Mackie C300z Two-Way Loudspeaker

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 in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions.
8. Do not install near any heat sources such as radiators, heat registers, stoves, or other apparatus (including amplifiers) that produce heat.
9. Only use attachments/accessories specified by the manufacturer.
10. Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel. Servicing is required when the apparatus has been damaged in any way, 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 be designed in compliance with the current standards and laws regarding electrical systems.
12. When installing and using this apparatus, keep in mind the technical specifications indicated in the dedicated section of the manual.
13. Exposure to extremely high noise levels may cause permanent hearing loss. Individuals vary considerably in susceptibility to noise-induced hearing loss, but nearly everyone will lose some hearing if exposed to sufficiently intense noise for a period of time. The U.S. Government's Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has specified the permissible noise level exposures shown in the following chart.

⚠️ According to OSHA, any exposure in excess of these permissible limits could result in some hearing loss. To ensure against potentially dangerous exposure to high sound pressure levels, it is recommended that all persons exposed to equipment capable of producing high sound pressure levels use hearing protectors while the equipment is in operation. Ear plugs or protectors in the ear canals or over the ears must be worn when operating the equipment in order to prevent a permanent hearing loss if exposure is in excess of the limits set forth here.

14. Rigging Precautions: When mounting or suspending Mackie loudspeaker enclosures, it is essential that load ratings, rigging techniques, and special safety considerations be appropriate for the installation. Use only the mounting/rigging points on the loudspeaker enclosure intended for this purpose. The user must determine the load requirements, dynamic loading, and any other contributing factors affecting the loudspeaker installation. The user must determine the proper safety factor for specific applications and the required load rating of the connection to structure. Comply with all applicable federal, state, and local regulations.

Mackie strongly recommends the following rigging system practices:

• Documentation: Thoroughly document the mounting/rigging design with detailed drawings and parts lists.
• Analysis: Have a licensed structural engineer or other qualified professional review and approve the mounting/rigging design before its implementation.
• Installation: Use personnel experienced and qualified for mounting/rigging loudspeakers in accordance with and in compliance with all federal, state and local regulations.

DANGER: Loudspeakers should be mounted or suspended only by persons with knowledge of the proper hardware and rigging techniques. When stacking or pole-mounting loudspeakers, be sure that they are stabilized and secured from falling over or being accidentally pushed over. Failure to follow these precautions may result in damage to the equipment, personal injury, or death.

Introduction

Thank you for choosing Mackie sound reinforcement loudspeakers.

The C300z is a portable two-way loudspeaker system, specifically designed to complement our PPM Series line of professional powered mixers. They are capable of extremely high sound pressure levels, and designed to give you the best performance of any loudspeaker in its class and price range.

The Transducers

The C300z features a 12-inch high-power low-frequency woofer and a 1.75-inch titanium diaphragm high-output compression driver. The woofer incorporates technology used in large-format touring systems and, with a massive, precision 3-inch voice coil, is virtually indestructible.

The high-frequency compression driver is mounted on a multi-cell aperture loaded on a constant directivity horn, providing an ultra-wide, controlled dispersion pattern and precise reproduction of the critical upper mid-range and high-frequencies. The result is an unbelievably smooth off-axis response that allows everyone in the audience to experience the same high-resolution audio no matter where they are seated.

Each driver has been specifically designed by our engineers for optimum performance in a lightweight high-strength cabinet.

The Crossover

This unique Low Impedance Compensated Crossover (LICC) design places inductors in series with the woofer whose values are markedly lower than conventional designs. This reduces the amount of energy that is typically wasted as heat and increases the amount of energy that is transformed into real acoustic power. It also incorporates dynamic protection for the compression driver from non-linear signals.

The Cabinet

The C300z cabinet was designed to be the strongest molded composite cabinet on the planet. This material is as strong as a rhinoceros horn, and rigid enough to prevent unwanted vibrations and standing waves in the cabinet. It has built-in fly points for hanging, and a socket in the bottom for mounting on a tripod stand. Although it is an exceptional choice for installed sound situations, its light weight and durable finish also make it ideal for portable sound system use. The asymmetrical trapezoidal design of the cabinet also makes it easy to use as a floor wedge for stage monitor applications.

