MTM23.Review Tapco S8

5/1/05

11:10 am

Page 1

MACKIE TAPCO S8

MACKIE

Tapco S8

Mackie gear has a reputation for representing excellent value for money and the Tapco S8s are no exception, as Huw Price discovers.
e are all familiar with the Mackie brand, but for many of us, Tapco is an unfamiliar name. In fact, Mackie has simply revived the name of Greg Mackies original company, which started making PA mixers back in 1969. The original gear had more than enough headroom to handle screaming singers, it was priced just right for starving musicians and it was durable enough to withstand wild rides in the tour bus. Judging by the competitive price of these active monitors, the original mission statement still applies.
+20dBu can be handled. Theres a three-way High Frequency switch that tweaks the top-end response at 5kHz. The zero setting is in the middle and the +2dB settings are at either side. The Low Frequency switch provides 0dB, +2dB and +4dB settings at 100Hz. The back panel is also where youll find the IEC mains socket, the voltage selector and the power switch.
Good developments Image conscious
The thing that immediately impressed us was the S8s refined sound. They came over as well These active monitors sound substantially cleaner and more informative than many others in this price bracket. The S8s have clearly benefited from the considerable development work that Mackie has put into its HR series of monitors and we can recommend them as viable engineering tools as well as an engaging set of speakers. At this price, theres little to criticise. MTM
The S8s have benefited from the development work that Mackie has put into its HR series of monitors.
These beefy critters have a matte-black paint job and the magnetically shielded, rear-ported cabinets are made from acoustically inert MDF, with a 25mm-thick front panel. The drivers are an 8-inch polypropylene woofer and a 1-inch silk dome tweeter with a wave guide surround. Onboard are a pair of 60-watt (100-watt peak) amplifiers, complete with crossovers. voiced in a slightly bright room, with a deep soundstage that you would normally expect to hear only from speakers costing substantially more. Equally impressive is the level of detail and the excellent stereo imaging. The central elements of some mixes, such as snare drums and lead vocals, didnt always come across with the spooky solidity that some of the best speakers achieve, but they sounded very balanced. The feature that sets the S8s apart is the speed of their response. Drum parts and percussive loops sound fresh and alive, while fast piano parts retain a sense of clear separation between notes. The S8s dont produce ultra-deep bass, but they also dont make the mistake of trying to compensate through boominess. The bass response is impressive, however, and about right for a ported enclosure of this size. On balance, Mackie has gone for the right option by not trying to overhype the sound, and bass drums are portrayed with all their tonal character intact, while bass lines retain harmonic integrity rather than degenerating into indistinct garbage.
TAPCO S8 Manufacturer Mackie Price 499 pair Contact Mackie UK www.mackie.com

SUMMARY

KEY FEATURES Free-field frequency response: 40Hz20kHz (3dB) Maximum SPL per pair: 113dB @ 1m Low-frequency power: 60 watts High-frequency power: 60 watts Crossover type: 24dB/octave Crossover frequency: 3kHz Height: 411mm Width: 295mm Depth: 351mm Weight: 16kg WHY BUY Fatigue-free sound Excellent stereo imaging Solid construction Deep soundstage All-in-one monitoring solution Low background noise WALK ON BY Youll need a subwoofer for sub-bass Power switch at rear Plastic surrounds look tacky

Plugging in

All of the S8s connections and controls are located on the rear of the units. There are three types of input including balanced XLR and TRS 1/4-inch jack connections, plus an unbalanced RCA phono socket. You can daisy chain a couple of S8s together by connecting the input signal to the XLR socket and running a mono jack cable from the jack socket to the second speaker. Make sure you push the mono jack all the way in or you will unbalance the input signal and drop the level by 6dB. The input level control sets the sensitivity of the S8. At maximum, it is designed to operate with a +4dBu signal level, but signals up to

METHOD SPOT

Sound treatments
If all control rooms were properly designed and treated, we wouldnt need speakers with frequency adjustment. In the real world, sound equipment has to work in a variety of perfect and imperfect environments. Thankfully, the S8s will adjust to suit you and your room rather than the other way around.

