BASSBOSS AT312-MK3 12 Inch 3-Way Powered Loudspeaker User Manual

BASSBOSS AT312-MK3 12 Inch 3-Way Powered Loudspeaker

Overview

The AT312-MK3 Top is a co-axial point-source cabinet for medium and short- distance coverage where a small footprint and very high fidelity are required. It’s compact, simple to use, easy to set up, attractive, and capable of very high output with superbly uncolored sound and natural musical character. The AT312-MK3 driver complement incorporates dual 12” woofers in a vented enclosure for low frequencies, a 12” driver in a sealed enclosure providing midrange, and, at the center of the midrange cone, a co-axially mounted 1.4” exit compression driver provides the high frequencies. Coverage is 80 degrees conical. Dual 12” low-frequency drivers were chosen to minimize cabinet frontal area while delivering the best possible acceleration and impact in their operating range. Thanks to the narrow frontal area, the AT312-MK3 can provide tremendous output and fidelity while remaining relatively unobtrusive.

The 12” co-axial mid-high section allows the loudspeaker to function as a point source, with the two additional low-frequency drivers remaining within ½ wavelength in their operating band. This arrangement delivers more consistent off-axis performance than conventional loudspeakers.* The consistency of coverage and the uniformity of the response throughout the coverage area make the AT312-MK3 highly resistant to feedback. The coverage consistency also enhances the loudspeaker’s versatility, allowing it to be mounted horizontally or vertically with no compromise in coverage or performance.

This allows the AT312-MK3 to be flown horizontally in venues with low ceilings, or on truss that wouldn’t provide enough height for vertically oriented cabinets or line-arrays. The point-source coherence of the AT312-MK3 provides outstanding intelligibility. A single AT312-MK3 can be used in place of an array of less coherent speakers and provide superior intelligibility. When the AT312-MK3 is combined with BASSBOSS subwoofers, like the SSP218, SSP215, or ZV28, the result is a 4-way active loudspeaker system with virtually unparalleled resolution and dynamic power for its size. The simplicity and ease of using these components together will delight anyone who is regularly moving gear. Transportation and set-up of an AT312-MK3/SSP218-MK3 or SSP215-MK3 Subwoofer combination is made easy because the subwoofers serve as a carrier for the tops. The 48” tall AT312 cabinet elevates the mid and high-frequency radiators to a minimum of 7’6” on center when stacked on the subwoofers. This very effective, practical, high-fidelity, active loudspeaker system can be made ready to play in a few short minutes. In most venues, it’s possible to roll the system into place, lock the casters, tilt up the tops, plug in the power and signal, and have an extremely substantial system set up by just one person.

The AT312-MK3 features 4000W of amplification. With 2400W of of its power available for the woofers, 800W available to the midrange, and 800W available to the tweeter, power is plentiful. The amp’s high peak-output voltage provides for very intense, high SPL hits. An auto-sensing, globally compatible power supply that can run on input voltages anywhere between 90 and 250 Volts ensures it can work wherever you take it. Full output power is available on anything over 110V. The amplifier is passively cooled via its external heat sink and by woofer-generated air flow through the port. When necessary, two blower fans will engage to provide additional forced-air cooling capacity in more extreme conditions. Amplifier power is converted into the much more desirable acoustical power by two substantial, neodymium motors, 12-inch woofers with 4-inch (100mm) voice coils, a 12” neodymium motor midrange driver with a 3.5” (88mm) voice coil and, on the same neodymium motor, a compression driver with a 3” (76mm) voice coil that exits through the center of the midrange, which features a 1.4” throat machined aluminum conical wave-guide as its pole-piece. Neodymium magnets are lighter, and their higher intensity provides higher efficiency, so the result is a lighter and louder cabinet than those with ferrite drivers.

• Any speaker that has the tweeter horizontally or vertically offset from the mid-frequency driver will tend to produce a very different frequency response as one moves through its coverage area from the tweeter side to the midrange side. This is due to the different distances th e sound has to travel to reach the ears. Due to the co-axial construction of the AT312-MK3, the path length difference between lows, mids, and highs is essentially the same in any direction, allowing extremely consistent off-axis response regardless of which direction you move away from directly on center.

Quick Start Guide

1. Ensure the cabinet is secure and stable.
2. Connect the signal via the XLR-F input.
3. Connect the XLR-M connector to additional subs or tops.
4. Connect the mains power and verify the “Ready” LED is lit.

