StudioDock 3i - Hi-fi system SAMSON - Free user manual and instructions

USER MANUAL StudioDock 3i SAMSON

CAUTION This lightning flash with arrowhead symbol, within an equilateral triangle, is intended to alert the user to the presence of uninsulated “dangerous voltage” within the product’s enclosure that may be of sufficient magni- tude to constitute a risk of electric shock to persons.

Warning: To reduce the risk of

electric shock, do not remove cover (or back). No user- serviceable parts inside. For service, refer to qualified service personnel. 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 appliance. Read these instructions. Keep these instructions. Heed all warnings. Follow all instructions. Do not use this apparatus near water. Clean only with dry cloth. Do not block any ventilation openings. Install in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions. Do not install near any heat sources such as radiators, heat registers, stoves, or other apparatus (including amplifiers) that produce heat. 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 the third prong are provided for your safety. If the provided plug does not fit into your outlet, consult an electrician for replacement of the obsolete outlet. Protect the power cord from being walked on or pinched particularly at the plugs, convenience recep- tacles, and at the point where they exit from the apparatus. Only use attachments/accessories specified by the manufacturer. Use only with the cart, stand, tripod, bracket, or table specified by the manu- facturer, or sold with the apparatus. When a cart is used, use caution when moving the cart/apparatus combination to avoid injury from tip-over. Unplug the apparatus during lightening, sort or when unused for long periods of time. Refer all servicing to qualified personnel. Service is required when the apparatus has been damaged in any way, such as power supply cord or plug is damaged, liquid has been spilled or objects have fallen into the apparatus has been exposed to rain or moisture, does not operate normally, or has been dropped. This appliance shall not be exposed to dripping or splashing water and that no object filled with liquid such as vases shall be placed on the apparatus. Caution-to prevent electrical shock, match wide blade plug wide slot fully insert. Please keep a good ventilation environment around the entire unit.

• Two-way, active studio reference monitor with ported tuned enclosure providing extremely accurate monitoring for recording studio, post-production, video gaming and multi-media applications.

• Integrated iPod dock for direct music playback, charging and iTunes syncing.

• Onboard high quality D-to-A (digital-to-analog) converters and USB interface for digital audio playback.

• For tight and controlled low frequency response, the StudioDock Series employ custom designed, inverted cone, copolymer woofers with santoprene surrounds. The StudioDock 3i features an 3-inch woofer and the StudioDock 4i features a 4-inch woofer.

• The StudioDock’s 25mm silk dome high frequency driver is set in a custom designed wave guide producing a high frequency response that’s accurate and natural.

• Convenient front panel, "pop-out" volume control allows you to easily set the level and then lock it in place.

• You can connect a second stereo input from a MP3 player, keyboard, sound card or any other stereo line level signal to the StudioDock 3i and 4i’s front panel 3.5 mm stereo Aux Input jack.

• If you need to listen to your mix on headphones, simply plug in to the front panel 3.5 mm Headphones output jack. The speakers automatically turn off when you plug into the Headphone output.

• Stereo Class A/B internal power amplifier.

• Passive crossovers utilizing a multi-pole design for linear response from bottom to top.

• Convenient RCA inputs accept standard -10 dBV line level input.

• A/V shielded for multimedia applications providing clean operation near computer monitors.

• 2 meter, 20-gauge speaker cable for Left-side Extension monitor included.

• Solid MDF (Medium Density Fiberboard) construction, provides maximum SPL.

• Precision tuned rear vented enclosure, attractively finished in black satin vinyl covering.

• Three-year extended warranty. ENGLISH3 StudioDock 3i and 4i Layout

1. Silk Dome Tweeter - Smooth high

frequency response produced from a 1-inch silk dome tweeter.

2. TUNED PORT (rear)

- Quiet port design offering extended low frequency response.

