When it comes to setting up a live sound system, one of the most important considerations is how to connect your speakers. If you’re using two Mackie powered speakers and a Mackie sub, there are a few different ways to do it. The method you choose will depend on the specific models of speakers and sub you have, as well as the desired sound quality. In this article, we’ll discuss the most common methods for connecting two Mackie powered speakers to a Mackie sub, and we’ll provide step-by-step instructions for each method.
One of the most important things to consider when connecting Mackie powered speakers to a Mackie sub is the type of inputs and outputs that are available on each unit. Most Mackie powered speakers have both XLR and TRS inputs, as well as XLR and TRS outputs. The Mackie sub will typically have XLR inputs and outputs, as well as a Speakon output. The Speakon output is used to connect the sub to the speakers. If your speakers and sub do not have matching inputs and outputs, you will need to use adapters. Once you have the necessary adapters, you can connect the speakers to the sub using the following steps:
1. Connect an XLR cable from the XLR output of the first speaker to the XLR input of the sub.
2. Connect an XLR cable from the XLR output of the second speaker to the XLR input of the sub.
3. Connect a Speakon cable from the Speakon output of the sub to the Speakon input of the first speaker.
4. Connect a Speakon cable from the Speakon output of the first speaker to the Speakon input of the second speaker.
Connecting Speakers via XLR Cables
XLR cables are a professional-grade audio cable that is commonly used to connect powered speakers to a subwoofer. This type of cable provides a balanced audio signal, which helps to reduce noise and interference. To connect two Mackie powered speakers to a Mackie subwoofer using XLR cables, you will need the following equipment:
• Two Mackie powered speakers
• One Mackie subwoofer
• Two XLR cables
• A screwdriver
Follow these steps to connect the speakers:
| Step | Details | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| 1: Turn off the power to all of the equipment. | This will help to prevent damage to the equipment. | ||
| 2: Connect one end of an XLR cable to the “Output” jack on the back of one of the powered speakers. | Make sure that the cable is securely connected. | ||
| 3: Connect the other end of the XLR cable to the “Input” jack on the back of the subwoofer. | Again, make sure that the cable is securely connected. | ||
| 4: Repeat steps 2 and 3 to connect the other powered speaker to the subwoofer. | This will create a stereo signal path between the speakers and the subwoofer. | ||
| 5: Turn on the power to the subwoofer. | The subwoofer’s power LED should illuminate. | ||
| 6: Turn on the power to the powered speakers. | The speakers’ power LEDs should illuminate. | ||
| 7: Adjust the volume levels on the speakers and subwoofer to your desired levels. | You can now enjoy your music with deep, rich bass from the subwoofer. |
| Type of Cable | Number of Conductors | Connectors |
|---|---|---|
| Balanced | 3 | TRS |
| Unbalanced | 2 | TS |
Integration with Balanced 1/4″ Cables
Balanced 1/4″ cables are a popular choice for connecting Mackie powered speakers to a subwoofer. They provide a clean, balanced signal with minimal interference. To connect using balanced 1/4″ cables, follow these steps:
1. Connect one end of a balanced 1/4″ cable to the “Sub Out” jack on the back of one of the powered speakers.
2. Connect the other end of the cable to the “Sub In” jack on the back of the subwoofer.
3. Repeat steps 1 and 2 for the second powered speaker.
Once the cables are connected, turn on the powered speakers and the subwoofer. You should now hear sound coming from both the speakers and the subwoofer. If you don’t hear any sound, check the following:
- Make sure that the cables are securely connected.
- Make sure that the powered speakers and subwoofer are turned on.
- Make sure that the subwoofer’s volume is turned up.
- Make sure that the crossover frequency on the subwoofer is set correctly.
Additional Notes
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Balanced 1/4″ cables are typically used in professional audio applications where long cable runs are required. They are less susceptible to interference than unbalanced cables, which makes them a better choice for connecting powered speakers to a subwoofer.
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If you are using unbalanced 1/4″ cables, connect the positive terminal of the cable to the “Sub Out” jack on the powered speaker and the negative terminal to the “Sub In” jack on the subwoofer.
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You can also use XLR cables to connect powered speakers to a subwoofer. XLR cables provide a balanced signal and are less susceptible to interference than 1/4″ cables. However, XLR cables are more expensive than 1/4″ cables.
