Mackie C300z Two-Way Loudspeaker Owner's Manual

Introduction

Thank you for purchasing a Mackie SR speaker. The C300z is a portable 2-way loudspeaker system designed to complement Mackie's professional powered mixers, such as the PPM series. It is engineered to handle high sound pressure levels and deliver exceptional performance for its class and price point.

Transducers

The C300z features a 12-inch high-power low-frequency woofer and a high-output 1.75-inch titanium diaphragm compression driver. The woofer utilizes technology from large touring systems, featuring a large, high-precision 3-inch voice coil for exceptional durability.

Crossover

The proprietary Low Impedance Compensated Crossover (LICC) design uses parallel inductors to cover a lower frequency range than conventional designs. This reduces energy loss and increases acoustic power. Dynamic protection is also included to safeguard the compression driver from non-linear signals.

Cabinet

The C300z cabinet is designed for maximum durability. Its construction helps prevent unwanted internal vibrations and standing waves. It includes rigging points for suspension and a mount for tripod stands. The asymmetrical trapezoidal design allows it to function effectively as a stage monitor.

Safety Information

Please read the following safety precautions before installing and using this product. These guidelines are designed to prevent injury and property damage.

About Symbols Used in This Manual

• ⚠️ Warning: Indicates content that, if mishandled, could result in death, serious injury, or fire.
• ❗ Caution: Indicates content that, if mishandled, could result in injury, equipment damage, or property damage.
• ✔️ Mandatory: Indicates a required action.
• ❌ Prohibited: Indicates an action that must not be performed.

General Safety Precautions

• ✔️ Read This Entire Manual: Familiarize yourself with all instructions before use.
• ✔️ Safely Route Speaker Cables: Keep cables away from heat sources, direct sunlight, and areas where they can be tripped over or damaged.
• ✔️ Avoid Excessive Volume: Do not operate at excessively high volumes, as this can cause hearing damage or damage to connected equipment.
• ✔️ Mount in a Suitable Location: Ensure speakers and mounting hardware are installed in structurally sound locations capable of supporting the weight. Consult a professional installer for ceiling or wall mounting.
• ✔️ Use Compliant Stands: If using speaker stands, ensure they are stable, rated for the speaker's weight, and used according to their specifications.
• ✔️ Disconnect Cables Before Moving: Always disconnect all cables before moving the speaker unit to prevent cable damage or tripping hazards.
• ✔️ Do Not Use Handles for Hanging: Handles are not designed for suspending the speaker. Use designated rigging points.
• ✔️ Use Manufacturer-Specified Hardware: Only use mounting hardware approved by the manufacturer to ensure structural integrity.
• ✔️ Professional Installation for Overhead Mounting: For installations above head height or in precarious locations, consult a professional installer.
• ✔️ Prevent Drops: Ensure the unit is securely placed to prevent falls, which could cause injury or damage.
• ✔️ Keep Dry and Clean: Do not insert liquids or foreign objects into the unit. Keep away from moisture.
• ✔️ Adjust Angle Safely: When adjusting the speaker's angle, loosen mounting screws, make the adjustment, and then securely retighten them.
• ✔️ Stable Installation: Install the unit on a stable surface to prevent tipping or falling.
• ✔️ Secure Speakers Firmly: Ensure speakers and mounting hardware are firmly secured to prevent them from falling.
• ✔️ Regular Maintenance Checks: Periodically inspect mounting points for corrosion or damage.
• ✔️ Keep Away from Flames and Heat: Do not place near open flames, stoves, or direct sunlight.
• ✔️ Gentle Operation of Controls: Do not apply excessive force to buttons, switches, or connectors.
• ✔️ Avoid Interference: Keep speakers away from TVs, radios, and mobile phones to prevent potential interference.
• ✔️ Use Safety Wires: For suspended installations, use safety wires as a secondary support.
• ✔️ Operate Within Rated Limits: Do not exceed the speaker's rated power or frequency limits, as this can cause damage.
• ✔️ Match Amplifier Output: Ensure the amplifier's output power is appropriate for the speaker's power handling capabilities.

Connections

The C300z features 1/4" TS and NL4 (Speakon) input jacks, as well as THRU jacks for parallel connections. You can connect to any one of the input jacks.

Quick Start

1. Ensure all equipment power is OFF before connecting. Set master volume, level, and gain controls to minimum.
2. Connect the line-level output from your mixing console (or other signal source) to the power amplifier's input.
3. Turn ON the mixing console (or other signal source).
4. Turn ON the power amplifier. Adjust volume/gain controls as recommended by the amplifier manufacturer.
5. Play a signal source (e.g., speak into a microphone or play a CD). Adjust the mixer's volume to achieve normal operation.

Connection Diagrams

Parallel Speaker Connection Limit: A maximum of two speakers can be connected in parallel per amplifier channel.

C300z: Connecting to a Powered Mixer Using THRU Jacks

This diagram shows a setup where a powered mixer is used. The signal from the mixer's output is sent to the C300z's input, and the THRU jack on the first C300z is used to send the signal to a second C300z.

C300z: Connecting to a Mixer and Power Amplifier

This diagram illustrates connecting the C300z speakers to a mixer and a stereo power amplifier. Line-level outputs from the mixer are connected to the amplifier's inputs, and speaker cables connect the amplifier's outputs to the C300z speakers.

C300z: Connecting to a Mixer and Power Amplifier Using THRU Jacks

Similar to the previous setup, but utilizing the THRU jacks for daisy-chaining multiple C300z speakers from the mixer and amplifier.

