MS18SA - Loudspeaker ALTO - Free user manual and instructions

Product Type	Active Full-Range Speaker System
Brand	Alto
Model	MS18SA
Active System Type	2-Way Bi-Amp with MODELLER
Low Output Power	350 Watt EIAJ
High Output Power	65 Watt EIAJ
Max SPL (1m)	122 dB SPL calculated EIAJ
Frequency Response	MODELLER Presets Setting (adjustable)
Input Impedance	30 kΩ Balanced / 15 kΩ Unbalanced
Input Sensitivity	Line +4 dB
Low Frequency Device	12" Woofer / 2" Voice Coil
High Frequency Device	1" Neodymium Driver / 1" Voice Coil
Coverage (H x V)	90° H x 60° V Elliptical Wave Guide
Connectors	Input: Combo (XLR/TRS), Link: XLR
Cabinet	Trapezoidal Shape, Composite Wood, Metal Handle, Black Paint Finishing
External Control	MODELLER with 16 Presets, Volume, Clipping LED Indicator, Ground Lift Switch
Dimensions (H x W x D)	650 x 400 x 365 mm
Net Weight	48.50 lbs / 22 kg
Power Supply	AC mains, switch mode power supply
Protection	Analog Limiter
Warranty	1 year (with registration)

Frequently Asked Questions - MS18SA ALTO

How do I set up the Alto MS18SA speaker for the first time?

Ensure all equipment is off. Connect the mixer's Main Output to the speaker's Line Input using a balanced XLR or 1/4" TRS cable. Connect the power cord, turn on the mixer first, then the speaker. Adjust the volume control and use the MODELLER presets to fine-tune the sound.

What is the MODELLER and how do I use it?

The MODELLER is a feature that offers 16 different sound presets for various applications (e.g., Jazz, Disco, Vocal). Turn the Presets Selector knob to choose the desired preset. The LED indicator shows the selected preset number.

Can I daisy-chain multiple MS18SA speakers?

Yes, use the LINE OUT of the first speaker to connect to the LINE IN of the next speaker. Each speaker has its own volume control, allowing zone adjustments. Up to several speakers can be linked this way.

What safety precautions should I observe?

Do not remove the cover; no user-serviceable parts inside. Keep away from water and moisture. Clean with a dry cloth only. Unplug during storms or long periods of non-use. Use only the recommended fuse type.

How should I clean and maintain the speaker cabinet?

Clean the exterior with a dry cloth. Do not use solvents or chemicals. Ensure ventilation openings are not blocked. Periodically check cable connections and power cords for damage.

What does the warranty cover and how do I activate it?

The warranty covers defects in materials and workmanship for 1 year from purchase date if you complete and return the Warranty Registration Card within 10 days. It applies to the original purchaser only and does not cover misuse or unauthorized repairs.

How can I prevent hearing loss when using this speaker?

Avoid prolonged exposure to high SPL levels. Use hearing protection if necessary. Refer to the OSHA chart in the manual for permissible noise level exposure times.

What types of input connections are available?

The Line Input uses a COMBO connector that accepts both XLR and 1/4" TRS (balanced or unbalanced). The LINE OUT is a male XLR connector for linking to additional speakers.

When should I use the Ground Lift switch?

Use the Ground Lift switch to eliminate ground loop hum or noise in the audio signal. If you hear a buzz, try setting the switch to the LIFT position. If the noise disappears, leave it in that position.

What should I do if the speaker produces no sound?

Check that the power is on (green LED), signal is present (red LED should flicker), volume is turned up, and cables are securely connected. Ensure the mixer output is active. If the red LIMIT LED is constantly lit, reduce the input level.

USER MANUAL MS18SA ALTO

Close-up of a speaker grille with visible sound waves and a triangular base (no text or symbols)

www.altoproaudio.com Version 2.0 SEPTEMBER 2007

English

CAUTION

RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK DO NOT OPEN

TO REDUCE THE RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK PLEASE DO NOT REMOVE THE COVER OR THE BACK PANEL OF THIS EQUIPMENT. THERE ARE NO PARTS NEEDED BY USER INSIDE THE EQUIPMENT. FOR SERVICE, PLEASE CONTACT QUALIFIED SERVICE CENTERS.

