M•800

AMPLIFIER
M•800 High-Current Power Amplifier
 The Mackie M•800 is a dual channel, high output
power amplifier that incorporates a number of unique
features including FR “Fast Recovery” design, high con-
tinuous current output, and a T-Design constant-gradient

M•800
cooling tunnel for improved cooling efficiency and out-
put device reliability.
 The M•800 is rated at a continuous output of 150
watts per channel into 8Ω, 225 watts per channel into
4Ω and 280 watts into 2Ω. In bridge mode the M•800
is rated at 450 watts into 8Ω and 560 watts into 4Ω.
Variable low-cut filters on each channel, with a range
from Off to 170Hz, enable tighter bass response and
a Constant Directivity Horn EQ improves high-frequency Features
reproduction. The CD Horn EQ is 6 dB/octave and  800 watts max, 560 watts continuous @ 4 ohms bridged
its “knee” position is sweepable from 2kHz to 6kHz.
 Ultra-low-noise/low-distortion design
The built-in limiter helps eliminate clipping. Inputs are
 Fast Recovery circuitry reduces distortion at clipping
balanced/unbalanced 1/4" and XLR, and XLR thru con-
nections allow the full-range signal to be routed to  Two 2nd order, 12 dB/octave, Bessel low-cut filters with
another M•800. Speaker connections on the M•800 variable frequency from Off to 170Hz
are 1/4" and binding posts for the U.S. version, and  Constant directivity horn EQ/Air EQ with variable frequency
Speakon® and binding posts for the international ver- from 2kHz to 6kHz and on/off switch
sion. An amp mode switch selects stereo, mono, or  Limiter with on/off switch
bridge operation.  Balanced/unbalanced 1/4" and XLR inputs
 To effectively deal with clipping, an amplifier must be  XLR thru outputs
able to recover almost instantaneously. That is the defi-
 1/4" jacks (Speakon® connectors on international version)
nition of “Fast Recovery.” Rather than using negative
and 5-way binding post outputs (both models)
feedback to help control clipping distortion, the M•800
employs a very sparse amount of negative feedback.  Detented gain controls calibrated in dB and volts
The use of Baker Clamp circuits on the positive and  Signal present and OL LEDs
negative voltage amp stages prevents saturation (and  Channel Status LEDs
latching) during periods of overdrive. In addition, a tran-  Superior T-Design cooling
sistor senses when the Baker Clamp is active and acti-  Five-year, limited warranty (U.S. only)
(continued on page 8)

R E LA TE D PR O D U C TS Applications
M•1400/M•1400i Power Amplifiers, 1202-VLZ PRO  Live sound/music reinforcement for churches,
12-Channel Mic/Line Mixer, 1402-VLZ PRO 14-Channel clubs, schools, conference centers, hotels
Mic/Line Mixer, 1604 VLZ PRO 16-Channel Mic/Line Mixer,  High level A/V playback
1642-VLZ PRO 16-Channel Mic/Line Mixer, SR24•4-
 Large speech systems
VLZ PRO 24 Channel Mic/Line Mixer, SR32•4-VLZ PRO
32 Channel Mic/Line Mixer, CFX Series 12, 16, and 20
Channel Mic/Line Mixer w/Digital Effects, C300z 2-Way
Loudspeaker, C200 2-Way Loudspeaker, SWA1501 and
SWA1801 Active Subwoofers.
1 OF 8 PAGES
AMPLIFIER
M•800 High-Current Power Amplifier
M•800 Specifications Rise Time:
<5µs
Maximum Power, mid band (@ 1kHz with 1% THD):
175 watts per channel into 8 ohms Slew Rate:
275 watts per channel into 4 ohms Voltage Slew Rate >40V/µs
400 watts per channel into 2 ohms >80V/µs bridged
550 watts into 8 ohms bridged Current Slew Rate >20A/µs at 2 ohms
M•800

