Samson MDR1688, SAMDR1248, MDR1248 User Manual

MDR Series Mixers

TWELVE AND SIXTEEN CHANNEL MIXER

WITH 24-bit DSP EFFECTS

Safety Instructions/Consignes de sécurité/Sicherheitsvorkehrungen

WARNING: To reduce the risk of fire or electric shock, do not expose this unit to rain or moisture. 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.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.

ATTENTION: Pour éviter tout risque d’électrocution ou d’incendie, ne pas exposer cet appareil à la pluie ou à l’humidité. Pour éviter tout risque d’électrocution, ne pas ôter le couvercle ou le dos du boîtier. Cet appareil ne contient aucune pièce remplaçable par l'utilisateur. Confiez toutes les réparations à un personnel qualifié. Le signe avec un éclair dans un triangle prévient l’utilisateur de la présence d’une tension dangereuse et non isolée dans l’appareil. Cette tension constitue un risque d’électrocution. Le signe avec un point d’exclamation dans un triangle prévient l’utilisateur d’instructions importantes relatives à l’utilisation et à la maintenance du produit.

Consignes de sécurité importantes

1. Veuillez lire toutes les instructions avant d’utiliser l’appareil.

2. Conserver ces instructions pour toute lecture ultérieure.

3. Lisez avec attention toutes les consignes de sécurité.

4. Suivez les instructions du fabricant.

5. Ne pas utiliser cet appareil près d’une source liquide ou dans un lieu humide.

6. Nettoyez l’appareil uniquement avec un tissu humide.

7. Veillez à ne pas obstruer les fentes prévues pour la ventilation de l’appareil. Installez l’appareil selon les instructions du fabricant.

8. Ne pas installer près d’une source de chaleur (radiateurs, etc.) ou de tout équipement susceptible de générer de la chaleur (amplificateurs de puissance par exemple).

9. Ne pas retirer la terre du cordon secteur ou de la prise murale. Les fiches canadiennes avec polarisation (avec une lame plus large) ne doivent pas être modifiées. Si votre prise murale ne correspond pas au modèle fourni, consultez votre électricien.

10. Protégez le cordon secteur contre tous les dommages possibles (pincement, tension, torsion,, etc.). Veillez à ce que le cordon secteur soit libre, en particulier à sa sortie du boîtier.

11. Déconnectez l’appareil du secteur en présence d’orage ou lors de périodes d’inutilisation prolongées.

12. Consultez un service de réparation qualifié pour tout dysfonctionnement (dommage sur le cordon secteur, baisse de performances, exposition à la pluie, projection liquide dans l’appareil, introduction d’un objet dans le boîtier, etc.).

ACHTUNG: Um die Gefahr eines Brandes oder Stromschlags zu verringern, sollten Sie dieses Gerät weder Regen noch Feuchtigkeit aussetzen.Um die Gefahr eines Stromschlags zu verringern, sollten Sie weder Deckel noch Rückwand des Geräts entfernen. Im Innern befinden sich keine Teile, die vom Anwender gewartet werden können. Überlassen Sie die Wartung qualifiziertem Fachpersonal.Der Blitz mit Pfeilspitze im gleichseitigen Dreieck soll den Anwender vor nichtisolierter “gefährlicher Spannung” im Geräteinnern warnen. Diese Spannung kann so hoch sein, dass die Gefahr eines Stromschlags besteht. Das Ausrufezeichen im gleichseitigen Dreieck soll den Anwender auf wichtige Bedienungs- und Wartungsanleitungen aufmerksam machen, die im mitgelieferten Informationsmaterial näher beschrieben werden.

Wichtige Sicherheitsvorkehrungen

1. Lesen Sie alle Anleitungen, bevor Sie das Gerät in Betrieb nehmen.

2. Bewahren Sie diese Anleitungen für den späteren Gebrauch gut auf.

3. Bitte treffen Sie alle beschriebenen Sicherheitsvorkehrungen.

4. Befolgen Sie die Anleitungen des Herstellers.

5. Benutzen Sie das Gerät nicht in der Nähe von Wasser oder Feuchtigkeit.

6. Verwenden Sie zur Reinigung des Geräts nur ein feuchtes Tuch.

7. Blockieren Sie keine Belüftungsöffnungen. Nehmen Sie den Einbau des Geräts nur entsprechend den Anweisungen des Herstellers vor.