The C300z offers a portable, lightweight solution for a variety of high-powered sound reinforcement applications.

Hookup Diagrams

Quick Start

Make all initial connections with the power switches OFF on all equipment. Make sure all master volume, level, or gain controls are all the way down.

1. Connect the line-level outputs from your mixing console (or other signal source) to the inputs of your power amplifier.
2. Connect the “Speaker Output” from your power amplifier (or powered mixer) to one of the INPUT connectors on the C300z, either the 1/4" TS jack or the NL4 Speakon™-style connector.
3. Turn on your mixing console (or other signal source).
4. Turn on the amplifier. Turn up its volume or gain control(s) as recommended by the manufacturer.
5. Start the signal source, whether it be speaking into a microphone or starting a CD player. Adjust the volume controls on the mixer (or other signal source) for normal operation.

C300z: WITH A POWERED MIXER, AND USING THE THRU JACK

Diagram shows a mixing console or other signal source connected to a powered mixer. The powered mixer has two outputs, each connected to a C300z loudspeaker via speaker cables. A note indicates: MAXIMUM NUMBER OF SPEAKERS IN PARALLEL IS 2 PER POWERED MIXER OR AMPLIFIED CHANNEL.

C300z: WITH A MIXER AND POWER AMPLIFIER

Diagram shows a mixer or preamplifier connected to a stereo power amplifier. The stereo power amplifier's left and right line-level outputs are connected via speaker cables to two C300z loudspeakers.

C300z: WITH A MIXER AND POWER AMPLIFIER, AND USING THE THRU JACK

Diagram shows a mixer or preamplifier connected to a stereo power amplifier. The stereo power amplifier's left and right line-level outputs are connected via speaker cables to two C300z loudspeakers. Each C300z has a THRU connector, suggesting a daisy-chain setup is possible, though the diagram shows direct connections from the amplifier.

C300z: BIAMPING WITH A POWERED SUBWOOFER

Diagram illustrates a setup using a Mackie SWA1501 or SWA1801 powered subwoofer. The subwoofer receives a stereo input signal. It plays the low frequencies through its internal amplifier and woofer. The subwoofer's 'Line-Level Hi-Pass Out' provides a high-pass filtered signal to an external stereo power amplifier, which then powers two C300z loudspeakers. The C300z can be pole-mounted on top of the subwoofer.

Placement

The C300z loudspeakers are designed to sit on the floor, a tabletop, or to fit on a standard tripod speaker stand. They can also be suspended by the rigging points.

You can lay the cabinet down on its side and use the C300z as a floor monitor. The asymmetrical trapezoidal shape of the cabinet provides a perfect angle for aiming up toward performers from the front of the stage.

⚠️ Warning: Do not stack speakers in a column. This is to avoid the danger of toppling speakers.

As with any loudspeakers, protect them from moisture. If you are setting them up outdoors, make sure they are under cover if you expect rain.

Room Acoustics

The C300z loudspeakers are designed to sound as neutral as possible; that is, to reproduce the input signal as accurately as possible, monitoring the audio signal rather than changing it.

Room acoustics play a crucial role in the overall performance of a sound system. However, the wide high-frequency dispersion of the C300z helps to minimize the problems that typically arise.

Diagram shows a top view of a loudspeaker with radiating lines indicating a wide dispersion pattern, labeled "90° Dispersion up to 20 kHz".

Placement Tips:

• Avoid placing loudspeakers in the corners of a room. This increases the low frequency output and can cause the sound to be muddy and indistinct.
• Avoid placing loudspeakers against a wall. This, too, increases the low frequency output, though not as much as corner placement. However, if you do need to reinforce the low frequencies, this is a good way to do it.
• Avoid placing the speakers directly on a hollow stage floor. A hollow stage can resonate at certain frequencies, causing peaks and dips in the frequency response of the room. It's better to place the loudspeakers on a sturdy table or tripod stands.

