Mackie PA121 User Manual

Vision Series
Two-Way Speaker System
PA121
SPEAKER
■ The PA121 is an extremely versatile wide-disper-
sion, two-way loudspeaker system offering substantial
power and value for a variety of professional applica-
tions that include primary sound reinforcement and
supplementary fill for larger systems.
■ The low-frequency transducer is a 12" woofer with a
sturdy 3" voice coil. The high-frequency section com-
bines a modified constant directivity horn having a 1"
exit, coupled to a compression driver with a 1.75"
diaphragm assembly.
■ The system includes a high-level crossover network
that features markedly lower (than conventional)
induction values in series with the woofer. We call this
innovation LICC (Low Impedance Compensated
Crossover). The benefit is delay reduction, reduced
phase shift and superior transient response. Dynamic
high-frequency driver protection is accomplished with
a fast-response filament resistor, chosen to comple-
ment the power curve of the driver. The PA121’s
crossover is easily bypassed for bi-amp or tri-amp
(with the PA180SW) operation via an installer-accessi-
ble changeover block. Back panel indicators display
the current system setting.
■ The Mackie Industrial PA121 is a part of the VISION
family of loudspeaker products including full-range,
cost-effective, two-way loudspeakers and complemen-
tary subwoofer cabinets. The two-way enclosures have
a trapezoidal footprint for easy array configuration. All
enclosures are constructed using 19mm void-free,
birch plywood and finished with a scratch-resistant
black coating. Transducer components are protected
from the environment by a heavy gauge metal grille.
The VISION products are eminently suited for fixed
installation, ready for suspension, via built-in M10
inserts with metal reinforcement and forged shoulder
eyebolt hardware.
■ This Mackie Industrial product is covered by an
exclusive, one-time, NO FAULT repair policy in addition
to a five year limited warranty.
Features
■ 12" high-efficiency, 3" voice-coil LF transducer
■ 90° x70° modified constant directivity horn with 1"
compression driver
■ Dual-function design: built-in passive crossover or
external bi-amp
■ Trapezoidal enclosure for array configurations
■ HF driver dynamic protection
■ 19mm birch plywood construction
■ Twelve suspension points (M10) and standard
eyebolt hardware
■ Integrated hand-carry locations
■ Exclusive Mackie Industrial — one-time, NO FAULT
repair policy
■ Five year limited warranty
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PA121
APPLICATIONS
■ Cluster Configurations
■ Live Music Reinforcement
■ High-Level AV Playback
■ Large Speech Systems

Mackie PA121 Specifications

General

Configuration	2-Way
Impedance	8 Ohms
LF Driver Size	12 inches
Inputs	1/4"
Outputs	XLR

Summary

PA121 System Overview

Vision Series Description

Details the PA121 as a versatile two-way loudspeaker system for professional applications, highlighting its design and value.

Low-Frequency Transducer Details

Specifies the 12" woofer with a 3" voice coil and the high-frequency section's horn and driver.

Crossover Network and Protection

Explains the LICC crossover innovation, delay reduction, phase shift improvements, and HF driver protection.

Enclosure and Construction

Describes the trapezoidal footprint, birch plywood construction, and protective grille for easy array configuration.

Warranty and Repair Policy

Outlines the exclusive one-time NO FAULT repair policy and five-year limited warranty.

Key Features

Transducer Specifications

Highlights the 12" LF transducer, 90x70 horn, and 1" compression driver.

Design and Construction Features

Details dual-function design, trapezoidal enclosure, plywood construction, suspension points, and hand-carry locations.

Protection and Warranty

Notes HF driver dynamic protection, exclusive NO FAULT repair policy, and five-year limited warranty.

Applications

Cluster Configurations

Suitable for creating loudspeaker arrays.

Live Music Reinforcement

Designed for live sound reinforcement applications.

AV Playback

Appropriate for high-level audio-visual playback systems.

Speech Systems

Effective for large speech system deployments.

Specifications

System Performance Metrics

Covers frequency range, response, coverage angles, sensitivity, SPL, impedance, and power ratings.

Transducer Details

Provides specifications for the low-frequency (woofer) and high-frequency (compression driver) transducers.

Physical Characteristics

Details enclosure type, rigging points, color, grille, input connectors, dimensions, and net weight.

Available Options

Lists optional accessories like forged shoulder M10 eyebolt hardware.

Polar Patterns

Vertical Polar Responses

Illustrates the loudspeaker's directivity patterns in the vertical plane across various frequencies.

Vertical Off-Axis Frequency Response

Shows how the frequency response changes at different vertical off-axis angles.

Horizontal Polar Patterns

Horizontal Polar Responses

Depicts the loudspeaker's directivity in the horizontal plane across different frequencies.

Horizontal Off-Axis Frequency Response

Displays the frequency response variation at different horizontal off-axis angles.

Performance Graphs and Dimensions

On-Axis Frequency Response and Impedance

Presents the on-axis SPL and impedance measurements versus frequency.

Beamwidth vs. Frequency

Graphs the vertical and horizontal beamwidth as a function of frequency.

Directivity Index

Shows the directivity index as a function of frequency.

Overall Dimensions

Provides detailed diagrams showing the loudspeaker's physical dimensions from different views.

Architects' and Engineers' Specifications

System Component Requirements

Specifies the self-contained system components: LF driver, HF section, crossover, and vented enclosure.

Low-Frequency Driver Requirements

Details LF driver size, voice coil, impedance, sensitivity, and power ratings.

High-Frequency Driver Requirements

Specifies HF driver diaphragm, impedance, horn, coverage pattern, sensitivity, and power.

Crossover and Protection Circuitry

Defines crossover frequency, network design, and HF protection circuit.

Enclosure and Rigging Specifications

Outlines enclosure volume, tuning, construction, finish, trapezoidal shape, grille, and mounting points.

Performance Standards

Lists performance criteria including power handling, frequency response, SPL, sensitivity, and coverage.