8. Bauen Sie das Gerät nicht in der Nähe von Wärmequellen wie Heizkörpern, Wärmeklappen, Öfen oder anderen Geräten (inklusive Verstärkern) ein, die Hitze erzeugen.

9. Setzen Sie die Sicherheitsfunktion des polarisierten oder geerdeten Steckers nicht außer Kraft. Ein polarisierter Stecker hat zwei flache, unterschiedlich breite Pole. Ein geerdeter Stecker hat zwei flache Pole und einen dritten Erdungsstift. Der breitere Pol oder der dritte Stift dient Ihrer Sicherheit. Wenn der vorhandene Stecker nicht in Ihre Steckdose passt, lassen Sie die veraltete Steckdose von einem Elektriker ersetzen.

10. Schützen Sie das Netzkabel dahingehend, dass niemand darüber laufen und es nicht geknickt werden kann. Achten Sie hierbei besonders auf Netzstecker, Mehrfachsteckdosen und den Kabelanschluss am Gerät.

11. Ziehen Sie den Netzstecker des Geräts bei Gewittern oder längeren Betriebspausen aus der Steckdose.

12. Überlassen Sie die Wartung qualifiziertem Fachpersonal. Eine Wartung ist notwendig, wenn das Gerät auf irgendeine Weise, beispielsweise am Kabel oder Netzstecker beschädigt wurde, oder wenn Flüssigkeiten oder Objekte in das Gerät gelangt sind, es Regen oder Feuchtigkeit ausgesetzt war, nicht mehr wie gewohnt betrieben werden kann oder fallen gelassen wurde.

Instrucciones de seguridad / Istruzioni di Sicurezza

PRECAUCION: Para reducir el riesgo de incendios o descargas, no permita que este aparato quede expuesto a la lluvia o la humedad. Para reducir el riesgo de descarga

eléctrica, nunca quite la tapa ni el chasis. Dentro del aparato no hay piezas susceptibles de ser reparadas por el usuario. Dirija cualquier reparación al servicio técnico oficial. El símbolo del relámpago dentro del triángulo equilátero pretende advertir al usuario de la presencia de “voltajes peligrosos” no aislados dentro de la carcasa del producto, que pueden ser de la magnitud suficiente como para constituir un riesgo de descarga eléctrica a las personas. El símbolo de exclamación dentro del triángulo equilátero quiere advertirle de la existencia de importantes instrucciones de manejo y mantenimiento (reparaciones) en los documentos que se adjuntan con este aparato.

Instrucciones importantes de seguridad

1. Lea todo este manual de instrucciones antes de comenzar a usar la unidad.

2. Conserve estas instrucciones para cualquier consulta en el futuro.

3. Cumpla con todo lo indicado en las precauciones de seguridad.

4. Observe y siga todas las instrucciones del fabricante.

5. Nunca utilice este aparato cerca del agua o en lugares húmedos.

6. Limpie este aparato solo con un trapo suave y ligeramente humedecido.

7. No bloquee ninguna de las aberturas de ventilación. Instale este aparato de acuerdo a las instrucciones del fabricante.

8. No instale este aparato cerca de fuentes de calor como radiadores, calentadores, hornos u otros aparatos (incluyendo amplificadores) que produzcan calor.

9. No anule el sistema de seguridad del enchufe de tipo polarizado o con toma de tierra. Un enchufe polarizado tiene dos bornes, uno más ancho que el otro. Uno con toma de tierra tiene dos bornes normales y un tercero para la conexión a tierra. El borne ancho o el tercero se incluyen como medida de seguridad. Cuando el enchufe no encaje en su salida de corriente, llame a un electricista para que le cambie su salida anticuada.

10. Evite que el cable de corriente quede en una posición en la que pueda ser pisado o aplastado, especialmente en los enchufes, receptáculos y en el punto en el que salen de la unidad.

11. Desconecte de la corriente este aparato durante las tormentas eléctricas o cuando no lo vaya a usar durante un periodo de tiempo largo.

12. Dirija cualquier posible reparación solo al servicio técnico oficial. Deberá hacer que su aparato sea reparado cuando esté dañado de alguna forma, como si el cable de corriente o el enchufe están dañados, o si se han derramado líquidos o se ha introducido algún objeto dentro de la unidad, si esta ha quedado expuesta a la lluvia o la humedad, si no funciona normalmente o si ha caído al suelo.