3. Low Frequency Driver

- Heavy duty 3" on the StudioDock 3i, and 4" on the StudioDock 4i, extended range low frequency transducer.

4. POWER LED (active)

- Blue LED illuminates indicating the unit is powered on, ready for operation.

5. VOLUME control (Right Side Only) -

Controls the overall amount of output level for both speakers.

– 3.5mm stereo input jack for connecting a second line level signal source.

– 3.5mm stereo output jack for connecting headphones. The monitors automatically mute when the headphone is connected.

– Rigid and tight MDF construction for maximum output with beautifully appointed trim rings and sleek black textured vinyl finish. Front View Layout ENGLISH4

1. RCA INPUT – Used to connect signals

from unbalanced, –10dBV devices. The Red connector is the for Right input and the White is for the Left input.

– Connect the supplied USB cable to this rear panel USB "B" connector.

3. LEFT SPEAKER OUTPUT

– Push Terminals for connecting the Left- side Extension Speaker.

– Main power switch. When set to the ON position, the front panel blue LED illuminates indicating the StudioDock 3i and 4i is powered up and ready for operation.

- Connect the supplied IEC power cable here.

6. VOLTAGE SELECTION SWITCH -

This switch is used to select the amplifiers operating voltage. NOTE: If you are changing the position of this switch, be sure it is set to the correct voltage for your country. StudioDock 3i and 4i Layout StudioDock 3i and 4i Rear Panel Layout

3i and 4i Rear Panel Layout (left speaker) A. TERMINAL CUP – Push Terminals for connecting the Left-side Extension Speaker to the Active (Right-side) speaker.

- Quiet port design offering linear extended low frequency response. ENGLISH5 StudioDock 3i and 4i Quick Start StudioDock 3i and 4i Quick Start - iPod Playback Your StudioDock system has many sophisticated features, but if you just want to play- back music from your iPod, you can follow the simple steps below to get started.

• Unpack the StudioDock system components and included cables. Be sure to save the packaging in case you ever move or need to send the units for service.

• Set the Studiodock monitors in place near your computer or multi media center. The active speaker (the one with the front panel volume knob and jacks) is the right side speaker and the passive speaker (no knobs and jacks) is the left speaker.

• Locate the included speaker wire and make the connection from the active speaker to the passive speaker. Be sure to check the color code on the wire to insure the proper phase (polarity). For more information, see the sections " StudioDock 3i and 4i Connections" on page 8 and "StudioDock 3i and 4i Wiring Guide" on page 15 in this manu- al.

• Check that the rear panel POWER switch is set to the off position. Then, plug the supplied power cable into the rear panel inlet, but don’t turn the unit on just yet.

• If your iPod came with a dock adapter (most do) install it into the iPod dock on top of the active speaker.

• Next, install your iPod into the StudioDock. Be sure the iPod is seated all the way in and that it's making a good connection in the dock.

• Now power on your StudioDock system using the rear panel POWER switch but keep the volume down to start.

