Samson PA324 User Manual
Powered Mixers
10
5
0
10
MASTER
MAINMAIN
MONITOR / MAINMONITOR / MAIN
0dB
0dB
-12dB
63Hz
160Hz
400Hz
1KHz 2.5KHz
6.4KHz
16KHz
-12dB
SIX CHANNEL POWERED MIXER
WITH 24BIT DIGITAL EFFECTS
DSP24
DIGITAL EFFECTS
BIT
PA324
Owners Manual
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
15
0
15 15
0
0
15 15
5
01
5
01
5
01
PAD
LINE
MIC
CHANNEL 1
HIGH
15
15
MID
15 15
LOW
15 15
MONITOR
0
01
EFX
0
01
LEVEL
0
01
30dB
PAD
0dB
LINE
MIC
CHANNEL 2
15
15
15
15
15
0
0
0
5
MONITOR
5
5
LEVEL
30dB
0dB
0
0
MID
MID
MID
15 15
15 15
0
0
0
0
LOW
LOW
LOW
15 15
15 15
5
5
MONITOR
MONITOR
0
0
0
01
01
5
5
EFX
EFX
EFX
0
0
01
5
01
PAD
LINE
MIC
CHANNEL 3
0
0
01
5
LEVEL
LEVEL
0
0
01
30dB
30dB
PAD
0dB
0dB
LINE
MIC
CHANNEL 4
HIGH
HIGH
HIGH
15
0
15 15
0
0
15 15
5
01
5
01
5
01
PAD
LINE
MIC
CHANNEL 5
HIGH
HIGH
15
MID
LOW
MONITOR
0
EFX
0
LEVEL
0
30dB
0dB
15
0
15 15
0
0
15 15
5
01
5
01
5
01
PAD
LINE
MIC
CHANNEL 6
17
SAMSON
26
5
3
15
4
MONITOR / MAIN
DIGITAL EFFECTS
MID
0 LARGE HALL
1 MEDIUM HALL
2 LARGE ROOM
3 VOCAL ROOM #1
4 VOCAL ROOM #2
LOW
5 CHORUS + REVERB
6 CHORUS + DELAY
7 STAIRWELL
DIGITAL EFFECTS
MONITOR
0
01
EFX
0
01
LEVEL
0
01
30dB
0dB
EFX OUT
FOOTSWITCH
MAIN
DSP24
BIT
5
5
EFX SEND
0
0
01
5
TAPE IN
EFX/RETURN
0
+12dB
5
5
AUX IN
0dB
0
0
01
EFX/RETURN
-12dB
121
TAPE INAUX IN MAIN OUT MONITOR OUTREC OUT
POWER
CLIP-20 -10 -7 -4 0 +6+3
MODE
MAIN
BRIDGE
ON
MAIN MAIN
OFF
MAIN
MONITOR
5
0
01
MASTER
+12dB
5
0dB
0
01
MASTER
-12dB
2
®
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.
FOR CONTINUED PROTECTION AGAINST RISK
OF FIRE, REPLACE ONLY WITH SAME TYPE FUSE
CAUTION
ATTENTION
UTILISER UN FUSIBLE DE
RECHANGE DE MÊME TYPE
WARNING
DO NOT EXPOSE THIS EQUIPMENT
TO RAIN OR MOISTURE
RISQUE DE CHOC ELECTRONIQUE
AVIS
NE PAS OUVRIR
RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK
DO NOT OPEN
Table of Contents
Introduction 2
PA324 Features 3
Controls and Functions
Front Panel Layout 4
Front Panel Controls 5–9
PA324 Input and Output Connections 10–12
Operating the PA324 13–15
System Set-ups 16–17
PA324 Wiring Guide 18
Specifications 19
Block Diagram 20
Copyright 2001, Samson Technologies Corp.
Printed June, 2001
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 your purchase of the Samson PA324 powered mixer! The PA324 is a six
channel, 300 Watt powered mixer with built-in, 24 BIT DSP effects. 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 live sound reinforcement and commercial installations, the PA324 is an ideal
mixer and power amp solution offering big sound in a compact package.
