feed the inputs of a
pair of Mackie SRM450v2 powered loudspeakers.
NOTE: It is highly recommended that you use straps to secure your loudspeakers for stacked scenarios
such as this one. Be sure to loop a strap through each handle going down each side of the cabinet setup,
as shown above. 7
Mackie SRM1801 Features

8 9 10 11
THERMAL OL SIGNAL POWER
OUTPUTS
HIGH PASS
A B
LEVEL

7 - 6dB +6dB
5
6
FULL RANGE
POL ARITY A B

4
NORMAL
INVERT

18-INCH POWERED SOUND REINFORCEMENT SUBWOOFER

INPUTS
A B

WARNING: TO REDUCE THE RISK OF FIRE OR ELECTRIC

SHOCK, DO NOT EXPOSE THIS EQUIPMENT TO RAIN OR
MOISTURE. DO NOT REMOVE COVER. NO USER SERVICEABLE
AVIS: RISQUE DE CHOC ELECTRIQUE — NE PAS OUVRIR PARTS INSIDE. REFER SERVICING TO QUALIFIED PERSONNEL.
SERIAL NUMBER REVISION

POWER

2 1
I

The rear panel is where you connect AC power 2. POWER

and your signals to and from the subwoofer. You may
also adjust the level and polarity to match the other Press up on this switch to turn the SRM1801
loudspeakers in your system and account for the subwoofer on. The power LED [11] above the LEVEL
subwoofer’s location and your room’s environment. knob [7] illuminates when the POWER switch is on and
AC power is available at the linecord socket.

1. IEC AC Receptacle Press the bottom of this switch to put the subwoofer
into standby mode. It will not function, but the circuits
Connect the detachable line cord to this IEC socket are still live. To remove AC power, either turn off the
securely, and plug the other end into an AC outlet. AC mains supply, or unplug the power cord from the
Make sure the AC power is matched to the AC power subwoofer and the AC mains supply.
indicated on the rear panel above the IEC socket.
As a general guide, powered
subwoofers should be turned on after the
mixer and other sources, but prior to full-
range speakers. Additionally, they should
also be powered off after the tops, but before the mixer
and other sources. This will reduce the possibility of any
turn-on, or turn-off thumps in your speakers.
8
 8 9 10 11
THERMAL OL SIGNAL POWER
OUTPUTS
HIGH PASS
A B
LEVEL

7 5
- 6dB +6dB

FULL RANGE
POL ARITY A B
6 NORMAL
INVERT
4
18-INCH POWERED SOUND REINFORC
INPUTS
A B

3. INPUTS 5. HIGH PASS OUTPUTS

Balanced XLR female connectors are provided for the Balanced XLR male connectors are provided for the
left and right inputs. Connect the full-range line-level line-level A and B high-pass outputs. The subwoofer’s
signal from the mixer or other signal source to these internal active crossover splits the input signals into
input jacks. two frequency bands. The low frequency range below
125 Hz goes to the internal amplifier that powers the
If you are connecting a single subwoofer output, or subwoofer. The frequency range above 125 Hz is sent to
LFE (low-frequency effects) output to the subwoofer, these line-level output jacks.
you may use either the A or B input connector.
Connect these outputs to the inputs of your main
CAUTION: NEVER connect the output of powered loudspeakers, or to the inputs of the amplifier
an amplifier directly to the input of the powering the main loudspeakers. In this way, the main
subwoofer. This could damage the input loudspeakers will play the range above 125 Hz. If the
circuitry of the active subwoofer. main loudspeakers have good low-frequency response,
then you may decide to use the full-range outputs [4]
instead.
4. FULL RANGE OUTPUTS
The level control and polarity switch have no effect
Balanced XLR male connectors are provided for the
on the high-pass outputs. The outputs are separate and
line-level A and B full-range outputs. Connect these
maintain the stereo separation of the input signals.
outputs to the inputs of another powered subwoofer,
main powered loudspeakers, or to an amplifier powering
passive loudspeakers. 6. POLARITY
The signal at these outputs is a direct copy of the This switch reverses the polarity of the signal going
input signals. These outputs allow you to daisy-chain into the subwoofer amplifier by 180°. It has no effect on
multiple subwoofers, and/or send the full-range signals the signal at the line-level outputs.
to the main loudspeakers.
There is no right or wrong setting for this switch.
The level control and polarity switch have no effect Listen to the overall blend of the subwoofer with the
on the full-range outputs. The outputs are separate and rest of the system and select the switch position that
maintain the stereo separation of the input signals. gives you the best sound for your audience. In fact,
WARNING:
your system may vary when positioned differently and
TO REDUCE THE RISK OF FIRE OR ELECTRIC
SHOCK, DO NOT EXPOSE THIS EQUIPMENT TO RAIN OR
MOISTURE. DO NOT REMOVE COVER. NO USER SERVICEABLE