• Now press play on you favorite iPod tune and adjust the StudioDock’s front panel volume control until your reach a comfortable listening level. For more information, see the section " Operating the StudioDock 3i and 4i" on page 12 in this manual. iPod Speaker Cable ENGLISH6 Setting up the StudioDock 3i and 4i Background on the StudioDock 3i and 4i Active USB Monitors The StudioDock 3i and 4i are near field reference monitors featuring a custom designed, 3 or 4-inch copolymer, low frequency driver and a 25mm silk dome tweeters, employing a Ferro fluid cooled voice coil and neodymium magnet. Lactated on the top of both the StudioDock 3i and 4i’s right side speaker is an integrated iPod dock supporting most iPod models for playback charging and sync. The monitor’s crossover has been carefully designed with high quality components insuring a linear frequency and phase response. The StudioDock 3i and 4i enclosures are constructed from MDF (Medium Density Fiberboard) and are finished in scuff resistant, textured vinyl covering. The monitor’s enclosure also includes a tuned vent port that provides extended low- end response, and with a low turbulence design, the low frequency driver can move freely with minimal effect on the overall impedance. On the rear of one enclosure, you’ll find StudioDock 3i and 4i’s connection panel, which features an RCA unbalanced input, USB “B” style connector and AC power inlet. On the front panel, you’ll find the Volume control, along with a 3.5mm Headphone output jack and a 3.5mm Aux input. Both inputs are connected to StudioDock 3i and 4i’s internal stereo power module providing 15 watts per channel on the 3i and 20 watts per channel on the 4i through passive crossovers. Positioning the StudioDock 3i and 4i Near field monitoring has become the choice of many engineers in large and small studios because it minimizes the effect of room acoustics. This is especially important in today’s project studios since the budget for room acoustics is often close to nothing. By positioning the reference monitors in the near field (close to the listeners), you can greatly reduce the effects of room acoustics. The most important considerations when evaluating the effects of room acoustics are reflective surfaces that are around the monitoring area. These can include flat tabletops, glass mirrors or framed pictures, large open walls and even the surface of your mixing console. Mostly all reflecting sound will eventually reach the listening position, but since it is slightly delayed from the direct source, the result is random cancellation of some frequencies, or comb filtering. If possible, remove any and all reflective surfaces. You may also want to hang some acoustic foam on walls that are close to the monitors. When positioning the monitors, you’ll want to set up what is commonly referred to as the “mix triangle”. In this ideal configuration, the space between the left and right monitor is equal to the distance from the listener to each monitor, forming an equilateral triangle. (Figure 1.) Prime Listening Spot Equal Distance Figure 1. ENGLISH7 A Moment of Reflection When choosing the height of your monitor system, be careful to avoid reflections off the surface of the mixing console. (Figure 3.) These reflections arrive at the listening position slightly delayed from the original sound resulting in strange cancellations and overall unpredictable response. Visualize straight lines representing the beams of sound radiating from the monitors and choose a height that reduces the occurrence of reflections that will end up in the prime listening spot. (Figure 4.) In most cases, the ideal position is slightly behind and above the mixing console’s meter bridge. Also, allow at least 3-inches from the rear of the cabinet to any wall. This will insure proper operation of the tuned bass ports. Setting up the StudioDock 3i and 4i Figure 2. Speaker Orientation The StudioDock 3i and 4i’s can be used in either the vertical or horizontal position. When using the monitors in the horizontal position, be certain to place the left and right side tweeters on the outer most sides. (Figure 2) This will improve the stereo imaging and bass response by increasing the coupling of the low-end drivers. Positioning the StudioDock 3i and 4i - continued Figure 3. Figure 4. ENGLISH8 StudioDock 3i and 4i Connections Note: Before plugging in and turning on, remember the “last on, first off” rule of power amplifiers (and powered monitors). When powering up your system, be sure that all the wires are connected, turn your mixer and any other outboard gear on, and then last turn your StudioDock 3i and 4i’s on. When powering down, turn your StudioDock 3i and 4i’s off first and then your mixer and outboard gear. The StudioDock 3i and 4i connections can be made via the rear panel RCA Inputs and USB socket. Follow the simple steps and diagram below for a quick connection using a mixer's control room outputs.

• Using the included 20-gauge Extension Speaker cable, connect the Negative (striped) side of the wire to the Black terminal and the positive side to the Red terminal on the Right-side monitor.

• Now, connect the Negative (striped) side of the wire to the Black terminal and the Positive side to the Red terminal on the Left-side monitor. Note: Just about all un-shielded speaker wire will have a marking indicating the negative side. To avoid phase cancelation problems, be sure to maintain the correct connection for the positive and negative sides throughout your system.

• Lower your mixer’s master outputs to all the way off.

• Connect the mixer’s left and right Control Room outputs to the stereo input on the Right-side StudioDock 3i or 4i.

