
Safety Instructions/Consignes de sécurité/Sicherheitsvorkehrungen/Instrucciones de seguridad
Sie dieses Gerät weder Regen noch Feuchtigkeit aussetzen.Um die Gefahr eines
Stromschlags zu verringern, sollten Sie weder Deckel noch Rückwand des Geräts ent-
fernen. Im Innern befinden sich keine Teile, die vom Anwender gewartet werden kön-
nen. Überlassen Sie die Wartung
qualifiziertem Fachpersonal.
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 Wartungsan leitungen aufmerksam machen, die im mit-
gelieferten Informationsmaterial näher beschrieben werden.
Wichtige Sicherheitsvorkehrungen
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
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
es nicht geknickt werden kann. Achten Sie hierbei besonders auf Netzstecker,
Mehrfachsteckdosen und den Kabelanschluss am Gerät.
wendig, wenn das Gerät auf irgendeine Weise, beispielsweise am Kabel oder
gelangt sind, es Regen oder Feuchtigkeit ausgesetzt war, nicht mehr wie gewohnt
betrieben werden kann oder fallen gelassen wurde.
: 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.
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
in the literature accompanying the product.
Important Safety Instructions
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 manu-
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 polar-
ized 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 electri-
cian for replacement of the obsolete outlet.
convenience receptacles and at the point at which they exit from the unit.
by the manufacturer, or sold with the apparatus. When cart is
tion to avoid injury from tip-over.
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
: 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
pueden ser de la magnitud suficiente como para constituir un riesgo de descarga eléc-
trica 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
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 acu-
erdo a las instrucciones del fabricante.
8. No instale este aparato cerca de fuentes de calor como radiadores, calentadores,
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.
o aplastado, especialmente en los enchufes, receptáculos y en el punto en el que
no lo vaya a usar durante un periodo de tiempo largo.
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 intro-
ducido algún objeto dentro de la unidad, si esta ha quedado expuesta a la lluvia o
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 rem-
plaçable par l'utilisateur. Confiez toutes les réparations à un personnel qualifié.
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
Consignes de sécurité importantes
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.
8. Ne pas installer près d’une source de chaleur (radiateurs, etc.) ou de tout équi-
pement susceptible de générer de la chaleur (amplificateurs de puissance par
9. Ne pas retirer la terre du cordon secteur ou de la prise murale. Les fiches cana-
diennes avec polarisation (avec une lame plus large) ne doivent pas être modi-
fiées. Si votre prise murale ne correspond pas au modèle fourni, consultez votre
tension, torsion,, etc.). Veillez à ce que le cordon secteur soit libre, en particulier à
d’inutilisation prolongées.
mage sur le cordon secteur, baisse de performances, exposition à la pluie, pro-
jection liquide dans l’appareil, introduction d’un objet dans le boîtier, etc.).

Congratulations on purchasing the Samson Servo 120a Power Amplifier! Although designed for easy operation,
we suggest you first take some time to go through these pages so you can fully understand how we’ve imple-
The Servo 120a is a single rack-space stereo power amplifier which is optimized for use in both professional and
channel input level controls, ten-segment LED meters, a Protection LED, and a convenient headphone jack and
speaker on/off switch for private cue monitoring. Suggested applications for the Servo120 include:
Amplification for nearfield monitors or cue headphones in both professional and project studios
superb audio specs and whisper-quiet performance (its convection cooling design means there is no fan),
along with its unique front-panel speaker on-off switch and dedicated headphone jack, make the Servo
The power and flexibility offered by the Servo 120a (it can be used either as a
60 watt stereo amplifier, or, in bridge mode, as a 120 watt monophonic amp) makes it the perfect addition
to any home theatre, in conjunction with any DVD player or other surround sound system. For example, use
As an extension to a home hi-fi system
- The Servo 120a boasts professional specs which far exceed that
of most consumer products. For a real “studio” experience in your own home, try connecting your home
then connect your existing speakers to the Servo 120a’s outputs. If you fall in love with the sound (as we’re
sure you will), you might want to substitute a professional pre-amplifier for your existing hi-fi amp—and,
from there, you may well end up graduating to higher-level speakers. High quality sound is addicting—
don’t say we didn’t warn you!
- The Servo 120a can be used to effectively
drive PA speakers in installations such as classrooms and corporate conference rooms.
- In small and medium-sized onstage areas (such as in clubs, lounges, etc.), the Servo
- Taking only a single rack space, MIDI musicians can easily incorporate the Servo
typically output by devices such as synthesizers, samplers, and digital audio workstations.
well as a guided tour through its front and rear panels, step-by-step instructions for its setup and use, reference
appendices, 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.
SPECIAL NOTE: Should your unit ever require servicing, a
sary. Without this number, the unit will not be accepted. Please call Samson at 1-800-372-6766 for a Return
Authorization number prior to shipping your unit. Please retain the original packing materials and, if possible,