VERDICT

Tapcos S8s are professional-quality active monitors at an affordable price.
February 2005 MUSIC TECH magazine

CAUTION

12. Damage Requiring Service This product should be serviced only by qualied service personnel when: A. The power-supply cord or the plug has been damaged; or B. Objects have fallen, or liquid has spilled into this product; or C. This product has been exposed to rain; or D. This product does not appear to operate normally or exhibits a marked change in performance; or E. This product has been dropped, or its chassis damaged. 13. Servicing The user should not attempt to service this product beyond those means described in this operating manual. All other servicing should be referred to the Tapco Service Department. 14. To prevent electric shock, do not use this polarized plug with an extension cord, receptacle or other outlet unless the blades can be fully inserted to prevent blade exposure. Pour prevenir les chocs lectriques ne pas utiliser cette che polarise avec un prolongateur, un prise de courant ou une autre sortie de courant, sauf si les lames peuvent tre insres fond sans laisser aucune pariie dcouvert. 15. Grounding or Polarization Precautions should be taken so that the grounding or polarization means of this product is not defeated. 16. Power Precaution Unplug this product during lightning storms or when unused for long periods of time. 17. This apparatus does not exceed the Class A/Class B (whichever is applicable) limits for radio noise emissions from digital apparatus as set out in the radio interference regulations of the Canadian Department of Communications. ATTENTION Le prsent appareil numrique nmet pas de bruits radiolectriques dpassant las limites applicables aux appareils numriques de class A/de class B (selon le cas) prescrites dans le rglement sur le brouillage radiolectrique dict par les ministere des communications du Canada. 18. 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 sufciently intense noise for a period of time. The U.S. Governments Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has specied 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 permanent hearing loss if exposure is in excess of the limits set forth here.
RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK DO NOT OPEN RISQUE DE CHOC ELECTRIQUE NE PAS OUVRIR
CAUTION: TO REDUCE THE RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK DO NOT REMOVE COVER (OR BACK) NO USER-SERVICEABLE PARTS INSIDE REFER SERVICING TO QUALIFIED PERSONNEL
ATTENTION: POUR EVITER LES RISQUES DE CHOC ELECTRIQUE, NE PAS ENLEVER LE COUVERCLE. AUCUN ENTRETIEN DE PIECES INTERIEURES PAR L'USAGER. CONFIER L'ENTRETIEN AU PERSONNEL QUALIFIE. AVIS: POUR EVITER LES RISQUES D'INCENDIE OU D'ELECTROCUTION, N'EXPOSEZ PAS CET ARTICLE A LA PLUIE OU A L'HUMIDITE
The lightning flash with arrowhead symbol within an equilateral triangle is intended to alert the user to the presence of uninsulated dangerous voltage within the products enclosure that may be of sufficient magnitude to constitute a risk of electric shock to persons. Le symbole clair avec point de flche l'intrieur d'un triangle quilatral est utilis pour alerter l'utilisateur de la prsence l'intrieur du coffret de voltage dangereux non isol d'ampleur suffisante pour constituer un risque d'lctrocution. The exclamation point within an equilateral triangle is intended to alert the user of the presence of important operating and maintenance (servicing) instructions in the literature accompanying the appliance. Le point d'exclamation l'intrieur d'un triangle quilatral est employ pour alerter les utilisateurs de la prsence d'instructions importantes pour le fonctionnement et l'entretien (service) dans le livret d'instruction accompagnant l'appareil.

SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

1. 2. 3. 4. 5. Read Instructions All the safety and operation instructions should be read before this product is operated. Retain Instructions The safety and operating instructions should be kept for future reference. Heed Warnings All warnings on this product and in these operating instructions should be followed. Follow Instructions All operating and other instructions should be followed. Water and Moisture This product should not be used near water for example, near a bathtub, washbowl, kitchen sink, laundry tub, in a wet basement, near a swimming pool, etc. Cleaning Clean only with a dry cloth. Ventilation This product should be situated so that its location or position does not interfere with its proper ventilation. For example, the Component should not be situated on a bed, sofa, rug, or similar surface that may block any ventilation openings, or placed in a built-in installation such as a bookcase or cabinet that may impede the ow of air through ventilation openings. Heat This product should be situated away from heat sources such as radiators, or other devices which produce heat. Power Sources This product should be connected to a power supply only of the type described in these operation instructions or as marked on this product.
Duration Per Day Sound Level dBA, In Hours Slow Response