ATTENZIONE: per ridurre il rischio di incendio o di scariche elettriche, non esponete questo apparecchio a pioggia o umidità. Per ridurre il pericolo di scariche elettriche evitate di rimuoverne il coperchio o il pannello posteriore. Non esistono all'interno dell'apparecchio parti la cui regolazione è a cura dell'utente. Per eventuale assistenza, fate riferimento esclusivamente a personale qualificato. Il fulmine con la punta a freccia all'interno di un triangolo equilatero avvisa l'utente della presenza di "tensioni pericolose" non isolate all'interno dell'apparecchio, tali da costituire un possibile rischio di scariche elettriche dannose per le persone. Il punto esclamativo all'interno di un triangolo equilatero avvisa l'utente della presenza di importanti istruzioni di manutenzione (assistenza) nella documentazione che accompagna il prodotto.

Importanti Istruzioni di Sicurezza

1. Prima di usare l'apparecchio, vi preghiamo di leggerne per intero le istruzioni.

2. Conservate tali istruzioni per una eventuale consultazione futura.

3. Vi preghiamo di rispettare tutte le istruzioni di sicurezza.

4. Seguite tutte le istruzioni del costruttore.

5. Non usate questo apparecchio vicino ad acqua o umidità.

6. Pulite l'apparecchio esclusivamente con un panno asciutto.

7. Evitate di ostruire una qualsiasi delle aperture di ventilazione. Posizionatelo seguendo le istruzioni del costruttore. Non posizionatelo vicino a sorgenti di calore come radiatori, scambiatori di calore, forni o altri apparecchi (amplificatori compresi) in grado di generare calore.

9. Non disattivate la protezione di sicurezza costituita dalla spina polarizzata o dotata di collegamento a terra. Una spina polarizzata è dotata di due spinotti, uno più piccolo ed uno più grande. Una spina dotata di collegamento a terra è dotata di due spinotti più un terzo spinotto di collegamento a terra. Questo terzo spinotto, eventualmente anche più grande, viene fornito per la vostra sicurezza. Se la spina fornita in dotazione non si adatta alla vostra presa, consultate un elettricista per la sostituzione della presa obsoleta.

10. Proteggete il cavo di alimentazione in modo che non sia possibile camminarci sopra né piegarlo, con particolare attenzione alle prese, ai punti di collegamento e al punto

in cui esce dall'apparecchio.

11. Staccate l'apparecchio dalla alimentazione in caso di temporali o tempeste o se non lo usate per un lungo periodo.

12. Per l'assistenza, fate riferimento esclusivamente a personale qualificato. È necessaria l'assistenza se l'apparecchio ha subito un qualsiasi tipo di danno, come danni al cavo o alla spina di alimentazione, nel caso in cui sia stato versato del liquido o siano caduti oggetti al suo interno, sia stato esposto a pioggia o umidità, non funzioni corretta-

mente o sia stato fatto cadere.

Copyright 2006, Samson Technologies Corp. Printed September, 2006 v1.1 Samson Technologies Corp. 45 Gilpin Avenue Hauppauge, New York 11788-8816 Phone: 1-800-3-SAMSON (1-800-372-6766) Fax: 631-784-2201 www.samsontech.com

Table of Contents

MDR1248 and MDR1688 Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

Front Panel Layout . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

Front and Rear Panel Layout . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

Controls and Functions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 - 12

MONO INPUT CHANNEL SECTION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

MDR1248 and MDR1688 Input and Output Connections . . . . . . . . . 13 - 14

Operating the MDR1248 and MDR1688 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15- 18

BASIC OPERATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

Operating the MDR1248 and MDR1688 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

USING THE DIGITAL EFFECTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

SENDING AN INDEPENDENT MIX TO THE MONITOR SPEAKERS . . . . . . . . 17

USING THE CHANNEL INSERT JACKS

USING AN EXTERNAL EFFECT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

PLAYING BACK A CD USING 2T TO MIX . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

RECORDING A MIX FROM THE MDR1248 and MDR1688 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

MDR1248 and MDR1688 System Set-Ups . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