inAVIS: RISQUE
alternate venues. Don’tREVISION
DE CHOC ELECTRIQUE — NE PAS OUVRIR
SERIAL NUMBER
be afraid to experiment with
PARTS INSIDE. REFER SERVICING TO QUALIFIED PERSONNEL.

the position of the polarity switch. See page 11 for more

information.
9

POWER
 8 9 10 11
THERMAL OL SIGNAL POWER
OUTPUTS
HIGH PASS
A B
LEVEL

7 5
- 6dB +6dB

FULL RANGE
POL ARITY A B
6 NORMAL
INVERT
4
18-INCH POWERED SOUND REINFORC
INPUTS
A B

7. LEVEL 9. OL LED
The LEVEL control adjusts the overall signal level at The OL (overload) indicator lights when the
the input to the built-in power amplifier. It ranges from amplifier in the SRM1801 is near the clipping point. It
-6 dB to +6 dB (maximum gain), with unity gain at the is okay if the OL indicator blinks occasionally, because
center position (12 o’clock). this means that the transient peaks are just reaching
the maximum output of the amplifier and you are
The control has no effect on the level of the high- getting the most from your SRM1801.
pass outputs [5] or the full-range outputs [4].
If the OL indicator is blinking frequently or lighting
continuously, turn down the LEVEL control [7] on the
8. THERMAL LED SRM1801 or turn down the signal at it source
(e.g., the mixing console) until the OL indicator blinks
The SRM1801 is equipped with a thermal protection occasionally or not at all.
circuit that monitors the internal temperature of the
amplifiers and heatsink. If the temperature exceeds a
safe operating level, this indicator lights and the input 10. SIGNAL LED
signal is muted to allow the amplifiers to cool. When
the temperature cools to a safe level once again, the This LED illuminates green whenever there is a
thermal protection circuit deactivates, the Thermal signal present at the main input connector. It senses the
LED turns off and the SRM1801 returns to normal signal just after the Level control, so adjustments to the
operation. level control will affect the signal indicator.

When the SRM1801 is in thermal protect mode, the

power LED [11] will remain lit, indicating that the unit 11. POWER LED
is still powered on despite the lack of output.
This LED illuminates when the power switch [2] is
turned on and the linecord is connected to an active AC
Activation of the thermal protection circuit
Mains supply.
is an indication that you should take steps
to avoid continued thermal problems. See
“Thermal Protection” on page 12.

WARNING: TO REDUCE THE RISK OF FIRE OR ELECTRIC

SHOCK, DO NOT EXPOSE THIS EQUIPMENT TO RAIN OR
MOISTURE. DO NOT REMOVE COVER. NO USER SERVICEABLE
AVIS: RISQUE DE CHOC ELECTRIQUE — NE PAS OUVRIR PARTS INSIDE. REFER SERVICING TO QUALIFIED PERSONNEL.
SERIAL NUMBER REVISION