In these pages, you’ll find a detailed description of the features of the PA324 powered 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 PA324 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
PA324 Features
The Samson PA324 Powered Mixer is a comprehensive, all-in-one solution for live sound applications. Here are
some of its main features:
• Six Channel Powered Mixer.
• Built-in, 24-bit DSP with 8 Selectable Presets including Reverb, Delay and Chorus.
• Advanced circuit design, utilizing low noise operational amplifiers.
• 2 x 150 Watts, or 150 Watt Main / 150 Watt Monitor, or 300 Watts Bridged Power Operating Modes.
• Six Mic / Line Inputs with 1/4” Phone and XLR Connectors.
• Low Noise Mic Pre-amps with Phantom Power.
• 3-Band EQ on Each Channel.
* Effects and Monitor Sends on Each Channel.
• Dual 7-band Graphic Equalizer For Main / Monitor.
• Tape / CD Input.
• Durable Cabinet Covered in Tough Carpet.
• Large Rubber Feet and Corners plus Convenient Handle.
• Three-year extended warranty.
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
15
0
15 15
0
0
15 15
5
01
5
01
5
01
PAD
LINE
MIC
CHANNEL 1
HIGH
HIGH
15
15
15
0
MID
MID
15 15
0
0
LOW
LOW
15 15
5
MONITOR
MONITOR
0
0
01
5
EFX
EFX
0
0
01
5
LEVEL
LEVEL
01
0
0
30dB
30dB
PAD
0dB
0dB
LINE
MIC
CHANNEL 2
15
0
15 15
0
0
15 15
5
01
5
01
5
01
PAD
LINE
MIC
CHANNEL 3
HIGH
HIGH
15
15
15
0
MID
MID
15 15
0
0
LOW
LOW
15 15
5
MONITOR
MONITOR
0
0
01
5
EFX
EFX
0
0
01
5
LEVEL
LEVEL
01
0
0
30dB
30dB
PAD
0dB
0dB
LINE
MIC
CHANNEL 4
15
15 15
15 15
01
01
01
PAD
LINE
MIC
CHANNEL 5
HIGH
HIGH
15
0
MID
0
0
LOW
5
MONITOR
0
5
EFX
0
5
LEVEL
0
30dB
0dB
15
15 15
15 15
01
01
01
PAD
LINE
MIC
CHANNEL 6
17
SAMSON
26
5
3
15
4
0
MID
0
0
LOW
5
MONITOR
0
5
EFX
0
5
LEVEL
0
30dB
0dB
DIGITAL EFFECTS
0 LARGE HALL
1 MEDIUM HALL
2 LARGE ROOM
3 VOCAL ROOM #1
4 VOCAL ROOM #2
5 CHORUS + REVERB
6 CHORUS + DELAY
7 STAIRWELL
DIGITAL EFFECTS
01
01
01
EFX OUT
FOOTSWITCH
MONITOR / MAIN
MAIN
DSP24
BIT
5
5
EFX SEND
0
0
01
5
TAPE IN
EFX/RETURN
0
+12dB
5
5
AUX IN
0dB
01
0
0
EFX/RETURN
-12dB
121
TAPE INAUX IN MAIN OUT MONITOR OUTREC OUT
POWER
CLIP-20 -10 -7 -4 0 +6+3
MODE
MAIN
BRIDGE
ON
MAIN MAIN
OFF
MAIN
MONITOR
5
0
01
MASTER
+12dB
5
0dB
01
0
MASTER
-12dB
2
4
Controls and Functions
FRONT PANEL LAYOUT
CONFIGURES THE OUTPUT
OF THE POWER AMPS
• MAIN BRIDGED 300W X 1
• MAIN DUAL 150W X 2
MASTER CONTROL FOR THE
MODE SWITCH
AMOUNT OF SIGNAL SENT
TO THE DSP
14
• MAIN / MONITOR 150W X 2
MASTER VOLUME CONFOR MAIN/MONITOR
CHANNEL
VOLUME
MASTER VOLUME CONFOR MAIN CHANNEL
