Samson 215 User Manual
S Class Signal Processors
DUAL 15 BAND EQUALIZER
DUAL 15 BAND
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Safety Instructions
Important Safety Instructions
1. Please read all instructions before operating the unit.
2. Keep these instructions for future reference.
3. Please heed all safety warnings.
4. Follow manufacturers instructions.
5. Do not use this unit near water or moisture.
6. Clean only with a damp cloth.
7. Do not block any of the ventilation openings. Install in accordance with the manufacturers instructions.
8. Do not install near any heat sources such as radiators, heat registers, stoves, or other apparatus (including
amplifiers) that produce heat.
9. Do not defeat the safety purpose of the polarized or grounding-type plug. A polarized plug has two blades with
one wider than the other. A grounding type plug has two blades and a third grounding prong. The wide blade or
third prong is provided for your safety. When the provided plug does not fit your outlet, consult an electrician for
replacement of the obsolete outlet.
10. Protect the power cord from being walked on and pinched particularly at plugs, convenience receptacles and at
the point at which they exit from the unit.
11. Unplug this unit during lightning storms or when unused for long periods of time.
12. Refer all servicing to qualified personnel. Servicing is required when the unit has been damaged in any way,
such as power supply cord or plug damage, or if liquid has been spilled or objects have fallen into the unit, the
unit has been exposed to rain or moisture, does not operate normally, or has been dropped.
Caution: To reduce the hazard of electrical shock, do not
remove cover or back.
No user serviceable parts inside. Please refer all servicing to qualified personnel.
WARNING: To reduce the risk of fire or electric shock, do not expose this unit to rain or moisture.
The lightning flash with an arrowhead symbol within an equilateral triangle, is intended to alert the user to the
presence of uninsulated "dangerous voltage" within the products enclosure that may be of sufficient magnitude
to constitute a risk of electric shock to persons.
The exclamation point within an equilateral triangle is intended to alert the user to the presence of important
operating and maintenance (servicing) instructions in the literature accompanying the product.
Table of Contents
Introduction 2
System Features 3
Controls and Functions
Front Panel 4
Rear Panel 5
Setting Up and Using the S curve 215 6 - 7
System Configurations 8 - 10
About Equalization 11
Grounding Techniques 12
Using a Patchbay 12
Using the S curve 215 with an RTA 13
Using the S curve 215 to “Ring Out” a Monitor System 14
S curve 215 Wiring Guide 15
Specifications 16
Pass-Band Graphs 16
Block Diagram 17
Copyright 2003, Samson Technologies Corp.
Printed June., 2003
Samson Technologies Corp.
575 Underhill Blvd.
P.O. Box 9031
Syosset, NY 11791-9031
Phone: 1-800-3-SAMSON (1-800-372-6766)
Fax: 516-364-3888
www.samsontech.com
2
Congratulations on purchasing the Samson S curve 215 2/3 Octave, Stereo, 15 Band Constant Q
Graphic Equalizer! Although this product is 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 S curve 215 is a professional quality signal processor that gives you precise tonal control over two
channels of audio. Center detented sliders with LED illumination allow you to selectively cut or boost
selected frequency areas by as much as 12 dB. Front panel controls include output level sliders, lowcut and bypass switches, while the rear panel provides electronically balanced inputs and outputs.
Thanks to low noise circuitry, the S curve 215 can be used in a wide variety of applications, including
live performance (in conjunction with either Front Of House or monitor mixers), in broadcast environments, or for recording.
In this manual, you’ll find a more detailed description of the features of the S curve 215, as well as a
guided tour through the front and rear panels, step-by-step instructions for using the unit, suggested
applications for use with a patch bay, a Real Time Analyzer (RTA) or for ringing out monitor systems,
reference appendices, and full specifications.
You’ll also find a warranty card enclosed—please don’t forget to fill it out and mail it so that you can
receive online technical support and so we can send you updated information about other Samson
products in the future. Also, be sure to check out our website (http://www.samsontech.com) for complete information about our full product line.
With proper care and adequate air circulation, your S curve 215 will operate trouble free for many
years. We recommend you record your serial number in the space provided below for future reference.
Serial number:
Date of purchase:
Should your unit ever require servicing, a Return Authorization number (RA) must be obtained before
shipping your unit to Samson. Without this number, the unit will not be accepted. Please call Samson at
1-800-3SAMSON (1-800-372-6766) for a Return Authorization number prior to shipping your unit.
