Ac Power; Thermal Considerations - Mackie SWA1801z User Manual

AC POWER

Be sure the SWA1801z is plugged into an
outlet that is able to supply the correct voltage
specified for your model. If the voltage should
drop below 97% of the specified line voltage, the
built-in amplifiers will no longer be able to supply
rated power. (They will continue to operate down
to 80% of the rated line voltage, but won't reach
full power, resulting in lower headroom.)
Be sure the electrical service can supply
enough amperage for all the components con-
nected to it.
We recommend that a stiff (robust) supply of
AC power be used because the amplifiers place
high current demands on the AC line. The more
power that is available on the line, the louder
the speakers will play and the more peak output
power will be available for cleaner, punchier bass.
A suspected problem of "poor bass performance"
is often caused by a weak AC supply to the ampli-
fiers.
Never remove the ground
pin on the power cord of
the SWA1801z or any other
component. This is very dan-
gerous.
THERMAL
CONSIDERATIONS
The SWA1801z has a powerful 800 watt am-
plifier built-in. As amplifiers produce heat, it
is important to dissipate the heat as quickly as
possible. This results in increased reliability and
longevity for the amplifier.
The amplifier module is mounted on a large
heatsink, which is cooled by convection where
cool air is drawn through it's fins, carrying the
heat away. In order for this convection cooling to
work efficiently, it is important to provide ade-
quate airspace behind the loudspeaker. When you
position the SWA1801z, we recommend leaving at
least six inches of air space behind it.
In the unlikely event of the amplifier over-
heating, a built-in thermal switch will activate,
which mutes the signal. When the amplifier has
cooled down to a safe operating temperature, the
thermal switch resets itself, and the SWA1801z
resumes normal operation.
If the thermal switch activates frequently, try
turning down the level control a notch or two on
the mixing console (or other signal source) or
on the subwoofer itself to avoid overheating the
amplifiers.
If the temperature in the room is too high,
it could cause the amplifier to overheat. In this
case, you should try aiming a fan at the rear panel
to move more air across the heatsink panel.
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