This symbol, wherever used, alerts you to the presence of un-insulated and dangerous voltages within the product enclosure. These are voltages that may be sufficient to constitute the risk of electric shock or death.

This symbol, wherever used, alerts you to important operating and maintenance instructions. Please read.

⊕ Protective Ground Terminal \~ AC mains (Alternating Current) ‡ Hazardous Live Terminal

ON: Denotes the product is turned on. OFF: Denotes the product is turned off.

CAUTION

Describes precautions that should be observed to prevent damage to the product.

1. Read this Manual carefully before operation.

2. Keep this Manual in a safe place.

3. Be aware of all warnings reported with this symbol.

4. Keep this Equipment away from water and moisture.

5. Clean it only with dry cloth. Do not use solvent or other chemicals.

6. Do not damp or cover any cooling opening. Install the equipment only in accordance with the Manufacturer's instructions.

7. Power Cords are designed for your safety. Do not remove Ground connections! If the plug does not fit your AC outlet, seek advice from a qualified electrician. Protect the power cord and plug from any physical stress to avoid risk of electric shock. Do not place heavy objects on the power cord. This could cause electric shock or fire.

8. Unplug this equipment when unused for long periods of time or during a storm.

9. Refer all service to qualified service personnel only. Do not perform any servicing other than those instructions contained within the User's Manual.

10. To prevent fire and damage to the product, use only the recommended fuse type as indicated in this manual. Do not short-circuit the fuse holder. Before replacing the fuse, make sure that the product is OFF and disconnected from the AC outlet.

WARNING

To reduce the risk of electric shock and fire, do not expose this equipment to moisture or rain.

Dispose of this product should not be placed in municipal waste and should be separate collection.

1. Move this Equipment only with a cart, stand, tripod, or bracket.

specified by the manufacturer, or sold with the Equipment. When a cart is used, use caution when moving the cart / equipment combination to avoid possible injury from tip-over.

Abstract black-and-white icon of a person pushing a large rectangular block, enclosed in a circular frame (no text or symbols)

1. Permanent hearing loss may be caused by exposure to \ extremely high noise levels. The US. Government's Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has specified the permissible exposure to noise level.

These are shown in the following chart:

HOURS X DAY	SPL	EXAMPLE
8	90	Small gig
6	92	train
4	95	Subway train
3	97	High level desktop monitors
2	100	Classic music concert
1,5	102
1	105
0,5	110

0,25 or less 115 Rock concert

According to OSHA, an exposure to high SPL in excess of these limits may result in the loss of heat. To avoid the potential damage of heat, it is recommended that Personnel exposed to equipment capable of generating high SPL use hearing protection while such equipment is under operation.

The apparatus shall be connected to a mains socket outlet with a protective earthing connection.

The mains plug or an appliance coupler is used as the disconnect device, the disconnect device shall remain readily operable.

IN THIS MANUAL:

1. INTRODUCTION....1
2. QUICK START - PASSIVE SPEAKER CABINET....2
3. PANEL DESCRIPTION....7
4. WIRE CONNECTIONS....8
5. FREQUENCY RESPONSE DIAGRAM....9
6. TECHNICAL SPECIFICATION....11
7. WARRANTY....13

1. INTRODUCTION

Thank you very much for expressing your confidence in ▲LTO products by purchasing MS series powered speaker system. The MS series cabinets are specifically designed for using in hi-quality performance site and the precise sound commercial place. It includes five full range cabinets (MS12A, MS15A, MS152A, MS153A, and MS154A). This series uses trapezium configuration which greatly decreases the resonance of the standing wave in the cabinet. These cabinets uses hi-density matrix spray-paint technics and the bottom bracket design which make mounting quickly and Flexibly. The HF compression driver and vented LF for fully professional performance.