MDR1248 and MDR1688 LIVE SOUND SET-UP

MDR1248 and MDR1688 RECORDING SET-UP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

MDR1248 and MDR1688 Wiring Guide . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21

MDR1248 and MDR1688 Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

Introduction

Congratulations on your purchase of the Samson MDR1248 or MDR1688 mixer! The MDR1248 and MDR1688 are great sounding mixers with a lot of inputs, flexible routing and stunning on-board digital effects. Connecting all your microphones and instruments is simple, with four mic/line inputs plus FOUR additional stereo channels on the MDR1248, and eight mic/line inputs plus four additional stereo channels on the MDR1688. There are also dedicated stereo effects returns for the onboard digital effects. And the effects! You can add one of the MDR's 256 dazzling digital studio quality effects, which include Delays, Chorus, Flanging, and lush Reverbs to your vocals or instruments, using the onboard 24-bit Multi-Effects Processor.

The Mic/line inputs feature a 3-band equalizer with sweepable midrange control and there is a four band fixed equalizer on each of the stereo input channels. Each of the stereo and mono input channels have two Aux sends, plus you can switch one from Pre to Post. The MDR1248 and MDR1688’s master section includes two stereo Aux returns and a 2-track Input and Output for playing back stereo devices and for recording your mix. Clean, clear sound reproduction with sweet equalization and signal flexible routing in a rugged enclosure, ensure reliable high quality sound from performance to performance. Optimized for recording, live sound reinforcement and commercial installations, the MDR1248 and MDR1688 are ideal mixer solutions, offering big sound in a compact package.

In these pages, you’ll find a detailed description of the features of the MDR1248 and MDR1688 mixers, as well as a description of their front and rear panels, step-by-step instructions for their setup and use, and full specifications. You’ll also find a warranty card enclosed—please don’t forget to fill it out and mail it in so that you can receive online technical support and so we can send you updated information about these and other Samson products in the future.

With proper care and adequate air circulation, your MDR1248 or MDR1688 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.

If you purchased your Samson product outside the United States, please contact your local distributor for warranty information and service.

Also, be sure to check out our website (www.samsontech.com) for complete information about our full product line.

MDR1248 and MDR1688 Features

The Samson MDR1248 and MDR1688, twelve and sixteen channel mixers are a comprehensive, all-inone solution for live sound, recording, fixed installation and post production applications. Here are some of its main features:

• The mixers offer plenty of inputs with four Mic/ Line plus four Stereo inputs for the MDR1248 and eight Mic/Line plus four Stereo inputs for the MDR1688.

• Flexible design topology ideal for live sound, recording and post production.

• The MDR1248 and MDR1688 has a built-in, 24bit DSP (Digital Signal Processor) Multi-effects Processor with 256 selectable presets offering dazzling studio quality effects including Reverb, Delay, Chorus and Flanging.

• 2 Track Input and Output allows you to con nect a CD, DAT, Cassette, Mini Disk or Computer Sound Card.

• Three-band channel equalizer with sweepable mids on the mono input channels, along with four band fixed equalizer on the stereo channels, provide precise and musical results in contouring the tone of any signal.

mixing. For added flexibility, AUX 1 can be con-

figured as a Pre or Post fader send.

• High quality, low noise, discrete microphone pre-amplifiers with 48-Volt phantom power, provide Maximum Dynamic Range and transparent audio.

• Twelve segment LED Meter with VU ballistics dis

plays the main MIX output.

• High quality 60mm faders on the mono and

stereo inputs, plus the Main and Control Room/ Headphone outputs.

• Advanced circuit design using discrete components and high quality, low noise op-amps carefully selected at each stage of the signal path.

• Quality build and rugged construction ensure reliable performance from venue to venue and session to session.

• Standard 19-inch rackmount kit included.

• Three-year extended warranty.

• Two Auxiliary Sends for built-in or external effects, on-stage monitor mix, or headphone

50 51 52 53 54 55 56 57 5849 59

Front Panel Layout

FRONT PANEL

1 MIC IN

pre-amp.

2 LINE IN–Input connector for Line level inputs. 3 INSERT – 1/4-inch TRS (TIP/RING/SLEEVE) connector

providing send and receive channel patch point for outboard effects.

4 GAIN

line input.

5 LOW CUT – Bass roll off switch at 75Hz used to elimi-

nate unwanted low end rumble and hum.