RETURN
EFFECTS RETURN CONFOR MAIN/MONITOR
CHANNEL
RETURN
VOLUME
27
28
29
EFFECTS RETURN CONFOR MAIN CHANNEL
30
CONTROLS THE OVERALL
VOLUME OF THAT CHANNEL
CONTROLS THE AMOUNT
OF SIGNAL SENT TO THE
DIGITAL EFFECTS PROCESSOR
CONTROLS THE AMOUNT
OF SIGNAL SENT TO THE
MONITOR OUT (JACK 26)
CONTROLS THE AMOUNT OF
BASS APPLIED TO THAT
CHANNEL
CONTROLS THE AMOUNT OF
MIDRANGE APPLIED TO THAT
CHANNEL
POWER LED
INDICATES STATUS OF
THE POWER SWITCH
ON / OFF
13
PHANTOM POWER
PROVIDES 48 VOLTS TO
THE XLR INPUTS FOR
POWERING CONDENSOR
MICROPHONES
12
INDICATES POWER AMP
MAXIMUM LEVEL
CLIP METER
11
MASTER LED METER
INDICATES THE AMOUNT OF
OUTPUT SIGNAL
10
PROVIDES DUAL 7-BAND
EQUALIZATION FOR THE
MAIN OR MAIN / MONITOR
GRAPHIC EQ
9
2 3 4 5 6 7 8 109 11 12 13 14
DSP24
BIT
POWER
DIGITAL EFFECTS
PA3 24
PHANTOMCLIP-20 -10 -7 -4 0 +6+3
MONITOR / MAIN
SAMSON
POWERED MIXER
26
17
3
0
4
EFFECTSEFFECTS
5
DIGITAL EFFECTS
0 LARGE HALL
1 MEDIUM HALL
MID
HIGH
15
0
0
15
CHANNEL 6CHANNEL 6
MID
HIGH
15
0
0
15
CHANNEL 5CHANNEL 5
MID
HIGH
15
0
0
15
CHANNEL 4CHANNEL 4
MID
HIGH
15
0
0
15
CHANNEL 3CHANNEL 3
MID
HIGH
15
0
0
15
CHANNEL 2CHANNEL 2
MID
HIGH
15
0
0
15
CHANNEL 1CHANNEL 1
MAIN
MONITOR
MODE
MAIN
MAIN MAIN
BRIDGE
ON
OFF
MAIN
2 LARGE ROOM
3 VOCAL ROOM #1
4 VOCAL ROOM #2
5 CHORUS + REVERB
6 CHORUS + DELAY
LOW
0
0
15 15
LOW
0
0
15 15
LOW
0
0
15 15
LOW
0
0
15 15
LOW
0
0
15 15
LOW
0
0
15 15
+12dB
MONITOR / MAINMONITOR / MAIN
+12dB
EFX
7 STAIRWELL
15 15
15 15
15 15
15 15
15 15
15 15
5
5
EFX SEND
5
MONITOR
5
MONITOR
5
MONITOR
5
MONITOR
5
MONITOR
5
MONITOR
5
10
MASTER
0
-12dB
63Hz 160Hz 400Hz 1KHz 2.5KHz 6.4KHz 16KHz
0dB 0dB
-12dB
10
RETURN
0
10
TAPE IN
5
0
EFX
10
5
0
EFX
10
5
0
EFX
10
5
0
EFX
10
5
0
EFX
10
5
0
EFX
10
5
0
MAINMAIN
+12dB
10
5
MASTER
0
-12dB
1
2
1
2
TAPE I NAUX IN MAIN OUT MONITOR OUTREC OUT
AUX IN CONTROL
CONTROLS THE AMOUNT
20
22
EFFECTS OUTPUT JACK FOR
EFX OUT
19
63Hz 160Hz 400Hz 1KHz 2.5KHz 6.4KHz 16KHz
0dB 0dB
-12dB
+12dB
10
5
RETURN
0
EFX
10
10
AUX IN
5
0
0
LEVEL
10
10
OUT
5
0
0
LEVEL
10
10
OUT
5
0
0
LEVEL
10
10
OUT
5
0
0
LEVEL
10
10
OUT
5
0
0
LEVEL
10
10
OUT
5
0
0
LEVEL
10
10
OUT
5
0
0
EFX OUT
FOOTSWITCH
MIC
LINE
IN
MIC
LINE
IN
MIC
LINE
IN
MIC
LINE
IN
MIC
LINE
IN
PAD PAD PAD PAD PAD
MIC
LINE
IN
PAD
EFFECTSEFFECTS
CHANNEL 6
CHANNEL 5
CHANNEL 4
CHANNEL 3
CHANNEL 2
CHANNEL 1
17 20 2118 19 26252423
15 16
SWITCHES THE EFFECTS
FOOTSWITCH
18
INPUT ATTENUATION SWITCH
PAD
17
INPUT FOR LINE LEVEL
LINE INPUT
16
MONITOR OUT
MONITOR SIGNAL
OF SIGNAL IN FROM AN
EXTERNAL AUDIO SOURCE
