Mackie C300z 2-Way Speaker User Manual

Safety Instructions

1. Read these instructions.
2. Keep these instructions.
3. Heed all warnings.
4. Follow all instructions.
5. Do not use this apparatus near water.
6. Clean only with a dry cloth.
7. Do not block any ventilation openings. Install according to the manufacturer's instructions.
8. Do not install near any heat sources, such as radiators or heat exchangers.
9. Use only attachments/accessories specified by the manufacturer.
10. Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel. Service is required when the apparatus has been damaged, such as liquid has been spilled or objects have fallen into the apparatus, the apparatus has been exposed to rain or moisture, does not operate normally, or has been dropped.
11. The entire sound system must comply with electrical installation standards.
12. Consult the technical specifications in this manual for proper installation and use.
13. Exposure to high sound levels can cause irreversible hearing damage. Sensitivity to this damage varies from person to person, but almost everyone can be damaged by exposure to sufficient loudness for a sufficient duration. The U.S. Government's Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has set the following permissible exposure limits.

According to OSHA, any exposure over these limits can cause damage. To prevent dangerous exposure to high sound levels, it is advisable to use hearing protection. This protection, when worn during the use of high-sound-level apparatus, will help prevent irreversible hearing loss. Consult the table below.

14. Precautions for Suspended Installations (Clusters): When suspending Mackie speakers or mounting them on stands, you must observe all safety measures and ensure that load capacities and installation techniques are appropriate. Suspend the cabinet only by the anchor points. The user must determine load capacity, dynamic load, and other factors that may affect installation. The user must also determine the safety factor (depending on the application) and the structure's load capacity. Comply with regulations in your country, state, and city.

Mackie strongly advises you to adhere to these guidelines:

• Documentation: Prepare a parts list and a detailed plan for the suspended/stand-mounted installation.
• Analysis: Have a licensed structural engineer (or other qualified professional) verify and approve your installation before use.
• Installation: Hire qualified specialists to suspend/mount your speakers in compliance with regulations in your country, state, and city.

DANGER: Speakers should only be mounted on stands or suspended by experienced specialists using appropriate parts and installation techniques. When stacking or stand-mounting speakers, ensure they are stable and cannot accidentally collapse or tip over. Failure to observe these precautions can result in property damage, injury, or even death.

Introduction

Thank you for choosing Mackie sound reinforcement loudspeakers.

The C300z are portable, two-way loudspeakers designed to optimize the performance of our PPM series professional powered mixers. They deliver extremely high sound levels and performance exceeding that of other speakers in their class.

The Transducers...

The C300z are equipped with a 12-inch (30.5 cm) high-power Woofer and a 44mm high-performance titanium-dome compression Tweeter. The Woofer benefits from technologies found in some of the most sophisticated concert systems, and its imposing 76mm high-precision voice coil is virtually indestructible.

The compression Tweeter is mounted on a multicellular driver coupled to a constant-directivity horn, providing exceptionally wide and controlled dispersion, as well as very accurate reproduction of the upper-midrange and highs. The result: off-axis response is astonishingly linear, allowing all listeners to enjoy the same high-resolution sound regardless of their position in the room.

Our engineers designed the drivers to deliver optimal performance within the lightweight, high-strength cabinet.

The Filter...

The ingeniously designed Low-Impedance Compensation Filter (LICC) features coils wired in series with the Woofer (with values significantly lower than those permitted by conventional circuits). This system reduces the amount of energy typically dissipated as heat, optimizing the energy converted into acoustic power. The filter also includes a dynamic protection circuit to safeguard the compression Tweeter from non-linear signals.

The Cabinet...

The C300z's molded composite cabinet was designed for unmatched strength. The composite is as strong as concrete, and the cabinet's hyper-robust structure prevents vibrations or standing waves. Furthermore, the integrated pole mount allows for tripod mounting, and its provided anchor points allow for suspension. While perfect for fixed sound systems, their lightweight and hyper-resistant finish make them excellent for mobile systems. The cabinet's asymmetrical trapezoidal design also allows them to be used as stage monitors.

The C300z are powerful, lightweight, and easy-to-transport speakers, representing an ideal solution for a multitude of sound reinforcement applications.

Please take the time to write your product's serial number in this box for future reference (warranty, assistance, return authorization, etc.):

Place of Purchase:

Date of Purchase:

Reference SW0664 Rev. B 3/05 ©2004-2005 LOUD Technologies Inc. All rights reserved.