General Positioning:

• Position the loudspeakers so the high-frequency drivers are 2 to 4 feet above ear level for the audience (make allowances for a standing/dancing-in-the-aisles audience). High frequencies are highly directional and tend to be absorbed much easier 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, like many gymnasiums and auditoriums, are a nightmare for sound system intelligibility. Multiple reflections off the hard walls, ceiling, and floor play havoc with the sound. Depending on the situation, you may be able to take some steps to minimize the reflections, such as putting carpeting on the floors, closing draperies to cover large glass windows, or hanging tapestries or other materials on the walls to absorb some of the sound.
• However, in most cases, these remedies are not possible or practical. So what do you do? Making the sound system louder generally doesn't work because the reflections become louder, too. The best approach is to provide as much direct sound coverage to the audience as possible. The farther away you are from the speaker, the more prominent will be the reflected sound.
• Use more speakers strategically placed so they are closer to the back of the audience. If the distance between the front and back speakers is more than about 100 feet, you should use a delay processor to time-align the sound. (Since sound travels about 1 foot per millisecond, it takes about 1/10 of a second to travel 100 feet.)

Diagrams show the rear and side views of the C300z cabinet, highlighting the Pole Mount and Rigging Points. Top and Bottom views also show rigging points.

Protection

A protection circuit is built into the C300z to protect the high-frequency compression driver from excessive power. When the power to the HF driver approaches the maximum, the power delivered to the driver is momentarily reduced.

CAUTION: The protection circuit is designed to protect the HF driver under reasonable and sensible conditions. Should you choose to ignore the warning signs (i.e., frequent clip LED indications, excessive distortion), you can still damage the speakers in the C300z by overdriving them past their recommended amplifier power-handling ratings, or past the point of amplifier clipping. Such damage is beyond the scope of the warranty.

Amplifier Power

Mackie provides three power-handling numbers for the C300z: rms (continuous), music, and peak. The required amplifier power depends on the type of program material and desired loudness.

Some audio signals have lots of momentary peaks (e.g., percussion), while others, like compressed rock music, have a higher average signal level. Speech reinforcement requires less power overall but has large moment-to-moment variations.

To use the full capability of the loudspeaker with programs containing momentary peaks, it is recommended to use an amplifier rated at twice the continuous power rating of the loudspeaker (into 8 ohms). For the C300z, this would be 300 watts x 2 = 600 watts per channel into 8 ohms. This ensures the amplifier can reproduce peaks that are 6 dB higher than the continuous (rms) power-handling rating before clipping occurs.

Preventing Loudspeaker Damage

Clipping is a primary cause of loudspeaker damage. Clipping occurs when the signal at the output of any device in the system reaches its maximum level. The output waveform becomes "flat-topped" when viewed on an oscilloscope.

Diagram shows a 'Normal Sine Wave Signal' which is a smooth, rounded wave.

Diagram shows a 'Clipped Sine Wave Signal' which has its peaks flattened.

Clipping interrupts the motion of the transducer, creating distortion and excessive heat in the driver, which can damage it over time. Even a lower-power amplifier driven into clipping can damage a loudspeaker.

To prevent damage, ensure a properly operating sound system, be aware of audio signal types, control output levels, and ensure no clipping occurs within the signal chain.

Rigging

The C300z cabinets are fitted with ten rigging points, which are M10 inserts. M10 threaded eyebolts (M10 x 1.5 mm x 20 mm) are available to fit these inserts (PA-A1 Eyebolts).

⚠️ WARNING: Never attempt to suspend the C300z loudspeakers by their handles. If you want to suspend them, use the rigging points only. Consult a professional rigger or structural engineer prior to suspending loudspeakers from a structure not intended for that use. Always know the working load limit of the structure supporting the loudspeaker array. Always make sure that the rigging hardware minimum rating is at least five times the actual load.

Service Info

For troubleshooting and support, visit the Mackie website (www.mackie.com/support) for FAQs, documentation, and user forums.

