Samson MDR8 User Manual
MDR Series Mixers
EIGHT CHANNEL MIXER
WITH 24BIT DIGITAL EFFECTS
AND HARD DISK MODE
Safety Instructions/Consignes de sécurité/Sicherheitsvorkehrungen/Instrucciones de seguridad
ACHTUNG: Um die Gefahr eines Brandes oder Stromschlags zu verringern, soll-
ten 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.
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.
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.
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.).
Table of Contents
Introduction 2
MDR8 Features 3
Front and Rear Panel Layout 4
Front and Rear Panel Controls 5
Controls and Functions
Mono Input Channel Section 6–7
Master Section 8–9
MDR8 Input and Output Connections 10–11
Operating the MDR8 12–16
System Set-ups 17–18
MDR8 Wiring Guide 19
Specifications 20
Block Diagram 21
Copyright 2003 - 2004, Samson Technologies Corp.
Printed March, 2004
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
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Congratulations on your purchase of the Samson MDR8 mixer! The MDR8 is an eight channel mixer, with six low
noise microphone pre-amps, and built-in 24 BIT DSP effects processor. The MDR8 also features HDM (Hard
Disk Mode), which when engaged, provides a special monitoring and bussing mode ideal for interfacing with a
computer based hard disk recorder. Clean, clear sound reproduction with dazzling digital effects including Delay,
Chorus and lush Reverb, packaged in a rugged enclosure, ensure reliable high quality sound from performance
to performance. Optimized for recording, live sound reinforcement and commercial installations, the MDR8 is an
ideal mixer solution offering big sound in a compact package.
In these pages, you’ll find a detailed description of the features of the MDR8 mixer, as well a description of its
front and rear panels, step-by-step instructions for its 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 MDR8 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
MDR8 Features
The Samson MDR8, eight channel mixer with onboard 24 BIT DSP is a comprehensive, all-in-one solution for live
sound, recording, fixed installation and post production applications. Here are some of its main features:
• Eight Channels – Four Mic/Line plus two Stereo inputs with mic pre’s.
• Flexible design topology ideal for live sound, recording and post production.
• On-board 24 BIT DSP (Digital Signal Processor) multi-effects processor with eight great sounding presets including REVERB, DELAY AND CHORUS.
• Unique monitoring and bussing in HDM (HARD DISK MODE) provides a seamless interface with computer based, hard disk recording systems.
• 60 mm audio taper faders on all channels and the master Mix outputs.
•2TLEVEL control allows you to mix in a CD, DAT, Cassette, Computer Sound Card or Mini Disk with the
channel faders.
• Three-band channel equalizer, +/-15dB at 80Hz, 2.5 KHz and 12KHz provides precise and musical
results in sound shaping.
• Two Auxiliary Sends for built-in or external effects, on stage monitor mix, or headphone mixing.
• Five segment LED Meter with VU ballistics displays the main MIX output.
• High quality, low noise, discrete microphone pre-amplifiers with 48-Volt phantom power, provide
Maximum Dynamic Range and transparent audio.
• Advanced circuit design using discrete components and high quality, low noise op-amps carefully selected at each stage of the signal path.
• Quality built and rugged construction ensure reliable performance from venue to venue and session to
session.
• Three-year extended warranty.
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Front and Rear Panel Layout
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FRONT PANEL
1 MIC/LINE – Combination Input connector for Low-Noise
Microphone pre-amp and Line level inputs.
2 GAIN – Used to set the input level of the mic pre and line
input.
3 CLIP – Red LED will illuminate indicating when the mic
GAIN has been adjusted too high.
4 HIGH FREQUENCY - Controls the high band of the
Channel Equalizer, +/- 15 dB at 12KHz.
5 MID FREQUENCY - Controls the mid band of the Channel
Equalizer, +/- 15 dB at 2.5KHz.
6 LOW FREQUENCY - Controls the low band of the Channel
Equalizer, +/- 15 dB at 80Hz.
7 LOW CUT – Bass roll off switch at 80Hz used to eliminate
unwanted low end rumble and hum.
8 AUX 1/MONITOR – Pre fader auxiliary send that can be
used with an external effects processor, or to create a cue
or monitor mix.
9 AUX 2/DSP – Post fader auxiliary send connected to the
internal 24 BIT DSP effect processor and can also be
used with an external effects processor.
10 PAN – Controls the channel’s balance between left and
right in the stereo bus.
11 RECORD – Used in the HDM (HARD DISK MODE) to
assign the channel to the Record bus.
12 FADER – 60 mm audio taper fader provides smooth con-
trol over level changes.
13 STEREO RIGHT LINE – Right Line Input connector on the
stereo channels.
14 STEREO MIC/LINE - Combination Input connector for Low-
Noise Microphone pre-amp and Left Line Inputs for the
stereo channels.