Wiring Diagrams & Getting Started

Getting Started

Place all equipment off before making connections. Ensure all general volume, level, or gain controls are turned down to minimum.

1. Connect the line outputs from the mixer (or signal source) to the power amplifier's inputs.
2. Connect the speaker output from the power amplifier (or powered mixer) to one of the C300z's INPUT connectors (either the 6.35 mm Jack or the Speakon™ NL4 connector).
3. Turn on the mixer (or signal source).
4. Turn on the amplifier. Set the volume or gain controls to the manufacturer's recommended position.
5. Use the signal source (speak into the microphone, play the CD player, etc.). Adjust the mixer's volume controls (or the signal source's) to achieve a suitable operating level.

Diagram: Powered Mixer to Speakers

Textual Description: A diagram shows a powered mixer connected to four C300z speakers. Text indicates: "Maximum number of speakers in parallel is 2 per powered mixer or amplified channel."

Diagram: C300z Connected to a Powered Mixer (using THRU connectors)

Textual Description: A diagram illustrates two C300z speakers daisy-chained using the THRU connectors from a powered mixer.

Diagram: C300z Connected to a Console and Amplifier

Textual Description: A diagram shows a mixer or preamplifier connected to a stereo power amplifier. The power amplifier's outputs are then connected to two C300z speakers.

Wiring Diagrams (Continued)

Diagram: C300z Connected to a Console and Amplifier (using THRU connectors)

Textual Description: Similar to the previous diagram, this shows a mixer/preamp connected to a stereo power amplifier, which is then connected to two C300z speakers, utilizing the THRU connectors for daisy-chaining.

Diagram: C300z Bi-amplified with an Active Subwoofer

Textual Description: This diagram shows C300z speakers connected to a stereo power amplifier. The system also includes a Mackie SWA1501 or SWA1801 active subwoofer. The subwoofer receives a full-range signal, internally splits it into low frequencies (sent to its own amplifier and woofer) and high frequencies (sent via a high-pass output to the external amplifier powering the C300z speakers). The diagram also shows the C300z speakers can be mounted on top of the subwoofer.

Positioning

The C300z speakers are designed to be placed on the floor or a table, or mounted on a standard tripod. You can also place the C300z speakers on their side to use them as stage monitors. The cabinet's asymmetrical trapezoidal shape provides optimized dispersion towards musicians.

⚠️ IMPORTANT: Never stack speakers, as they could tip over.

Avoid exposing the speakers to humidity. If installed outdoors, cover them when precipitation is expected.

Avoid exposing them to extreme cold (below zero degrees). If using them in a cold environment, gradually warm up the speaker voice coils by sending a low-level signal for about 15 minutes before using them at a high level.

Clean the cabinet using a damp cloth and a mild soapy solution. Ensure no moisture enters the cabinet through the openings, especially those for the speakers.

Room Acoustics

The C300z are designed to produce a sound as neutral as possible, without coloration. Room acoustics greatly affect the sound system's performance. However, the C300z's extended high-frequency dispersion helps avoid most problems.

Diagram: Dispersion Pattern

Textual Description: A diagram shows a speaker with a 90° dispersion pattern up to 20 kHz.

Speaker Placement Tips:

• Avoid placing speakers in room corners, as this accentuates bass and can make the sound muddy and imprecise.
• Avoid placing speakers directly against walls, as this also accentuates bass, though less than corners. This can be an effective way to boost bass frequencies when needed.
• Do not place speakers directly on the stage floor, as certain frequencies can cause resonance if the floor is hollow, compromising the room's frequency response. We recommend placing them on a solid table or a tripod.

Diagram: Speaker Placement (Top/Bottom View)

Textual Description: Diagrams show rear and side views of the speaker, indicating the pole mount socket and suspension points. A top view shows the speaker placed on a surface, with an indication of tweeter height relative to audience ear level.

• Position the speakers so their Tweeters are above the audience's ear level (between 60 cm and 120 cm / 2-4 ft). Also consider listeners in aisles. High frequencies are directional and are absorbed more easily than low frequencies. Placing the speakers in direct line with the audience improves the sound's brilliance and clarity.
• Highly reverberant rooms, like most gymnasiums, do not favor sound system clarity. Multiple reflections from walls, ceilings, and floors compromise sound quality. Depending on your situation, you can reduce reverberation by carpeting the floor, closing curtains in front of large windows, or placing rugs (or other absorbent material) on walls to absorb some reflections. However, these modifications rarely provide satisfactory results. Boosting system volume usually doesn't solve the problem, as it also amplifies reflections. The best solution is to direct sound straight to the audience. The further you are from the speakers, the more reflections affect the sound. Use additional speakers behind the audience, strategically placed closer to listeners. If the distance between front and rear speakers exceeds 30 meters, use a delay processor to adjust the delay time. Sound travels at approximately 30 cm per millisecond, taking about a tenth of a second to travel 30 meters.

