Expedition Pro XP 200 - Hi-fi system SAMSON - Free user manual and instructions

USER MANUAL Expedition Pro XP 200 SAMSON

WARNING: 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. No user serviceable parts inside. Please refer all servicing to qualified personnel.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 manu

facturers 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 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.

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.Copyright 2001-2006, Samson Technologies Corp. Printed October, 2005 v4.1 Samson Technologies Corp. Phone: 1-800-3-SAMSON (1-800-372-6766) Fax: [phone] www.samsontech.com Table of Contents ENGLISH Introduction ........................................................................................................

Welcome to Samson Expedition Pro—the portable audio system for the new millenium! This exceptionally versatile system offers the perfect solution wherever you need portable, high- quality audio: as a main PA system or as onstage monitors in clubs and performance halls; in houses of worship; as a sound system for business presentations, mobile DJs at parties, or aerobics instruction; and for use in outdoor environments such as parks, beaches and flea markets. What’s more, every Expedition pro system comes with a built-in telescoping handle and locking wheels, making it easy to take professional audio with you wherever you go! There are three different Samson Expedition Pro systems detailed in this manual. All uti

lize the same lightweight yet rugged two-way speaker enclosure that pairs a custom designed 12" woofer with a matched 1" compression driver. The Expedition XP100 is a passive 8-ohm enclosure that can be used with any external power amplifier rated at up to 250 watts. The Expedition XP200 is a powered version that includes a bi-amped power cell along with an active crossover, speaker protection circuitry and built-in limiting. And the Expedition XP300 is designed as a total all-in-one portable PA system, adding a four-channel stereo mixer—com

plete with digital effects—to the equation. In addition, a number of expansion options are available, including a 500-watt active subwoofer (our EX500); a rechargable Lead-Acid GelCel battery pack; and a rear-panel mountable cassette recorder with pitch control. There's even a prewired custom compartment that accommodates any of three different Samson wireless receivers! In this manual, you’ll find a more detailed description of the features of all three Expedition Pro systems, as well as a guided tour through all components, step-by-step instructions for setting up your system and full specifications. If your Expedition Pro was purchased in the United States, you’ll also find a warranty card enclosed—don’t forget to fill it out and mail it! This will enable you to receive online technical support and will allow us to send you updated information about this and other Samson products in the future. If your Expedition Pro system was purchased outside of the U. S., contact your local distributor for warranty details. Also, be sure to check out our website (http://www.samsontech.com) for complete information about our full product line. SPECIAL NOTE for U.S. purchasers: Should your Expedition Pro system ever require ser

vicing, a Return Authorization number (RA) is necessary. Without this number, the unit will not be accepted. If your Expedition Pro system was purchased in the United States, please call Samson at 1-800-372-6766 for a Return Authorization number prior to shipping your system. If possible, return the unit in its original carton and packing materials. If your Expedition Pro system was purchased outside of the U. S., contact your local distributor for information. ENGLISH 2System Features The Samson Expedition Pro system uses state-of-the art technology to bring a revolutionary new degree of flex

ibility and portability to professional audio. Its main fea

• A built-in telescoping handle and locking wheels that make it easier than ever before to transport your audio system.

• All Expedition Pro enclosures are lightweight and com

pact yet exceptionally durable and roadworthy. Injection-molded with Polypropylene, they feature sub

stantial internal bracing to support a nearly 1/2" thick side wall construction, making them strong and rigid enough to allow maximum energy to be delivered to the sound output. In addition, a steel grill and scuff-resistant textured finish makes for a rugged speaker enclosure that will deliver dependable performance in even the most demanding environments.

• The low frequency section includes a custom designed Kevlar-impregnated 12" low frequency driver with a 2.5" Kapton Former voice coil and 50 ounce barium fer

rite magnet for accurate and super-tight bass response.

• A high frequency section that delivers clear, sweet top end thanks to its 1" compression driver with a specially designed phenolic diaphragm, along with a phasing plug for linear response and an elliptical wave guide horn design that reduces nearly all sonic diffraction.