Unbalanced 1/4″ Connections
Unbalanced 1/4″ connections are the most common type of connection for connecting powered speakers to a subwoofer. This type of connection uses a single conductor to carry the audio signal, and a second conductor to carry the ground. The ground conductor helps to reduce noise and interference in the audio signal.
To connect two Mackie powered speakers to a Mackie sub using unbalanced 1/4″ connections, you will need a 1/4″ stereo TRS cable. This type of cable has two male 1/4″ connectors on one end, and two female 1/4″ connectors on the other end.
To make the connection, insert one male 1/4″ connector into the “Sub Out” jack on the back of one of the powered speakers. Then, insert the other male 1/4″ connector into the “Sub In” jack on the back of the Mackie sub. Finally, connect the two female 1/4″ connectors to the “Input L” and “Input R” jacks on the back of the other powered speaker.
The following table summarizes the steps for connecting two Mackie powered speakers to a Mackie sub using unbalanced 1/4″ connections:
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| 1 | Insert one male 1/4″ connector into the “Sub Out” jack on the back of one of the powered speakers. |
| 2 | Insert the other male 1/4″ connector into the “Sub In” jack on the back of the Mackie sub. |
| 3 | Connect the two female 1/4″ connectors to the “Input L” and “Input R” jacks on the back of the other powered speaker. |
Setting Speaker Crossover Points
Fine-tuning the crossover points between your Mackie powered speakers and subwoofer is crucial for achieving optimal sound quality and frequency distribution. Here are some guidelines to help you set the ideal crossover points:
1. Determine the Subwoofer’s Frequency Response
Check the technical specifications of your Mackie subwoofer to identify its frequency response range. This will give you an idea of the lowest and highest frequencies it can reproduce effectively.
2. Consider the Size and Placement of the Speakers
The size and placement of your powered speakers will influence the optimal crossover point. Smaller speakers typically excel in reproducing high frequencies, while larger speakers handle lower frequencies. If the speakers are placed close to each other, a lower crossover point may be appropriate.
3. Adjust the Subwoofer’s Crossover Knob
Most Mackie subwoofers feature a crossover knob or switch that allows you to adjust the crossover frequency. Start by setting the knob to the middle position.
4. Listen to Reference Tracks
Use familiar reference tracks that cover a wide frequency range. Pay attention to the seamless transition between the speakers and subwoofer. If you notice any inconsistencies or gaps in the sound, fine-tune the crossover point accordingly.
5. Use a Crossover Table
Here’s a handy crossover table that provides general recommendations based on speaker size:
| Speaker Size | Crossover Point |
|---|---|
| 5-6 inches | 100-150 Hz |
| 8-10 inches | 80-120 Hz |
| 12 inches and above | 60-100 Hz |
These are just starting points, and you may need to experiment to find the ideal crossover points for your specific setup. Once everything is dialed in, you’ll enjoy a well-balanced, full-range sound that enhances your listening experience.
Using the Subwoofer’s Built-In Crossover
If your Mackie sub has a built-in crossover, you can use it to send the appropriate frequency range to each speaker. This is the easiest way to connect your speakers because you don’t need to use any additional equipment. To use the built-in crossover, you will need to connect the main outputs of your mixer to the inputs of the sub. Then, you will need to connect the outputs of the sub to the inputs of your main speakers.
The built-in crossover in the Mackie sub will typically have a low-pass filter and a high-pass filter. The low-pass filter will send the low frequencies to the sub, and the high-pass filter will send the high frequencies to the main speakers. You can adjust the crossover frequency to get the best sound for your system.
6. Adjust the crossover frequency
The crossover frequency is the point at which the low-pass filter and the high-pass filter split the signal. The ideal crossover frequency will depend on the size and type of your speakers. For example, if you have small speakers, you will want to use a higher crossover frequency so that the sub handles more of the low end. If you have large speakers, you can use a lower crossover frequency so that the main speakers handle more of the low end.
To adjust the crossover frequency, you will need to use the controls on the back of the sub. Typically, there will be a knob or switch that you can use to adjust the frequency. Start by setting the crossover frequency to the lowest setting and then gradually increase the frequency until you find the setting that sounds best to you.
Connecting Mackie Powered Speakers to Mackie Sub
Locating the Inputs and Outputs
Identify the “Main” outputs on the back of the powered speakers. These are typically XLR or TRS connectors. Connect the “Main” outputs of each speaker to the corresponding “Inputs” on the subwoofer. The subwoofer should have multiple inputs, allowing you to connect multiple speakers or other audio sources.
