MIXER AMPLIFIER SAMSON S83 / S63 ®
Introduction 1 S83/S63 Features 2 Guided Tour - S83 4 Overview 4 Channel 5 Main Section 6 Rear Panel 8 Guided Tour - S63 10 Overview 10 Channel 11 Main Section 12 Rear Panel 14 Connecting The S83/S63 - General Suggestions 15 Setting Up and Using the S83/S63 16 Setting the Correct Gain Structure 17 Suggested Performance Applications 20 S83 20 S63 21 Grounding Techniques 22 Using Equalization 23 Using the Effects Sends and Returns 25 Using the Monitor Output 26 Using the Internal Reverb 26 Specifications 2
Introduction Congratulations on purchasing the Samson S83/S63 Mixer Amplifier! In this manual, we’ll take you on a guided tour through all the features of this powerful and flexible device, and we’ll tell you how to get the most out of the S83/S63. Although designed for easy operation, we suggest you take some time out first to go through these pages so you can fully understand how we’ve implemented a number of unique features.
S83/S63 Features The Samson S83/S63 utilizes state-of-the-art technology in integrated mixer/amplifier design. Here are some of its main features: • Standard 19” rack-mount design (taking just four rack spaces) allows the S83 and S63 to be easily integrated into any setup. • Multiple channels (eight in the S83; six in the S63) and mic and line inputs for each channel allow you to blend together a variety of source signals, including dynamic or condenser microphones, keyboards, CD/tape players, etc.
S83/S63 Features • A phantom power switch enables you to use the S83 and S63 with highquality condenser microphones. When turned on, 48 volts of phantom power is provided to the mic connectors of all input channels. • Protection relay circuitry prevents “thumps” when powering on or off. This means that you can use the S83/S63 with a single power strip into which other audio devices are connected, without danger of damage to connected speakers.
Guided Tour - S83 Overview The following illustration shows an overview of the front panel of the S83: CHANNEL 1 CHANNEL 2 CHANNEL 3 CHANNEL 4 CHANNEL 5 CHANNEL 6 CHANNEL 7 PEAK PEAK PEAK PEAK PEAK PEAK PEAK 0 0 −∞ −∞ +15 LEVEL 0 −∞ +15 LEVEL 0 0 0 0 −∞ +12 +10 -12 2.5K EFF2 REV 0 10 +12 -40 -12 500Hz TRIM 0 +4 -40 TRIM +12 +10 -12 −∞ EFF2 REV 2.5K -12 +12 500Hz 0 10 0 +4 +12 -40 -12 500Hz TRIM 0 0 +12 +10 -12 −∞ 2.
Guided Tour - S83 Channel 1: Level (white) - This knob determines the final signal level being sent by a channel to the main speaker outputs as well as to Effect send 1 (see #2 below). In practice, this will be used to adjust the levels of the various signals being blended together by the S83. The “0” position indicates unity gain (no level attenuation or boost).
Guided Tour - S83 Main Section 8 CHANNEL MIXER 300 WATT AMPLIFIER 1 -18 2 -12 PHANTOM 30Hz 64Hz -8 -3 -5 0 PROTECTION 125Hz 250Hz 500Hz 1K +2 POWER 3K 2K 5K 10K +15dB 0dB 3 -15dB 30Hz 64Hz 125Hz 250Hz 500Hz 1K 3K 2K 5K 10K 6 0 −∞ +10 MAIN LEVEL 0 0 4 −∞ +10 RETURN 1-2 −∞ +10 RETURN 3-4 0 5 0 8 PHANTOM 10 REVERB +10 −∞ MONITOR 10 0 10 HEADPHONES 7 11 9 1: Meter - This seven-segment bar meter shows the continuous output level of the S83.
Guided Tour - S83 Main Section output signal. At the fully clockwise (“+10”) position, approximately 10 db of gain is being added by the mixer to the output signal. For more information, see the “Setting Up and Using the S83/S63” section in this manual. 5: Phantom switch - When this switch is pressed in, the S83 delivers 48 volts of phantom power to pins 2 and 3 of all XLR microphone connectors in all eight channels. WARNING: Only use this switch with the S83 powered down.