2 1.0.5 0.25 or less 115

Typical Example
Packed garage concert VW Bus Peace Train Cranked psychedelic tunes High speed chase on C.H.I.P.s Loudest parts at a Heavy Metal concert
10. Power Cord Protection Power supply cords should be routed so that they are not likely to be walked upon or pinched by items placed upon or against them, paying particular attention to cords at plugs, convenience receptacles, and the point where they exit this product. 11. Object and Liquid Entry Care should be taken so that objects do not fall on, and liquids are not spilled into, this product.
WARNING To reduce the risk of re or electric shock, do not expose this appliance to rain or moisture.

Contents

Safety Instructions...2 Getting Started..4 Placement...4 Introduction...6 Hookup Diagrams...7 TAPCO S8 Features..8 Rear Panel Description..8 1. INPUTS..8 2. INPUT LEVEL...8 3. HIGH FREQ Switch..8 4. LOW FREQ Switch...9 5. AC SELECT...9 6. POWER...9 7. Line Cord Socket and Fuse..9 8. Bass Reex Port..9 9. Heatsink..9 Front Panel Description..9 10. Power LED...9 11. Clip LED..9 Protection Circuits..10 Input Signal Wiring..10 Appendix A: Service Information.11 Appendix B: Connections..13 Appendix C: Specications..14 TAPCO LIMITED WARRANTY.15 Dont forget to visit our website at www.tapcogear.com for more information about this and other TAPCO products. What me, read a manual?

Before you begin, please make sure you read the Safety Instructions on page 2 and Getting Started on page 4. Your new TAPCO S8 monitors are designed to set up quickly and operate easily. We know its often seen as a sign of weakness to read a manual, along with asking for directions when lost, but we hope you will read the rest of the manual, at least while nobody is looking. It is important to keep your receipt in a safe place, and not a bad idea to write your product information here for future reference (i.e., insurance claims, tech support, return authorization, etc.).

Speaker 1 Speaker 2

Product Serial #:

Purchased at:

Date of purchase:
Part No. 0008404 Rev. A 10/LOUD Technologies Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Getting Started

The following steps will help you set up your monitor speakers quickly. Follow these steps for all the S8 studio monitors in your system.

INITIAL SETTINGS:

1. Turn the INPUT LEVEL control on the rear panel all the way down. 2. Set the HIGH FREQ and LOW FREQ switches to 0 (NORMAL). 3. Turn the POWER switch OFF.

Placement

CLOSER
An Extremely Important Note on S8 Bass Response and Your Control Room

CONNECTIONS:

1. Connect the line-level monitor signal from your mixer (or other signal source) to the INPUT jack on the S8 Studio Monitor (XLR, 1/4-inch TRS, or RCA). 2. Set the AC SELECT switch to the correct position for your country (115 VAC or 230 VAC). 3. Connect the supplied AC power cord to the IEC socket on the back of the monitor. Plug the other end into an AC outlet properly congured with the correct voltage for the AC SELECT switch setting you have selected.
Your new S8s achieve their best bass response in a room thats optimized for bass reproduction. A lot of factors can conspire to thwart the S8s extended low frequency, including room shape, room volume, and acoustical treatment. This is not a cop-out or an apology. Its plain old physics in action. Luckily, weve armed you with some compensating controls that you can use to optimize the frequency response of the speakers in your particular room. Consider the following:

Low-Frequency Response

When you put your S8s in a corner or up against a wall, their bass characteristics change. The apparent loudness of the low frequencies increases when the monitors are placed close to a wall, and even more so when they are placed in a corner. If you have placed the speakers away from the walls and corners and you would like to hear a little more bass, try setting the LOW FREQ equalization switch to the +2 dB position to provide a gentle boost to the low frequencies (below 100 Hz). If its still not enough bass, try the +4 dB position to provide a little more bass boost.

