Instruction/ maintenance manual of the product MPL 1640 Samson
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Introduction 1 MPL 1640 Features 1 Guided T our 3 Overview 3 Channel 4 Main Section 6 Rear Panel 8 Connecting the MPL 1640 10 Balanced connectors 10 Unbalanced connectors 10 Mic connectors 10 Insert c.
Introduction Congratulations on purchasing the Samson MPL 1640 mixer! In this manual, we’ll take you on a guided tour through all the features of this powerful and flexi- ble device, and we’ll tell you how to get the most out of the MPL 1640 in your particular environment.
Introduction • 3 auxiliary sends and 3 stereo auxiliary returns (which can be used as 6 monophonic returns). Auxiliary return balance controls allow you to adjust the relative levels of the left and right inputs for each return.
Guided T our - Over view The following illustration shows an overview of the front panel of the MPL 1640: 3 +4 -50 INPUT TRIM 0 -10 -15 +15 HIGH 0 -12 +12 MID 0 -15 +15 LOW 0 +10 AUX 1 0 −∞ +10 AU.
Guided T our - Channel Let ’ s start our guided tour by examining the various controls provided by each channel: 1: Input Trim (black) - This knob determines the input level of the connected mic or line signal. Continuously adjustable from +4 dB to -50 dB, the input trim is at unity gain (no boost or cut) when set to the 0 position.
Guided T our - Channel 6: Bus switch (gray) - When up, the channel ’ s signal is routed to the Main L/R faders (as described on page 7) and then on to the MPL 1640 Main Mix output jacks (as described on page 8).
Guided T our - Main Section 1: Meter - This seven-segment bar meter shows the continuous output level of the Main L/R stereo output. For optimum signal-to-noise ratio, try to adjust all levels so that program material is usually at or around 0 VU, with occasional but not steady excursions to the red +3 or +6 segments.
Guided T our - Main Section 6: Headphones control (black) - This knob sets the level of the signal sent to the headphone jack (see #7 below). WARNING: To avoid possible damage to connected headphones .
Guided T our - Rear P anel 1: Phantom switch - When this switch is turned on, the MPL 1640 delivers 48 volts of phantom power to pins 2 and 3 of all XLR microphone connectors (channels 1 - 10). WARNING: Only turn this on or off with the MPL 1640 powered down.
Guided T our - Rear P anel 8: Bus Insert - Use these to insert an external in-line effects processor (such as out- board equalizer, compressor/limiter or noise gate) into the Bus 3/4 output in an “ effects loop ” configuration. These jacks accept 1/4" TRS plugs, with the ring carrying the send signal and the tip carrying the return signal.
Connecting The MPL 1640 The actual connections you ’ ll make to and from the MPL 1640 will vary accord- ing to the environment you use it in and the particular equipment you have. In the “ Applications ” sections at the conclusion of this manual (pages 24 - 27), you ’ ll find some suggested setups.
• In addition to the sixteen monophonic input channels, there are three “ hid- den ” (or at least not so obvious) stereo inputs to the MPL 1640; these are the Auxiliary returns.* Use these whenever you want to bring in a stereo signal that will not need to be equalized.
12 Setting up your MPL 1640 is a simple procedure which takes only a few minutes: 1. Remove all packing materials (save them in case of need for future service) and decide where the unit is to be physically placed — it can be used on a tabletop or mounted in any standard 19 ” rack, requiring 8 rack spaces.
13 Setting Up and Using the MPL 1640 f. If any condenser microphones are connected to the MPL 1640, turn on the Phantom switch.* Then turn on the MPL 1640 — the Power LED in the meter section will light up.
14 Setting Up and Using the MPL 1640 l. The gain structure is now correctly set — you ’ ve optimized the level of all sig- nals coming into and out of the MPL 1640, and the end result will be mini- mum noise and distortion and maximum clean sound.
Grounding T echniques Hum and buzz are the biggest enemies you face when interconnecting a large number of different pieces of equipment to a central audio mixer.
Grounding T echniques If you ’ re using the MPL 1640 in a fixed location such as a recording studio, you may want to invest the time and money into creating a star ground network .
Using Bus 3/4 In addition to the Main Mix stereo output, the MPL 1640 provides two indepen- dent bus outputs (Bus 3/4).* A “ bus ” is simply a pathway through which a signal can be routed.
18 Using P an The final Main output of the MPL 1640 is stereo — that is, there are two discrete Main Mix output jacks, labeled “ left ” and “ right, ” which will normally route signal (via a power amplifier) to two discrete speakers.