The MS powered speaker cabinets include some exclusive innovations such as switch mode power supply and digital power circuitry (in selected modes) that make them the lightest powered cabinets of this kind ever made. The MS full range models include another Alto innovation: The MODELLER. Thanks to this circuitry, users can select 16 different tastes and applications. The 16 kinds of sound presets especially thought for application with or without subwoofer, for voice optimized application, for Disco Music, for Jazz, for Rock & Roll among others.

Enjoy your MS active speaker cabinet and make sure to read this Manual carefully before operation!

Active, Full-range, two speakers. This is the simplest set-up. You do not need a power amplifier in between the mixer and the 2 MS speakers.

Make all initial connections with all the equipment powered off, and ensure that all the main volume controls are turned down completely.

1). Connect one side of the signal cable at your mixer into the Main Output Left /Right (with 1/4"Jack or XLR) and the other side of the cable in to the Line Input (COMBO) of your MS active speaker cabinet (with 1/4"Jack or XLR).
2). Connect the power cord to mains.
3). Turn ON your mixer first, then the MS cabinets.
4). Turn up the volume control of the MS cabinets.
5). Use PFL function to get the proper input level for the mixer, and adjust the Main Mix Level control to reach the desired output level.
6). After use, turn off your active speaker cabinets first, then the mixer.

2. QUICK START - ACTIVE SPEAKER CABINETS

Active, Full-range, multiple speakers. This solution is particularly flexible when you have a large stage and for fixed installations where you want to send the same signal to different zones like in a Bar, Pub, Restaurant, Church, etc. Each MS cabinet has its own volume control so you can adjust different volumes in different zones.

1). Follow the above steps connecting the MAIN OUTPUTS of the mixer to the LINE INPUTS of 2 MS active cabinets.
2). Connect the LINE OUT socket of the first MS cabinet to the LINE IN socket of the subsequent piece. You can connect as many speakers as you wish in this way.

graph TD
    A["Speaker 1"] -->|LINE IN| B["Mixer"]
    C["Speaker 2"] -->|LINE OUT| B
    D["Speaker 3"] -->|LINE IN| B
    E["Speaker 4"] -->|LINE IN| B
    F["Speaker 5"] -->|LINE OUT| B
    G["Speaker 6"] -->|LINE IN| B
    H["Speaker 7"] -->|LINE OUT| B
    I["Speaker 8"] -->|LINE IN| B
    J["Speaker 9"] -->|LINE OUT| B
    K["Speaker 10"] -->|LINE IN| B
    L["Speaker 11"] -->|LINE OUT| B
    M["Speaker 12"] -->|LINE IN| B
    N["Speaker 13"] -->|LINE OUT| B
    O["Speaker 14"] -->|LINE IN| B
    P["Speaker 15"] -->|LINE OUT| B
    Q["Speaker 16"] -->|LINE IN| B
    R["Speaker 17"] -->|LINE OUT| B
    S["Speaker 18"] -->|LINE IN| B
    T["Speaker 19"] -->|LINE OUT| B
    U["Speaker 20"] -->|LINE IN| B

Active, two satellite speakers & two subwoofers. In this example the mixer is connected to the subwoofers and then a line signal is sent to the respective satellites. In this way, the high energetic content of the low frequencies is limited to the subwoofer and the satellite's woofer act like a mid-woofer. As a consequence the satellites built-in amplifier is not stressed by low frequency content.

1). Connect one side of signal cable at your mixer into Main Output Left/Right (with 1/4" Jack or XLR) and the other side of the cable into the Left/Mono Input (COMBO) of the active subwoofers; with the second signal cable connect the Left/Mono Line Output of the subwoofer (Stereo/Mono-Jack or XLR) to the Line input (COMBO) of the active satellite (with Stereo - Jack or XLR).
2). Connect the power cord to mains.
3). Turn on your mixer first, then the active speaker cabinets.
4). Turn up the volume control of the active speaker cabinets.
5). Use PFL function to get the proper input level for the mixer, and adjust the Main Mix Level control to manipulate the output level.
6). After use, turn off your active speaker cabinets first, then the mixer.

graph TD
    A["SubWOOFER"] -->|LINE IN\nLINE OUT LEFT/MONO| B["Mixer"]
    C["SubWOOFER"] -->|LINE IN\nLINE OUT LEFT/MONO| B
    B -->|MAIN OUT LEFT\nLINE IN LEFT/MONO| D["Mixer"]
    B -->|MAIN OUT RIGHT\nLINE IN LEFT/MONO| E["SubWOOFER"]

Active, two satellite speakers and one subwoofers.