TURN IT ON:

1. Turn the POWER switch ON. 2. Start your signal source (tape deck, CD, DAW, or whatever), but leave the master level control on your mixer down. 3. Slowly turn up the INPUT LEVEL control on the S8 to MAX (fully clockwise). 4. Adjust the master volume on your mixer to a comfortably loud listening level. If the volume from the speakers gets really loud, really fast, try turning down the INPUT LEVEL control on the S8s a bit to achieve a good balance of master volume control and loudness from the speaker.
Now that you have your monitors working, its time to hunker down and read the rest of this manualespecially the following:

S8 ACTIVE STUDIO MONITOR

INPUTS

(UNBALANCED)

SETTINGS

XLR HIGH FREQ FILTER

(BALANCED)

(NORMAL)

LOW FREQ FILTER OFF MAX INPUT LEVEL

+2dB +4dB 0 (NORMAL)

AC SELECT
DO NOT EXPOSE THIS EQUIPMENT TO RAIN OR MOISTURE. DO NOT REMOVE COVER. NO USER SERVICEABLE PARTS INSIDE. REFER SERVICING TO QUALIFIED PERSONNEL. AVIS: RISQUE DE CHOC ELECTRIQUE NE PAS OUVRIR

SERIAL / DATE CODE

WARNING: TO REDUCE THE RISK OF FIRE OR ELECTRIC SHOCK,
CAUTION: REPLACE WITH THE SAME FUSE AND RATING.
DISCONNECT SUPPLY CORD BEFORE CHANGING FUSE. ~220-240VAC = T 800 m A L /250V FUSE ~100-120VAC = T 1.6 A L / 250V FUSE
RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK DO NOT OPEN
~100-120 VAC/220-240VAC 50-60 Hz 110W

205323

BROUGHT TO YOU BY THE GROOVY FOLKS IN WOODINVILLE, WASHINGTON, USA MANUFACTURED IN CHINA FABRIQUE AU CHINE 2003 MACKIE DESIGNS, INC.

High-Frequency Response

The S8s are designed to provide a smooth frequency response throughout the mid and high range. Nevertheless, you may decide that you need a little more or a little less high frequencies in your monitors while youre mixing. The HIGH FREQ equalization switch provides a gentle boost or cut in the frequencies above 5 kHz. Remember that boosting the high frequencies in the monitors can result in a duller mix, while reducing the high frequencies can result in a brighter overall mix.
ADDITIONAL TIDBITS OF WIDSDOM:
Never listen to loud music for prolonged periods. Please see the Safety Instructions on page 2 for information on hearing protection. When you shut down your equipment, turn off the S8 studio monitors rst to prevent thumps and other noises generated by any upstream equipment from coming out the speakers. When powering up, turn on the monitors last. Save the shipping boxes and packing materials! You may need them someday. Besides, your cat will love playing in them and jumping out at you unexpectedly. Remember to pretend like you are surprised! Save your sales receipt in a safe place. Also record both S8 serial numbers in the space provided on the inside front cover, along with where and when you bought them.