Protection

The C300z's integrated protection circuit prevents the compression Tweeter from being damaged by excessive power. When the power delivered to the Tweeter reaches its maximum limit, it is temporarily reduced.

⚠️ WARNING: The protection circuit is designed to protect the Tweeter under reasonable operating conditions. Pay attention to warning signals (e.g., overload LED flashing, excessive distortion), as you risk damaging the C300z's drivers if you do not respect the recommended nominal power value or if you use a level exceeding the amplifier's overload point. Such damage is not covered by the warranty.

Amplifier Power

Three values are provided to determine the C300z's admissible power: RMS (continuous), program, and peak. What power should you deliver to the C300z? It depends on the type of music played through the system and the desired volume.

Some sound signals have multiple momentary peaks whose amplitude is higher than the average general level (e.g., percussion). Other types of music, like highly compressed rock music, are characterized by a higher general level with fewer peaks. Speech applications require less general power but involve significant and frequent level variations.

Assuming you want to use the C300z at full power and the musical program contains some momentary peaks, we recommend using an amplifier whose continuous nominal power rating is twice that of the speakers (at 8 Ohms). For the C300z, this represents: 300 Watts x 2 = 600 Watts per channel into 8 Ohms. This ensures the amplifier can reproduce peaks up to 6 dB higher than the continuous (RMS) admissible power without clipping.

Speaker Protection

Most often, speakers are damaged by clipping. Clipping occurs when the output level of any system component (not just the amplifier) reaches its maximum level. The input signal level to the device may be boosted, but not the output level, which is represented by a "flat-topped" waveform on an oscilloscope.

Diagram: Sine Wave vs. Clipped Sine Wave

Textual Description: Two oscilloscope waveforms are shown. The first is a clean sine wave. The second is a sine wave that has been clipped at the top and bottom, indicating distortion.

Clipping interrupts the speaker's movement, producing distortion and excessive heat that can damage them. Some people believe that using an amplifier with a nominal power lower than the speaker's admissible power will prevent damage. However, even the least powerful amplifiers can generate overload and cause damage. To avoid damaging your speakers, you must use your sound system properly. Therefore, consider the type of audio signal reproduced, control output levels accordingly, and configure all system components to prevent clipping in the signal path.

Clusters (Suspension)

The C300z cabinet is equipped with 10 M10 anchor points (see illustration on the previous page). These anchor points allow the use of M10 PA-A1 threaded eye bolts (M10 x 1.5mm x 20mm).

⚠️ IMPORTANT WARNING: Never suspend the C300z by the handles. Suspend them only by the anchor points. Seek the help of a specialist or engineer before suspending speakers from a structure not designed for this purpose. It is important to know the maximum load the structure can support. Ensure the minimum capacity of the fixings is at least five times the actual weight.

Maintenance & Support

Warranty Coverage

Details of the warranty are on page 11 of this user manual.

If you suspect your speaker has a problem, do what you can to verify the fault before sending it for repair. Most returned units are not defective. Check the following points before sending the unit for repair:

Technical Assistance

Output Problem

• Are the mixer or amplifier level settings at minimum? Follow the procedure in the "Getting Started" section on page 4 to ensure all system volume controls are set correctly.
• Is the signal source level adequate? Ensure cables are in good condition and correctly connected.

One Side Louder Than the Other

• Are the level settings on both sides of the mixer or amplifier set to the same position?
• Ensure the pan control of the signal source is not set completely to the right/left. If the signal source is stereo, the stereo balance may not be correct.
• Swap sides: Reverse the cables connected to the amplifier at its inputs. If the other side is now too loud, the problem is caused by the console, amplifier, or signal source.

Poor Bass Response

• Check the polarity of the connections between the amplifier and the speakers. Positive and negative poles may be reversed at the cable end.

Output Problem (Distorted Sound)

• Is the sound distorted and loud? Follow the procedures in the "Getting Started" section to ensure all volume settings are adjusted correctly.
• Is the input connector seated correctly? It is recommended to clean connectors regularly with an oil-free electrical contact cleaner.

