Powered Studio Monitors: Owner'S Manual
Powered Studio Monitors: Owner'S Manual
OWNER’S MANUAL
MR524 • MR624 • MR824 Powered Studio Monitors Important Safety Instructions
1. Read these instructions. 17. Warning: This apparatus has been designed with Class I construction and must
be connected to a mains socket outlet with a protective earthing connection
2. Keep these instructions. (the third grounding prong).
3. Heed all warnings. 18. This apparatus has been equipped with a rocker-style AC mains power switch.
4. Follow all instructions. This switch is located on the rear panel and should remain readily accessible
to the user.
5. Do not use this apparatus near water.
19. The MAINS plug or an appliance coupler is used as the disconnect device,
6. Clean only with a dry cloth. so the disconnect device shall remain readily operable.
7. Do not block any ventilation openings. Minimum distance (5 cm) around the 20. The use of apparatus is in moderate climates.
apparatus for sufficient ventilation. The ventilation should not be impeded
by covering the ventilation openings with items, such as newspapers, table- 21. NOTE: This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits
cloths, curtains, etc. Install in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions. for a Class B digital device, pursuant to part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits
are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference
8. Do not install near any heat sources such as radiators, heat registers, stoves, in a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate
or other apparatus (including amplifiers) that produce heat. No naked flame radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with
sources, such as lighted candles, should be placed on the apparatus. the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications.
9. Do not defeat the safety purpose of the polarized or grounding-type plug. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular
A polarized plug has two blades with one wider than the other. A grounding- installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or
type plug has two blades and a third grounding prong. The wide blade or the television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off
third prong are provided for your safety. If the provided plug does not fit into and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or
your outlet, consult an electrician for replacement of the obsolete outlet. more of the following measures:
10. Protect the power cord from being walked on or pinched particularly at plugs, • Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
convenience receptacles, and the point where they exit from the apparatus. • Increase the separation between the equipment and the receiver.
• Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that
11. Only use attachments/accessories specified by the manufacturer. to which the receiver is connected.
12. Use only with a cart, stand, tripod, bracket, or table PORTABLE CART • Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.
specified by the manufacturer, or sold with the WARNING CAUTION: Changes or modifications to this device not expressly approved
apparatus. When a cart is used, use caution when by LOUD Technologies Inc. could void the user's authority to operate the
moving the cart/apparatus combination to avoid injury equipment under FCC rules.
from tip-over. 22. This apparatus does not exceed the Class A/Class B (whichever is appli-
13. Unplug this apparatus during lightning storms or when cable) limits for radio noise emissions from digital apparatus as set out in the
unused for long periods of time. radio interference regulations of the Canadian Department of Communications.
14. Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel. Servicing is required when ATTENTION — Le présent appareil numérique n’émet pas de bruits radioélec-
the apparatus has been damaged in any way, such as power-supply cord triques dépassant las limites applicables aux appareils numériques de class
or plug is damaged, liquid has been spilled or objects have fallen into the A/de class B (selon le cas) prescrites dans le réglement sur le brouillage
apparatus, the apparatus has been exposed to rain or moisture, does not radioélectrique édicté par les ministere des communications du Canada.
operate normally, or has been dropped. 23. Exposure to extremely high noise levels may cause permanent hearing loss.
15. This apparatus shall not be exposed to dripping or splashing, and no object Individuals vary considerably in susceptibility to noise-induced hearing loss,
filled with liquids, such as vases or beer glasses, shall be placed on the but nearly everyone will lose some hearing if exposed to sufficiently intense
apparatus. noise for a period of time. The U.S. Government’s Occupational Safety and
Health Administration (OSHA) has specified the permissible noise level
16. Do not overload wall outlets and extension cords as this can result in a risk exposures shown in the following chart.
of fire or electric shock.