Troubleshooting

No sound!

• Check if level controls on the mixer or amplifier are turned down. Refer to the "Quick Start" section for proper adjustment.
• Verify the signal source is working and all connecting cables are in good repair and securely connected.

One side is way louder than the other!

• Ensure level controls are set the same for both channels on the mixer and amplifier.
• Check the PAN control on the signal source; it may be turned too far to one side, or the stereo signal may be unbalanced.
• Try swapping speaker cables at the amplifier end. If the problem follows the cable, the issue is with the amplifier, mixer, or signal source.

Poor bass performance

• Check the polarity of the connections between the amplifier and loudspeakers. Ensure positive and negative connections are not reversed.

It hurts when I touch my arm, or my leg, or even my head!

• You have a broken finger.

Bad sound!

• Is it loud and distorted? Refer to the "Quick Start" section to verify levels are set properly.
• Are all connections secure? Periodically clean all electrical connections with a non-lubricating electrical contact cleaner.
• Keep practicing.

Repair

For warranty repair or replacement, refer to the warranty information on page 11.

Non-warranty repair for Mackie products is available at factory-authorized service centers. To locate one, visit www.mackie.com, click "Support", and select "Locate a Service Center". Service for Mackie products outside the United States can be obtained through local dealers or distributors.

If website access is unavailable, contact Tech Support at 1-800-898-3211 (Monday-Friday, 7 am to 5 pm Pacific Time) to explain the problem and find the nearest service center.

Care and Maintenance

Your Mackie loudspeakers will provide many years of reliable service if you follow these simple guidelines:

• Avoid exposing the loudspeakers to moisture. If set up outdoors, ensure they are under cover if rain is expected.
• Avoid exposure to extreme cold (below freezing temperatures). If operating in a cold environment, warm up the voice coils slowly by sending a low-level signal for about 15 minutes prior to high-power operation.
• Use a slightly damp cloth with a mild soap solution to clean the cabinets. Avoid getting moisture into any openings, particularly where the drivers are located.

Connections

The C300z has 1/4" TS and Speakon™ style INPUT and THRU connectors. The connectors are wired in parallel, so use only one of the input connectors (either 1/4" TS or Speakon-style).

⚠️ Do not use coaxial cable like a guitar cord to make speaker connections. They are not designed to handle the high currents produced by a power amplifier and can overheat. As the distance between the amplifier and speakers increases, the thickness of the wire should also increase. Speaker wire has resistance, and when electricity passes through a resistor, power is lost. The thicker the wire, the less the resistance it offers, and the more power actually gets to the speaker.

1/4" TS Phone Plugs and Jacks

"TS" stands for Tip-Sleeve, the two connections available on a mono 1/4" phone jack or plug. They are used for unbalanced signals and speaker connections.

1/4" TS Wiring:

• Sleeve = Cold (-)
• Tip = Hot (+)

Diagram shows the wiring for a 1/4" TS plug, indicating 'SLEEVE' and 'TIP' connections.

NL4-Type Plugs and Jacks

This connector is compatible with the popular Neutrik® Speakon® 4-pole plugs. These connectors are designed to handle the higher currents produced by amplifiers, and have a locking feature to prevent accidental disconnections. Simply line up the tabs on the plug with the jack on the C300z, push it in, and rotate it 1/4 turn to the right to lock it in place.

NL4 Wiring:

• Pin 1 – = Cold (-)
• Pin 1+ = Hot (+)
• Pin 2 – = No Connection
• Pin 2+ = No Connection

Diagram shows the wiring for an NL4 Speakon plug, indicating Pin 1+, Pin 1-, Pin 2+, Pin 2-, and labels for 'COLD' and 'HOT'.

Diagram shows the C300z Connector Panel with INPUT, PARALLEL, and THRU connectors labeled.

Normally, you would use only one THRU connector, but it is possible to use both THRU connectors. Keep in mind that all the speakers are connected in parallel through these connectors, so you want to be sure not to go below the minimum impedance requirement for your amplifier.