Introduction

Thank you for choosing TAPCO S8 Studio Monitors by LOUD Technologies. The TAPCO product line hails back to the days of TAPCO Corporation, Greg Mackies rst company. TAPCO revolutionized the audio industry back in 1969 with the very rst 6-channel mixer specically designed for keyboards and rock n roll. In essence, TAPCO redened the price/performance ratio and made high-quality professional audio equipment accessible to virtually anyone. Today, TAPCO is reborn with the same ideals and is backed by the world-class engineering and manufacturing horsepower of LOUD Technologies. The TAPCO S8 is the second active studio monitor in the TAPCO version of Greg TAPCO by Mackie family, joining its sibling, the TAPCO S5. These versatile compact mini-monitors can be used in a variety of applications, including small project studios, surround sound editing, home theater playback, and desktop audio workstations (DAWs). The S8 active studio monitors are packed with features and designed to produce transparent and uncolored sound for monitoring multitrack recordings and mixdowns. The two-way bass reex (ported) design provides an amazingly at frequency response from 40 Hz to 20 kHz. There are many benets to integrating an active crossover, power ampliers, and drivers into a single cabinet, and weve taken full advantage of these benets in the design of the S8. The crossover point is designed so that the high and low frequency drivers are fed only the frequencies that they are best able to reproduce. The ampliers are designed to provide maximum acoustic output from the speakers, yet minimize the danger of speaker damage due to overdriving. The connecting wire between the amplier outputs and the drivers are kept to an absolute minimum so the damping factor of the amplier isnt compromised by the resistance of long speaker cables. The acoustic sum of the outputs from the two drivers are optimized electronically, as well as physically, so the amplitude response is unity and the phase difference is minimal. In short, all the complex interconnected components in the system are designed to work in harmony with each other to produce the best possible sound.
Heres a quick look at all the features packed into the S8 Studio Monitors:
Flat frequency response (3 dB, 40 Hz to 20 kHz) 1 silk dome tweeter, fully magnetically shielded 8 polypropylene cone woofer, fully magnetically shielded Convenient compact design, perfect for neareld monitoring Ported, bass reex design for enhanced bass performance 60 watt HF and 60 watt LF power ampliers Low-frequency over-excursion protection Front panel clipping indicator High-strength cabinet constructed of 5/8 MDF composite and 1 front board with radiused edges High-density adiabatic berll absorbs internal reections Full magnetic shielding allows placement near computer monitors TAPCO van (a.k.a. micro bus) Balanced XLR and 1/4 TRS, and unbalanced RCA input connectors 24 dB/octave crossover at 3 kHz Adjustable sensitivity control LF equalization provides +2 dB or +4 dB at 100 Hz and below HF equalization provides 2 dB at 5 kHz and above Rear panel power switch with front panel indicating LED

Hookup Diagrams

Stereo Speaker Hookup
S-8 ACTIVE STUDIO MONITOR

PHONO XLR

HIGH FREQ FILTER

2dB TRS

+2dB TRS

LOW FREQ FILTER

MAX INPUT LEVEL
Left Line level Output Mixer or Preamplifier

Right Line level Output

1202-VLZPRO
Daisy-Chaining Two Speakers Per Side
Note: Use stereo 1/4 TRS plugs for the Thru connections. If you use mono 1/4 TS plugs, you will unbalance the XLR connections and suffer a drop in signal level of 6 dB.

Left Line level Output

1202-VLZ PRO

Mixer or Preamplifier

TAPCO S8 Features

REAR PANEL DESCRIPTION

This is where you connect your signal to the monitor and make adjustments to the frequency response of the speakers to match the monitors location and your rooms environment.
The S8 is designed to operate with a +4 dBu signal when the INPUT LEVEL control is at the MAX position. The S8 can accept up to a +20 dBu signal by turning down the INPUT LEVEL control accordingly.
NEVER connect the output of an amplier directly to the input of the S8. This could damage the input circuitry of the studio monitor.

1. INPUTS

Since all three of them are connected together electrically, do not connect more than one signal at a time to the jacks.

3. HIGH FREQ Switch

You can use the remaining jacks 7 as Thru jacks for daisy-chaining the signal to another monitor or to 8 another amplier. If you do this, be aware that unbalancing the signal anywhere along the chain does so for all devices connected to the chain. This negates the benets associated with balanced lines and inputs.

SERIAL /DATE CODE

The HIGH FREQ switch tailors the overall highfrequency response by 2 dB at 5 kHz and above. Leave this switch in the 0 (NORMAL) position unless: You want to subtly brighten or darken the sound of the speakers. Perhaps you have hearing loss caused by too many nights in front of a double Marshall stack.
You just like to mix on the bright side or dull side. If your mixes consistently sound dull or dark when you listen elsewhere, this usually indicates that your monitors are too bright, relative to your normal hearing. A bit less high-frequency energy usually xes this, and you can force the mix in this direction by reducing the high-frequency output of the monitors by using the 2 dB position of the switch. Conversely, if your mixes are consistently too bright, then adding some additional high-frequency energy in the monitors satises your ears, and the resultant mix has less HF content. Its a real rush to mix really loud. But remember that the resulting mix only sounds good when you play it at least that loud. However strange it may sound, mixes made at lower levels sound even better when played loud, perhaps even a bit bigger than life.