6 HIGH FREQUENCY

Channel Equalizer, +/- 15 dB at 12KHz.

7 MID CUT/BOOST – This control knob provides +/- 15

dB of boost or cut at the frequency set on the MID SWEEP control on the mono input channels.

8 MID SWEEP – Control knob used to set the center

frequency of the mid band of the Channel Equalizer.

9 LOW FREQUENCY – Controls the low band of the

10 AUX 1 – Auxiliary send that can be used with an

external effects processor, or to create a cue or monitor mix.

11 PRE / POST switch

routing from a Pre fader to a post fader send.

12 AUX 2/DSP – Post-fader auxiliary send that can be

used with an external effects processor, or to create a cue or monitor mix, or to send a signal to the internal DSP.

13 PAN – Controls the channel’s position between left

and right in the stereo bus.

14 3/4 MUTE LED

cates that the input channel is assigned to the ALT3/4 bus and is muted in the Left /Right Main Mix bus.

15 3/4 / MUTE switch

nel is assigned to the ALT3/4 bus and is muted in the Left / Right MAIN MIX bus.

16 SOLO LED

that the input channel is assigned to the SOLO bus.

17 SOLO switch – When engaged, the input channel is

assigned to the SOLO bus.

18 PEAK – Red LED will illuminate indicating when the

GAIN has been adjusted too high.

19 LEVEL

of level changes.

20 +4 / -10 switch – Used to set the line input sensitiv-

ity from –10dB when the switch is pressed in to +4dB when this switch is out.

21 RIGHT LINE – 1/4-inch phone input connector for the

– Input connector for Low-Noise Microphone

– Used to set the input level of the mic pre and

– Controls the high band of the

Channel Equalizer, +/- 15 dB at 80Hz.

– Used to configure Aux 1 signal

– When illuminated, the display indi-

– When engaged, the input chan-

– When illuminated, the display indicates

– Audio taper fader provides smooth control

Front Panel Controls

right line input for the stereo channels.

22 LEFT/MONO LINE - 1/4-inch phone input connec-

tor for the Left Line input for the stereo channels or a mono input.

23 ALT 3/4 OUTPUTS jacks – Balanced, 1/4-inch phone

connectors carrying the signal from the ALT 3/4 bus.

24 CONTROL ROOM OUTPUT

Room output connectors for connecting a monitor system.

25 MAIN MIX OUTPUT (1/4-inch) – Left and Right Main

Mix balanced output 1/4-inch TRS connectors.

26 MAIN MIX OUTPUT (XLR)

balanced output XLR connectors.

27 AUX RETURN 1 – Left and right input jacks for con-

necting to the outputs of external line level sources like those from effects processors.

28 AUX RETURN 2 – Left and right input jacks for con-

necting to the outputs of external line level sources like those from effects processors.

29 FOOTSWITCH JACK

necting a standard footswitch used to turn the internal DSP effects on and off.

30 PHONES JACK 31 AUX SEND 2 – Line level output from the Auxiliary 2

bus.

32 AUX SEND 1

bus.

33 2 TRACK OUTPUTS – Connect to the input of a DAT,

Cassette, Mini Disk or Hard Disk Recording system.

34 2 TRACK INPUTS – Connect the output from a DAT,

Cassette, Mini Disk or Hard Disk Recording system.

35 2 TRK LEVEL – Control knob used to set the level of

the source connected to the 2-track input.

36 VARIATIONS – Control knob used to select one of the

sixteen variations for each of the sixteen DSP effect programs.

37 PROGRAMS – Control knob used to select one of the

sixteen DSP effect programs.

38 DSP PEAK

signal to the internal DSP is reaching an overload level.

39 DSP MUTE switch – Used to turn the internal DSP

effects on and off.

40 ALT 3/4 TO MIX – Routes the ALT 3/4 to the Left /

Right MAIN MIX outputs. Use the ALT3/4 Level (55) to set the volume.

41 2 TRK TO MIX

to the Left / Right MAIN MIX outputs. Use the 2 TRK

– Connect stereo headphones here.

– Line level output from the Auxiliary 1

– LED indicator illuminates when the input

- Routes the Left / Right 2 track inputs

– Left and Right Control

– Left and Right Main Mix

– 1/4-inch phone jack for con-

+ 19 hidden pages