Summary of the content on the page No. 1
MIXER
AMPLIFIER
®
SAMSON
S83 / S63
Summary of the content on the page No. 2
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 Inte
Summary of the content on the page No. 3
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. The S83 and S63 both combine a flexible multi-channel mixer with a
Summary of the content on the page No. 4
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, e
Summary of the content on the page No. 5
S83/S63 Features • A phantom power switch enables you to use the S83 and S63 with high- quality 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. • A rear-panel amplifier input allows you to br
Summary of the content on the page No. 6
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 CHANNEL 8 PEAK PEAK PEAK PEAK PEAK PEAK PEAK PEAK 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 S8 MIXER AMPLIFIER 8 CHANNEL MIXER 300 WATT AMPLIFIER +15 −∞ +15 −∞ +15 +15 +15 +15 +15 −∞ +15 −∞ −∞ −∞ −∞ −∞ LEVEL LEVEL LEVEL LEVEL LEVEL LEVEL LEVEL LEVEL -18 -12 -8 -5 -3 0+2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 PHANTOM PROTECTION POWER -15 +15 −∞ +10 -15 +15 +1
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Guided Tour - S83 Channel 1: Level (white) - This knob determines the final signal level being sent by a PEAK channel to the main speaker outputs as well as to Effect send 1 (see #2 0 below). In practice, this will be used to adjust the levels of the various signals 1 5 being blended together by the S83. The “0” position indicates unity gain (no +15 −∞ LEVEL level attenuation or boost). Moving the knob counterclockwise from “0” (towards the “∞” position) causes the signal to be attenuated (
Summary of the content on the page No. 8
Guided Tour - S83 Main Section 8 CHANNEL MIXER 300 WATT AMPLIFIER 1 -18 -12 -8 -5 -3 0+2 2 PHANTOM PROTECTION POWER 30Hz 64Hz 125Hz 250Hz 500Hz 1K 2K 3K 5K 10K +15dB 0dB 3 -15dB 30Hz 64Hz 125Hz 250Hz 500Hz 1K 3K 5K 10K 2K 6 0 0 0 10 4 −∞ +10 +10 −∞ +10 0 10 −∞ 7 MAIN LEVEL RETURN 1-2 RETURN 3-4 HEADPHONES 0 11 5 0 10 +10 −∞ 8 9 REVERB PHANTOM MONITOR 1: Meter - This seven-segment bar meter shows the continuous output level of the S83. For optimum signal-to-noise ratio, try to adjust all levels
Summary of the content on the page No. 9
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. Before turning p
Summary of the content on the page No. 10
U F Guided Tour - S83 Rear Panel 4 3 7 EFFECT RETURNS EFFECT SENDS S8 MIXER AMPLIFIER 8 CHANNEL 300 WATT 4 Ω SAMSON TECHNOLOGIES CORP., HICKSVILLE, NEW YORK POWER o ON TO PREVENT SHOCK, DO NOT OPEN. NO USER 1 OFF SERVICABLE PARTS +4dB 1 2 1 +4dB INSIDE. REFER SERVIC- 47KΩ 600Ω ING TO QUALIFIED SERVICE PERSONNEL. TO PREVENT FIRE OR SHOCK HAZARD FUSE DO NOT EXPOSE TO RAIN OR MOISTURE 3 4 2 +4dB 600Ω 2 CAUTION 120 VOLT 6 AMP 220 VOLT 3.5 AMP HEATSINK MAY BE HOT! DO NOT BLOCK AIRFLOW OR OVERHEA
Summary of the content on the page No. 11
Guided Tour - S83 Rear Panel 5: Amp In - This unbalanced input allows you to connect any external mono- phonic 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. • Tip - An amp inp
Summary of the content on the page No. 12
Guided Tour - S63 Overview The following illustration shows an overview of the front panel of the S63: CHANNEL 1 CHANNEL 2 CHANNEL 3 CHANNEL 4 CHANNEL 5 CHANNEL 6 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 +15 +15 +15 +15 +15 +15 −∞ +10 −∞ −∞ −∞ −∞ −∞ −∞ LEVEL LEVEL LEVEL LEVEL LEVEL LEVEL RETURN 1-2 S6 MIXER AMPLIFIER 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 -15 +15 -15 +15 -15 +15 -15 +15 -15 +15 -15 +15 +10 −∞ +10 −∞ +10 −∞ +10 −∞ +10 −∞ +10 −∞ +10 −∞ 30Hz 64Hz 125Hz 250Hz 500Hz 1K 3K 5K 10K HIGH HIGH HIGH HIGH HIGH HIGH 2K EFF1 MON
Summary of the content on the page No. 13
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 0 1 below). In practice, this will be used to adjust the levels of the various +15 signals being blended together by the S63. The “0” position indicates −∞ LEVEL unity gain (no level attenuation or boost). Moving the knob counterclock- 0 wise from “0” (towards the “∞” position) causes the signal to be attenuated 0 (
Summary of the content on the page No. 14
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 0dB 0 10 REVERB -15dB 30Hz 64Hz 125Hz 250Hz 500Hz 1K 3K 5K 10K 2K 0 5 CD/TAPE +10 −∞ IN MAIN LEVEL 6 PHANTOM PEAK PROTECTION POWER LEFT RIGHT 7 89 10 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). This signal is at unity gain (no boost or attenuation) when the knob set to the
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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). When a slider is moved up (above the “0 db” position, towards the “+15 db” position), the selected frequency area is boosted, and when it is moved down (below the “0 d
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U F Guided Tour - S63 Rear Panel 5 3 4 EFFECT RETURNS EFFECT SENDS S6 MIXER AMPLIFIER 6 CHANNEL 210 WATT 4 Ω SAMSON TECHNOLOGIES CORP., HICKSVILLE, NEW YORK POWER o ON TO PREVENT SHOCK, 1 DO NOT OPEN. NO USER +4dB OFF SERVICABLE PARTS 1 2 1 +4dB 47KΩ INSIDE. REFER SERVIC- 600Ω ING TO QUALIFIED SERVICE PERSONNEL. TO PREVENT FUSE FIRE OR SHOCK HAZARD DO NOT EXPOSE TO RAIN +4dB +4dB OR MOISTURE 10KΩ 600Ω AMP IN PRE AMP OUT 2 2 CAUTION 120 VOLT 6 AMP CAUTION 220 VOLT 3.5 AMP HEATSINK MAY BE HOT
Summary of the content on the page No. 17
Guided Tour - S63 Rear Panel 5: Amp In - This unbalanced input allows you to connect any external mono- phonic 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. • Tip - An amp inp
Summary of the content on the page No. 18
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. If you must make connec- tions with the power on, make sure that the
Summary of the content on the page No. 19
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. Make sure that the rear heat sink fins are unobstructed and that there is good ven
Summary of the content on the page No. 20
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. With all connections made (as described above) but with the po