OUTPUT CONNECTOR
26
MAIN OUT
MIXER PREAMP SIGNAL
CONNECTING AN EXTERNAL
EFFECTS PROCESSOR
OUTPUT CONNECTOR
25
REC OUT
OUTPUT USED TO SEND
MAIN MIX TO AN EXTERNAL
ON OR OFF
RECORDER
24
USED TO CONNECT INPUT
FROM A TAPE DECK / CD / MD
TAPE IN
23
INPUT FOR MIXING
EXTERNAL SIGNALS
AUX I N
SIGNALS
22
CONTROLS THE AMOUNT OF
TREBLE APPLIED TO THAT
CHANNEL
SELECTS ONE OF THE EIGHT
DIGITAL EFFECTS
8
DIGITAL EFFECTS PRESETS
AVAILABLE
1
INPUT CONNECTOR FOR
LOW IMPEDANCE
BALANCED MICROPHONE
INPUT
XLR INPUT
15
CONTROLS THE AMOUNT OF
VOLUME FROM AN EXTERNAL
TAPE SOURCE
TAPE IN CONTROL
21
5
Controls and Functions
INPUT CHANNEL SECTION
The following section details each part of the PA324’s INPUT CHANNELS
including the 3-BAND EQ, the MONITOR and EXF sends, PAD and LEVEL
controls.
Channel Equalizer (HIGH MID LOW)
The PA324 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
Monitor Send (MONITOR)
Each of the PA324’s channels include a MONITOR send which controls
the amount of that channel’s signal that is sent to the MONITOR bus.
The Input channel’s MONITOR sends are mixed together and are sent to
the speakers connected to the POWER AMP 2 A/B jacks if the POWER
AMP select switch is set to MAIN+MONITOR.
Effects Send (EFX)
The PA324 provides high quality, 24 Bit digital effects, and the level of effects can be set independently on
each channel. The channel’s EFX (Effects) knob controls the amount of signal that is sent to the EFX bus.
The signal of the EFX bus is routed to the DSP EFX section for onboard signal processing. The EFX signal can also be sent to an external effect device connected to the EFX OUT jacks located on the front
panel.
NOTE: The channel’s EFX signal is sent to the EFX bus from a location in the signal path after
the LEVEL
control (4). This is commonly referred as a POST FADER send. This means that the amount of signal
that is sent to the EFFECT bus will be affected not only by the setting of the EFX knob control, but it will
also be affected by the setting of the LEVEL control.
Level Control (LEVEL)
The LEVEL control adjusts the output volume of each channel.
Pad Switch (PAD)
The PAD switch attenuates the input signal by 30dB. When connecting a hot signal such as a line level
device to channels 1-6, or if the mic input is distorted, turn this switch on (the pressed-in position) and
readjust the LEVEL control.
1
2
3
4
5
1
2
3
4
5
FRONT PANEL CONTROLS
CHANNEL 1CHANNEL 1
0
15
0
15 15
0
0
15 15
5
MONITOR
0
5
0
5
0
OUT
IN
PAD
HIGH
15
LOW
10
10
LEVEL
10
MID
EFX
Loading...