This is a very popular combination, especially in small size clubs where there is no need for two subwoofers.

1). Connect one side of signal cable at your mixer into Main Output Left (with 1/4"Jack or XLR) and the other side of the cable into the Left Input of the active subwoofer. Repeat for the RIGHT channel. With the second signal cable connect the Left Line Output of the subwoofer (Stereo/Mono-Jack or XLR) to the Line input (COMBO) of the active satellite (with Stereo-Jack or XLR). Repeat for the RIGHT channel
2). Connect the power cord to mains.
3). Turn on your mixer first, then the active speaker cabinets.
4). Turn up the volume control of the active speaker cabinets.
5). Use PFL function to get the proper input level for the mixer, and adjust the Main Mix Level control to manipulate the output level.
6). After use, turn off your active speaker cabinets first, then the mixer.

Active, with Microphone and Line Level instruments.

Your Elvis cabinets come with both Line-level and with Microphone Inputs. You can directly connect a microphone into your Elvis cabinet using the MIC input and a keyboard or an electric guitar (you must interconnect a D/I Box if you want to use the guitar) and use the relative level controls as a simple mixer. You can then use the resident 3-bands graphic equalizer to fine-tune your sound. This configuration is good for presentation, meetings, aerobic centers and fashion shows (you can also connect a wireless microphone into the Line input, or for "One Man band" performances.)

ACTIVE FULL-RANGE: MS12A/MS15A/MS152A/MS153A/MS154A

(1) ON-OFF main power switch
(2) Input AC power socket with main fuse
(3) VOLUME main power amplifier control
(4) LINE OUT at + 4dB on XLR connector
(5) LINE IN at + 4dB on COMBO connector
(6) Ground Lift Switch
(7) POWER, Green LED, indicate ON status
(8) SIGNAL/LIMIT, Red LED, indicate ON status
(9) Presets Selector

Via this knob, you can select the right effect you wish to perform. There are total 16 options for you, JAZZ CLUB+SUB, VIRTUAL SUB, STAGE MONITOR, JAZZ CLUB, CONCERT HALL+SUB, DISCO, VOCAL, ROCK & ROLL, FLAT, DRUM KICK, ANTIRUMBLE, CONCERT HALL, ARENA+SUB, LOUDNESS, ROCK & ROLL+SUB and ACOUSTIC.

-. For Active Speaker Cabinets

As to these circumstances, audio connections is mostly intended for the signal flow, so, determine the wire configuration according to your real application system and its connecting facility. Normally, you have the following choices:

• Balanced

graph TD
    A["Tip"] --> B["Ring"]
    C["Tip"] --> D["Ring"]
    E["Sleeve"] --> F["Sleeve"]
    G["1"] --> H["2"]
    I["1"] --> J["3"]
    K["2"] --> L["3"]
    M["2"] --> N["3"]
    O["3"] --> P["3"]

- Unbalanced

graph TD
    A["Tip"] --> B["Ring"]
    B --> C["Sleeve"]
    D["Tip"] --> E["Ring"]
    E --> F["Sleeve"]
    G["Tip"] --> H["Ring"]
    H --> I["Sleeve"]
    J["Tip"] --> K["Ring"]
    K --> L["Sleeve"]
    M["Tip"] --> N["Ring"]
    N --> O["Sleeve"]
    P["Tip"] --> Q["Ring"]
    Q --> R["Sleeve"]
    S["1"] --> T["2"]
    T --> U["3"]
    V["1"] --> W["2"]
    W --> X["3"]