Please retain the original packing materials and if possible, return the unit in the original carton and
packing materials.
Introduction
3
S curve 215 Features
The Samson S curve 215 Graphic Equalizer utilizes state-of-the-art, Constant Q filtering technology for
precise tonal control. Here are some of it’s main features:
• The S curve 215 has 15 bands of equalization, with each frequency band representing 2/3 of
an octave in the 25 Hz to 16 kHz range.
• Constant Q circuitry ensures that the bandwidth of the selected frequency area stays the same
even when approaching maximum boost or attenuation. As a result, phase shifting and intermodulation distortion is greatly reduced, making for pristine sound.
• The S curve 215 has 12 dB of gain and attenuation for each of the frequency bands.
• Ultra-low noise circuity ensures superb audio fidelity.
• Switchable 80 Hz Low Cut Filter for removing rumble and floor noise.
• Electronically balanced XLR and TRS inputs and outputs.
•S curve 215 has dual channel operation for processing either a stereo signal or two independent monophonic signals.
• Front panel hard-wired, relay controlled Bypass switches (with dedicated Bypass LEDs) allow
the equalization circuitry and output level control to be activated or deactivated.
• Level controls enable output signals to be attenuated or boosted for optimum signal-to-noise
ratio.
• LED faders and LED bar VU meters.
• Relay power-on circuitry prevents speaker “thumps” when the unit is turned on.
• Internal power supply ensures reliability and trouble-free operation.
• Standard 19" rack design (the S curve 215 requires only a single rack space) for easy integration into any traveling or fixed installation audio system.
• Optional security cover kit prevents EQ settings from accidentally being altered.
• All-steel chassis makes the S curve 215 eminently road-worthy.
• Three year extended warranty.
DUAL 15 BAND
EQUALIZER
25 40 63 100 160 250 400 630 1K 1.6K 2.5K 4K 6.3K 10K 16K
12
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CH 1
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-20
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12
CH 1
25 40 63 100 160 250 400 630 1K 1.6K 2.5K 4K 6.3K 10K 16K
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LOW CUT
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0
BYPASS
6
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25 40 63 100 160 250 400 630 1K 1.6K 2.5K 4K 6.3K 10K 16K
CH 2
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POWER
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-20
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4
1 Equalizer level sliders - Independent Equalizer sliders are provided for each frequency
area (The S curve 215 provides 15 frequency areas).Calibration markings on either side of
each Equalizer slider allow you to cut or boost each frequency area. In the S curve 215,
independent Equalizer sliders are provided for each of the two channels (Channel A and
Channel B).
2 Output level sliders - Use these to adjust the output level of signal leaving the S curve 215
via its rear-panel output connectors (see C and E on page 5 for more information). When a
Level slider is at its center detented “0” position, the corresponding output signal is at unity
gain (that is, there is no cut or boost). When a Level slider is moved all the way up (to the
“+6 dB”) position, the corresponding output signal is boosted by 6 dB. When a Level slider
is moved all the way down (to the “∞” position), the corresponding output signal is infinitely
attenuated (that is, there is no signal). In the S curve 215, independent Level sliders are
provided for each of the two channels (Channel 1 and Channel 2). Note that the Level slider is deactivated when the S curve 215 is in Bypass mode (see #5).
3 LEVEL METER - Six segment LED bar VU meter displaying the Input Level from –30dB to +18dB.
4 LOW CUT -
When pressed in, the LED in the switch lights yellow and an 80 Hz highpass filter
is applied to the signal, effectively removing rumble and other low frequencies. In the S
curve 215, independent HPF switches are provided for each of the two channels (Channel
1 and Channel 2).
5 Bypass switches - When not pressed in, the equalization circuitry is made inactive so that
the signal passes through unaffected, regardless of the settings of the Equalizer or Level
sliders. When pressed in, the LED in the switch lights green and the equalization circuitry
affects the signal as per the setting of the front panel Equalizer and Level sliders (see #1
and #2). In the S curve 215, independent Bypass switches are provided for each of the two
channels (Channel 1 and Channel 2).
6 Power switch - Use this to turn the power on and off.
Controls and Functions
FRONT PANEL LAYOUT
DUAL 15 BAND
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