800 watts into 4 ohms bridged

CMRR:
Continuous Sine Wave Average Output Power, both >40 dB, 20Hz to 20kHz
channels driven (FTC power rating 40Hz - 20kHz):
Load Angle:
150 watts per channel into 8 ohms from 40Hz to
20kHz, with no more than 0.025% THD 8(±jx) time independent at 8Ω
225 watts per channel into 4 ohms from 40Hz to 4(±jx) time dependent, T >6 min. at 4Ω
20kHz, with no more than 0.05% THD 2(1±jx) time dependent, T >2 min. at 2Ω
280 watts per channel into 2 ohms from 40Hz to
20kHz, with no more than 0.1% THD Transient Recovery:
<1µs for 20 dB overdrive @ 1kHz
Bridged mono operation:
450 watts into 8 ohms from 40Hz to 20kHz, with no more than High-Frequency Overload and Latching:
0.05% THD No latch up at any frequency or level
560 watts into 4 ohms from 40Hz to 20kHz, with no more than
0.1% THD High-Frequency Stability:
Unconditionally stable driving any reactive or capacitive load
Power Bandwidth:
20Hz to 70kHz (+0, –3 dB) Turn On Delay:
3-4 seconds
Frequency Response (1 watt, 8 ohm load):
20Hz to 40kHz (+0, –1 dB) Variable Low-Cut Filter:
10Hz to 70kHz (+0, –3 dB) 10Hz (Off) to 170Hz, 2nd Order Bessel

Distortion: Constant Directivity High-Frequency Boost:

THD, SMPTE IMD, TIM (250mW to rated power) 2kHz to 6kHz (+3 dB points)
<0.025% @ 8 Ω 6 dB/octave high-frequency shelving filter,
(shelving occurs at approximately 30kHz)
<0.05% @ 4 Ω
<0.15% @ 2 Ω Limiter Section:
Complementary Positive and Negative Peak Detecting
Signal-to-Noise Ratio:
>104 dB below rated power into 4 ohms Indicators:
5 meter LEDs per channel
Channel Separation: –20, –9, –6, –3, OL (Overload)
>70 dB @ 1kHz TEMP STATUS
NORMAL/HOT LEDs
Damping Factor:
>250 @ 400Hz Power Consumption:
55 watts at idle
Input Impedance: 400 watts with musical program fully loaded
20kΩ balanced bridging (4 ohms per side, or 8 ohms bridged)
600 watts with musical program fully loaded
Input Sensitivity: (2 ohms per side, or 4 ohms bridged)
1.23 volts (+4 dBu) for rated power into 4 ohms 550 watts at rated power into 8 ohms
(continuous sine wave)
Voltage Gain:
950 watts at rated power into 4 ohms
28.0 dB (continuous sine wave)
1500 watts at rated power into 2 ohms
Maximum Input Level: (continuous sine wave)
9.75 volts (+22 dBu) (continued on page 3)

2 OF 8 PAGES
 M•800 High-Current Power Amplifier

AC Line Power: Physical:

US 120 VAC, 60Hz Height 3.50" (89 mm)
Europe 240 VAC, 50/60Hz Width 19.00" (483 mm)
Japan 100 VAC, 50/60Hz Depth 15.25" (387 mm)
Korea 220 VAC, 60Hz Overall Depth 16.25" (413 mm)
Weight 28 lbs (12.7 kg)
AC Drop-out Voltage:
At approximately 65% of rated line voltage

17.25" (43.8cm)

15.25" (38.7cm)
16.25" (41.3cm)

(8.9cm)
3.50"

2U

19.00" (48.3cm)

3 OF 8 PAGES
 M•800
M•800
Block Diagram

OL
–3
METER –6
DC OFFSET DRIVE –9
MUTE
DETECT –20
+60VDC
FREQ FREQ
CH 1 LIMITER DETECTION
CH 1 GAIN
BALANCED STEREO POWER
LIMITER AMPLIFIER
LINE INPUT MONO
(XLR-F) CH 1
BRIDGE SPEAKER
LOW CUT CD EQ
FILTER –60VDC OUT
THRU
(XLR-M) ON INVERTING
UNITY GAIN OFF ON
AMPLIFIER
CH 1 OFF MUTE OL
LIMITER –3
BALANCED METER
SWITCH –6
LINE INPUT DRIVE –9
(TRS) OFF ON DC OFFSET –20
MUTE
DETECT
+60VDC
FREQ FREQ
CH 2
CH 2 GAIN
BALANCED STEREO POWER
LIMITER AMPLIFIER
LINE INPUT MONO
(XLR-F) CH 2
BRIDGE LIMITER DETECTION
LOW CUT CD EQ SPEAKER
FILTER –60VDC OUT
THRU
(XLR-M) ON STEREO
MONO
BRIDGE
High-Current Power Amplifier

