MACKIE SWA1801 User Manual
Swa1801, Speaker sw a1801, Active subwoofer system
SWA1801
Active Subwoofer System
1
O F 4 P A G E S
SPEAKER
SW
A1801
Features
Active, high-output 18-inch subwoofer system with
4-inch voice coil
High-efficiency, high-current 800 watt rms
continuous output amplifier
High output 135 dB of peak SPL
Response down to 35Hz (–10 dB point)
Can be used with active or passive speaker systems
Built-in crossover network with stereo or mono high-
pass outputs
Recessed level control, center detent rotating knob
(–15 to +5 dB)
Recessed phase switch (0°–180°)
Compact, portable enclosure
Small footprint allows for unobtrusive, strategic
placement
Baltic birch wood construction, built-in pole mount
Correctly weight-balanced enclosure
Two comfortable side handles for easy carrying and
setup
SWA1801
The SWA1801 is an 18-inch high output, active sub-
woofer system. It features a newly designed high-preci-
sion 18-inch transducer combined with application-specific
amplifier technology. The system is composed of a single,
compact subwoofer cabinet with built-in control and ampli-
fier electronics.
The transducer used in the SWA1801 system features a
precision 4-inch voice coil that offers extreme power han-
dling capabilities. The magnetic assembly used features
advancements in coil venting, composite polymide former
construction, and structural cooling that provide lower
temperature rise and substantially improved power com-
pression characteristics.
The amplifier found in the SWA1801 cabinet is an
example of application-specific amplifier design that can
be exercised when designing active speaker systems. The
system uses a proprietary high-efficiency, high-current
amplifier designed to provide high current levels at all
levels of operation. Having access to high current levels,
no matter what the power output, is absolutely critical
in achieving precise, total control of the woofer mass.
This control is responsible for lowering audible distor-
tion artifacts and providing aggressive attack through the
operating band pass of the system. The amplifier, which is
mounted on a large, finned aluminum heat sink, is rated at
800 watts rms continuous output.
The SWA1801 features a sophisticated on board con-
trol system, allowing for flexible integration with active or
passive full range or mid/high speaker systems. The input
panel accepts a line-level input signal and has LOOP OUT
connectors for signal routing to other devices. It also has
HIGH PASS out connectors for connection to active full range
speakers or amplifiers powering passive full range speakers.
All signal routing is through XLR connectors in L+R stereo
or mono. There is a phase selection switch and a recessed
level control. The system features thermal protection for
the power supply and amplifier and also incorporates rms
limiting protection for the amplifier stage that limits the
amount of long term power delivered to the transducer.
The cabinet is constructed using 18 mm thick multi-
layered birch plywood and finished in black splatter paint.
There is one handle on each side for efficient loading and
transport as well as a top, female pole mount fixture.
R E L A T E D P R O D U C T S
SRM350/SRM450/SR1530/SA1521/SA1232 Active Loud-
speakers, SWA1501 Active Subwoofer, 1202-VLZ PRO
12-Channel Mic/Line Mixer, 1402-VLZ PRO 14-Channel
Mic/Line Mixer, 1604-VLZ PRO and 1642-VLZ PRO 16-
Channel Mic/Line Mixers.
Applications
Live Sound/Music Reinforcement
High-Level AV Playback
Small to Medium-Sized Portable PA Systems
Corporate Events
Night Clubs
Houses of Worship