The Samson Servo 120a Power Amplifier utilizes the latest technology in professional power amplifier design.
• Power to spare - Each channel delivers 60 watts of power into 4 ohms (or, in Bridge mode, 120 watts into 8
• Clean, crisp sound - Impressive audio specifications such as .01% THD, S/N of 105 dB, crosstalk of 75 dB,
and frequency response of 3 Hz to 65 kHz guarantee ultra-clean sound quality in any live or recording envi-
• Independent input level controls for each channel with 41-position detents.
• Ten-segment LED meters for each channel continuously display power output levels and allow you to cor-
• Front-panel Protection LED shows you at a glance overheating or faulty wiring conditions.
• Innovative front-panel Speaker on/off switch and dedicated headphone jack enables private cue monitor-
• Both electronically balanced 1/4" TRS and unbalanced RCA-type input connector jacks are provided along
5-way binding post output connectors
• Convection cooling (no fan) makes for whisper-quiet operation even in critical listening environments such
• Unique bipolar circuit design that continuously keeps DC output during idling at or near 0 volts (thus keep-
the Servo 120a from applying power when unnecessary.
• Protection relay circuitry (linked to the DC offset circuitry) that prevents “thumps” when powering on or
off. This means that you can use the Servo 120a with a single power strip into which a mixer or other audio
devices are connected, without danger of damage to connected speakers.
• Toroidal transformer power supply.
• Rugged construction (an all-steel chassis with a titanium finish and a lightweight anodized aluminum heat
sink) makes the Servo 120a eminently roadworthy.
• Flexible design allows the Servo 120a to be used free-standing or, with the use of included rack ears,
• Last but certainly not least, value. The Samson Servo 120a has been designed from the ground up to deliver
excellent yet affordable sound quality.

- These 41-position detented knobs allow you to adjust the input level of the
signal arriving at the rear-panel input jacks (see #4 and #5 on the following page). At their fully counterclock-
wise position, the signal is attenuated by 70 dB (essentially completely off). At their fully clockwise position, the
signal is at unity gain (that is, no attenuation). When +4 dBu of signal arrives at the input jacks and the Channel
These ten-segment LED meters continuously monitor the power output level for the corre-
sponding channel. For example, when the -8dB segment is lit, the amplifier is operating at 20% of it's maximum
output signal For the best signal-to-noise ratio, the PEAK segment should light occasionally during maximum
amplifier now delivers too low an output level for your application, consider using Bridge mode (see the “Bridge
Connect any standard stereo headphones to this jack (via a standard 1/4" TRS plug) for
the Speaker on/off switch (see #7 below) so that it is out (in its “up” position)—the Speaker on/off LED will go off.
The built-in Servo 120a headphone amplifier delivers 400 mW into 100 ohms.
- Lit whenever the Servo 120a is powered on.
- Use this to power the Servo120 on or off.
- Lights when the Speaker on/off switch (see #6 above) is pressed in and the Servo 120a
- When pressed in (the normal position), the Servo 120a delivers signal to its rear
- Lit when there is signal present at the Servo 120a's input.
- When illuminated, the Servo 120a is in protection mode and the outputs temporarily shut off.
- Lit whenever the Servo 120a is producing a clipped output signal.

- Connect the supplied standard 3-pin “IEC” plug here.
- Insert a 2.5 amp, SLO-BLO 125 volt fuse here for 115 volt operation, or a 1.5 amp, SLO-BLO 250
volt fuse for 230 volt operation.
3: 5-way Binding Post Output Connectors
- Use these to connect each channel of the Servo 120a to loud-
speakers. Be sure to connect the loudspeaker correctly, with the red (+) terminal normally connected to the
speaker. See the “Bridge Mode” section on page 10 in this manual for speaker connection instructions when
- Connect incoming signal to these electronically balanced 1/4" TRS (Tip/Ring/Sleeve)
jacks, wired as follows: Tip hot, Ring cold, and Sleeve ground. Use balanced three-conductor cabling and TRS
jack only (see page 10 in this manual for more information). The Servo 120a accepts input levels of any strength
- Connect incoming signal to these unbalanced RCA-type jacks. Stereo signals should
strength but needs at least -10 dBv to achieve maximum power.
- For normal operation, place this switch at its right (“STEREO”) position. When placed at its
watt power into a single output. For more information, see the “Bridge Mode” section on page 10 in this manu-
to use only 8 ohm loudspeakers sufficiently rated to handle the resultant wattage.
* If required, both the balanced and unbalanced inputs can be used simultaneously.

