CONNECTIONS

The S218s has two connectors. One is a Neutrik Speakon™ connector and the other is a female 1/4" TS connector. These connectors are wired in parallel, and can be used either as an input from a power amplifier, or as a “thru” connection for connecting the full-range input signal to another speaker’s input.

NEVER connect more than one output from a power amplifier to the S218s inputs.

Keep in mind, when connecting two or more speakers in parallel using the “thru” connections, that you want to be sure not to go below the minimum impedance requirements for your power amplifier.

The S218s has a nominal impedance of 8 ohms.

Two 8 ohm cabinets in parallel equals 4 ohms.

Three 8 ohm cabinets in parallel equals 2.7 ohms.

Four 8 ohm cabinets in parallel equals 2 ohms.

Use high-quality speaker cable as recommended by the power amplifier manufacturer.

DO NOT use coaxial shielded cable like a guitar cord to make speaker connections. They are not designed to handle the high currents required to drive a loudspeaker.

The Speakon connector is wired as follows: Pin 1+ = Signal (“+” or hot)

Pin 1– = Ground (“–” or cold)

1–

1+

COLD

1–

PLACEMENT

The S218s subwoofer is designed to sit on the floor or stage. A socket is provided on the top of the cabinet for mounting another speaker on top of the S218s, like the Mackie S215, SA1521z, SR1521z, SRM350, or SRM450 speakers. Use the optional Mackie speaker mounting pole (SPM100) to mount them on the S218s (see Hookup Diagrams on page 5).

WARNING: The cabinet has no rigging points and is not suitable for rigging. NEVER attempt to suspend the S218s by its handles.

As with any powered components, protect them from moisture. If you are setting them up outdoors, make sure they are under cover if you expect rain.

Room Acoustics

The S218s subwoofers are designed to sound as neutral as possible; that is, to reproduce the input signal as accurately as possible.

Room acoustics play a crucial role in the overall performance of a sound system. Here are some additional placement tips to help overcome some typical room problems that might arise:

• Avoid placing loudspeakers in the corners of a

room. This increases the low frequency output and

can cause the sound to be muddy and indistinct.

• Avoid placing loudspeakers against a wall. This, too,

increases the low frequency output, though not as

much as corner placement. However, if you do need

to reinforce the low frequencies, this is a good way

to do it.

• Avoid placing the speakers directly on a hollow

stage floor. A hollow stage can resonate at certain

frequencies, causing peaks and dips in the fre-

HOT 2+

1+

quency response of the room. It’s better to place the

2–

Speakon Connectors

The 1/4" TS jack is wired as follows: Tip = Signal (“+” or hot)

Sleeve = Ground (“–” or cold)

SLEEVE

SLEEVE TIP

TIP

TIP

SLEEVE

1/4" TS Connectors

loudspeakers on a sturdy table or stand designed to

handle the weight of the cabinet(s).

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