Repairs

C300z repairs are performed at authorized centers. For repairs of Mackie products purchased outside the USA, contact your dealer or distributor.

To have your speaker repaired, proceed as follows:

1. Read the previous assistance page. Thank you.
2. Call technical assistance at 1-800-898-3211, from 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM (Pacific Time), Monday to Friday, to explain your problem and obtain a repair request number. Have your speaker's serial number ready. You must have a return number to be serviced.
3. Keep this user manual; we do not need it.
4. Use the original packaging (including protective materials and box) to return the product. This is very important. Do not use polystyrene beads! Mackie is not responsible for damage due to packaging other than its own.
5. Include a note with your name, shipping address (no P.O. Box), phone number, repair request number, and a detailed description of the problem, explaining how we can reproduce it.
6. Write the return number in LARGE LETTERS on the box. Units returned without a return number will be refused.
7. Ship the speaker to the address provided by the technician. Insure the product during transit.
8. We will repair the speaker within three to five business days. Ask the technician for the estimated repair time when you call for the return authorization number. Use the original packaging and write the return number on the box. After repair, we will ship it back to you in the same manner as we received it. This paragraph does not necessarily apply to non-warranty repairs.

Note: You must have a receipt from a Mackie dealer to receive warranty-covered repair.

Maintenance & Connections

Maintenance

Your Mackie speakers will provide years of trouble-free use if you follow these guidelines:

• Avoid exposing your speakers to humidity. If installed outdoors, cover them when precipitation is announced.
• Avoid exposing them to extreme cold (below zero degrees). If you must use them in a cold environment, gradually warm up the speaker voice coils by sending a low-level signal for about 15 minutes before using them at a high level.
• Use a damp cloth and a mild soapy solution to clean the cabinet. Ensure no moisture enters through the cabinet openings, especially those for the speakers.

Connections

The C300z are equipped with 6.35 mm Jacks and Speakon™ INPUT and THRU connectors. These connectors are wired in parallel, so use only one input connector (either the 6.35 mm Jack or the Speakon connector).

IMPORTANT: Use a heavy-gauge, stranded cable to connect the speaker to the power amplifier's output. NEVER use a coaxial cable (like a guitar cable) for speaker connection. They are not designed to handle the high voltages produced by amplifiers and can overheat. The greater the distance between the amplifier and the speakers, the larger the cable diameter should be. Speaker cables are resistive, and as current passes through resistance, power is lost. The larger the cable diameter, the lower the resistance, and the more power is delivered to the speaker.

6.35 mm Mono Jacks and Sockets

6.35 mm mono jacks have two contact points. They are used for unbalanced signals and speaker connections.

Wiring of 6.35 mm Mono Jacks:

Sleeve = Minus (-)

Tip = Plus (+)

Diagram: 6.35mm Jack Wiring

Textual Description: A diagram shows a 1/4" (6.35mm) mono jack with connections labeled 'Tip' (+), 'Sleeve' (-), and 'Body' (Ground/Shield). It illustrates the wiring for speaker connection.

Connection Panel of C300z

Textual Description: An image shows the rear connection panel of a C300z speaker, featuring Input and Thru connectors (both 1/4" and Speakon) and parallel wiring.

You will typically use only one THRU connector, but it is possible to use both. However, when speakers are connected in parallel, you must ensure the total load is not lower than the minimum impedance tolerated by the amplifier.

The nominal impedance of the C300z is 8 Ohms. With two C300z connected in parallel, the impedance is 4 Ohms. With three C300z connected in parallel, the impedance is 2.7 Ohms, and with four C300z, it is 2 Ohms.

Connectors and NL4 Sockets

These connectors are compatible with the famous Neutrik® Speakon® 4-pin connectors. They are designed to handle the high voltages produced by amplifiers and can also be locked to prevent accidental disconnection. Simply align the cable connector and the C300z connector, push it in, and turn it a quarter turn clockwise to lock it.

Wiring of NL4 Connectors:

Pin 1 = Minus (-)

Pin 1+ = Plus (+)

Pin 2 = No connection

Pin 2+ = No connection

Diagram: NL4 Speakon Connector Wiring

Textual Description: A diagram shows a Neutrik Speakon NL4 connector with pins labeled 1 (+/-) and 2 (+/-). It illustrates the wiring for speaker connection, showing pins 1 and 1+ used, and pins 2 and 2+ unused.

Need Help?

You can call our technicians Monday to Friday from 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM (Pacific Time) at: 1-800-898-3211. Visit www.mackie.com and click on Support, or email techmail@mackie.com.