Setting up your Servo 120a is a simple procedure which takes only a few minutes:
where the amplifier is to be physically placed—it can be used free-standing or mounted in a
standard 19" rack, requiring only one rack space. When installed, make sure that there is good
ventilation around the entire unit (we recommend using spacer panels, especially if multiple
amplifiers are used in a rack. Before rack-mounting, use a Philips screwdriver to remove the
2. Set the rear panel Bridge switch as desired (see page 10 in this manual).
3. Make the speaker connections, using the 5-way binding post output connectors on the rear
ers. In normal operation, any loudspeakers with a minimum impedance load of 4 ohms (that
terminal connected to the positive input of the speaker and the black (ground) terminal con-
tions when using the Servo 120a in Bridge mode.
4. Next, make the signal input connections, using the electronically balanced 1/4" and/or the
conductor plugs can also be inserted into these inputs, but you’ll get better signal quality and
5. On the front panel of the Servo 120a, turn both Channel input controls fully counterclock-
wise. Then connect the supplied 3-pin “IEC” cable to the rear panel IEC connector and to any
grounded AC socket. Because of the relay protection circuitry built into the Servo 120a, you
can even plug it into the same power strip that other audio devices (such as a mixing console)
are connected to. You can then turn on all devices at once with the single power strip on-off
switch, with no danger of damaging connected speakers by generating “thumps.”
6. Press the front panel Speaker on/off switch (so that it is in, in its “down” position) and then
and the Protection LED will go on. After approximately five seconds, the Protection LED will
go off and the Speaker LED (in the Speaker on/off switch) will light instead (you’ll hear a click
drive the output meters at approximately 0 vu). While the input signal is present, slowly raise
the Channel Input controls until the desired sound level is achieved. The ten-segment LED
Servo 120a as signal is being passed. For the best signal-to-noise ratio, the Servo 120a should
dB / 100%) segment should light occasionally (but not frequently) during peak levels. If you
are using a mixer that has a master output level control (sometimes called “Control Room
8. You can monitor the output signal in privacy by connecting a pair of headphones to the
front panel headphone jack and pressing the Speaker on/off switch so that it is out (in its “up”
WARNING: Because the Servo 120a is capable of generating extremely high headphone
signal levels, always start with the Channel Input knobs turned down and then slowly
Samson Technical Support (1-800-372-6766) between 9 AM and 5 PM EST.

The Servo 120a Protection Circuitry
As noted in the “Guided Tour” section of this manual, the Servo 120a's front panel
the Protection LED is lit, this circuitry is inactive, and all connected speakers are muted
The following conditions will cause the Protection LED to go on:
For approximately five seconds after initial power-up, the relay
speaker connection circuitry is deactivated and the speaker output is muted. If every-
thing is operating normally, you will hear an audible click at the conclusion of this
to connected speakers (at which point the Speaker LED will light if the Speaker on/off
switch is in its “in” position). It is normal for the Protection LED to fade gradually after
the amplifier is powered off.
A temperature sensing device in the Servo 120a will cause the relay
speaker connection circuitry to be activated (and the Protection LED to go on) when-
ever the operating temperature of the unit rises above a safe level. To guard against
this problem, make sure the Servo 120a receives adequate ventilation on all sides
want to consider the use of cooling fans.
Severe overcurrent conditions:
This occurs whenever the signal being output
from the Servo 120a rises to a level above 20% THD (Total Harmonic Distortion).
This will occur if, due to faulty wiring, the hot and ground
signals being output by the Servo 120a short to one another.
Output impedance drops below 2 ohms:
This can occur if the Servo 120a is con-
DC voltage detected at speaker output:
The most likely cause of this is an internal
five seconds following initial power-up), there is reason to be concerned. If this
occurs, turn the Servo 120a off immediately and carefully check all wiring and external
devices in order to locate and correct the condition that caused the LED to light up in
WARNING: If the Protection LED fails to go out (and you fail to hear the accom-
Servo 120a off immediately and check all external devices and wiring for pos-
sible shorts or other defects.

The Servo 120a provides a rear-panel switch that allows it to be used in a
functions as a true stereo amplifier, where both of the two independent amplifier
channels (left and right) can receive different input signals and produce independent
output signals. However, when the switch is placed in the “LEFT” (Bridge) position,
The illustration on the left shows how this works. In bridge mode, the polarity
thus doubled so that the power output is doubled.
When using the Servo 120a in Bridge mode, be sure to connect each loudspeaker as
shown in the illustration below (and as silkscreened on the rear panel), with the red (+)
terminal of the left channel connected to the positive input of the speaker and the red
WARNING: Bridge mode is to be used only when the Servo 120a is connected to
an 8 ohm speaker load. Use of Bridge mode with speaker loads of 4 ohms or less
can result in severe damage to the unit due to excessive heat and current and
INPUT
LEFT(+)
OUTPUT
RIGHT(+)
OUTPUT

4 ohm, .<0.05% THD+N 60 W
8 ohm, .<0.05% THD+N 120 W
Typical Distortion, per channel
THD+N (80 kHz LPF @ 1 kHz, rated output power) .01%
IMD (SMPTE 4:1, 60 Hz & 7 kHz @ rated output power) .03%
(22 Hz - 22 kHz bandwidth @ dB below rated output power) 105 dB
10 Hz - 20 kHz +0, -0.5 dB
3 Hz - 65 kHz, +0, -3.0 dB
-10dBv on the RCA inputs,
+4 dBu on the 1/4" inputs to achieve rated power.
(Level control set to maximum)
Crosstalk (adjacent channels)
± 50 mV, DC Servo Controlled
400 mW (into 100 Ω @ 1% THD+N)
17.5 in (w) x 11.5 (d) x 1.75 (h)
444 mm (w) x 292 (d) x 44 (h)