CH 2 OFF
BALANCED
LINE INPUT
(TRS) 60ºC
DETECTOR

FAN
AND SPEED
CONTROL FAN
POWER TOROIDAL POWER CH 1 AMP OUT
FUSE SWITCH TRANSFORMER OR
CH 2 AMP OUT
PROGRAM
DETECT HI DCV
+ +
LAMP 60 VDC 70 VDC LO DCV
– –
HOT MUTE
MUTE
LED CONTROL
80ºC MUTE
MACKIE DESIGNS MUTE 55ºC UNMUTE 4 SEC DELAY

4
M•800 TEMP
BLOCK DIAGRAM THERMAL SENSOR (TURN-ON)
26 FEB 1999 PROTECT (ON HEATSINK)
NORM
LED

OF 8 PAGES
 M•800 High-Current Power Amplifier

U.S. and International Version Front Panel

FULL SYMMETRY DUAL DIFFERENTIAL HIGH CURRENT DESIGN PROFESSIONAL POWER AMPLIFIER

CH GAIN/dB GAIN/dB CH
1 2
3v SIG OL OL 3v

16
18
20 –3 –3 16
18
20 ON
2v 2v
14 22 –6 –6 14 22

12 24 –9 –9 12 24

6 26
– 20 – 20 6 26
OFF
28 CH STATUS 28
1v 1v
0
0

1&2
0
0

SENSITIVITY 1.23v (+4dBu) NORM HOT SENSITIVITY 1.23v (+4dBu) POWER

U.S. Version Rear Panel

(MONO BRIDGE)
800 WATTS
CAUTION WARNING: TO REDUCE THE RISK OF FIRE OR ELECTRIC SHOCK, DO NOT SERIAL NUMBER MANUFACTURING DATE
EXPOSE THIS EQUIPMENT TO RAIN OR MOISTURE. DO NOT REMOVE COVER.
4 OHM LOAD R RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK NO USER SERVICEABLE PARTS INSIDE. REFER SERVICING TO QUALIFIED PERSONNEL.

(STEREO) 120 VAC 60 Hz

DO NOT OPEN
AVIS: RISQUE DE CHOC ELECTRIQUE — NE PAS OUVRIR
LISTED COMMERCIAL
CONCEIVED AND DESIGNED BY MACKIE DESIGNS INC • WOODINVILLE
400 WATTS / CH AUDIO EQUIPMENT
9Z39
900 WATTS WA • 98072 • USA • MADE IN CHINA • PATENTS PENDING • COPYRIGHT ©1999
2 OHM LOAD
THE FOLLOWING ARE TRADEMARKS/REGISTERED TRADEMARKS OF MACKIE DESIGN INC.: "MACKIE", "FR SERIES", & THE "RUNNING MAN" FIGURE
OUTPUT SUITABLE FOR CLASS 2 WIRING
MONO

1 CHANNEL 2
BRIDGE
CHANNEL
CH CH
1 + + 2 INPUT LOW CUT
FILTER
CONSTANT DIRECTIVITY
HORN EQ /AIR EQ AMP MODE LIMITER
CONSTANT DIRECTIVITY
HORN EQ /AIR EQ
LOW CUT
FILTER
INPUT

TYPICAL TYPICAL
35 Hz 4.5k Hz 4.5k Hz 35 Hz
OFF ON STEREO MONO BRIDGE OFF ON OFF ON

– –
BAL/UNBAL OFF 170 Hz 2k Hz 6k Hz 2k Hz 6k Hz OFF 170 Hz BAL/UNBAL
AIR EQ AIR EQ
STAGE STAGE
MONITOR TYPICAL TYPICAL TYPICAL TYPICAL MONITOR
100 Hz 100 Hz
SPEAKER OUTPUTS THRU THRU

International Version Rear Panel

(MONO BRIDGE) CONCEIVED, DESIGNED, AND MANUFACTURED BY MACKIE DESIGNS INC
SERIAL NUMBER MANUFACTURING DATE
800 WATTS WOODINVILLE WA • 98072 • USA • MADE IN USA • FABRIQUE AU USA •
4 OHM LOAD THE FOLLOWING ARE TRADEMARKS/REGISTERED TRADEMARKS OF
MACKIE DESIGN INC.: "MACKIE", "FR SERIES", & THE "RUNNING MAN" FIGURE
(STEREO) 240 VAC 50-60 Hz
400 WATTS / CH 900 WATTS
2 OHM LOAD
OUTPUT SUITABLE FOR CLASS 2 WIRING
MONO