The C300z has a nominal impedance of 8 ohms. Two C300zs in parallel equals 4 ohms. Three C300zs in parallel equals 2.7 ohms. Four C300zs in parallel equals 2 ohms. Use heavy gauge, stranded wire for connecting a speaker to the output of a power amplifier.

C300z Specifications

System Specifications

• Frequency Response (-3 dB): 55 Hz – 18 kHz
• Frequency Range (-10 dB): 45 Hz – 20 kHz
• Maximum SPL Long-term @ 1m: 123 dB
• Low-Frequency Crossover Type: 24 dB/octave, time offset corrected
• High-Frequency Crossover Type: 24 dB/octave
• Crossover Frequency: 1800 Hz

Audio

• Input Type: Speakon®-style NL4 jack, 1/4-inch TS phone jack
• Input Impedance: 8 ohms
• Power Handling (rms): 300 watts
• Power Handling (music): 500 watts
• Power Handling (peak): 750 watts
• Operating Temperature Range: -10°C to 45°C (14°F to 113°F)

Transducer Specifications

Low-Frequency Transducer

• Diameter: 12 in/300 mm
• Voice Coil Diameter: 3.0 in/75 mm
• Sensitivity (1W@1m): 98 dB
• Nominal Impedance: 8 ohms
• Power Handling: 300 watts
• Frequency Range: 50 Hz – 3000 Hz

High-Frequency Driver and Horn

• Diaphragm Diameter: 1.75 in/44.5 mm
• Exit Throat Diameter: 1 in/24.5 mm
• Diaphragm Material: Titanium
• Sensitivity (1W@1m): 106 dB
• Nominal Impedance: 8 ohms
• Power Handling: 150 watts
• Frequency Range: 1000 Hz – 20000 Hz
• Horn Type: Composite: Exponential and Conical
• Mouth Size: 12 in/305 mm W x 7 in/178 mm H
• Horizontal Coverage: 90° ± 10° (1 kHz – 20 kHz)
• Vertical Coverage: 45° ± 10° (2.8 kHz – 20 kHz)

Safety Features

• Over-Excursion Protection
• Second-Order High-Pass Filter
• Driver Protection: Dynamic protection for compression driver

Construction Features

• Basic Design: Asymmetrical Trapezoidal
• Enclosure Alignment: Sixth-Order
• Material: Polypropylene
• Finish: Grey, textured finish
• Handles: One on each side, one on top
• Mounting Methods: Integrated mounting points, M10
• Grille: Perforated metal with weather-resistant coating

Physical Properties

• Height: 26 in/660 mm
• Width: 15.4 in/390 mm
• Depth: 14.8 in/376 mm
• Weight: 43 lbs/19.5 kg

Options

• PA-A1 forged shoulder eyebolt hardware (M10 x 1.5 mm x 20 mm)

Disclaimer

Since Mackie is always striving to make products better by incorporating new and improved materials, components, and manufacturing methods, they reserve the right to change these specifications at any time without notice.

"Mackie" and the "Running Man" figure are registered trademarks of LOUD Technologies Inc. All other brand names mentioned are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective holders, and are hereby acknowledged.

©2004-2008 LOUD Technologies Inc. All Rights Reserved.

C300z Limited Warranty

Please keep your sales receipt in a safe place.

LOUD Technologies Inc. warrants all materials, workmanship and proper operation of this product for a period of one year from the original date of purchase. An additional 24-month Extended Warranty may be purchased (for a total of 36 months of coverage). Visit the Mackie website and follow the “Product Registration” links for details (www.mackie.com). If any defects are found or if the product fails to function properly during the applicable warranty period, LOUD Technologies, at its option, will repair or replace the product. This warranty applies only to equipment sold and delivered within the U.S. and Canada by LOUD Technologies Inc. or its authorized dealers.

For faster processing, register online or mail in the product registration card.

Unauthorized service, repairs, or modification of Mackie products will void this warranty. To obtain repairs or replacement under warranty, a copy of the sales receipt from the authorized Mackie dealer where the product was purchased is required to establish the purchase date and warranty period.

