Mackie S500 Service Manual - page 4
4
Overview
The S500 is a high-efficiency, extreme-output, 2-way, wide-dispersion sound reinforcement
speaker system. The combination of precision-manufactured, high- efficiency acoustic
components and high-quality, low-impedance, phase-precise crossover technology
allows the S500 to operate continuously at peak output levels safely while providing high-
resolution audio.
The components inside the S500 incorporate several state-of-the-art advancements in
transducer technology. The compression driver is a new 1.75-inch titanium diaphragm
design featuring a 3-slot, low-distortion geometry phase plug. The S500 also features a
low-distortion, high-output horn design developed to provide the correct power
response and phase alignment characteristics at the crossover frequency. With the
resulting 75º x 65º dispersion pattern, the S500 provides very open, natural sound
reproduction at extreme output levels.
The S500 produces deep bass through a 15-inch high-efficiency RCF® precision woofer.
The magnetic structure designed for the woofer motor is responsible for the system’s
resulting high sensitivity of 100 dB (1 watt@1 meter). More importantly, the high-efficiency
motor provides an extraordinary amount of force that provides complete control of the
cone mass. This type of control allows the woofer to deliver extended bass response and
to reach the mid-frequency crossover point efficiently.
The S500 frequency response is linear between 65Hz and 18kHz. Protection for the high-
frequency driver is provided via an integrated MOSFET circuit that actively monitors and
controls the power delivered to the compression driver. There is also a circuit breaker
button on the rear control panel designed to protect the woofer from excessive power.
The breaker “sees” the amplifier signal being delivered to the woofer and opens when
the combination of amperage and voltage exceeds the maximum rated power levels.
The breaker switch can be reset by pressing the button.
The rear control panel features both a 1/4” speaker jack and a Neutrik Speakon™
connector, wired in parallel. The S500 cabinet is constructed using both multi-layered
plywood and pressure-injected structural resin. The top and bottom sections both have
handles for easy movement and relocation. There is an integrated pole-mount on the
bottom of the enclosure. In addition, there are two, three-part cast-aluminum handles
on each side of the enclosure as well as a full size, oval-punched, weather-resistant steel
grille.
The S500 has a 1/4” TS jack and a Neutrik Speakon™ connector, wired in parallel. Use
high-quality speaker cable as recommended by the amplifier manufacturer.
The 1/4” TS jack uses the following wiring standard:
Tip = Signal (+)
Sleeve = Ground (Shield)
The Speakon connector uses the following wiring standard:
Pin 1+ = Signal (+)
Pin 1– = Ground (–)