10

POWER
 The Ins and Outs of Polarity
Mackie’s SRM1801 subwoofer includes a switch that The polarity invert switch comes into play when the
allows you to quickly invert the polarity of the SRM1801 subwoofer is paired with a loudspeaker.
subwoofer’s output relative to the input signal it is Ideally, the woofer cones of the subwoofer and
receiving from the mixer or other sound source. But full-range loudspeaker would work together by
what exactly does that mean? A subwoofer works by pushing and pulling in unison. SRM1801 subwoofers are
literally pumping air as the woofer cone moves in and designed to be used in a broad range of applications,
out with respect to the cabinet in which it is housed. It and with a wide variety of full-range loudspeakers. The
does so according to the low-frequency portion of the flexibility provided by the polarity switch is necessary
signal it receives from the sound source. to ensure that you are receiving the best possible sound
from your system, regardless of your setup.
The woofer cone is simply following the waveform
as seen in the sine wave in Figure 1. As the sine wave Listed below are some recommended configurations
rises, the woofer cone pushes out. Likewise, as the sine for pairing a Mackie SRM1801 subwoofer (using the
wave falls, the woofer cone pulls into the cabinet. A High-Pass output) with a Mackie full-range
musical signal is much more complex, of course, but the loudspeaker. These settings are a good start, but be sure
same principle applies. Movement of the woofer cone to experiment to find the best sound for your venue. The
causes air pressure changes that we perceive as sound. loudspeakers may be stacked, pole-mounted, or flown.

When the Polarity Invert switch [6] is engaged, the • SRM450v2 full-range loudspeakers - Disengage the
original waveform is simply reversed 180º (see Figure Polarity Invert switch on the SRM1801.
2). Again, the subwoofer cone follows the waveform.
However, this time the woofer cone starts by pulling into • TH-15A full-range loudspeakers - Engage the
the cabinet followed by the woofer cone pushing out. If Polarity Invert switch on the SRM1801.
you have ever experimented with a subwoofer polarity
switch, you may not have noticed any changes to the In alternate setups where the full-range loudspeakers
sound regardless of its position, especially if you are are not co-located with the subwoofers or are not
listening to just the subwoofer. This is normal, as our connected to the SRM1801 subwoofer’s High-Pass
ears perceive them both as the same. outputs, you will need to experiment with the Polarity
Invert switch to determine which setting gives you the
desired bass response for your application.

<--Time--> <--Time-->
Amplitude

Amplitude

Figure 1 Figure 2

11
Protection Circuits Placement
There are several protection mechanisms designed The SRM1801 subwoofer is designed to sit on the
into the SRM1801 to safeguard the subwoofers and floor or stage. It is not designed to be pole-mounted or
amplifiers from inadvertent damage. suspended.

CAUTION: The protection circuits are When pole-mounting loudspeakers, be sure that the
designed to protect the subwoofers under SRM1801 subwoofers are stabilized and secured from
reasonable and sensible conditions. Should falling over or being accidentally pushed over. For
you choose to ignore the warning signs stacked scenarios, it is highly suggested that straps are
(i.e., frequent OL LED indications, excessive distortion), utilized. Failure to follow these precautions may result
you can still damage the speakers in the SRM1801 by in damage to the equipment, personal injury, or death.
overdriving them past the point of amplifier clipping. Such
damage is beyond the scope of the warranty. WARNING: The cabinet has no rigging
points and is not suitable for rigging.
NEVER attempt to suspend the SRM1801
Limiting by its handles.
The driver has its own compression circuit, which
As with any powered components, protect them from
helps protect it from damaging transient peaks. The
moisture and extreme cold and follow the other Care
compressor is designed to be transparent and is not
and Maintenance suggestions below.
noticeable under normal operating conditions.