BASSBOSS systems are easy to set up quickly. The best possible results are achieved consistently because of the integrated nature of the designs. All BASSBOSS loudspeakers are complete, integrated systems, featuring the cabinet, transducer, amplifier and a comprehensive suite of processing. Setup is particularly easy because the products integrate. Provided the cabinets are physically aligned, any BASSBOSS sub can be combined with any BASSBOSS top and their outputs will be phase-coherent. This means no cancellations and no gaps in the response at the crossover frequency, regardless of which preset is selected. The onboard BASSBOSS processing allows for the following: Any BASSBOSS-powered subwoofer can be combined with any other BASSBOSS-powered subwoofer and their outputs will sum coherently. (i.e.: in phase with each other.) Any BASSBOSS-powered subwoofer or combination of BASSBOSS-powered subwoofers can be combined with any BASSBOSS-powered top and their outputs will sum coherently through the crossover region. HOWEVER, only one model of top should be used at a time. An assortment of different tops cannot be stacked together and still achieve coherence and clarity. The following tops should be used individually, i.e. should NOT be arrayed: AT312 (Co-axial point-source Main) DiaMon (Co-axial point-source satellite) SV9 (2-way monitor with Satellite mode) The following tops can be used in arrays: MFLA (Medium Format Line Array, up to 20 cabinets can be arrayed) AT212 (Horizontally arrayable when necessary) DV12 (Arrayable in PAIRS ONLY with the upper box of the pair inverted.)

Outboard Processing Warning

Third-party outboard processing (Drive Racks, etc.) are not recommended and is not necessary with BASSBOSS MK3 series powered loudspeakers. Outboard processing will not improve, and will very likely degrade the sound quality, reliability and output capacity. Using external processing inappropriately can cause driver damage that is not covered by warranty. The internal processing can accomplish everything an external processor could accomplish, but without degrading the sound quality and without putting components at risk. Before considering using an outboard processor, contact BASSBOSS customer service with your use-case scenario for assistance in setting up the internal processing to achieve your goals.

Setup Procedure
Once the cabinet is in the desired location, signal cables should be connected via the XLR-F input. It’s recommended to run balanced signal cables to minimize the chance of noise and ground-loop hum. The incoming signal should be unprocessed because all the necessary processing is done in the built-in DSP. The signal should be run directly from the outputs of a mixer or controller. The XLR-M connector provides a full-range, unprocessed, pass- through connection to additional cabinets. This output can be connected to additional subs or tops. Up to 12 cabinets can be connected on a single output from a mixer or controller. Connecting the mains power. The power connector is a Neutrik PowerCON TOP waterproof type. The power connector inserts with the silver tab rotated counterclockwise from vertical, at about the 10:00 position, and once inserted, rotates clockwise to the 12:00 position to lock in place. Once locked, this connector is waterproof.

This connector also serves as the power switch. To disconnect and remove the connector, pull back on the silver tab to unlock it and rotate it counterclockwise. Once rotated to the insertion angle, the connector can be removed. When connecting and disconnecting, no force should need to be applied. If the connector doesn’t insert and rotate smoothly, either it’s in the wrong position or it’s damaged and should be replaced. Always use a grounded outlet. The supplied power cord includes a standard grounding NEMA 5-15 (Edison) 120-Volt US wall plug. In unfamiliar locations it’s recommended to verify the correct wiring of outlets before powering your system. It’s highly recommended to connect all signal and power cords to the speakers before plugging the power cords into mains outlets. When your speaker is powered on, you’ll see all the indicator lights turn on and then show the system’s current status. Although the AT312 cabinet is equipped with a 35mm steel pole socket, DO NOT use this speaker on a tripod or extension pole. This socket is to be used with a special, short section of pole to prevent it from moving once stacked on a subwoofer.

Operation & Controls

There are 2 controls on the amplifier.

Input
This knob adjusts the input level from -72dB to -0 dB. To avoid distortion and clipping, make sure the input signal doesn’t exceed +22dB and the output doesn’t reach clipping before you achieve the desired sound level. While the amplifier has built-in limiters and safety features to protect itself and the speaker, it can’t protect the speaker from distorted incoming signals. The amplifier will simply amplify the clipped signal, which can do the same damage as clipping an amplifier. Since these amplifiers can’t clip, signal-level clipping is the most common cause of damage to these speakers. If you hear distortion, lower the input level right away.

Preset Select
Pressing the Preset Select button cycles through presets 1-8, and pressing it again after preset 8 returns to preset 1. Each preset includes all necessary low-pass and high-pass filters at the selected frequencies and all the necessary alignments to maintain phase coherence in the crossover range when used with other BASSBOSS-powered speakers. Presets help you fine-tune the balance between the subwoofers and top speakers. More details on the different combinations are on page 7.