19 Using Equalization One of the most exciting aspects to using a mixer such as the MPL 1640 is hav- ing the ability to shape a sound, using a process called equalization . But there are few areas of sound engineering more misunderstood than equalization, and, just as good EQ can really help a sound, bad EQ can really hurt it, so read on.
20 Using the Auxiliar y Sends and Retur ns The MPL 1640 ’ s system of Auxiliary sends allow you to combine the signal from multiple channels and send the resulting mix to external devices such as effects processors. When an Aux send knob is at the “ 0 ” position, the signal is routed with unity gain (that is, no boost or attenuation).
21 Using Channel Inser ts In addition to using Auxiliary sends and returns to access outboard devices, the MPL 1640 also provides channel inserts for input channels 1 - 12 as well as for the Main Mix and Bus 3/4 outputs.
22 Using PFL Solo The MPL 1640 provides PFL (Pre-Fade Listen) solo switches for each of its six- teen input channels. The main function of PFL is to allow you to check that a signal is actually arriving at a particular input.
Changing the MPL 1640 from Rack-mount to T abletop The diagrams below show the steps required to convert the MPL 1640 from rack-mount to tabletop usage or vice-versa. CAUTION: These servicing instructions are for use by qualified personnel only. Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel.
24 Applications Here are four suggested applications for the MPL 1640; bear in mind that your particular circumstance may dictate changes in these suggested signal connections and routings.
25 Applications Application 2 - Using the MPL 1640 as an onstage monitor mixer Here, the MPL 1640 is receiving signal into its line inputs from the direct channel outputs of a main live mixer. Its Main Mix output is connected to an amplifier and onstage monitors, and the Main Mix inserts are connected to a graphic equalizer.
26 Applications Application 3 - Using the MPL 1640 as a ke yboard submixer Here, various keyboards and MIDI tone generators are connected to various line inputs of the MPL 1640. Signal proces- sors are connected to Aux sends and returns and to channel inserts as required.
27 Applications Application 4 - Using the MPL 1640 as a recording mixer You can also use the MPL 1640 as a recording mixer when making simple recordings (for example, when recording a rehearsal or practice session direct to open-reel two-track, cassette, or DAT recorder).
Appendix A: Changing the MPL 1640 V oltage 28 Note that the fuse sled carries two fuses — one for 115 volt operation (actually 105 - 120 volts) and another for 230 volt operation (actually 220 - 240 volts). The position of the two fuses in the sled as well as the fuse ratings must be maintained for adequate protection.
Appendix B: Block Diagram 29 PHANTOM POWER MIC INPUT LINE INPUT 3 - BAND EQUALIZER LOW MID HIGH INSERT 1 2 3 PAN CH FADER CLIP LED AUX 3 AUX 2 AUX 1 BUS SELECTOR SW RLY LEVEL BALANCE R L L R R L L OUT.
Specifications Normal Limit Frequency Response Mic/Line to Main ± 1 dB 10 Hz - 45 kHz 20 Hz - 20 kHz (Trim @ min, output @ 0 dB, In/Out fader @ center position) Aux Return to Main ± 1 dB 11 Hz - 26 .
31 Specifications Maximum Input Level (±3 dB) Ch Input Mic +14 dB Ch Input Line +24 dB Channel fader range +15 dB to -80 dB Aux send gain range +10 dB to -75 dB Input Channel Equalization (± 2 dB) High (10 kHz) ± 15 dB Mid (800 Hz) ± 12 dB Low (80 Hz) ± 15 dB Dimensions (W x D x H) 482 x 373 x 112 mm 19 x 14.
Produced by On The Right Wavelength for Samson Technologies Corp. Copyright 1994, Samson Technologies Corp. Printed August 1994 Samson Technologies Corp.
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If you have not bought Samson MPL 1640 yet, this is a good time to familiarize yourself with the basic data on the product. First of all view first pages of the manual, you can find above. You should find there the most important technical data Samson MPL 1640 - thus you can check whether the hardware meets your expectations. When delving into next pages of the user manual, Samson MPL 1640 you will learn all the available features of the product, as well as information on its operation. The information that you get Samson MPL 1640 will certainly help you make a decision on the purchase.
If you already are a holder of Samson MPL 1640, but have not read the manual yet, you should do it for the reasons described above. You will learn then if you properly used the available features, and whether you have not made any mistakes, which can shorten the lifetime Samson MPL 1640.
However, one of the most important roles played by the user manual is to help in solving problems with Samson MPL 1640. Almost always you will find there Troubleshooting, which are the most frequently occurring failures and malfunctions of the device Samson MPL 1640 along with tips on how to solve them. Even if you fail to solve the problem, the manual will show you a further procedure – contact to the customer service center or the nearest service center