According to OSHA, any exposure in excess of these permissible limits could
CAUTION result in some hearing loss. To ensure against potentially dangerous exposure
to high sound pressure levels, it is recommended that all persons exposed
RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK! DO NOT OPEN!
to equipment capable of producing high sound pressure levels use hearing
CAUTION: TO REDUCE THE RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK DO NOT protectors while the equipment is in operation. Ear plugs or protectors in the
REMOVE COVER (OR BACK). NO USER-SERVICEABLE PARTS INSIDE. ear canals or over the ears must be worn when operating the equipment in
REFER SERVICING TO QUALIFIED PERSONNEL. order to prevent permanent hearing loss if exposure is in excess of the limits
The lightning flash with arrowhead symbol within set forth here:
an equilateral triangle is intended to alert the user Duration, per Sound Level dBA, Typical Example
to the prescence of uninsulated “dangerous voltage”
within the product’s enclosure, that may be of significant ma- day in hours Slow Response
gnitude to constitute a risk of electric shock to persons. 8 90 Duo in small club
The exclamation point within an equilateral triangle is 6 92
intended to alert the user of the prescence of important 4 95 Subway Train
operating and maintaining (servicing) instructions in the 3 97
literature accompanying the appliance. 2 100 Very loud classical music
1.5 102
Laite on liitettävä suojakoskettimilla varustettuun pistorasiaan. 1 105 Jon screaming at Troy about deadlines
0.5 110
Apparatet må tilkoples jordet stikkontakt. 0.25 or less 115 Loudest parts at a rock concert
Apparaten skall anslutas till jordat uttag. WARNING — To reduce the risk of fire or electric
shock, do not expose this apparatus to rain or moisture.
Correct disposal of this product: This symbol indicates that this product should not be disposed of with your household
waste, according to the WEEE directive (2012/19/EU) and your national law. This product should be handed over to
an authorized collection site for recycling waste electrical and electronic equipment (EEE). Improper handling of this type
of waste could have a possible negative impact on the environment and human health due to potentially hazardous substances
that are generally associated with EEE. At the same time, your cooperation in the correct disposal of this product will
contribute to the effective usage of natural resources. For more information about where you can drop off your waste
equipment for recycling, please contact your local city office, waste authority, or your household waste disposal service.
Owner’s Manual
Important Safety Instructions............................................................2 • Designed for superior mix translation and accuracy
Table Of Contents..............................................................................3 for professional results in any studio
Owner’s Manual
We realize that you can’t wait to hook up your MR on MR Bass Response and Your
Studio Monitors and try them out. Nevertheless, please
take the time to read this page NOW, and the rest can
Control Room
wait until you’re good and ready. MRs achieve the best bass response in a
room that’s optimized for bass r eproduction.
A lot of factors can conspire to thwart the
1. Turn the input level control on the back of the cabinet MR’s extended low frequency – including room shape,
down (fully counterclockwise) before turning on the room volume and acoustical treatment.
monitor for the first time.
This is not a cop-out or an apology. It’s plain old
physics in action. Luckily we’ve armed you with some
2. Set the power switch on the back panel off. This will compensating controls that you can use to optimize the
prevent you from accidentally connecting a hot signal frequency response of the speakers in your particular
source to the monitor and getting a rude surprise. room. Consider the following:
3. Leave the acoustic space and high freq filter switches Low-Frequency Response
at their normal positions. When you put your MRs in a corner or up against
walls, their bass characteristics change. The apparent
loudness of the low frequencies increases when the
4. Connect the line-level monitor signal from your mixer,
monitors are placed close to a wall, and even more
preamp, or other signal source to the input jack
so when they are placed in a corner.
on the MR Studio Monitor (1⁄4", XLR, or RCA).
If you have placed the monitors against the walls
5. Connect the supplied AC power cord to the IEC socket and would like to lower the bass, try setting the
on the back of the monitor. Plug the other end into acoustic space switch to the –2 dB [Half Space]
an AC outlet properly configured with the voltage position. If the monitors are in the corners, try the
corresponding to the markings next to the IEC socket. –4 dB [Quarter Space] position.
Owner’s Manual 5
Hookup Diagram
MR524 • MR624 • MR824 Powered Studio Monitors
Connecting MR studio monitors is quite easy, so let’s take a quick look at a fairly typical setup.
In this example, whatever sources you desire are plugged into the Big Knob Studio’s inputs.