1 CHANNEL 2
BRIDGE
CH CH CHANNEL
1 2 INPUT LOW CUT
FILTER
CONSTANT DIRECTIVITY
HORN EQ /AIR EQ AMP MODE LIMITER
CONSTANT DIRECTIVITY
HORN EQ /AIR EQ
LOW CUT
FILTER
INPUT
+ +
TYPICAL TYPICAL
35 Hz 4.5k Hz 4.5k Hz 35 Hz
OFF ON STEREO MONO BRIDGE OFF ON OFF ON

– –
BAL/UNBAL OFF 170 Hz 2k Hz 6k Hz 2k Hz 6k Hz OFF 170 Hz BAL/UNBAL
AIR EQ AIR EQ
STAGE STAGE
MONITOR TYPICAL TYPICAL TYPICAL TYPICAL MONITOR
100 Hz 100 Hz
SPEAKER OUTPUTS THRU THRU

5 OF 8 PAGES
M•800 High-Current Power Amplifer
Architects’ and Engineers’ Specifications
1. GENERAL. The amplifier shall have a free-standing LEDs shall appear on the front panel, one to indicate
frame with front and rear brackets for rack-mounting, normal operation (NORMAL) and one to indicate thermal
and supplied with four resilient feet suitable for table- protection (HOT).
top placement. The amplifier shall be capable of two- 7. PROTECTION FEATURES. The amplifier shall pro-
channel operation, with a switch to place the amplifier vide delayed activation of the outputs at turn-on. Each
into single-channel operation by bridging the outputs of channel shall have a short-circuit protection circuit for
the two channels. detecting excessive current flow at the output. When acti-
2. POWER OUTPUT. The two-channel power ampli- vated, the circuit limits the current delivered to the short,
fier shall deliver a rated continuous average sine wave protecting the output stage. The amplifier shall have a
power output over a 40Hz to 20kHz bandwidth of 150 thermal protection circuit to protect the power devices
watts RMS into 8 ohms per channel, 225 watts into 4 from over-temperature operation. The circuit shall acti-
ohms, and 280 watts into 2 ohms with both channels vate when the internal temperature crosses the safe-oper-
operating, with no more than 0.10% total harmonic dis- ating threshold and, when activated, mute the outputs
tortion. In single-channel operation it shall deliver 450 until the internal temperature cools to a safe-operating
watts RMS into 8 ohms and 560 watts into 4 ohms, with temperature, at which time amplifier shall resume normal
no more than 0.10% total harmonic distortion. operation. The amplifier shall have a fan to cool the heat-
The power amplifier shall deliver a maximum continu- producing internal components, drawing cool air in from
ous average sine wave power at mid band of 175 watts the front, and exhausting warm air out through both
RMS into 8 ohms per channel, 275 watts into 4 ohms, sides. The fan shall operate at two speeds, the speed
and 400 watts into 2 ohms with both channels operat- being determined be the internal temperature and the
ing, with no more than 1% total harmonic distortion. In signal level present at the output. The amplifier shall
single-channel operation it shall deliver 550 watts RMS have an SCR crowbar circuit to protect the speakers
into 8 ohms and 800 watts into 4 ohms, with no more against a catastrophic amplifier failure. The circuit shall
than 1% total harmonic distortion. activate in the presence of continuous DC at the speaker
3. POWER SUPPLIES. All necessary operating volt- outputs, and shall shut the amplifier down by opening
ages for the amplifier shall be provided by an internal the internal AC mains fuse.
power supply. A master power switch shall be located 8. OUTPUT CONNECTIONS. M•800 (U.S. Version):
on the front panel along with a green power-indicating Each channel shall have a heavy-duty 5-way binding post
light. speaker output connector appearing on the rear panel,
4. INPUT CHANNEL CONNECTIONS. Each monaural with 3/4" spacing for accommodating standard double
input channel shall have an electronically balanced line- banana plugs as well as spade lugs or bare wires. Each
level input, presenting no less than a 20k ohm imped- channel shall have a 1/4" TS phone speaker output jack
ance to the source. Each input shall have an input sensi- appearing on the rear panel in parallel with the binding
tivity of +4 dBu, requiring no more than 1.23V RMS to post.
be driven to rated output into a 4 ohm load. The input M•800 (International Version): Each channel shall
connector shall appear on the rear panel as a female have a heavy-duty 5-way binding post speaker output
XLR-3 type connector. In addition, each monaural input connector appearing on the rear panel, with 3/4" spacing
channel shall have a parallel 1/4" TRS phone jack and a for accommodating standard double banana plugs (120V
male XLR-3 type connector, which can be used as inputs versions only) as well as spade lugs or bare wires. Each
or “thru” jacks for daisy-chaining the input signal to channel shall have a Neutrik brand Speakon®‚ speaker
another amplifier. Pin 2 of the XLR connectors, and the output jack appearing on the rear panel in parallel with
tip of the 1/4" TRS phone jack, shall be non-inverting. the binding post output.
5. INPUT CHANNEL LEVEL CONTROLS. Each mon- 9. AMP MODES. The amplifier shall have a three-way
aural input channel shall be equipped with a gain control switch appearing on the rear panel for selecting the mode
appearing on the front panel, each having 20 detent of operation, which shall include stereo (two channels
positions, and calibrated in dB and volts. in, two channels out), mono (one channel in, two chan-
6. FRONT PANEL INDICATORS. Each channel shall nels out), and bridge (one channel in, one channel out,
have an associated five-segment LED meter appearing bridged between both speaker outputs).
on the front panel, capable of displaying –20 dB, –9 dB, 10. LIMITER. The amplifier shall have a two-way
–6 dB, –3 dB, and overload. Two temperature status switch appearing on the rear panel for selecting between
(continued on page 7)