Guided Tour - S83 Rear Panel 4 3 EFFECT RETURNS 7 8 CHANNEL 300 WATT 4 Ω S8 MIXER AMPLIFIER EFFECT SENDS SAMSON TECHNOLOGIES CORP., HICKSVILLE, NEW YORK POWER o ON 1 OFF +4dB 47KΩ 1 2 1 3 4 AMP IN PRE AMP OUT TO PREVENT SHOCK, DO NOT OPEN. NO USER SERVICABLE PARTS INSIDE. REFER SERVICING TO QUALIFIED SERVICE PERSONNEL. TO PREVENT FIRE OR SHOCK HAZARD DO NOT EXPOSE TO RAIN OR MOISTURE +4dB 600Ω FUSE +4dB 600Ω 2 FUSE 2 CAUTION 120 VOLT 6 AMP 220 VOLT 3.
Guided Tour - S83 Rear Panel 5: Amp In - This unbalanced input allows you to connect any external monophonic line-level signal directly to the S83 power amplifier. This input is not affected by either the ten-band graphic master equalizer or the S83’s Main Level control. The Amp In jack can optionally also be used as an insert patch point as follows: • Ring - A preamp output which is affected by both the ten-band graphic master equalizer and the S83’s Main Level control.
Guided Tour - S63 Overview The following illustration shows an overview of the front panel of the S63: -15 +15 HIGH +10 −∞ EFF1 MON -15 +10 −∞ EFF2 REV -12 -40 TRIM +12 1 kHz +10 −∞ EFF2REV 0 10 0 +4 +15 HIGH +10 −∞ EFF1 MON -15 -15 -12 0 +4 -40 TRIM +10 −∞ EFF1 MON -15 -15 +12 1 kHz +10 −∞ EFF2 REV -12 0 +4 -40 TRIM +10 −∞ EFF1 MON -15 -15 +12 1 kHz +10 −∞ EFF2 REV 0 +4 -40 TRIM -15 0 +10 −∞ EFF1 MON -15 +12 1 kHz +10 −∞ EFF2 REV 0 +4 -40 TRIM −∞ +10 30Hz 64Hz
Guided Tour - S63 Channel 1: Level (white) - This knob determines the final signal level being sent by a channel to the main speaker outputs as well as to Effect send 1 (see #2 below). In practice, this will be used to adjust the levels of the various signals being blended together by the S63. The “0” position indicates unity gain (no level attenuation or boost).
Guided Tour - S63 Main Section 0 1 −∞ +10 RETURN 1-2 4 0 2 −∞ +10 30Hz 64Hz 125Hz 250Hz 500Hz 1K 2K 3K 5K 10K MONITOR +15dB 3 0 0dB 10 REVERB -15dB 30Hz 64Hz 125Hz 250Hz 500Hz 1K 2K 3K 10K 5K 0 5 −∞ CD/TAPE IN +10 MAIN LEVEL 6 PHANTOM 7 PEAK PROTECTION POWER 8 9 10 LEFT RIGHT 11 1: Return 1-2 Level (green) - This knob determines the input level of signal arriving via Effects returns 1 and 2 (mixed together in mono).
Guided Tour - S63 Main Section 4: Ten-Band Graphic Master EQ - These sliders allow you to add ±15 db of boost or attenuation to ten different frequency areas, affecting the main output signal of the S63. When a slider is at its center detented (“0 db”) position, the selected frequency area is unaffected (it is said to be flat).
Guided Tour - S63 Rear Panel 4 3 5 EFFECT RETURNS EFFECT SENDS +4dB 47KΩ 1 6 CHANNEL 210 WATT 4 Ω S6 MIXER AMPLIFIER SAMSON TECHNOLOGIES CORP., HICKSVILLE, NEW YORK POWER o 1 ON OFF 1 2 TO PREVENT SHOCK, DO NOT OPEN. NO USER SERVICABLE PARTS INSIDE. REFER SERVICING TO QUALIFIED SERVICE PERSONNEL. TO PREVENT FIRE OR SHOCK HAZARD DO NOT EXPOSE TO RAIN OR MOISTURE +4dB 600Ω FUSE +4dB 10KΩ AMP IN PRE AMP OUT +4dB 600Ω 2 FUSE 2 120 VOLT 6 AMP 220 VOLT 3.
Guided Tour - S63 Rear Panel 5: Amp In - This unbalanced input allows you to connect any external monophonic line-level signal directly to the S63 power amplifier. This input is not affected by either the ten-band graphic master equalizer or the S63’s Main Level control. The Amp In jack can optionally also be used as an insert patch point as follows: • Ring - A preamp output which is affected by both the ten-band graphic master equalizer and the S63’s Main Level control.
