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DRM

12A 2000W 

12" Arr

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able P

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DRM12A 2000W 12" Arrayable Powered Loudspeaker

Introduction

  The DRM12A 2000W 12" Arrayable Powered Loudspeaker 

delivers class-leading power via an ultra-efficient Class-D 

amplifier with next-gen protection and Power Factor 

Correction technology for peak performance when you need 

it.

  Advanced Impulse™ DSP provides acoustic correction  

and time-alignment via precision tuned FIR filters for crystal 

clear, punchy sound typically experienced only with massive 

touring systems. The DRM Control Dashboard™ features 

a high-contrast, full-color display for quick access to EQ, 

voicing modes and more.

  A custom high-excursion 12" woofer and three 1" compression 

drivers housed in the texture coated 15mm plywood cabinet 

are designed for consistent performance in the most 

demanding applications. The DRM12A is perfect for clubs, 

houses of worship, rental systems and more. 

  While traditional point-and-shoot systems are great for 

venues such as coffee houses and small clubs, they do not 

have the output or throw to cover larger venues. In order to 

compensate, venues often combine loudspeakers to get more 

output and cover more ground. The problem is that the output 

of these traditional loudspeakers overlap and interfere. This 

interference is both constructive and destructive; it varies 

depending upon the listening position. For many, what they 

hear is less than desirable, and for no one it is exactly the 

same.

  A line array solves this problem by effectively channeling 

these interferences, directing the sound where it is desired, 

and removing it from where it is not. Today, line arrays are 

the loudspeaker format of choice for high-profile tours and 

large installs worldwide. Unlike traditional point-and-shoot 

systems, line arrays excel at providing high output, long throw 

and directional coverage with good vertical pattern control – 

all in a package that is highly configurable and scalable.

  But what is a line array system and how does it work? In 

its simplest form, a line array is a group of closely spaced 

loudspeakers arranged in a straight line. They are designed 

such that constructive interference occurs in front of the 

array of loudspeakers and destructive interference occurs 

at the top and bottom. This is the highly desirable vertical 

directivity for which line arrays are known.

  However, one shouldn’t place just any ‘ol loudspeaker in a 

line and expect to get increased output and better pattern 

control. In order to get good vertical pattern control, a line 

array must be designed so the transducers are positioned as 

close together as possible. More specifically, the separation 

between the transducers must be less than the wavelengths 

emitted by them. This is easy to achieve for lower frequencies 

with long wavelengths (e.g. 1 kHz is equal to 13.56 inches), 

but much more difficult with higher frequencies (e.g. 10 

kHz is equal to only 1.32 inches). Line arrays achieve this 

tight spacing by using multiple drivers and more complex 

mechanical designs. Even then, it isn’t practical to place 

drivers only an inch apart. Therefore, additional acoustical 

magic is employed in the horn design to flatten the 

output of the high frequency wave fronts so they combine 

constructively. The result is high output and even  

coverage.

  Well, if line arrays are so awesome, why even use traditional 

loudspeakers any more? Simply because line arrays aren’t 

perfect for all situations. A line array is best-suited to 

applications where broad horizontal coverage is desired 

throughout a given space, combined with long-throw and 

higher output. Small venues don’t always need the added size 

and output of a line array, and many meeting rooms, halls 

and restaurants are better served by distributed systems 

comprised of many small point-and-shoot loudspeakers. 

Plus, the added cost for the more complex acoustical and 

mechanical design of a line array puts them out of reach of 

many customers...until now. The Mackie DRM12A brings this 

technology to you at a price point never seen before.

  The DRM12A is a constant curvature line array. This means 

that the physical angle of the loudspeaker matches the 

acoustical angle. There is only one way to rig together 

multiple DRM12As, so it’s easy to use. As more units are 

added, the array provides additional vertical coverage (plus 

more vertical directivity at lower frequencies) and, of course, 

it’s louder. DRM12A’s integrated rigging makes it perfect for 

use in large permanent installs, tours and festivals where the 

system is flown, or as a high-output pole-mounted portable 

PA. The DRM12A is as versatile as your shows and will scale 

to fit your needs like no other system anywhere else.

  There is a lot to digest, so grab a coffee, cozy up into your 

favorite chair and learn all there is to know about your new 

DRM12A system.

THE EVER-IMPORTANT INSTALLATION WARNING

WARNING: DRM12A loudspeakers are  

a wonderful tool when utilized in installed  

and portable PA systems. However, improper 

installation may result in damage to the equipment, injury  

or even death. Therefore, installation should only be done  

by experienced, licensed professionals to ensure that  

the loudspeakers are installed in a stable and secure way  

in order to avoid any conditions that may be dangerous  

for persons or structures.

Summary of Contents for DRM12A

Page 1: ...OWNER S MANUAL 2000W 12 Arrayable Powered Loudspeaker DRM12A...

Page 2: ...ong 20 The AC Mains PowerCon connector the appliance coupler is used as the disconnect device This connector shall remain readily accessible and operable 21 The use of apparatus is in tropical and or...

Page 3: ...XLR Input and Output Premium components and cabinet design o Road worthy 15mm plywood construction and internal bracing offers optimal acoustic performance with a touring grade textured coating and p...

Page 4: ...gned so the transducers are positioned as close together as possible More specifically the separation between the transducers must be less than the wavelengths emitted by them This is easy to achieve...

Page 5: ...uts on the rear panel of the DRM12A loudspeakers 4 Push the line cord securely into the subwoofer s IEC connectors and plug the other ends into grounded AC outlets The subwoofer may accept the appropr...