5. FREQUENCY RESPONSE

MS152A

MS153A

MS154A

MS12A

MS15A

6. TECHNICAL SPECIFICATION

Model Item	MS12A
Active System Type	2-Way Bi-Amp. with MODELLER
Low Output Power	350 Watt EIAJ
High Output Power	65 Watt EIAJ
Max SPL 1mt	122 dB SPL calculated EIAJ
Frequency Response	MODELLER Presets Setting
Protection Low - High	Analog Limiter
Input Impedance	30 kΩ Balanced/15 kΩ Unbalanced
Input Sensitivity	Line +4 dB
Low Frequency Device	12" Woofer/2" Voice Coil
High Frequency Device	1" Neodymium Driver/1" Voice Coil
Coverage( H' x V')	90° H x 60° V Elliptical Wave Guide
Connectors	Input with Combo/Link with XLR
Cabinet	Trapezoidal Shape/Composite Wood/Metal Handle/Black Paint Finishing
External Control	MODELLER with 16 Preset/Line Volume/Clipping LED Indicator/Ground Switch
Dimensions( H x W x D)	650 x 400 x 365 (mm)
Net Weight (lbs/kg)	48.50 lbs/22 kg
Model Item	MS15A
Active System Type	2-way Bi-Amp. with MODELLER
Low Output Power	350 Watt EIAJ
High Output Power	65 Watt EIAJ
Max SPL 1mt	123 dB SPL Calculated EIAJ
Frequency Response	MODELLER Presets Setting
Protection Low - High	Analog Limiter
Input Impedance	30 kΩ Balanced/15 kΩ Unbalanced
Input Sensitivity	Line +4 dB
Low Frequency Device	15" woofer/2.5" Voice Coil
High Frequency Device	1" Neodymium Driver/1" Voice Coil
Coverage( H' x V')	90° H x 60° V Elliptical Wave Guide
Connectors	Input with Combo/Link with XLR
Cabinet	Trapezoidal Shape/Composite Wood/Metal Handle/Black Paint Finishing
External Control	MODELLER with 16 Preset/line Volume/Clipping LED Indicator/Ground Switch
Dimensions( H x W x D)	750 x 450 x 420 (mm)
Net Weight (lbs/kg)	59.52 lbs/27 kg
Model Item	MS152A
Active System Type	2-way Bi-Amp. with MODELLER
Low Output Power	350 Watt EIAJ
High Output Power	65 Watt EIAJ
Max SPL 1mt	126 dB SPL Calculated EIAJ
Frequency Response	MODELLER Presets Setting
Protection Low - High	Analog Limiter
Input Impedance	30 kΩ Balanced/15 kΩ Unbalanced
Input Sensitivity	Line +4 dB
Low Frequency Device	2 x 15" Woofer/2.5" Voice Coil
High Frequency Device	1" Driver/1.35" Voice Coil
Coverage( H' x V')	90° H x 60° V Elliptical Wave Guide
Connectors	Input with Combo/Link with XLR
Cabinet	Trapezoidal Shape/Multi-layer Plywood/Metal Handle/Black Paint Finishing
External Control	MODELLER with 16 Preset/line Volume/Clipping LED Indicator/Ground Switch
Dimensions( H x W x D)	1100 x 450 x 443 (mm)
Net Weight (lbs/kg)	83.29 lbs/37.78 kg