Choosing the Right Cables
Use high-quality balanced XLR or TRS cables to ensure optimal signal transfer and minimize noise. XLR cables provide superior noise rejection compared to unbalanced cables. The length of the cables should be appropriate for the distance between the speakers and the subwoofer.
Setting the Levels
Adjust the “Level” or “Gain” controls on the powered speakers and subwoofer to achieve optimal sound levels. Start with all levels set to minimum. Gradually increase the levels while playing audio and listening carefully. Aim for a balanced sound with clear highs, mids, and lows without distortion or overloading.
Achieving Optimal Sound Levels
Beyond the basic level settings, there are additional considerations for achieving optimal sound levels:
Crossover Frequency
Set the crossover frequency on the subwoofer to determine the point at which the low frequencies are redirected from the speakers to the subwoofer. This helps avoid overlap and ensures that each component handles the appropriate frequency range.
Phase Adjustment
Adjust the phase switch on the subwoofer to align the waveforms of the speakers and subwoofer. Incorrect phase alignment can cause a loss of bass and sound cancellation. Experiment with the phase settings to find the position that provides the most balanced and coherent sound.
Room Acoustics
The acoustics of the room can significantly impact sound quality. Consider the size, shape, and materials in the room to determine if additional acoustic treatment, such as soundproofing or diffusion panels, is necessary to enhance the listening experience.
Connecting Mackie Powered Speakers to Mackie Sub
To connect two Mackie powered speakers to a Mackie sub:
- Connect the powered speakers to the sub using XLR cables.
- Connect the sub to the mixer using XLR cables.
- Turn on the power to all three devices.
- Set the crossover frequency on the sub to the desired value.
- Adjust the volume levels on the speakers and sub.
- Route the input signal to the mixer.
- Check that the signal is passing through all three devices.
- Adjust the crossover frequency on the sub to fine-tune the sound.
Troubleshooting Connection Issues
If you are experiencing connection issues, here are some troubleshooting tips:
- Check that all cables are connected securely.
- Check that the crossover frequency on the sub is set to the desired value.
- Adjust the volume levels on the speakers and sub.
- Route the input signal to the mixer.
- Check that the signal is passing through all three devices.
- Inspect the cables for any damage.
- Check the fuses on the speakers and sub.
- Contact Mackie support for further assistance.
| Issue | Possible Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| No sound from speakers or sub | Cables not connected securely | Check that all cables are connected securely. |
| No sound from sub | Crossover frequency set too high | Check that the crossover frequency on the sub is set to the desired value. |
| Sound distorted | Volume levels set too high | Adjust the volume levels on the speakers and sub. |
Interfacing with External Mixers
When using two Mackie powered speakers with a Mackie sub, there are several ways to interface with external mixers. Each method has its own advantages and disadvantages, so it is important to choose the one that best suits your needs.
Single-Channel Stereo Input
The simplest way to connect powered speakers with a sub is to use a single-channel stereo input. This method requires only one cable and can be used with any mixer that has a stereo output. However, it does not allow for independent control of the speakers and the sub, so it is not the best option for applications where you need to fine-tune the sound.
Dual-Channel Stereo Input
A more flexible option is to use a dual-channel stereo input. This method requires two cables and a mixer with two stereo outputs. It allows you to independently control the speakers and the sub, so you can get a more tailored sound.
Parallel Input
Another option is to use a parallel input. This method requires two cables and a mixer with a mono output. It sends the same signal to both the speakers and the sub, so it is not as flexible as the other two methods. However, it can be a good option for applications where you need to get the same sound out of all three speakers.
Using an XLR Splitter
If you are using a mixer with only XLR outputs, you can use an XLR splitter to connect to the powered speakers and the Mackie sub. This is the best option if you want to get the highest quality sound possible. Using a splitter also allows you to keep the wiring neat and organized. XLR splitters are available in various configurations, so you can choose one that best suits your needs.
| Option | Number of Cables | Stereo/Mono | Independent Control |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single-Channel Stereo Input | 1 | Stereo | No |
| Dual-Channel Stereo Input | 2 | Stereo | Yes |
| Parallel Input | 2 | Mono | No |
| Using an XLR Splitter | 2 | Stereo | Yes |