Unbalanced TS (Tip-Sleeve) lines can be accommodated via the TRS jack. See Appendix B: Connections for more information. When using a TS or TRS plug, make sure it is pushed all the way into the jack. Partially inserting the plug into the jack could result in a drop in signal level (by 6 dB). The S8s can be used with a home receiver even if the receiver lacks a preamp output by using a speaker-level to line-level attenuator. (See Input Signal Wiring on page 10 for more information.)

2. INPUT LEVEL

The S8 expects a line-level signal at its input. Use this control to adjust the sensitivity of the input section according to the signal strength at its input.
Get that sound level meter out. Decide what level youre going to mix at and use the meter to help keep you mixing at that level. Your ears will thank you, and your 10 mixes will be better for it.
The fuse is located behind the fuse cover, at the bottom of the IEC socket. See the Troubleshooting section on page 11 for information about replacing the fuse.

4. LOW FREQ Switch

The LOW FREQ switch tailors the overall low-frequency response by +2 dB or +4 dB at 100 Hz and below. For most applications, use the 0 (NORMAL) setting. This takes the equalization circuit out of the signal path. If you want or need just a little extra lowfrequency output, use the +2 dB setting. If you want or need more lowfrequency output, use the +4 dB setting. Remember how things work in reverse, so boosting the deep bass content on playback may actually decrease it in the nal mix.

8. Bass Reex Port

A bass reex system uses the radiation from the rear of the woofer cone to extend the lowfrequency response of the speaker. The size of the port is carefully designed with respect to the volume of the cabinet and the characteristics of the woofer to produce lowfrequency extension.

9. Heatsink

The heatsink is designed to dissipate the heat generated by the built-in power ampliers. The cooler the ampliers operate, the longer their lifeexpectancy. The S8 uses convection cooling, where cool air ows through the ns of the heatsink and carries the heat away. Make sure there is at least six inches clearance between the back of the S8 monitors and the wall.

5. AC SELECT

Set this switch to the correct voltage setting for the country you are in, 115 VAC or 230 VAC. Note: The S8s are shipped with the AC SELECT switch set to the 230 VAC position. If you are in a country that uses 100-120 VAC, set the switch to the 115 VAC position and replace the fuse (located in the IEC socket) with the 1.6 A fuse included in the accessory bag. See the Troubleshooting section on page 11 for instructions on replacing the fuse.

FRONT PANEL DESCRIPTION

10. Power LED
This illuminates when the POWER switch is turned on and AC power is available at the line cord socket.

11. Clip LED

This LED illuminates just before the low-frequency amplier reaches its maximum output and begins to clip. Occasional blinking of the Clip LED indicates that the loudest transients are reaching the maximum output capability of the amplier. This is okay. Frequent or continuous blinking of the Clip LED indicates that you have exceeded the maximum output capability of the amplier and that the amplier is clipping. You should reduce the level from your signal source until the Clip LED blinks occasionally or not at all.

6. POWER

Use this switch to turn the active monitors on and off.
7. Line Cord Socket and Fuse
Connect the line cord to this IEC socket securely, and plug the other end into your AC outlet. Make sure the AC SELECT switch is set to the correct AC voltage.

Protection Circuits

There are several protection mechanisms designed into the S8 to safeguard the loudspeakers and ampliers from inadvertent damage. CAUTION: The protection circuits are designed to protect the loudspeakers 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 S8 by overdriving them past the point of amplier clipping. Such damage is beyond the scope of the warranty.