Connecting The S83/S63 - General Suggestions The actual connections you’ll make to and from the S83/S63 will vary according to the environment you use it in and the particular equipment you have. However, here are a few basic rules concerning connections that will apply in pretty much all situations: • In general, it’s best to make all connections with the S83/S63 turned off— this particularly applies to speaker connections.
Setting Up and Using the S83/S63 Setting up your S83/S63 is a simple procedure which takes only a few minutes: 1. Remove all packing materials (save them in case of need for future service) and decide where the unit is to be physically placed—it can be mounted in any standard 19” rack, requiring four rack spaces. Be careful when handling the S83/S63—the rear heat sink fins and side rack panels have sharp edges.
Setting the Correct Gain Structure You’re now ready to establish the correct gain structure—the key to getting the best performance from the S83/S63, or from any mixer, for that matter. This is a simple procedure that ensures optimum input and output levels so that no unnecessary noise (caused by too low a signal) or overload distortion (caused by too high a signal) is created. Here’s a step-by-step description of how to do so: a.
Setting the Correct Gain Structure i. Repeat step (g) above for each instrument connected to the S83/S63 channel line inputs. j. The procedure for setting optimum microphone levels is virtually identical; sing or speak into the mic at the level you expect to use in performance while slowly raising the level control for that channel to its “0” position. Then adjust the input trim control for that channel while watching the meter (if you’re using an S83) or Peak LED (if you’re using an S63).
Suggested Performance Application - S83 The following illustration shows the basic interconnections between an S83 and external equipment when used in a typical live performance application: AMPLIFIER CHANNEL 2 CHANNEL 1 0 0 +15 +10 -15 −∞ HIGH EFF1 MON 0 +15 +10 -15 −∞ HIGH EFF1 MON +15 +10 -15 −∞ HIGH EFF1 MON 0 +12 −∞ +10 -12 EFF2 REV 2.
Suggested Performance Application - S63 The following illustration shows the basic interconnections between an S63 and external equipment when used in a typical live performance application: AMPLIFIER -15 +15 HIGH -12 +12 1 kHz +10 −∞ EFF1 MON -15 +15 HIGH -12 +12 1 kHz 0 10 0 +4 -40 TRIM +10 −∞ EFF1 MON -15 -15 +15 HIGH -12 +12 1 kHz 0 10 +15 LOW 0 +4 -40 TRIM +10 −∞ EFF1 MON -15 -15 +15 HIGH -12 +12 1 kHz 0 10 0 +4 +15 LOW +10 −∞ EFF1 MON -15 -40 TRIM -15 +15 HIGH -1
Grounding Techniques Hum and buzz are the biggest enemies you face when interconnecting a large number of different pieces of equipment to a central audio mixer.
Using Equalization One of the most exciting aspects to using a mixer such as the S83 or S63 is having the ability to shape a sound, using a process called equalization. But there are few areas of sound engineering more misunderstood than equalization, and, just as good EQ can really help a sound, bad EQ can really hurt it, so read on... Every naturally occurring sound consists of a broad range of pitches, or frequencies, combined together in a unique way.
Using Equalization until the ringing or feedback disappears. Don’t lower the frequency area any further than you need to, or the quality of the overall sound may suffer. If you don’t specifically need to utilize the ten-band graphic master equalizer in a particular environment, leave it completely flat (all sliders at their center detented “0” position).
Using The Effects Sends and Returns The two Effects sends provided by the S83 and S63 allow you to combine the signal from multiple channels and send the resulting mix to the rear panel Monitor output jack, to the internal reverb unit, or to external devices such as effects processors. 0 +10 −∞ EFF1 MON 0 When an Effects send knob is at the “0” position, the signal is routed with unity gain (that is, no boost or attenuation).
Using the Monitor Output and Internal Reverb Using the Monitor Output MON OUT Monitor output jack 0 −∞ +10 MONITOR Monitor Level knob In live performance, it is usually desirable to have onstage monitor speakers that allow the performer to clearly hear the music being played. Often, however, the performer requires a different mix than that being sent to the house speakers. The S83 and S63 Monitor output accommodates this need.
Specifications Mixer / Pre Amp Section: Total Harmonic Distortion (with 30 kHz LPF, trim center) S83 0.045% S63 0.