Overexcursion Protection Care and Maintenance

A 24 dB/octave high-pass filter at 40 Hz just prior
Your Mackie subwoofers will provide many years of
to the low-frequency amplifier prevents very low
reliable service if you follow these guidelines:
frequencies from being amplified. Excessive low-
frequency energy below 40 Hz can damage the woofer by • Avoid exposing the subwoofers to moisture. If
causing it to “bottom out,” also known as overexcursion, they are set up outdoors, be sure they are under
which is equivalent to a mechanical form of clipping. cover if rain is expected.
• Avoid exposure to extreme cold (below
Thermal Protection freezing temperatures). If you must operate
the subwoofers in a cold environment, warm
All amplifiers produce heat. The SRM1801 is up the voice coils slowly by sending a low-level
designed to be efficient both electrically and thermally. signal through them for about 15 minutes prior
to high-power operation.
The amplifier module is mounted on a large • Use a dry cloth to clean the cabinets. Only do
heatsink, which is cooled by convection where cool air this when the power is turned off. Avoid getting
is drawn over the rear panel, carrying the heat away. moisture into any of the openings of the cabi-
In order for this convection cooling to work efficiently, net, particularly where the driver is located.
it is important to provide adequate airspace behind
the subwoofer. When you position the SRM1801, we
recommend leaving at least six inches of air space
behind it.

If for some reason the internal temperature gets too

hot, a built-in thermal switch activates and turns down
the amplifier. When the amplifier cools down to a safe
temperature, the thermal switch resets and normal
operation resumes. If the internal temperature again
gets too hot, the output level reduction process repeats.
Should this happen, make sure that airflow to the rear
of the cabinet is not restricted.

12
Appendix A: Service Information

If you think your Mackie product has a problem,

please check out the following troubleshooting tips and
do your best to confirm the problem. Visit the Support
section of our website (www.mackie.com/support) to
get some ideas or contact our technical support heroes.
You may find the answer to the problem without having
to send your Mackie product away.

Troubleshooting
No Power Bad Sound
• Our favorite question: Is it plugged in? • Is the input connector plugged completely into
the input jack?
• Make sure the line cord is securely seated in the
line cord socket and plugged all the way into the • Is something connected to an output jack? Try
AC outlet. unplugging it. If the sound improves, whatever
was plugged into the output jack may have
• Make sure the AC outlet is live (check with a affected the signal.
tester or lamp).
• Is it loud and distorted? Reduce the signal level at
• Is the POWER switch in the ON position? the mixer.

• Is the power LED on the rear panel illuminated? • If possible, listen to the signal source with
If not, make sure the AC outlet is live. If so, refer headphones plugged into the preamp stage. If it
to “No Sound” below. sounds bad there, it’s not the subwoofer.

• If the power LEDs are not illuminated, and you • Too much bass or not enough bass? Move
are certain that the AC outlet is live, it is possible around the room and see if the bass response
the fuse has blown. changes. It’s possible your listening position
coincides with a room mode where the
low frequencies either become exaggerated or
No Sound nulled. If so, try using an alternate polarity switch
position, moving the subwoofers to a different
• Is the power LED on the rear panel illuminated?
location in the room, or moving your listening
position.
• Is the LEVEL control turned up?

• Is the signal source turned up? Make sure the

signal level from the mixing console (or whatever
device immediately precedes the subwoofer) is
high enough to produce sound.

• If it’s a stereo pair, try switching them around.

For example, if a left subwoofer is presumed dead,
switch the left and right cords at the subwoofers.
If the problem switches sides, it’s not the
SRM1801. It could be a bad cable, or no signal
from the mixer.
13
Noise/Hum
• Check the signal cable between the mixer and
the subwoofer. Make sure all connections are
secure. These problems usually produce crackling
noises or hum.

• If you are using two or more SRM1801 powered

subwoofers, try plugging them all into the same
AC outlet panel or outlet strip. The purpose for
this is to connect them all to the same earth
ground point and reduce the possibility of creating
a ground loop.

• If connecting an unbalanced output to the

SRM1801 balanced input, make sure the shield is
connected to the unbalanced ground and to pin 1
of the XLR.

Repair
For warranty service, refer to the warranty
information on page 18.

Non-warranty service for Mackie products is

available at a factory-authorized service center. To
locate your nearest service center, call our Tech
Support department at 1-800-898-3211, Monday-Friday,
during normal business hours, Pacific Time, to explain
the problem. Tech Support will tell you where the
nearest factory-authorized service center is located in
your area.

