Samson SD8 Owner's Manual

Contents

Samson SD8 Owner's Manual Manual pdf 16 page image

13You’re now ready to establish the correct gain structure—the key to getting thebest performance from the SD8, or from any mixer, for that matter. This is asimple procedure that ensures optimum input and output levels so that nounnecessary noise (caused by too low a signal) or overload distortion (caused bytoo high a signal) is created. Here’s a step-by-step description of how to do so:a. With all connections made (as described above) but with the power off, startby setting all channel Level controls fully counterclockwise (to their “∞” position),and then set the Main Level knob to its “0” position.b. Set all channel input Trim knobs to their fully counterclockwise (-6) position.c. Set all channel equalizer knobs to their center detent “0” positions and set theten-band graphic master equalizer completely flat (all sliders at their centerdetent “0” positions).d. Set all channel Aux 1 / Monitor send knobs and the main section Aux returnLevel knob to their fully counterclockwise (“∞”) position. Set all channelDSP / Aux 2 knobs to their center detented 12 o’clock position and set the mainsection DSP Mix Level knob to its fully counterclockwise (“∞”) position.e. Turn on all devices connected to channel line inputs and Aux returns and settheir level controls to unity gain or, if there is no unity gain indicated on theiroutput control, to maximum. If you’ve got outboard effects processors connectedto the Aux returns, make sure they are sending completely “wet” (processed)signal, with no “dry” (unprocessed) signal mixed in.f. If condenser microphones are connected to the SD8, turn on the Phantomswitch.* Finally, turn on the SD8’s main power.g. Play an instrument connected to one of the SD8’s line inputs** and, whiledoing so, raise the corresponding channel Level control to the “0” position. Youshould see the segment meter begin to move—adjust the input Trim control forthat channel so that the “0” segment lights frequently and the “+3” segment lightsonly occasionally. The Peak LED for that channel should not flash at even thehighest level input signals. If the incoming signal seems too hot even with theinput channel Trim all the way at its minimum (-6) setting, you may need to lowerthe output level of the instrument, though this will rarely occur. Conversely, if thesignal is too low even with the input channel trim all the way up, something’sdefinitely wrong: in all likelihood, the connecting audio cable is faulty.h. Once you’ve set the optimum level in step (g) above, continue playing theinstrument and slowly raise the main Level knob until you reach the desiredlistening level.i. Repeat step (g) above for each instrument connected to the SD8 channel lineinputs.* CAUTION: Before turning phantom power on, be sure to verify that allconnected mic(s) and/or active DI boxes require 48 volts. Also, disconnect allother signal sources (such as passive DI boxes) from the XLR mic jacks.** If you’re using an instrument such as electric guitar or bass, connect it to theSD8 with a direct injection box to ensure correct impedance.Setting the Correct Gain Structure