15 AUX 2– Output connector for Auxiliary 2.
16 AUX 1 - Output connector for Auxiliary 1.
17 CONTROL ROOM – Left and Right output connectors for
connecting a monitor system.
18 MIX – Left and Right main Mix output connectors.
19 MONO OUT – The Left and Right main Mix outputs are
summed together to a monaural signal and sent out this
connector.
20 MONO OUT LEVEL – Used to set the volume of the
MONO mix.
21 2TK LEVEL (2T TO MIX) - Level control used to mix
the 2 track input.
22 2 TRACK INPUTS & OUTPUTS – Connect a DAT,
Cassette, Mini Disk or Hard Disk Recording system.
23 HDM ( Hard Disk Mode) - Switch configures the mixer
for recording and overdubbing on a computer based
hard disk recording system.
24 PHANTOM – Indicates that the 48 Volt Phantom
Power is on.
25 POWER – Indicates the MDR8 is powered up.
26 OUTPUT METER - Five segment display with VU bal-
listics indicates main Mix level.
27 DSP PEAK LED - LED light illuminates when the signal
sent to the internal DSP is clipped.
28 AUX 1 RETURN – Used to mix in level of the external
effects.
29 AUX 2 RETURN – Used to mix in level of the internal
DSP effects return.
30 SELECT - Used to switch between the 8 pre-sets of
the internal DSP effects processor.
31 2TRACK/MIX – Switches between the main Mix and
the 2 Track in the Control Room output.
32 C ROOM/HEADPHONE – Adjusts the volume of the
control room speakers or headphones.
33 HEADPHONE JACK – Connect stereo headphones
here.
34 MIX FADERS- Used to control the overall volume of
the Left and Right main Mix outputs.
REAR PANEL
A AC ADAPTER INLET – Connect External AC power
supply here.
B POWER – Switches on the MDR8’s main power.
C PHANTOM – Engages the 48-Volt Phantom power
supply to microphone pre- amps.
D AUX 1 RETURN – Connectors for stereo effects return.
E AUX 2 RETURN – Connectors for stereo effects return.
Front and Rear Panel Layout
6
Controls and Functions
MONO INPUT CHANNEL SECTION
The following section details each part of the MDR8’s MONO INPUT CHANNELS including the GAIN control, 3BAND EQ, AUX sends, RECORD, PAN and LEVEL controls. The input channels one through four on the MDR8
feature high quality, discrete transistor pre-amp providing transparency and extended dynamic range. The combination connector accepts a standard XLR mic cable for microphone level signals, or a standard 1/4" phone
cable,either balanced (TRS – TIP/ RING/SLEEVE) or unbalanced (TS – TIP/SLEEVE) for line level signals.
GAIN
The MDR8’s pre-amp stage has a variable GAIN control with a range of 5 to
60dB on the MIC input and –26 to +26dB on the LINE input.
CLIP LED
The MDR8’s MIC/LINE pre-amp also includes a CLIP LED which, when illuminated, indicates that the signal is peaking or overloading. To reduce distortion,
lower the GAIN control to keep this LED from staying on.
CHANNEL EQUALIZER
The MDR8 input channels feature a 3-band equalizer allowing you to adjust the
high, mid, and low frequencies independently on each channel. The channel’s
frequency response is flat when the knobs are in the "12:00" position. Rotating
the knob towards the right will boost the corresponding frequency band by
15dB, and rotating it towards the left will cut the frequency by 15dB. The frequency centers, range of boost or cut, and equalizer type for each band are as
follows:
High: 12KHz +/- 15dB shelving type
Mid: 2.5KHz +/- 15dB peaking type
Low: 80Hz +/- 15dB shelving type
LOW CUT FILTER
Each of the MDR8’s channels include a LOW CUT (or high pass) filter which
rolls off the low frequencies from 80Hz and below at the rate of 12dB per
octave.
AUX 1/MON SEND
The MDR8 has two auxiliary sends which can be used for sending signals to the external effects devices or
for creating a monitor mix. The AUX1/MON section is often used for a monitor mix in a live sound mixing, or
for a headphone mix in a recording application. Each input channel includes an AUX 1/Mon send which controls the amount of that channel’s signal that is sent to the AUX 1/Mon bus. The Input channel’s AUX 2/Mon
sends are mixed together and are sent to the AUX 1 OUT jack.
AUX 2 / DSP Send
The MDR8 provides high quality, 24 Bit digital effects, and the level of effects can be set independently on
each channel. The channel’s AUX 2/DSP knob controls the amount of signal that is sent to the AUX
2/DSP bus. The signal of the AUX 2/DSP bus is routed to the internal DSP effects section for onboard signal processing. The AUX 2/DSP signal can also be sent to an external effect device connected to the
AUX 2 OUT jacks located in the MASTER SECTION jack field.
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