6 OF 8 PAGES
M•800

AMPLIFIER
High-Current Power Amplifier

(continued from page 6)

limiter on and limiter off. The defeatable electronic limiter

circuit shall sense the onset of clipping and shall limit the
input signal and thereby prevent the output from clipping.
11. LOW-CUT FILTER. Each channel shall have a low-

M•800
cut filter with a variable frequency control appearing on
the rear panel covering a range of 10Hz (OFF) to 170Hz.
12. CONSTANT DIRECTIVITY HORN EQ. Each chan-
nel shall have a two-way switch appearing on the rear
panel for selecting a constant directivity horn equaliza-
tion circuit. When selected, this circuit shall provide a 6
dB per octave high-frequency boost. The EQ shall have
a variable frequency control appearing on the rear panel
covering a range of 2kHz to 6kHz. The 6kHz position shall
be called AIR.
13. PHYSICAL CONFIGURATION. The amplifier shall
be rack-mountable with rear support rails for extra sup-
port, and shall have a steel chassis frame painted gray-
black. The amplifier shall be 19" wide (483mm), 3.5" (2U)
tall (89mm), and 15.25" deep (387mm), and shall weigh
36 pounds (16.3 kg).
14. DESIGNATION. The power amplifier shall be a
Mackie M•800.

7 OF 8 PAGES
AMPLIFIER
M•800 High-Current Power Amplifier

(continued from page 1)

vates the internal limiting circuits. This results in no
latching, instant recovery from overdriving the amp,
and a superior sound.
 The M•800 uses a unique T-Design constant-gradi-
M•800

ent cooling tunnel that draws air in through the front

of the amplifier and forces it out through the amplifi-
er’s sides. The T-Tunnel design provides a shorter,
more direct path for cool air. This allows for reduced
heat build up and cooler transistor operation.

Electronic files for this product available at:

www.mackie.com
This Specification Sheet M800_SS.PDF
Owner/Operator’s Manual M800_OM.PD

LOUD Technologies continually engages in research related to product improvement. New material,
production methods, and design refinements are introduced into existing products without notice
as a routine expression of that philosophy. For this reason, any current LOUD Technologies product
may differ in some respect from its published description, but will always equal or exceed the origi-
nal design specifications unless otherwise stated. ©1999-2004 LOUD Technologies Inc. All rights
reserved.
www.mackie.com Part No. 091-212-00 Rev B 9/04
16220 Wood-Red Road NE, Woodinville, WA 98072 USA
800.898.3211, fax 425.487.4337, sales@mackie.com
UK +44.1268.570.808, fax +44.1268.570.809, uk@mackie.com
8 OF 8 PAGES