C300z - Technical Specifications

Important: As we continuously improve our products with higher quality components and improved manufacturing methods, we reserve the right to modify these specifications at any time without notice. "Mackie" and the running man logo are registered trademarks of LOUD Technologies Inc. Other trademarks mentioned are trademarks of their respective owners. ©2004-2005 LOUD Technologies Inc. All rights reserved.

C300z - Limited Warranty

Keep your purchase receipt.

A. LOUD Technologies Inc. warrants the parts and labor of this apparatus for a period of two years from the original date of purchase. In the event of a defect in parts or workmanship, or if the product does not function correctly during the warranty period, LOUD Technologies will, upon approval, repair or replace the product. This warranty applies only to apparatus sold and delivered in the U.S. by LOUD Technologies Inc. or its dealers.

B. Failure to complete the registration card or register the product online does not void the two-year warranty.

C. Maintenance and repairs of Mackie products may only be performed by a factory-authorized service center (see section D below). Unauthorized maintenance, repairs, or modifications will void the warranty. To obtain warranty service, you must provide a copy of the sales receipt issued by the authorized Mackie dealer where you purchased the product. Proof of purchase date is required to determine if your Mackie product is covered by this warranty.

D. To obtain authorized repair:

1. Call Mackie at 800/898-3211, from 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM (West Coast time), Monday through Friday, to obtain a return authorization number. Units sent without a return authorization number will be refused.
2. Use the original packaging to return the product. Include a note clearly explaining the problem, a copy of the purchase receipt including price and date of purchase, and your mailing address (no P.O. Box). We reserve the right to charge for repair if we cannot identify the problem or the purchase date.
3. Ship the product in its original packaging, freight prepaid, to the authorized repair center. The address of the nearest center will be provided by the technician.

IMPORTANT: Ensure the return number is visible on the shipping carton.

E. LOUD Technologies reserves the right to inspect warranted products before approving repair or replacement. LOUD Technologies may request proof of the original purchase date via a certified copy of the original invoice. The final decision on warranty coverage is made entirely by LOUD Technologies Inc.

F. Any product sent to one of LOUD Technologies' authorized repair centers will be repaired or replaced under the terms of the warranty within 30 days of receipt. LOUD Technologies and its authorized repair centers may use previously used parts for repair or replacement. Products returned for repair that do not meet the criteria of this warranty will not be repaired or returned until full payment of labor, parts, shipping, and insurance costs. Products repaired under warranty will be returned, and return shipping will be covered by LOUD Technologies in the USA.

G. LOUD Technologies warrants all repairs for a period of 90 days or the remainder of the warranty period. This warranty does not cover damage resulting from improper installation, misuse, neglect, or abuse, or cosmetic damage. This warranty is valid only if inspection seals are intact and the serial number is still visible on the unit.

H. LOUD Technologies assumes no responsibility for the quality or promptness of repairs performed by the authorized repair center.

I. This warranty applies to the original purchaser and subsequent purchasers within the original warranty period. The original purchase receipt is required for repairs to be performed.

J. This is your sole warranty. LOUD Technologies does not authorize anyone else, including dealers or representatives, to assume any liability associated with LOUD Technologies or to create a warranty for LOUD Technologies Inc.

K. THIS WARRANTY IS THE SOLE WARRANTY OFFERED BY LOUD TECHNOLOGIES INC AND REPLACES ALL EXPRESS AND IMPLIED WARRANTIES, INCLUDING ANY TYPE OF LIABILITY. THIS WARRANTY IS STRICTLY LIMITED IN DURATION TO TWO YEARS FROM THE ORIGINAL DATE OF PURCHASE FROM AN AUTHORIZED MACKIE DEALER. ONCE THIS WARRANTY EXPIRES, LOUD TECHNOLOGIES OFFERS NO ADDITIONAL WARRANTY. LOUD TECHNOLOGIES CANNOT BE HELD LIABLE FOR ANY DIRECT OR INDIRECT DAMAGE RELATED TO THE USE OF THIS PRODUCT. Some states extend concepts of liability and warranty exclusions. This warranty gives you rights that may be extended by certain local laws.

Mackie Contact Information

Mackie Headquarters:

16220 Wood-Red Road NE • Woodinville, WA 98072 • USA

USA and Canada: 800.898.3211

Europe, Asia, Central and South America: 425.487.4333

Middle East and Africa: 31.20.654.4000

Fax: 425.487.4337 • www.mackie.com

Email: sales@mackie.com