Next, the main L/R outputs from a Big Knob Studio are connected to the inputs of a pair
of MR studio monitors using 1/4" connectors.
Yeah, that’s all there is to it! Now that connections have been made, it’s time for playback...let’s
hear how those tunes turned out!
Owner’s Manual
This is where the signal is connected to the monitor Connect the line-level signal from the mixer
and adjustments are made to the frequency response of (or other signal source) to one of these input jacks.
the speakers to match the monitor’s location and the There are three types of input connectors to choose
room’s environment. from: balanced XLR, balanced/unbalanced 1/4" and
unbalanced RCA. Since all three of them are connected
together electrically, do not connect more than one
7 signal at a time to the input jacks.
3 A balanced signal provides better noise rejection
and is the preferred method, especially if using a cable
longer than 20 feet (6 meters).
3 They are wired as follows, according to standards
4 5 6 specified by the AES (Audio Engineering Society):
Balanced XLR
3
Hot (+) Pin 2
Cold (–) Pin 3
Shield (Ground) Pin 1
2
2
SHIELD
HOT
COLD 3 1
1 SHIELD
1 3
2
COLD
HOT
Disconnecting the plug’s ground pin is RING SLEEVE SLEEVE RING TIP
RING
TIP
The fuse is located behind the fuse cover, at the SLEEVE
Unbalanced 1/4" TS
2. Power Switch
Hot (+) Tip
Press this switch left to turn the MR studio Shield Sleeve
monitor on. Make sure the level control is down
before you turn it on. When the power switch is SLEEVE SLEEVE TIP
Owner’s Manual
There are several protection mechanisms designed
into the MR studio monitors to safeguard the
Input Signal Wiring
speakers and amplifiers from inadvertent damage. We recommend using high-quality, shielded cables
CAUTION: The protection circuits to connect the signal source to the signal input jack
are designed to prevent damage to the on MR studio monitors.
speakers under reasonable and sensible Three types of input connectors are provided to
conditions. Should you choose to ignore the warning interface with virtually any application you may have:
signs (i.e., excessive distortion), you can still damage
the speakers in the MR studio monitors by overdriving • Balanced microphone cables work well with the
them. Such damage is beyond the scope of the warranty. XLR input.
• Balanced (TRS) / unbalanced (TS) cables work well
with the 1/4" input.
Overexcursion Protection
• Unbalanced phono cables work well with the RCA
A 12 dB/octave high-pass filter below port tuning input.
just prior to the low-frequency amplifier prevents
very low frequencies from being amplified. Excessive
NOTE: Route the cable away from AC power cords
low-frequency energy below the usable frequency range
and outlets. These are common sources for hum in an
can damage the woofer by causing it to “bottom out,”
audio signal. Wall warts and line lumps are especially
also known as overexcursion, which is equivalent
insidious hum inducers!
to a mechanical form of clipping.
NOTE: In certain home theater applications, it may
Thermal Protection be necessary to connect the speaker outputs from a
stereo receiver to the inputs of the MR studio monitors
All amplifiers produce heat. The MR studio if the receiver doesn’t have preamp outputs or other
monitors are designed to be efficient both electrically line-level output connections.
and thermally. CAUTION: Do not attempt to connect
• If for some reason the heatsink gets too hot, a speaker output directly to the input
a thermal switch activates and turns off the amplifier. of the MR studio monitor! Speaker levels
This protection operates independently for the are much higher than line levels and can damage
low-frequency and high-frequency amplifiers. the input circuitry in the MR studio monitors.
Therefore, it is possible for only the low frequency or However, it is possible to insert a speaker-level
high frequency amplifier to shut down while the other to line-level signal attenuator between the receiver’s
remains on. speaker output and the MR studio monitor’s input.
• When the heatsink cools down to a safe temperature, Any local authorized dealer should be able to assist,
the thermal switch resets and normal operation or you can build your own.
resumes.
• If the heatsink temperature again gets too hot, the
shutdown process repeats. Should this happen, make Care and Cleaning
sure that airflow to the rear of the cabinet is not
MR Reference Studio Monitors will provide many
restricted.
years of reliable service if you follow these guidelines.