Indicator LEDs

Indicator LEDs – Left side, bottom to top:

• Ready: Indicates that power is on and the system is ready to play.
• Signal: Indicates the presence of input signal.
  • 12dB: Indicates there is 12dB of headroom remaining before reaching maximum output.
  • 6dB: Indicates there is 6dB of headroom remaining before reaching maximum output.
• Limiting: Indicates one of the channels is reducing the incoming signal level to prevent overdrive.
• Overheat: Indicates the amplifier is reducing output to prevent shut-down from overheating.
• Protect: Indicates the amplifier is shut down due to a condition that could cause further damage. The Protect LED also is engaged when the system has been muted via the software.
• Comm-Link: Indicates communication is active on the LAN connection(s).

Indicator LEDs, Right Side, Bottom to top:
Presets 1-8 – The illuminated LED indicates the corresponding preset is loaded.

How to Use the Presets

Setting the low-pass filter frequency on the subwoofer to match the top cabinet’s high-pass filter frequency and balancing their levels will achieve the smoothest sound across the frequency range.

There are no incompatible combinations.
Selecting high-numbered presets on subs with low-numbered presets on tops will result in increased system output in the overlap range, which can be helpful in some situations but can also result in a “boomy” sound. When the subwoofer levels are to be run higher than tops levels, (which is almost always) the effective crossover moves higher in frequency. If you intend to run your system “bass-heavy” it’s recommended to run lower-numbered presets on the subs and higher-numbered presets on the tops to avoid an excessively “boomy” sound. Selecting low-numbered presets on subs with high-numbered presets on tops may result in a lack of “punch” in certain combinations. This is most likely when not enough level is available from the subwoofer(s). When not enough output is available from the sub(s), using a preset combination with overlap can help provide a little more bass level but it does limit the maximum level of the tops due to the added demand for low-frequencies from the tops. It’s recommended that you try several, if not all, combinations when first setting up to determine which combination works best in each environment. You will likely choose different combinations for wood floors, concrete floors, and outdoors. Experiment with different combinations to dial in your preferred combination in different environments.

Pre-Installed Onboard Presets

High-pass filters with included phase compensation.

• Preset 1 : 60Hz Butterworth 24dB/octave high-pass filter
• Preset 2: 60Hz Linkwitz-Riley 24dB/octave high-pass filter
• Preset 3: 70Hz Butterworth 24dB/octave high-pass filter
• Preset 4 : 70Hz Linkwitz-Riley 24dB/octave high-pass filter
• Preset 5 : 80Hz Butterworth 24dB/octave high-pass filter
• Preset 6 : 80Hz Linkwitz-Riley 24dB/octave high-pass filter
• Preset 7 : 90Hz Butterworth 24dB/octave high-pass filter
• Preset 8 : 90Hz Linkwitz-Riley 24dB/octave high-pass filter

Additional presets are accessible through software. See “How to Use the Presets” section for more information. Additional presets will be available for download at the software link as they are developed. Instructions on linking to your computer for remote monitoring and control: www.bassboss.com/software To be notified when new presets are released register your gear at: www.bassboss.com/support

Power Distribution

Connect no more than one 5000W or two 2500W subwoofer amplifiers to a single 20A circuit. If you need to share circuits, don’t exceed two BASSBOSS single- driver subwoofers or one double-driver subwoofer, along with one or two top speakers, on the same circuit. Although amplifiers for tops and subs may be specified to have the same “power” capacity, in practice, amplifiers used for tops applications tend to draw significantly less current. Subwoofers draw far more current than tops due to the demands for bass level and the duration of the notes.All MK3 amplifiers can operate on mains supply from 100 to 250VAC. To connect to voltages other than 120V, a different mains connector plug must be used. Contact your salesperson for information about purchasing cables for alternate voltages. Pass-through Power connections can be used to power additional cabinets. With optional True 1 TOP cables, power can be linked between subs and tops. Do not connect equipment that will draw more than 15A on a single power outlet. Contact your salesperson for information about linking power cables.

• Avoid powering all subwoofers on the same circuit. Instead, use separate circuits for each subwoofer and top speaker combo to help prevent overloading a single circuit and tripping a breaker.