C300z: Using with a Powered Subwoofer and Bi-amping

This setup shows the C300z paired with a Mackie SWA1501 or SWA1801 powered subwoofer. The subwoofer's active crossover splits the full-range stereo signal into low and high frequencies. The subwoofer's internal amplifier powers the woofer, and the high-passed stereo signal is sent to the C300z speakers, which can be pole-mounted on the subwoofer.

Installation

The C300z is designed for placement on floors, stands, or suspension using its rigging points.

Mounting Options

• Floor/Surface Placement: Place on a flat, stable surface.
• Speaker Stands: Use standard tripod speaker stands.
• Rigging Points: The cabinet features M10 rigging points for suspension. Use M10 eye bolts (M10x1.5mm x 20mm). Consult a professional for rigging installations.
• Stage Monitor: The asymmetrical cabinet design allows it to be placed on its side and angled upwards as a stage monitor.

Acoustic Considerations

Proper speaker placement is crucial for optimal sound. Avoid placing speakers in corners or too close to walls, as this can excessively boost low frequencies and muddy the sound. For best results, aim the speakers directly at the audience. If reflections are an issue, consider using sound-absorbing materials like carpets, heavy curtains, or tapestries. For larger venues, strategic placement of multiple speakers and the use of delay processors may be necessary to ensure even coverage.

⚠️ Warning: Do not stack multiple C300z units vertically. This can cause instability and lead to injury or death.

Care and Maintenance

To ensure long-lasting performance:

• Avoid exposing the speaker to moisture or extreme temperatures.
• If operating in cold environments, warm up the voice coils gradually with low-level signals for about 15 minutes before applying full power.
• Clean the cabinet with a dry, clean cloth only. Ensure the unit is powered off before cleaning. Avoid spraying cleaning agents directly onto the speaker or into openings.

Troubleshooting

No Sound

• Check that all level controls (mixer, amplifier) are properly set.
• Verify that the signal source is functioning and cables are securely connected.

One Side Louder

• Ensure channel level controls on the mixer/amp are balanced.
• Check the PAN control on the mixer; it may be biased to one side.
• Swap the left and right cables at the amplifier input. If the problem follows the cable, the issue is with the amplifier or source.

Poor Low-Frequency Response

• Check speaker cable polarity. Ensure positive (+) and negative (-) connections are correct at both ends.

Poor Sound Quality / Distortion

• Reduce volume if the sound is distorted or clipping. Refer to "Quick Start" for proper level setting.
• Ensure all connections are secure. Clean contacts periodically with a non-lubricating contact cleaner.

Potential for Severe Physical Injury

This is a general warning indicating that improper use or setup could lead to significant physical harm.

Specifications

System Specifications

• Frequency Response: 55Hz - 18kHz (-3dB)
• Frequency Range: 45Hz - 20kHz (-10dB)
• Max SPL: 123dBSPL (Long-term @ 1m)
• Low-Frequency Crossover: 24dB/oct with time offset correction
• High-Frequency Crossover: 24dB/oct
• Crossover Frequency: 1,800Hz

Audio

• Input Connectors: Speakon NL4, 1/4" TS Phone
• Input Impedance: 8Ω
• Power Handling: RMS: 300W, Music: 500W, Peak: 750W
• Operating Temperature: -10°C to 45°C (14°F to 113°F)

Transducers

• Low-Frequency Transducer: 12-inch / 300mm Woofer
• Voice Coil Diameter: 3.0-inch / 75mm
• Sensitivity: 98dB (1W@1m)
• Nominal Impedance: 8Ω
• Power Rating: 300W
• Frequency Range: 50Hz - 3,000Hz
• High-Frequency Transducer: 1.75-inch / 44.5mm Titanium Diaphragm Compression Driver
• Throat Diameter: 1-inch / 24.5mm
• Diaphragm Material: Titanium
• Sensitivity: 106dBSPL (1W@1m)
• Nominal Impedance: 8Ω
• Power Rating: 150W
• Horn Type: Composite Exponential, Conical
• Horn Mouth Dimensions: 305mm x 178mm
• Horizontal Directivity: 90° ±10° (1kHz - 20kHz)
• Vertical Directivity: 45° ±10° (2.8kHz - 20kHz)

Protection Features

• Over-excursion Protection: 2nd-order high-pass filter
• Unit Protection: High-frequency dynamic protection

Construction

• Design: Asymmetrical Trapezoidal
• Enclosure Alignment: 6th Order
• Material: Polypropylene
• Finish: Gray, Textured
• Handles: One on each side and top
• Mounting: M10 rigging points on sides, top, bottom, and rear (2 each)
• Grille: Perforated metal, weather-resistant coating

Physical Specifications

• Height: 660mm (26.0")
• Width: 390mm (15.4")
• Depth: 376mm (14.8")
• Weight: 19.5kg (43.0 lbs)

Optional Accessories

• Pole Mount Clamp/Hanger: AT-BCH-C300/SRM450
• Wall/Ceiling Mount Bracket: AT-SPH/A-C300/SRM450

Service and Support

For service or technical questions, please consult the troubleshooting section first. If the problem persists or you suspect a malfunction, contact your Mackie dealer or the service center.

Support Contact Information

• Website: www.mackie.com/jp
• Email: support_mackie@otk.co.jp
• Technical Support (Japanese): 04-2944-3811 (Mon-Fri, 9 AM - 6 PM)
• Technical Support (English): 1-800-898-3211 (Mon-Fri, Business Hours PST)

LOUD Technologies, Inc. reserves the right to make changes to products and specifications without notice.