To Obtain Warranty Repair or Replacement:

1. Call Mackie Technical Support at 800/898-3211, 7 AM to 5 PM Monday through Friday (Pacific Time) to get authorization for repair or replacement. Alternatively, go to the Mackie website, click “Support” (www.mackie.com/support), and follow the instructions for reporting a warranty issue and submitting a request for an advance replacement.
2. Advance Replacement: Mackie will ship a replacement unit with an invoice for its suggested retail price. The defective unit must be returned immediately to cancel the invoice. Failure to return the defective unit within 30 days will result in the full amount being charged.
3. Repair: When calling Mackie Technical Support, explain the problem and obtain a Service Request Number. Have your Mackie product's serial number ready. A Service Request Number is required before factory-authorized service can be obtained.

• Pack the product in its original shipping carton. Include a note explaining how to duplicate the problem, a copy of the sales receipt (with price and date), your daytime phone number, and return street address (no P.O. boxes). If the problem cannot be duplicated or the warranty start date cannot be established, Mackie may charge for service time and parts.
• Ship the product in its original shipping carton, freight prepaid, to the authorized service center. Write the Service Request Number in BIG PRINT on top of the box. The address of the closest authorized service center will be provided by Technical Support or found on the website. Repaired units will be shipped back by ground shipping, pre-paid (if qualified as a warranty repair).

Note: Units must be shipped or dropped off to an authorized service center. Return ground shipment is covered for units deemed under warranty. A sales receipt from an authorized Mackie dealer is required for warranty repair consideration.

IMPORTANT: Make sure that the Service Request Number is plainly written on the shipping carton. No receipt, no warranty service.

LOUD Technologies reserves the right to inspect any products subject to warranty claims before repair or replacement. Proof of original purchase date may be required. Final determination of warranty coverage lies solely with LOUD Technologies.

Products returned to LOUD Technologies factory-authorized service centers and deemed eligible will be repaired or replaced. Refurbished parts may be used. Products not meeting warranty terms will not be repaired unless payment is received for labor, materials, return freight, and insurance. Repaired products will be returned freight prepaid within the USA or Canada.

LOUD Technologies warrants all repairs for 90 days or for the remainder of the warranty period. This warranty does not cover damage from improper installation, misuse, neglect, abuse, or exterior appearance. Inspection seals and serial numbers must not be defaced or removed.

LOUD Technologies assumes no responsibility for the timeliness of repairs performed by authorized service centers.

This warranty is extended to the original purchaser and may be transferred for a nominal fee to subsequent purchasers within the applicable warranty period, provided a copy of the original sales receipt is included.

This is the sole warranty. LOUD Technologies does not authorize any third party to assume liability or make any warranty on their behalf.

THE WARRANTY GIVEN ON THIS PAGE IS THE SOLE WARRANTY GIVEN BY LOUD TECHNOLOGIES INC. AND IS IN LIEU OF ALL OTHER WARRANTIES, EXPRESS AND IMPLIED, INCLUDING THE WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE. THE WARRANTY GIVEN ON THIS PAGE SHALL BE STRICTLY LIMITED IN DURATION TO ONE YEAR FROM THE DATE OF ORIGINAL PURCHASE FROM AN AUTHORIZED MACKIE DEALER. UPON EXPIRATION OF THE APPLICABLE WARRANTY PERIOD, LOUD TECHNOLOGIES INC. SHALL HAVE NO FURTHER WARRANTY OBLIGATION OF ANY KIND. LOUD TECHNOLOGIES INC. SHALL NOT BE LIABLE FOR ANY INCIDENTAL, SPECIAL, OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES THAT MAY RESULT FROM ANY DEFECT IN THE MACKIE PRODUCT OR ANY WARRANTY CLAIM. Some states do not allow exclusion or limitation of incidental, special, or consequential damages or a limitation on how long warranties last, so some of the above limitations and exclusions may not apply to you. This warranty provides specific legal rights and you may have other rights which vary from state to state.