Integrated Magnetic Shielding • Avoid exposing the monitors to moisture.
• Avoid exposure to extreme cold (below freezing
The MR studio monitors contain drivers with large temperatures).
magnetic structures. The drivers’ magnets are
• Use a dry cloth to clean the cabinets. Only do this when
not shielded. Unshielded speakers can cause distortion
the power is turned off.
in both the shape and color of the picture if placed
too close to a CRT (cathode ray tube). If you have a
particularly sensitive computer monitor or TV screen,
it may be necessary to move the speakers a few inches
away.
Owner’s Manual 9
Appendix A: Service Information
If you think your MR Studio Monitor has a problem, No Sound
MR524 • MR624 • MR824 Powered Studio Monitors
please check out the following troubleshooting
• Is the power LED on the front panel illuminated?
tips and do your best to confirm the problem.
If not, refer to “No Power” to the left.
Visit the Contact Tech Support section of our
website (www.mackie.com/support) where you will • Is the input level control turned up?
find lots of useful information such as FAQs and other • Is the signal source turned up? Make sure the signal level
documentation. You may find the answer to the problem from the mixing console (or whatever device
without having to send your MR away. immediately precedes the studio monitor) is high
enough to produce sound.
Troubleshooting • If it’s a stereo pair, try switching them around. For
example, if a left output is presumed dead, switch the
No Power left and right cords at the monitor end. If the problem
• Our favorite question: Is it plugged in? switches sides, it’s not the monitor. It could be a bad
cable, or no signal from the mixer.
• Make sure the power cord is securely seated in the IEC
socket and plugged all the way into the AC outlet.
Bad Sound
• Make sure the AC outlet is live (check with a tester
or lamp). • Is the input connector plugged completely into the jack?
• Is the power switch on the rear panel in the ON If using a 1⁄4" plug, make sure it is plugged all the way in.
position? • Is it loud and distorted? Reduce the signal level at the
• Is the power LED on the front panel illuminated? mixer.
If not, make sure the AC outlet is live. If so, refer to • If possible, listen to the signal source with headphones
“No Sound” to the right. plugged into the preamp stage. If it sounds bad there,
• If the power indicator is not illuminated, and you are it’s not the monitor.
certain that the AC outlet is live, it is possible the fuse • Too much bass or not enough bass? Move around the
has blown. room and see if the bass response changes. It’s possible
To remove and replace the fuse: your listening position coincides with a room mode
where the low frequencies either become exaggerated
1. Disconnect the power cord from the IEC socket.
or nulled. If so, try moving the monitors to a different
2. Remove the fuse drawer by prying it open with a position, or moving your listening position.
small screwdriver. It will slide all the way out.
Noise/Hum/Buzz
• Check the signal cable between the mixer and the
monitor. Make sure all connections are secure. These
problems usually produce crackling noises, hum, or buzz.
• If connecting an unbalanced output to the MR
studio monitor’s balanced input, make sure the shield
is connected to the unbalanced ground of the source
and to pins 1 and 3 of the XLR.
FUSE • If a CATV cable is connected to the system, try
disconnecting it. If the hum goes away, call your cable
carrier to check for proper grounding of the cable.
3. Remove the fuse and replace it with an
• Make sure the signal cable is not routed near AC cables,
equivalent-type fuse.
power transformers, or other EMI sources (including
115 VAC: T 1 AL / 250 V wall warts and line lumps!). These sources usually
230 VAC: T 500 mAL / 250 V [MR524] produce hum.
• Is there a light dimmer or other triac-based device on
115 VAC: T 1.6 AL / 250 V
the same AC circuit as the monitor? Dimmers cause
230 VAC: T 800 mAL / 250 V [MR624]
buzzing noises. Use an AC line filter or plug the monitor
115 VAC: T 2 AL / 250 V into a different AC circuit.
230 VAC: T 1 AL / 250 V [MR824] • Excessive hiss is an indication of an incorrect gain
4. Replace the fuse drawer by pushing it all the way setting somewhere before the speaker.
back into the IEC socket. • If possible, listen to the signal source with headphones
plugged in. If it sounds noisy there, it’s not the monitor.