14
Appendix B:
Connections
XLR Connectors
The SRM1801 has two female XLR input jacks that There is a limit to how many you can
accept balanced line-level signals. When connecting daisy-chain together. A general rule is
a balanced signal, be sure it’s wired per AES (Audio to maintain a load impedance ten times
Engineering Society) standards: or more than the source impedance to
prevent excessive loading on the source. For example, if
your mixer has an output impedance of 120 ohms, then
you can daisy chain up to nine SRM1801’s. This is a load
of 1222 ohms (SRM1801 input impedance=11 kohms;
9 of these in parallel=1222 ohms). Since microphones
typically have a higher output impedance, you should
limit daisy-chaining from a mic source to two SRM1801’s
(assuming that loudspeakers are also connected to the
Balanced XLR Connectors subwoofers).
XLR
Pin 1 – Shield (Ground)
Pin 2 – Hot (+)
Pin 3 – Cold (–)

You should use high-quality, shielded cable to

connect the signal source to the INPUT jacks on the
SRM1801.

• High quality microphone cables work well.

• Foil shielded cables are commonly used for audio

wiring.

• The better the shield, the better the immunity

from externally induced noise (like EMI and
RFI). Route the cable away from AC power cords
and outlets. These are common sources for hum
in an audio signal. You can purchase quality
cables from your Mackie dealer.

There are also two male XLR connectors on the

SRM1801 labeled FULL RANGE and two labled HIGH
PASS. These are also wired according to the AES
standards listed above.
The FULL RANGE connectors allow you to connect
several SRM1801’s. Simply plug the signal source
(e.g., mixer output) into the SRM1801 input jack, and
patch that subwoofer’s full range jack to the next
subwoofer’s input jack, and so on, daisy-chaining
multiple subwoofers.

15
Appendix C: SRM1801 Specifications
Acoustic Performance AC Power Requirements
Frequency Range (–10 dB): 35 Hz – 150 Hz US: 100-120 VAC, 50-60 Hz
Frequency Response (–3 dB): 50 Hz – 115 Hz Europe: 220-240 VAC, 50-60 Hz
Max peak SPL (calculated) : 1
129 dB Power Consumption: 160 watts @ 1/4 power
Max peak SPL (measured) : 2
124 dB AC Connector: 3-pin IEC 250 VAC,
15 A male

Transducer
Diameter: 18 in / 457 mm Construction Features
Voice coil diameter: 3 in / 76 mm Basic Design: Trapezoidal

Diaphragm material: Paper Material: Void-free plywood

Magnet material: Ferrite Finish: Textured black catalyzed

polyurethane paint
Handles: One on each side
Grille: Perforated metal
Power Amplifier
Rated Power: 500 watts rms
1000 watts peak
THD: <0.1% Physical Properties
Design: Class D Height: 24.1 in / 612 mm

Cooling: Convection Front Width: 20.2 in / 513 mm

Rear Width: 15.1 in / 383 mm
Depth: 25.3 in / 643 mm
Input/Output Weight: 73 lb / 33.1 kg
Input Type: Female XLR Balanced
differential (stereo
left/right)
Input Impedance: 20 k balanced Mounting Method:
Full Range Output: Male XLR Balanced The SRM1801 subwoofer is designed to sit on the floor or
(parallel with input) stage. It is NOT designed to be pole-mounted or suspended. The
High Pass Output: Male XLR Balanced cabinet has no rigging points and is not suitable for rigging.
Never attempt to suspend the SRM1801 by its handles.
Level Control: –6 dB to +6 dB

LOUD Technologies Inc. is always striving to improve our products

by incorporating new and improved materials, components, and
Electronic Crossover manufacturing methods. Therefore, we reserve the right to change
Crossover Type: 24 dB/oct. these specifications at any time without notice.
Linkwitz- Riley
“Mackie,” and the “Running Man” are registered trademarks of LOUD
Crossover Frequency: 125 Hz
Technologies Inc. All other brand names mentioned are trademarks
or registered trademarks of their respective holders, and are hereby
acknowledged.
Protection Features
©2011 LOUD Technologies Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Over-excursion Protection: 40 Hz 24 dB/oct.
Butterworth High
Pass Filter
Thermal Protection: Amplifier mute, auto
reset
Driver Protection: Peak/RMS Limiter
Display LEDs: Thermal, OL, Signal,
Power
1 Calculated from peak driver sensitivity and amplifier power, half space.