6. TECHNICAL SPECIFICATION

Model Item	MS153A
Active System Type	3-Way Bi-Amp. with MODELLER
Low Output Power	500 Watt EIAJ
High Output Power	500 Watt EIAJ
Max SPL 1mt	127 dB SPL Calculated EIAJ
Frequency Response	MODELLER Presets Setting
Protection Low - High	Analog Limiter
Input Impedance	30 kΩ Balanced/15 kΩ Unbalanced
Input Sensitivity	Line: +4 dB
Low Frequency Device	15" Woofer/2.5" Voice Coil
Mid Frequency Device	8" Midrange/2" Voice Coil
High Frequency Device	1" Driver/1.35" Voice Coil
Coverage( H° x V°)	90° H x 45° V Dual Wave Guide
Connectors	Input with Combo/Link with XLR
Cabinet	Trapezoidal Shape/Multi-layer Plywood/Metal Handle/Black Paint Finishing
External Control	MODELLER with 16-Preset/Line Volume/Clipping LED Indicator /Ground Switch
Dimensions( H x W x D)	900 x 450 x 415 (mm)
Net Weight (lbs/kg)	72.22 lbs/32.76 kg
Model Item	MS154A
Active System Type	3-Way Bi-Amp. with MODELLER
Low Output Power	750 Watt EIAJ
High Output Power	750 Watt EIAJ
Max SPL 1mt	131 dB SPL Calculated EIAJ
Frequency Response	MODELLER Presets Setting
Protection Low - High	Analog Limiter
Input Impedance	30 kΩ Balanced/15 kΩ Unbalanced
Input Sensitivity	Mic: -45 dB Line: +4 dB
Low Frequency Device	2x15" woofer/2.5" Voice Coil
Mid Frequency Device	8" Midrange/ 2" Voice Coil
High Frequency Device	1"Driver/1.35" Voice Coil
Coverage( H° x V°)	90° H x 45° V Dual Wave Guide
Connectors	Input with Combo/Link with XLR
Cabinet	Trapezoidal Shape/Multi-layer Plywood/Metal Handle/Black Paint Finishing
External Control	MODELLER with 16 Preset/Line Volume/Clipping LED Indicator / Ground Switch
Dimensions( H x W x D)	1250 x 450 x 443 (mm)
Net Weight (lbs/kg)	99.85 lbs/45.29 kg

7. WARRANTY

1. WARRANTY REGISTRATION CARD

To obtain Warranty Service, the buyer should first fill out and return the enclosed Warranty Registration Card within 10 days of the Purchase Date.

All the information presented in this Warranty Registration Card gives the manufacturer a better understanding of the sales status, so as to provide a more effective and efficient after-sales warranty service. Please fill out all the information carefully and genuinely, miswriting or absence of this card will void your warranty service.

2. RETURN NOTICE

2.1 In case of return for any warranty service, please make sure that the product is well packed in its original shipping carton, and it can protect your unit from any other extra damage.
2.2 Please provide a copy of your sales receipt or other proof of purchase with the returned machine, and give detail information about your return address and contact telephone number.
2.3 A brief description of the defect will be appreciated.
2.4 Please prepay all the costs involved in the return shipping, handling and insurance.

3. TERMS AND CONDITIONS

3.1 ▲LTO warrants that this product will be free from any defects in materials and/or workmanship for a period of 1 year from the purchase date if you have completed the Warranty Registration Card in time.
3.2 The warranty service is only available to the original consumer, who purchased this product directly from the retail dealer, and it can not be transferred.
3.3 During the warranty service, ▲LTO may repair or replace this product at its own option at no charge to you for parts or for labor in accordance with the right side of this limited warranty.
3.4 This warranty does not apply to the damages to this product that occurred as the following conditions:

• Instead of operating in accordance with the user's manual thoroughly, any abuse or misuse of this product.
  • Normal tear and wear
  • The product has been altered or modified in any way.
• Damage which may have been caused either directly or indirectly by another product / force / etc.
• Abnormal service or repairing by anyone other than the qualified personnel or technician.

And in such cases, all the expenses will be charged to the buyer.

3.5 In no event shall ▲LTO be liable for any incidental or consequential damages. Some states do not allow the exclusion or limitation of incidental or consequential damages, so the above exclusion or limitation may not apply to you.

3.6 This warranty gives you the specific rights, and these rights are compatible with the state laws, you may also have other statutory rights that may vary from state to state.

SEIKAKU TECHNICAL GROUP LIMITED

NO. 1, Lane 17, Sec. 2, Han Shi West Road, Taichung 40151, Taiwan

http://www.altoproaudio.com Tel: [phone]

email: [e-mail] Fax: [phone]

All rights reserved to ALTO. All features and content might be changed without prior notice. Any photocopy, translation, or reproduction of part of this manual without written permission is forbidden. Copyright 2007 Seikaku Group