Input Signal Wiring

You should use high-quality, shielded cable to connect the signal source to the INPUT jack on the S8. Foil shielded cables, such as Belden 8451, 8761, or 9501 are commonly used for studio wiring. Microphone cables work well. The better the shield, the better the immunity from externally induced noise (like EMI and RFI). Route the cable away from AC power cords and outlets. These are common sources for hum in an audio signal. You can purchase quality cables from your Mackie dealer. In certain home theater applications, it may be necessary to connect the speaker outputs from a stereo receiver to the inputs of the S8s, if the receiver doesnt have preamp outputs or other line-level output connections. CAUTION: Do not attempt to connect a speaker output directly to the input of the S8! Speaker levels are much higher than line levels and can damage the input circuitry in the S8. You can, however, insert a speaker-level-toline-level signal attenuator between the receivers speaker output and the S8s input. Your Mackie dealer may be able to help you nd one, or if you enjoy do-it-yourself projects, you can build your own. Contact our tech support department for more information.

Overexcursion Protection

A 12 dB/octave high-pass lter at 40 Hz just prior to the low-frequency amplier prevents very low frequencies from being amplied. Excessive lowfrequency energy below 40 Hz can damage the woofer by causing it to bottom out, also known as overexcursion, which is equivalent to a mechanical form of clipping.

Thermal Protection

All ampliers produce heat. The S8 is designed to be efcient both electrically and thermally. If for some reason the heatsink gets too hot, a thermal switch activates and turns off the amplier. This protection operates independently for the low-frequency and high-frequency ampliers. Therefore, it is possible for only the low frequency or high frequency amplier to shut down while the other remains on. When the heatsink cools down to a safe temperature, the thermal switch resets and normal operation resumes. If the heatsink temperature again gets too hot, the shutdown process repeats. Should this happen, make sure that airow to the rear of the cabinet is not restricted. If the ambient air temperature is very warm, try pointing a small fan toward the heatsink to increase the airow through the ns.
Integrated Magnetic Shielding
The S8 contains drivers with large magnetic structures. The drivers magnets are shielded to help prevent the magnetic eld from radiating out into the environment and playing havoc with computer monitors or TV screens. Unshielded speakers can cause distortion 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.
Appendix A: Service Information

Warranty Service

Details concerning Warranty Service are spelled out in the Warranty section on page 15. If you think your TAPCO S8 has a problem, please do everything you can to conrm it before calling for service. Doing so might save you from the deprivation of your monitor and the associated suffering. These may sound obvious to you, but here are some things you can check. Read on.

No Sound

Is the power LED on the front panel illuminated? Is the INPUT LEVEL control turned up? Is the signal source turned up? Make sure the signal level from the mixing console (or whatever device immediately precedes the studio monitor) is high enough to produce sound. If its a stereo pair, try switching them around. For example, if a left output is presumed dead, switch the left and right cords at the monitor end. If the problem switches sides, its not the monitor. It could be a bad cable, or no signal from the mixer.

Troubleshooting

Repair

Service for TAPCO products is available at our factory, located in sunny Woodinville, Washington. Service for TAPCO products living outside the United States can be obtained through local dealers or distributors. If your monitor needs service, follow these instructions: 1. Review the preceding troubleshooting suggestions. Please. 2. Call Tech Support at 1-800-258-6883, 7 AM to 5 PM PST, to explain the problem and request an RA (Return Authorization) number. Have your monitors serial number ready. You must have an RA number before you can obtain service at the factory. 3. Keep this owners manual and the detachable linecord. We dont need them to repair the monitor. 4. Pack the monitor in its original package, including endcaps and box. This is very important. When you call for the RA number, please let Tech Support know if you need new packaging. LOUD Technologies is not responsible for any damage that occurs due to non-factory packaging. 5. Include a legible note stating your name, shipping address (no P.O. boxes), daytime phone number, RA number, and a detailed description of the problem, including how we can duplicate it. 6. Write the RA number in BIG PRINT on top of the box. Units sent to us without the RA number will be refused. 7. Ship the monitor to us. We suggest insurance for all forms of cartage. Ship to this address:
TAPCO SERVICE DEPARTMENT 16220 Wood-Red Road NE Woodinville, WA 98072
8. Well try to x the monitor within three to ve business days. Ask Tech Support for the latest turnaround times when you call for your RA number. The monitor must be packaged in its original packing box, and must have the RA number on the box. Once its repaired, well ship it back the same way in which it was received. This paragraph does not necessarily apply to non-warranty repair.
Lonely? Looking for that special someone? Do you have a question about your TAPCO Monitor?
Please call our Technical Support chaps at 1-800-258-6883, Monday to Friday, from 7 AM to 5 PM PST. After hours, visit www.tapcogear.com and look under Support, or e-mail us at techmail@tapcogear.com