2 Measured with swept sine at 1 W within operating range, scaled for max power, half space.

16
 SRM1801 Dimensions 15.1 in /
383 mm

WEIGHT
73 lb
33.1 kg

25.3 in /
643 mm

THERMAL OL SIGNAL POWER

OUTPUTS
HIGH PASS
A B
LEVEL
U

-6dB +6dB

FULL RANGE
POL ARITY A B

NORMAL
INVERT

18-INCH POWERED SOUND REINFORCEMENT SUBWOOFER

INPUTS
A B

24.1 in /
612 mm

POWER

20.2 in / 513 mm

SRM1801 Frequency Response

+10
+10

+0
+0
0 dB SPL
Normalized to 0 dB SPL
1/3 Octave Response
Response

-10
–10
1/3 Octave to
Normalized

-20
–20

-30
–30

-40
–40
20 50 100 200 400
20 50 100 200 400
Frequency (Hz)
Frequency (Hz)
17
Mackie Limited Warranty

Please keep your sales receipt in a safe place.

This Limited Product Warranty (“Product Warranty”) is provided by LOUD Technologies Inc. (“LOUD”)
and is applicable to products purchased in the United States or Canada through a LOUD-authorized
reseller or dealer. The Product Warranty will not extend to anyone other than the original purchaser of
the product (hereinafter, “Customer,” “you” or “your”).

For products purchased outside the U.S. or Canada, please visit www.mackie.com/warranty to find
contact information for your local distributor, and information on any warranty coverage provided by the
distributor in your local market.

LOUD warrants to Customer that the product will be free from defects in materials and workmanship
under normal use during the Warranty Period. If the product fails to conform to the warranty then LOUD
or its authorized service representative will at its option, either repair or replace any such nonconforming
product, provided that Customer gives notice of the noncompliance within the Warranty Period to the
Company at: www.mackie.com/support or by calling LOUD technical support at 1.800.898.3211 (toll-
free in the U.S. and Canada) during normal business hours Pacific Time, excluding weekends or LOUD
holidays. Please retain the original dated sales receipt as evidence of the date of purchase. You will need it
to obtain any warranty service.

For full terms and conditions, as well as the specific duration of the Warranty for this product, please visit
www.mackie.com/warranty.

The Product Warranty, together with your invoice or receipt, and the terms and conditions located
at www.mackie.com/warranty constitutes the entire agreement, and supersedes any and all prior
agreements between LOUD and Customer related to the subject matter hereof. No amendment,
modification or waiver of any of the provisions of this Product Warranty will be valid unless set forth in a
written instrument signed by the party to be bound thereby.

Need help with your subwoofer?

• Visit www.mackie.com and click Support to find: FAQs, manuals, addendums, and other documents.

• Email us at: techmail@mackie.com.

• Telephone 1-800-898-3211 to speak with one of our splendid technical support chaps (Monday
through Friday, normal business hours, Pacific Time).

Correct Disposal of this product: This symbol indicates that this product should not be disposed of with your household waste, according to the WEEE
Directive (2002/96/EC) and your national law. This product should be handed over to an authorized collection site for recycling waste electrical and
electronic equipment (EEE). Improper handling of this type of waste could have a possible negative impact on the environment and human health due
to potentially hazardous substances that are generally associated with EEE. At the same time, your cooperation in the correct disposal of this product will
contribute to the effective usage of natural resources. For more information about where you can drop off your waste equipment for recycling, please
contact your local city office, waste authority, or your household waste disposal service.

18
16220 Wood-Red Road NE • Woodinville, WA 98072 • USA
United States and Canada: 800.898.3211
Europe, Asia, Central and South America: 425.487.4333
Middle East and Africa: 31.20.654.4000
Fax: 425.487.4337 • www.mackie.com
E-mail: sales@mackie.com