If two fuses blow in a row, then something is very wrong.
See the “Repair” section on the next page to find out
how to proceed.
Owner’s Manual
For warranty service, please refer to the warranty
information on page 15.
Non-warranty service is available at a factory-
authorized service center. To locate the nearest
service center, visit www.mackie.com/support/service-
locator. Service for MRs living outside the United
States may be obtained through local dealers or
distributors.
If you do not have access to our website, please call
our Tech Support department at 1-800-898-3211 (normal
business hours, Pacific Time), to explain the problem.
They will tell you where the nearest factory-authorized
service center is located in your area.
Owner’s Manual 11
MR524 • MR624 • MR824 Powered Studio Monitors Appendix B: Technical Information
MR Specifications AC Power Requirements
Power Requirements: ~120 V, 60 Hz
Acoustic Performance ~220 V – 240 V, 50/60 Hz
Frequency Response (–3 dB): ~100 V, 50/60 Hz
57 Hz – 20 kHz [MR524] Note: MR monitors do not support multiple voltage
45 Hz – 20 kHz [MR624] configurations. Make sure the voltage rating for your
38 Hz – 20 kHz [MR824] particular model (as indicated on the rear panel near the
Frequency Response (–10 dB): IEC socket) corresponds with your local AC mains voltage.
45 Hz – 20 kHz [MR524] AC Connector: 3-pin IEC 250 VAC, 15 A male
38 Hz – 20 kHz [MR624]
35 Hz – 20 kHz [MR824] Fuse: 115 VAC: T 1 AL / 250 V
230 VAC: T 500 mAL / 250 V [MR524]
Sound Pressure Level @ 1 meter, +4 dBu into Balanced Input:
102 dB SPL @ 1m [MR524] 115 VAC: T 1.6 AL / 250 V
105 dB SPL @ 1m [MR624] 230 VAC: T 800 mAL / 250 V [MR624]
107 dB SPL @ 1m [MR824] 115 VAC: T 2 AL / 250 V
Maximum SPL Per Pair: 108 dB SPL @ 1m [MR524] 230 VAC: T 1 AL / 250 V [MR824]
111 dB SPL @ 1m [MR624] Power Consumption:
113 dB SPL @ 1m [MR824] 90 watts with music, loud mix
10 watts quiescent (idle) [MR524]
Transducers
120 watts with music, loud mix
Low Frequency: 5.25 in / 133 mm 11 watts quiescent (idle) [MR624]
polypropylene woofer [MR524]
6.5 in / 165 mm 150 watts with music, loud mix
polypropylene woofer [MR624] 12 watts quiescent (idle) [MR824]
8.0 in / 203 mm
polypropylene woofer [MR824]
High Frequency: Neodymium magnet driven
Physical Dimensions and Weight
1 in / 25 mm silk dome tweeter MR524:
Enclosure: 0.47 in / 12 mm thick MDF with
Amplifiers 0.83 in / 21 mm MDF front panel
Low Frequency Power: 30 watts, 4 Ω load, Dimensions:
60 watts peak [MR524] Height: 11.1 in / 281 mm
40 watts, 4 Ω load, Width: 7.1 in / 180 mm
80 watts peak [MR624] Depth: 8.7 in / 221 mm
55 watts, 4 Ω load, Weight: 10.2 lb / 4.6 kg
110 watts peak [MR824] MR624:
High Frequency Power: 20 watts, 6 Ω load, Enclosure: 0.47 in / 12 mm thick MDF with
40 watts peak [MR524] 0.94 in / 24 mm MDF front panel
25 watts, 6 Ω load, Dimensions:
50 watts peak [MR624] Height: 12.9 in / 328 mm
30 watts, 6 Ω load, Width: 8.3 in / 210 mm
60 watts peak [MR824] Depth: 11.2 in / 284 mm
Weight: 16.5 lb / 7.5 kg
Type: Monolithic IC, Class AB with
DMOS power stage MR824:
Enclosure: 0.59 in / 15 mm thick MDF with
Electronic Crossover 1.30 in / 33 mm MDF front panel
Crossover Type: 24 dB/octave Dimensions:
Crossover Frequency: 2 kHz [MR524] Height: 15.7 in / 400 mm
3 kHz [MR624] Width: 10.1 in / 256 mm
1.9 kHz [MR824] Depth: 12.6 in / 320 mm
Weight: 23.0 lb / 10.4 kg
Sensitivity: +4 dBu at 300 Hz for full output
Damping: Adiabatic batting [MR524/624/824]
Input Impedance: 20 kΩ, balanced bridging;
10 kΩ unbalanced
Disclaimer
Equalization
LOUD Technologies Inc. is always striving to improve
High Frequency EQ: ±2 dB @ 3 kHz and above
our products by incorporating new and improved materials,
[MR524 / 624 / 824]
components and manufacturing methods. Therefore, we
reserve the right to change these specifications at any
time without notice.