Page 6: ...jack to the second DRM12A s input jack using a balanced XLR cable A short 1 2 foot cable is all that is necessary Hook up the supplied loop Neutrik PowerCon cable from the first DRM12A s AC Thru jack...

Page 7: ...vocal reinforcement Another possibility is to place DRM12As on the stage as front or side fills This helps provide sound to the fans near the stage where they may not be adequately covered by the PA T...

Page 8: ...gle position and the subwoofer HPF to DRM Sub Or set it to Var if not using the DRM18S It is possible to reproduce this exact same hookup in stereo for even wider and louder dispersion Simply utilize...

Page 9: ...he left and right main outputs from the mixer to feed the main inputs of the first DRM12A on each side of the stage and mirror the rest of the system as described above Another important aspect to kee...

Page 10: ...high frequencies in mono and the sub provides the low frequencies in mono Since three DRM12As are used the array mode should be set to the 3 4 or 3 4 long position and the subwoofer HPF to DRM Sub Or...

Page 11: ...e hookup in stereo Simply utilize the left and right main outputs from the mixer to feed the inputs of the top boxes and mirror the rest of the system as identified above Another important aspect to k...

Page 12: ...Top See pages 16 and 22 for more information It is possible to reproduce this exact same hookup in stereo Simply utilize the left and right main outputs from the mixer to feed the main inputs of the t...

Page 13: ...things turned off This will reduce the possibility of any turn on or turn off thumps in the loudspeakers 2 AC Thru Jack The Neutrik PowerCon AC IN and AC THRU connectors are wired in parallel to provi...

Page 14: ...OLD HOT SHIELD COLD HOT 3 2 1 INPUT OUTPUT PUSH FOR SETTINGS SPEAKER CONTROL 7 6 4 5 2 1 SHIELD COLD HOT 3 SHIELD COLD HOT 3 2 1 6 LCD Display This modern high resolution all color TFT LCD Display is...

Page 15: ...avigate between the selections and push the button to open and edit the parameters In 2 3 4 Long Array Mode DRM SUB Subwoofer 9 ms Delay 6 130 7 1 25k 10 15 5k Low Mid High Main EQ Array Delay Sub Con...

Page 16: ...mode is calculated to account for up to 100 feet of air loss compensation The top box in a flown three or four box array typically has to reach an audience that is much further away than those covered...

Page 17: ...s you to the menu SUBWOOFER HPF 90Hz VAR VAR OFF DRM SUB SUBWOOFER HPF 90Hz VAR VAR OFF DRM SUB EQ Setup On to the bottom row now The first one listed is EQ and as you might expect this is where to ad...

Page 18: ...setting up at shows by recalling previous settings The DRM12A s RTA fits right in with that literally displaying frequencies shortening the time it takes to tune the main loudspeakers or stage monito...

Page 19: ...RE 3 There are six user memory snapshots which should be more than enough Store Tap this to store the current settings to the corresponding memory snapshot Please be aware that the new settings will r...

Page 20: ...trol knob to select between on or off Like the previous sub menus configuration also has a left facing arrow Illuminating and selecting this simply returns you to the menu CONFIGURATION MEMORY 1 2 3 4...

Page 21: ...DSP versions temperature favorite movie and more There is really only one reason to go here and that is if you ve been directed so by Technical Support CONFIGURATION MEMORY 1 2 3 4 5 6 ABOUT LOCK PIN...

Page 22: ...e sure that the support surface e g floor etc has the necessary mechanical characteristics to support the weight of the loudspeaker s When pole mounting loudspeakers be sure that they are stabilized a...

Page 23: ...the thermal switch activates try turning down the level control a notch or two on the mixing console or via the Speaker Control knob to avoid overheating the amplifier Be aware that direct sunlight an...

Page 24: ...systems DRM12A Fly Points MP Mounting Point Rigging Hardware and Accessories Rigging a DRM12A will invariably require hardware not supplied by us Various types of load rated hardware are available fr...

Page 25: ...hookup diagrams to view additional rigging suggestions WARNING When the FB100 Flybar is used to suspend a system it cannot retain a 10 1 design factor at certain pick points In some situations suspen...

Page 26: ...sier than lower frequencies By providing direct line of sight from the loudspeakers to the audience you increase the overall brightness and intelligibility of the sound system Highly reverberant rooms...

Page 27: ...u think your DRM12A loudspeaker 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 suppor...

Page 28: ...on Display LEDs Defeatable front power Speaker Control Status Info Input and output levels array mode high pass filter EQ and delay settings AcousticPerformance Frequency Range 10 dB 50 Hz 20 kHz Freq...

Page 29: ...f supporting the weight of the DRM12A loudspeaker or fly via the integrated M10 mounting points using M10 x 1 5 x 20 mm forged shoulder eyebolts See page 22 24 26 for more information Options DRM12A C...

Page 30: ...le Powered Loudspeaker DRM12ALoudspeakerBlockDiagram HF x3 LF Amp Amp 4 User Selectable Array Modes User Adjustable Parametric EQ Alignment Delay Newton s Cradle Internal Crossover LF Equalization HF...

Page 31: ...liance within the Warranty Period to the Company at www mackie com 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 excl...

Page 32: ...16220 Wood Red Road NE Woodinville WA 98072 USA Phone 425 487 4333 Toll free 800 898 3211 Fax 425 487 4337 www mackie com...

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