7
AC POWER
Be sure the SWA801z is plugged into
an outlet that is able to supply the correct
voltage specified for your model. If the volt-
age 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
connected 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 avail-
able 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 per-
formance” is often caused by a weak AC
supply to the amplifiers.
Never remove the ground
pin on the power cord
of the SWA801z or any
other component. This is
very dangerous.
THERMAL
CONSIDERATIONS
The SWA801z has a powerful amplifier
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 con-
vection 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 adequate airspace
behind the loudspeaker. When you position
the SWA801z, 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, which mutes the signal. When the
amplifier has cooled down to a safe oper-
ating temperature, the thermal switch resets
itself, and the SWA801z 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 over-
heat. In this case, you should try aiming
a fan at the rear panel to move more air
across the heatsink panel.
SERVICE INFORMATION
If you think your Mackie product has a prob-
lem, please check out the following trouble-
shooting tips and do your best to confirm the
problem. Visit the Support section of our
website (www.mackie.com/support) where
you will find lots of useful information such as
FAQs, documentation, and user forums. You
may find the answer to the problem without
having to send your Mackie product away.
Troubleshooting
No power
• Our favorite question: Is it plugged in?
Make sure the AC outlet is live (check
with a tester or lamp).
• Our next favorite question: Is the
POWER
switch on? If not, try turning it on.
• Is the
POWER
LED on the rear panel
glowing green? If not, make sure the AC
outlet is live. If so, refer to “No sound”
next.
• The internal AC line fuse may be blown.
This is not a user serviceable part. If you
suspect the AC line fuse is blown, please
see the “Repair” section on page 9.
No sound
• Is the input
LEVEL
control for the input
source or the subwoofer turned all the
way down? Verify that all the volume con-
trols in the system are properly adjusted.
• Is the signal source working (and making
union scale)? Make sure the connecting
cables are in good repair and securely
connected at both ends. Make sure the
output volume (gain) control on the mix-
ing console is turned up sufficiently to
drive the inputs of the speaker.
