Mackie HD1531 Owner's Manual - Page 9

Owner's Manual Rigging Hardware and Accessories Rigging Mackie loudspeakers will invariably require hardware not supplied by Mackie. Various types of loadrated hardware are available from a variety of thirdparty sources. There are a number of such companies specializing in manufacturing hardware for, designing, and installing rigging systems. Each one of these tasks is a discipline in its own right. Because of the hazardous nature of rigging work and the potential liability, engage companies that specialize in these disciplines to do the work required. built-in thermal switch will activate, muting the signal and lighting the thermal LED. When the amplifier has cooled down to a safe operating temperature, the thermal switch resets itself, and the HD1531 resumes normal operation. If the thermal switch activates frequently, try turning down the level control a notch or two on the mixing console (or the back of the HD1531) to avoid overheating the amplifier. Be aware that direct sunlight and/or hot stage lights may be the culprit of an amplifier overheating. Mackie does offer certain accessory rigging items, primarily for attachment to the hardware integral with the loudspeaker. Some items, such as eyebolts, may be used with a variety of products. While these accessories are intended to facilitate installation, the wide variety of possible installation conditions and array configurations do not permit Mackie to determine their suitability or load rating for any particular application. Mackie is not in the business of providing complete rigging systems, either as designers, manufacturers, or installers. It is the responsibility of the installer to provide a properly engineered, load-certified rigging system for supporting the loudspeaker from structure. Rigging Notes The HD1531's intergral mounting points are designed to support only the weight of their own loudspeaker with suitable, external hardware. This means that each HD loudspeaker must be supported independently of any other HD loudspeaker and any other loads. AC Power Be sure the HD1531 is plugged into an outlet that is able to supply the correct voltage specified for your model. If the voltage should drop below 95% 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 available on the line, the louder the speakers will play and the more peak output power will be available for a cleaner, punchier bass. A suspected problem of "poor bass performance" is often caused by a weak AC supply to the amplifiers. A minimum of two rigging points must be used to hang an HD1531. More may be used for creating the desired hanging angle as shown in the illustrations on page 8. All mounting points are fully load bearing so any two may be used for rigging; no mounting points are restricted to angle control only. Never remove the ground pin on the power cord or any other component of the HD1531. This is very dangerous. Care and Maintenance Thermal Considerations The HD1531 has three powerful built-in amplifiers capable of producing a combined 900 watts of rms power. As an amplifier works, it produces heat. The higher the signal level, the louder and hotter it gets. 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 convection where cool air is drawn through its 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 positioning the HD1531, we recommend leaving at least six inches of air space behind it. Your Mackie loudspeakers will provide many years of reliable service if you follow these guidelines: • Avoid exposing the loudspeakers to moisture. If they are set up outdoors, be sure they are under cover if rain is expected. • Avoid exposure to extreme cold (below freezing temperatures). If you must operate the loudspeakers in a cold environment, warm up the voice coils slowly by sending a low-level signal through them for about 15 minutes prior to high-power operation. • Use a dry cloth to clean the cabinets. Only do this when the power is turned off. Avoid getting moisture into any of the openings of the cabinet, particularly where the drivers are located. In the unlikely event of the amplifier overheating, a Owner's Manual