• Set the StudioDock 3i or 4i’s input Volume control to the 2 o’clock position. NOTE: If you press the Volume Control, it will extend out making it easier to adjust.

• Run an audio signal (like some music from a CD) through your mixer and raise the Control Room level to a comfortable listening level. The following sections of this manual will describe how to use the USB interface for digital audio playback from your Mac or Windows computer. iPod USB MixerLeft and Right OutputsSpeaker Cable Connecting the StudioDock 3i and 4i Speaker Cable (Un-Shielded) ENGLISH9 The following example is for setting up the StudioDock in MAC OS X . The StudioDock does not require any special drivers or software. Just plug in the StudioDock into a USB port on your computer and everything is installed automatically.

1. Make the connection between the

StudioDock's rear panel USB connector and any available USB port on your MAC using the supplied USB cable. The MAC will recognize the USB audio device and automatically install a universal driver.

2. To select the StudioDock as the

computer's audio output, open the System Preferences from the dock or the main Apple Menu (figure 1).

3. Next open the Sound preference (figure

StudioDock. You may notice that the Volume slider sets itself to the full level. This will allow you to have full range using StudioDock's hardware Volume control (figure 3). At this point you can begin using your StudioDock's with most any audio recording and playback software, but you need to select it as an output device within the DAW. When selecting the output just look for and select the StudioDock. Figure 2 Figure 1 Figure 3 Getting Started with MAC OS X ENGLISH10 Installing the StudioDock on Windows Vista Installing the StudioDock is a simple procedure that takes just a few minutes. Since the StudioDock is USB compliant, you can use most any PC, connect the included USB cable and plug and play. You will be able to control your StudioDock using the standard audio interface controls in the MAC or Windows operating system. You will find detailed instructions on setting up Windows Vista in the following sections of this manual. Getting Started with Windows Vista The StudioDock does not require any special drivers or software. Just plug in the StudioDock into a USB port on your computer and everything is installed automatically.

1. The first time you plug the StudioDock into

a USB port, Windows Vista will install the universal drivers for that port. A balloon tip will pop up, telling you it has found the USB Audio codec (figure 4).

2. When it is finished installing the drivers, it

will say “Your new hardware is installed and ready to use” (figure 5). Note: This balloon will not pop up again for the same USB port.

3. The StudioDock becomes the Default

Device after you plug it in and defaults to maximum volume. Double-check this by hovering over the speaker icon in the bottom right hand corner of the screen. It should show Volume:100 and "StudioDock" (figure 6).

4. If it is not the default device, you can set

it under the Sound Properties panel in Control Panel (figure 7).

5. To set the volume, click the speaker icon

and drag the volume slider (figure 8). Figure 4 Figure 5 Figure 6 Figure 7 Figure 8 ENGLISH11 Figure 10 Figure 9 Figure 11 Getting Started with Windows XP The StudioDock does not require any special drivers or software. Just plug in the StudioDock into a USB port on your computer and everything is installed automatically.

1. The first time you plug the StudioDock

into a USB port, Windows XP will install the universal drivers for that port. A balloon tip will pop up, telling you it has found the USB Audio codec (figure 9).

2. When it is finished installing the

drivers, it will say “Your new hardware is installed and ready to use” (figure 10). Note: This balloon will not pop up again for the same USB port.

3. Typically, you want the StudioDock

to be your default device and be at maximum volume. Set the StudioDock as the default playback device in Sound and Audio Devices Properties in Control Panel (figure 11).