Troubleshooting

If, after following the previous instructions for setup, (see page 5) you have no output from the loudspeaker:

Verify that the green Ready LED is lit. If NOT lit, check the following:

1. Is the power cord plugged into a live outlet?
2. Is the Neutrik powerCON connector rotated into the locked position?

If the green Ready LED is lit, check the following:

1. Is the red Protect LED illuminated? The unit may be in protect mode or set into mute via software.

2. Is the signal cable connected to the input?

3. Is the signal cable connected to an operating output at the other end?

4. Is there a signal flowing to the input? Check the integrity of the cable against a different cable.

5. Is the volume knob turned down or at a very low level?

6. Is the signal flowing to the input full range?
   Filters in the signal may remove the operating frequencies of the loudspeaker receiving them.

7. If you’re connected via LAN, check the level and filter settings in the software.

Specifications

Acoustical

• Loudspeaker Description: High-Output 3-Way Point-source loudspeaker
• Frequency Response (±3 dB): 60 – 19,000 Hz (preset dependent)
• Maximum Measured SPL: 133 dB
• Max calculated SPL (Peak): 139 dB
• Nominal Dispersion (°H x °V): 80° conical

Electrical

• Amplification : 4000W Class D: 2400W LF, 800W MF, 800W HF
• Processing: Integrated comprehensive DSP with 8 local presets (Additional presets accessible via software)
• Electrical Connectors, Amplifier: Neutrik Powercon True 1 TOP in and through
• Electrical Connector, Mains: NEMA 5-15 (Edison)
• Voltage Operating Range : 100-240V AC. 50-60Hz (Auto-sensing, auto-switching universal supply)
• Current Draw, Nominal: 5A @120volts, 2.5A @240V (average with music program)
• Display : LEDs for Power on/ready, Signal, -12dB, -6dB, Limiter Active, Thermal, Protect, and LAN Link Active. Eight LEDs indicating the selected preset
• Signal Input Connector: XLR-F
• Signal Output Connector: XLR-M (Direct pass-through, unprocessed)
• LAN Connectors: EtherCON RJ45 (x2) with 2-port Ethernet switch

Physical

• Enclosure Type: Self-powered, Tri-amplified, 3-way broad-range. Direct radiating vented LF section, Sealed Midrange section, Co-Axially Mounted Horn-loaded HF section
• Transducer, LF: 2 x 12” diameter (300 mm) Neodymium motor woofer with 4” (100mm) voice coils
• Transducer, MF : 1 x 12” diameter (300mm) Neodymium motor driver with 3.5” (90 mm) voice coil
• Transducer, HF : 1 x 1.4” throat Neodymium motor compression driver with 3” (76mm) voice coil exiting through an 80-degree conical machined aluminum waveguide in the center of the midrange driver
• Cabinet Construction: CNC machined 18mm 13-ply Birch plywood with extensive internal bracing and damping. Includes 6 integrated handles and a steel 35mm pole socket
• Suspension Points: 4 x internally braced M10 threaded mounting points
• Dimensions (HxWxD): 48” x 16” x 20” (122 cm x 40.6 cm x 50.8 cm)
• Net Weight : 126 lbs. (57 kg)
• Shipping Weight: 140 lbs. (63.5 kg)
• Exterior Finish: Rugged, weatherproof, black, textured, bonded high-pressure polyurea coating
• Grille : Perforated, powder-coated steel

Optional

• Side Pull Anchors: For use when flying cabinets horizontally
• Shoulder Eye Bolts : For use when flying cabinets vertically
• Cover : Heavy-duty padded nylon transport cover
• Online Information: bassboss.com/at312

Our proactive philosophy causes specifications to be subject to change whenever improvements are made.

Warranty

WARRANTY INFORMATION | Our fully-transferable warranty covers all BASSBOSS products.

STANDARD CABINET WARRANTY
BASSBOSS loudspeaker cabinet integrity, including all joinery, fasteners, handles, and wood, is warranted against defects in materials and workmanship for six (6) years from the date of purchase. This warranty does not cover items that are intended to be worn and can be replaced if worn or damaged. Examples of items not covered by this warranty are cabinet feet, grilles, and the finish or coating applied to the cabinet.

ENHANCED COMPONENT WARRANTY
BASSBOSS amplifiers and electronic components are covered against failures due to defects in materials and/or workmanship for three (3) years from the date of purchase.

TRANSDUCER WARRANTY
Transducers are covered against failures due to defects in materials and/or workmanship for two (2) years from the date of purchase.

