Samson C-com opti Owner`s Manual

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SAMSON

OPTICAL COMPRESSOR

A U D I O

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Safety Instructions

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.

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.

Table of Contents

Introduction	4
C com opti Features	5
Controls and Functions
Front Panel Layout	6
Rear Panel Layout	6
Operating the C com opti
Setting Up the C com opti	7
Compressing A Signal	8
Using the Enhancer	9
System Set-ups	10
Dynamics Processing 101	11
Applications	12
C com opti Connections	13
Stacking and Installing the Tilting Feet	14
Installing the Optional CRK1 Dual Rack adapter	15
Specifications	16
C com opti 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: [phone]

www.samsontech.com

Introduction

Congratulations on purchasing the C com opti, optical compressor by Samson Audio! The C com opti is a compact, high-quality device that provides extensive dynamics processing with a classic and musical response and with the warm sound that only a photo cell compressor can offer. Easy operation makes the C com opti the perfect solution for dynamics processing in live sound and in recording applications for tracking, mixing and mastering. Whether you use a small amount of compression to control level, or a drastic amount of compression for a intense retro effect, the C com opti will delive rthe contrl and emotion. And for you tweekazoids, there is full manual control with variable Threshold, Ratio, Attack and Release parameters. In addition, the C com opti offers a powerful ENHANCE circuit, which when engaged, adds a pleasant restoration of the high frequencies that can sometimes be diminished during heavy gain reduction. To help you monitor and set the best levels, the C com opti features an easy-to-read, back-lit, analog VU meter which can be switched to display Output Level or Gain Reduction. For stereo operation, two C com opti’s can be joined together using the LINK input allowing the two units to operate as one stereo device. Like all Samson Audio C class processors, the C com opti can be stacked on other C class models, and can be set-up on an angle using the included tilting feet. The C com opti is also a half-single rack space unit and can be rack mounted using the Samson CRK1. Most importantly, by providing transparent gain control and superb audio fidelity, the C com opti’s signal path will impress the most critical listeners.

Although this unit 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. In this manual, you’ll find a more detailed description of the features of the C com opti, as well as a guided tour through the front and rear panels, step-by-step instructions for using the C com opti 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.

With proper care and adequate air circulation, your C com opti 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.

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C com opti Features

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The Samson C com opti optical compressor utilizes a unique photo cell design which produces a classic sound while handling the job of gain management . Here are some of its main features:

•Full featured, optical compressor dynamics processor ideal for live sound and recording.

•Unique photo gain cell design offering classic, musical response while controling signal levels.

•Variable control of THRESHOLD, RATIO, ATTACK, RELEASE and OUTPUT.

•Large analog, back-lit VU Meter that can be switched to display either Output Level or Gain Reduction.

•Enhancer circuit to help restore high frequencies that are sometimes lost as a result of heavy gain reduction.

•STEREO LINK INPUT, 1/4-inch phone connector for using two C com opti’s for processing stereo signals.

•High quality variable resistors provide smooth control over the various adjustable parameters.

•Easy to read and operate LED, backlit, push switches for BYPASS, ENHANCE and METER.

•Capable of handling +4dBu and –10dBV signals.

•Advanced electronics incorporating high quality photo cell and low noise op-amps, providing a transparent signal path.

•Oversized, rubber bumpers with tilting feet allow several Samson C class units to be stacked and tilted in an ergonomically correct operating position.

•The stylish bead blasted electric blue anodized front-panel is as easy to read as it is to look at.

•Three-year extended warranty.

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C com opti Layout

Front Panel Layout

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1THRESHOLD - Used to set the minimum signal level at which the compressor circuit begins to function.

2RATIO - Controls the amount of gain reduction in proportion to the amount of signal over the selected threshold level.

3RELEASE - Adjusts the length of time the compressor takes to return the signal to it’s original level.

4METER SWITCH - When pressed in, the METER shows OUTPUT level and in the out position the METER shows GAIN REDUCTION.

5VU METER - Back-lit, analog VU meter which, depending on the METER switch, displays the amount of Gain Reduction or Output Level.

6MAINS POWER SWITCH - When pressed on, the green LED lights indicating that the C com opti is powered up and ready for operation.

7ENHANCE SWITCH - Used to engage the C com opti’s Enhance circuit restoring the high end loss resulting from extreme Gain Reduction.

8ATTACK - Adjusts the amount of time the compressor takes to reach full gain reduction.

9OUTPUT - Controls the overall level, and is used for “make-up” gain to restore the signal back to its original level after the compression.

10BYPASS SWITCH- When pressed in, the green LED lights indicating that the C com opti’s compression circuit is active.

Rear Panel Layout

A B C D

AAC INLET - AC Power Supply Connector.

BSTEREO LINK INPUT- 1/4” TRS Connector for linking two C com opti’s together for stereo operation.

C1/4” TRS OUTPUT - 1/4” TRS connector for Balanced line OUTPUT.

D1/4” TRS INPUT - 1/4” TRS connector for Balanced line INPUT.

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