4. Set the volume by clicking the

speaker icon in the bottom right hand corner figure 12). Installing the StudioDock on Windows XP Figure 12 ENGLISH12 StudioDock 3i and 4i Rear Control Panel The StudioDock 3i and 4i’s rear control panel is where you will make your connections for the left side passive monitor, input signals and AC power. The following section details the rear panel connections. Powering the StudioDock 3i and 4i Since the StudioDock 3i and 4i are active monitors with on-board power amplifiers, it is necessary to connect the right side monitor to an AC power supply. Make sure that the main Power switch is set to the off position and connect the supplied IEC power cable into the AC inlet. Things that go Hum! When running power cables, be careful not to run the AC power cords or AC extension cords in parallel to your input cables. This will help reduce any AC hum that can be picked up. If your have to cross an AC line with an audio line, try to cross them at a 90 degree angle for the least amount of induced hum.

– The POWER switch is used to turn on the StudioDock 3i and 4i’s active electronics. When set to the on position, the front panel blue LED illuminates, indicating the StudioDock 3i and 4i are powered up and ready for operation.

- Connect the supplied IEC power cable here.

- The slide switch is used to select the operating voltage. NOTE: Be sure that the switch is set to the correct voltage for your country. The Ins and The Outs The StudioDock 3i and 4i features a stereo pair of input connectors providing easy installation with a variety of audio devices like recording consoles, hard disk recorders, CD players Operating the StudioDock 3i and 4i ENGLISH13 StudioDock 3i and 4i Rear Control Panel - continued and computer sound cards, to name a few. The following section details the StudioDock 3i and 4i’s input connectors. In addition, there is a detailed cable-wiring diagram on page 15.

– The RCA input accepts signals from unbalanced –10dBV devices.

– Using the supplied USB cable, make the connection from the StudioDock's USB connector and any available USB port on your computer. Once connected, you can sync and charge your iPod, and/or playback digital audio from your computer. See the previous sections "Getting Started with Mac OS X" and "Getting Started with Windows Vista and Windows XP" to configure your computer.

6. LEFT SPEAKER OUTPUT

– Push Terminals for connecting the Left-side Extension Speaker. StudioDock 3i and 4i Front Control Panel

When the Power switch is set to "on", the light will illuminate indicating the system is powered up and ready for operation.

- (front Panel) The volume control is used to adjust the overall output level of the StudioDock 3i and 4i. When operating the unit for the first time, start with the volume control set all the way off. Slowly raise the Volume control to reach a comfortable listening level. NOTE: If you press the Volume Control, it will extend out making it easier to adjust.

- You can connect a second stereo input from a MP3 player, keyboard, sound card or any other stereo line level signal to the StudioDock 3i and 4i’s front panel 3.5 mm Aux Input jack.

10. Headphone Output

- If you need to listen to your mix on headphones, simply plug in to the front panel 3.5mm Headphones output jack. The speakers automatically turn off when you plug into the Headphone output.

Operating the StudioDock 3i and 4i ENGLISH14 FROM SUBWOOFER SATELLITE OUTPUTS 10 Inch Long Throw Transducer 120 Watt Amplifier FROM MIXER Connecting to the Resolv120a Subwoofer StudioDock 3i and 4i with Mono Sub Adding a subwoofer and extended low frequency response to your StudioDock 3i or 4i system is easy using the monitors’ LINE LEVEL inputs. Below is a typical system set-up using the RESOLV 120a with a mixer and a pair of StudioDock 3i or 4i’s satellite speakers. The StudioDock 3i and 4i’s inputs utilize industry standard RCA connectors. For a detailed wiring diagram, see the section “StudioDock 3i and 4i Wiring Guide” on page 11. Follow the steps in the diagram below to set up your system.

• Lower your mixer’s master outputs to all the way off.

• Connect the mixer’s left output to the RESOLV 120’s LEFT LINE INPUT and the mixer’s right output to the RESOLV 120’s RIGHT LINE INPUT. Now connect the RESOLV 120’s LEFT LINE OUTPUT to the left input of the StudioDock 3i or 4i, and the RESOLV 120’s RIGHT LINE OUTPUT to the right input of the StudioDock 3i or 4i.

• Run an audio signal (like some music from a CD) through your mixer and raise the level to a comfortable listening level.