Rigging Hardware and Accessories

Rigging Mackie loudspeakers will invariably require hardware not supplied by Mackie. Various types of load- rated hardware are available from a variety of third- party sources. There are a number of such companies specializing in manufacturing hardware for, designing, and installing rigging systems. Each one of these tasks is a discipline in its own right. Because of the hazardous nature of rigging work and the potential liability, engage companies that specialize in these disciplines to do the work required.

Mackie does offer certain accessory rigging items, primarily for attachment to the hardware integral with the loudspeaker. Some items, such as eyebolts, may be used with a variety of products. While these accessories are intended to facilitate installation, the wide variety of possible installation conditions and array configurations do not permit Mackie to determine their suitability or load rating for any particular application.

Mackie is not in the business of providing complete rigging systems, either as designers, manufacturers, or installers. It is the responsibility of the installer to provide a properly engineered, load-certified rigging system for supporting the loudspeaker from structure.

Rigging Notes

The HD1521’s intergral mounting points are designed to support only the weight of their own loudspeaker with suitable, external hardware. This means that each HD loudspeaker must be supported independently of any other HD loudspeaker and any other loads.

A minimum of two rigging points must be used to hang an HD1521. More may be used for creating the desired hanging angle as shown in the illustrations on page 8. All mounting points are fully load bearing so any two may be used for rigging; no mounting points are restricted to angle control only.

Thermal Considerations

The HD1521 has two powerful built-in amplifiers capable of producing a combined 800 watts of rms power. As an amplifier works, it produces heat. The higher the signal level, the louder and hotter it gets. 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 its fins, carrying the heat away. In order for this convection cooling to work efficiently, it is important to provide adequate airspace behind the loudspeaker. When positioning the HD1521, we recommend leaving at least six inches of air space behind it.

In the unlikely event of the amplifier overheating, a

built-in thermal switch will activate, muting the sig-

Owner’s

nal and lighting the thermal LED. When the amplifier

has cooled down to a safe operating temperature, the

thermal switch resets itself, and the HD1521 resumes

normal operation.

If the thermal switch activates frequently, try turning

down the level control a notch or two on the mixing con-

Manual

sole (or the back of the HD1521) to avoid overheating

 

the amplifier. Be aware that direct sunlight and/or hot

 

stage lights may be the culprit of an amplifier overheat-

 

ing.

 

AC Power

 

Be sure the HD1521 is plugged into an outlet that

 

is able to supply the correct voltage specified for your

 

model. If the voltage should drop below 95% of the spec-

 

ified 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 am-

 

perage for all the components connected to it.

 

We recommend that a stiff (robust) supply of AC

 

power be used because the amplifiers place high cur-

 

rent 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 a

 

cleaner, punchier bass. A suspected problem of “poor

 

bass performance” is often caused by a weak AC supply

 

to the amplifiers.

 

 

Never remove the ground pin on the power

 

 

 

 

cord or any other component of the HD1521.

 

 

This is very dangerous.

 

 

 

Care and Maintenance

 

Your Mackie loudspeakers will provide many years of

 

reliable service if you follow these guidelines:

 

•Avoid exposing the loudspeakers to moisture. If they are set up outdoors, be sure they are under cover if rain is expected.

•Avoid exposure to extreme cold (below freezing temperatures). If you must operate the loud- speakers in a cold environment, warm up the voice coils slowly by sending a low-level signal through them for about 15 minutes prior to high-power operation.

•Use a dry cloth to clean the cabinets. Only do this when the power is turned off. Avoid getting moisture into any of the openings of the cab- inet, particularly where the drivers are located.

Owner’s Manual