WARRANTY SUPPORT
Warranty support is a service, and part of that service includes helping you prevent failures and minimize repair and shipping costs. Please contact BASSBOSS immediately if you observe an issue. Please do not ship products without obtaining a return authorization number (RMA) by contacting BASSBOSS at bassboss.com/support. If you need to ship your speaker for service, BASSBOSS technicians will assist with shipping and packaging requirements specific to your service needs.

WARRANTY LIMITATIONS
During the warranty period, if your loudspeaker malfunctions or fails due to any defect in components or manufacturing, the failed parts will be repaired or replaced. This warranty does not extend to damageresulting from improper installation, misuse, neglect or abuse. Warranty coverage and eligibility will be determined upon inspection by BASSBOSS personnel. This warranty does not cover labor other than that authorized and performed by BASSBOSS personnel. Service will be performed upon the return of the failed unit, together with its original sales receipt or other proof of purchase, to BASSBOSS or an Authorized Service Facility. The purchaser is responsible for all costs of shipping and handling. Cosmetic damage is specifically excluded from this warranty. This warranty is rendered void if service, repairs and/or modifications are attempted or made by anyone not specifically authorized by BASSBOSS to perform said services. Please contact BASSBOSS or your local BASSBOSS dealer before attempting any repairs and before shipping parts in for service. This warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may also have other rights, which vary from state to state.

Safety Information

Important information regarding safety and the use of your loudspeakers: To prevent potentially dangerous exposure to high levels of acoustic pressure, never stand near loudspeakers driven at a high level without hearing protection. Professional loudspeaker systems are capable of causing sound pressure levels detrimental to human health. When a transducer capable of producing high sound levels is being used, it is necessary to wear ear plugs or protective earphones to prevent hearing damage. Even seemingly non-critical sound levels (from approximately 95 dB SPL) can cause hearing damage if people are exposed to it over a long period. Anyone exposed to these levels should use appropriate hearing protection devices. System and venue owners and operators are encouraged to make hearing protection devices available to all customers and staff members.In order to prevent accidents when setting up the loudspeakers or loudspeaker stands, make sure they are standing on a firm surface. Ensure that all additional hardware, fixings, and fasteners used for installation or mobile deployment are of an appropriate size and load safety factor. Only use included, factory installed, internally secured M10 fly points when supporting cabinets. (Not all models include these features.) Only use appropriately load-rated hardware. Never hang loudspeakers from handles. Never drill or screw into cabinets to attach lifting points. Pay attention to the manufacturer’s instructions and the relevant safety guidelines. Regularly check the loudspeaker housings and accessories for visible signs of wear and tear, and replace them when necessary. Regularly check all load-bearing bolts in the mounting devices.

Caution: Loudspeakers produce a static magnetic field even if they are not connected or are not in use. Therefore make sure when erecting and transporting loudspeakers that they are nowhere near equipment and objects that may be impaired or damaged by an external magnetic field. A distance of 3 feet (1m) should be maintained between loudspeakers and sensitive equipment such as CRT monitors or magnetic storage media. Never attempt to carry out any operations, modifications or repairs that are not expressly described in this manual. Contact your dealer or BASSBOSS support if the product is not functioning properly. The audio system must comply with current local standards and regulations regarding electrical systems. For installation purposes, BASSBOSS strongly recommends that this product be installed by a qualified, professional installer who can ensure correct installation and certify that it is installed in compliance with the regulations in force.

Important Notes

Shielded data cables must be used. To minimize the occurrence of noise and interference, always use shielded signal cables. Avoid routing signal or data cables close to equipment that produces high-intensity electromagnetic fields such as transformers, power cables and loudspeaker wires. Do not coil excess power cable. Do not coil or wrap power cables and signal or data cables together.

WARNING
This is a class-A product. In a domestic environment, this product may cause radio interference, in which case the user may be required to take corrective measures.

FCC Compliance Notice

Note: This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class A digital device, under part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference when the equipment is operated in a commercial environment.
This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used per the instruction manual, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. Operation of this equipment in a residential area is likely to cause harmful interference in which case the user will be required to correct the interference at their own expense.

Manufacturer

True Lee Loudspeakers | BASSBOSS 2028 E Ben White Blvd. #240-8220 Austin TX 78741
We declare, under our sole responsibility, that to the best of our knowledge to which this declaration relates, our products conform with the applicable requirements. Product: AT212-MK3 Loudspeaker Intended use: Professional Audio Loudspeaker

Need more assistance? We’re here to help.

• bassboss.com/support

References

• BASSBOSS | Professional Loudspeakers Systems
• AT312-MK3 Triple 12" Loudspeaker
• Software | BASSBOSS Loudspeaker Systems

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