Flash From The Past

A gracious hello. This is Ernestine from the phone company. Have I reached the party to whom I am speaking? Ernestine (a.k.a. Lily) Tomlin on Rowan & Martins Laugh-In, circa 1969

Appendix B: Connections

XLR Connectors
XLR connectors are used to make balanced connections to the S8. They are wired as follows, according to standards specied by the AES (Audio Engineering Society).

SHIELD HOT

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.

SLEEVE SLEEVE TIP

TIP TIP

COLD SHIELD

SLEEVE

COLD 3 HOT 2

SHIELD COLD HOT
1/4" TS Unbalanced Wiring: Sleeve = Shield Tip = Hot (+)

RCA Plugs and Jacks

RCA-type plugs (also known as phono plugs) and jacks are often used in home stereo and video equipment and in many other applications. They are unbalanced and electrically equivalent to a 1/4" TS phone plug.

SLEEVE TIP SLEEVE TIP

XLR Balanced Wiring Pin 1 = Shield Pin 2 = Hot (+) Pin 3 = Cold ()
1/4" TRS Phone Plugs and Jacks
TRS stands for Tip-Ring-Sleeve, the three connections available on a stereo 1/4" or balanced phone jack or plug. TRS jacks and plugs are used to make balanced connections to the S8: RCA Unbalanced Wiring: Sleeve = Shield Tip = Hot

Balanced Mono

RING SLEEVE SLEEVE RING TIP

TIP RING TIP SLEEVE

1/4" TRS Balanced Mono wiring: Sleeve = Shield Tip = Hot (+) Ring = Cold ()
Appendix C: S8 Specications

Acoustic Performance

Free Field Frequency Response: 40 Hz 20 kHz (3 dB) Lower Cutoff Frequency: 3 dB @ 40 Hz Upper Cutoff Frequency: 3 dB @ 20 kHz Sound Pressure Level @ 1 meter, 7.5 dBu into Balanced Input: 100 dB SPL @ 1m Maximum SPL Per Pair: 113 dB SPL @ 1m

Equalization

Low Frequency EQ: High Frequency EQ: +2 dB/+4 dB @ 100 Hz, shelving 2 dB @ 5 kHz, shelving

AC Power Requirements

US: 120 VAC, 60 Hz Europe: 240 VAC, 50 Hz Korea (AC Power Select at 240 V): 220 VAC, 60 Hz Japan (AC Power Select at 120 V): 100 VAC, 50/60 Hz AC Connector: 2-pin IEC 250 VAC, 16 A male Fuse: 115 VAC: T 1.6 A H/250 V 230 VAC: T 800 mA H/250 V Power Consumption: 80 watts with music, loud mix 20 watts quiescent (idle)

Transducers

Low Frequency: 8 in/203 mm with steel frame, polypropylene cone woofer High Frequency: Wave guide loaded 1 in/25 mm silk dome tweeter

Ampliers

Low Frequency Power: 60 watts, 4 ohm load, 100 watts peak High Frequency Power: 60 watts, 4 ohm load, 100 watts peak Slew Rate: > 15 V/s Distortion (THD, SMPTE IMD, DIM 100): < 0.035% Signal-to-Noise Ratio: Low Frequency: > 101 dB, 20 Hz to 20 kHz, unweighted, referenced to 60 watts into 4 ohms High Frequency: > 101 dB, 20 Hz to 20 kHz, unweighted, referenced to 60 watts into 4 ohms Type: Monolithic IC, Class AB

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Mackie. and TAPCO 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. 2003 LOUD Technologies Inc. All Rights Reserved.

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2003 LOUD Technologies Inc. All rights reserved.TAPCO and Mackie. are registered trademarks of LOUD Technologies Inc.