Owner’s Manual
7.1" / 180 mm 8.7" / 221 mm
WEIGHT
10.2 lb /
4.6 kg
11.1" /
281 mm
MR624 Dimensions
8.3" / 210 mm 11.2" / 284 mm
WEIGHT
16.5 lb /
7.5 kg
12.9" /
328 mm
MR824 Dimensions
10.1" / 256 mm 12.6" / 320 mm
WEIGHT
23.0 lb /
10.4 kg
15.7" /
400 mm
Owner’s Manual 13
MR524 • MR624 • MR824 Powered Studio Monitors
14
RCA +HI VDC
UNBALANCED HI-FREQUENCY HI-FREQUENCY
LINE INPUT HIGH FREQ POWER AMPLIFIER DRIVER
CROSSOVER +2 dB
XLR HI-FREQ 0
2
MR Block Diagram
BALANCED 1 TWEETER
LO-FREQ –2 dB
LINE INPUT 3
INPUT LEVEL
+HI VDC
LO-FREQUENCY LO-FREQUENCY
ACOUSTIC OVEREXCURSION
60 Hz [MR524]
50 Hz [MR624]
FUSE POWER
EI POWER +
LO VDC
TRANSFORMER –
This manual also contains names and marks of other companies which belong to those respective companies,
The following are trademarks or registered trademarks of LOUD Technologies Inc.: MR Series and the Running Man.
Limited Warranty
Owner’s Manual
Please keep your sales receipt in a safe place.
This Limited Product Warranty (“Product Warranty”) is provided by LOUD Technologies Inc. (“LOUD”)
and is applicable to products purchased in the United States or Canada through a LOUD-authorized
reseller or dealer. The Product Warranty will not extend to anyone other than the original purchaser
of the product (hereinafter, “Customer,” “you” or “your”).
For products purchased outside the U.S. or Canada, please visit www.mackie.com to find contact
information for your local distributor, and information on any warranty coverage provided by the
distributor in your local market.
LOUD warrants to Customer that the product will be free from defects in materials and workmanship
under normal use during the Warranty Period. If the product fails to conform to the warranty then LOUD
or its authorized service representative will at its option, either repair or replace any such nonconforming
product, provided that Customer gives notice of the noncompliance within the Warranty Period to the
Company at: www.mackie.com or by calling LOUD technical support at 1.800.898.3211 (toll-free
in the U.S. and Canada) during normal business hours Pacific Time, excluding weekends or LOUD
holidays. Please retain the original dated sales receipt as evidence of the date of purchase. You will
need it to obtain any warranty service.
For full terms and conditions, as well as the specific duration of the Warranty for this product, please
visit www.mackie.com.
The Product Warranty, together with your invoice or receipt, and the terms and conditions located
at www.mackie.com constitutes the entire agreement, and supersedes any and all prior agreements
between LOUD and Customer related to the subject matter hereof. No amendment, modification
or waiver of any of the provisions of this Product Warranty will be valid unless set forth in a written
instrument signed by the party to be bound thereby.
Owner’s Manual 15
16220 Wood-Red Road NE
Woodinville, WA 98072 • USA
Phone: 425.487.4333
Toll-free: 800.898.3211
Fax: 425.487.4337
www.mackie.com