• A tilt position that allows the Expedition Pro to be used as an onstage wedge monitor.

• Integral 1 3/8" pole-mount receptacle and convenient fly points allow the Expedition Pro to be pole-mounted or “flown” using standard PA hardware.

• The XP100 is a passive cabinet that can be used with any power amplifier rated at up to 250 watts into 8 ohms. It requires no power and provides dual Speakon™ and 1/4" connectors that allow multiple XP100s to be daisy-chained where extended coverage is required.

• The XP200 contains dual power amplifiers and an active crossover. Operating in a biamped configuration, one power amp drives the low frequency section with 150 watts of power and the other drives the high frequency section with 50 watts of power. The active crossover uses an advanced Linkwist-Riley constant phase filter that provides a steep rolloff of 24 dB per octave to reduce sonic dis

tortion at the crossover frequencies. Dual balanced XLR connectors allow daisy- chaining of multiple Expedition Pro enclosures, and a switchable limiter circuit assures a clean output even when you’re pushing the XP200 to maximum levels. In addition, there are three stages of speaker protection, including relay switching for power on and off.

• The XP300 includes all the features of the XP200, and adds a flexible four-channel stereo mixer that provides two monophonic and one stereo mic/line channels with dual XLR and 1/4" connectors. In addition, separate dual phono connec

tors allow you to hook up an external cassette or CD player. Each mixer chan

nel includes two-band equalization and independent volume control,

SAMSON ENGLISH 3System Features and there’s even built-in digital effects for the addition of six different reverb presets. Balanced left and right XLR outputs allow daisy-chaining of multiple Expedition speakers (with a mono/stereo switch that allows operation in either mode), and a VU meter enables you to continuously moni

tor output levels. The XP200 and XP300 also include a meter that shows battery level when used with the optional RB 2030 rechargable battery cartridge (see below).

• The top panel of both the XP200 and XP300 provides a prewired compartment that accommodates a variety of Samson wireless systems that offer superior RF and audio performance already proven on stages around the world. Receivers supported include the UM1 or M32 UHF models or the VM1 VHF model.

• A wide range of optional accessories, including: the MP 1030 mounting bracket, which allows any Expedition Pro enclosure to be “flown” from the ceiling; the RB 2030 rechargable battery cartridge, which pro

vides up to two hours of power to either the XP200 or XP300 from its dual Lead-Acid GelCel batteries; and the TD30 cassette recorder, which fits neatly into a special compartment above the XP300’s mixer to provide background music and/or to record meetings or performances. The TD30 even includes a pitch control so you can alter the tempo of the music for applications like aerobic instruction.

• The EX500 is an active subwoofer that pairs a massive 500-watt amplifier with a heavy- duty 15" low frequency driver. It is an ideal complement to any Expedition Pro enclosure or any loudspeaker system, when the appli

cation requires deep, powerful low end response. Its built-in stereo electronic crossover allows the EX500 to operate either in mono or as a common subwoofer in a stereo sys

tem. It features an all-steel grill and rigid corners, as well as an integral pole mount.

ENGLISH 4Expedition Pro XP100 Guided Tour 1: 1/4" input - Use this standard 1/4" connector to connect signal from a power amplifier (rated at up to 250 watts into 8 ohms) to the XP100. 2: Speakon™ input - Alternatively, you can use this Speakon™ connector to connect signal from a power amplifier (rated at up to 250 watts into 8 ohms) to the XP100. 3: 1/4" extension - Use this standard 1/4" connector to daisy-chain one XP100 to another. See below for interconnection diagrams. 4: Speakon™ extension - Alternatively, you can use this Speakon™ connector to daisy-chain one XP100 to another. See below for interconnection diagrams. Speakon™ Wiring Interconnecting the XP100

Using one XP100: A single mono signal (bus or aux send) is routed from a mixer to a power amplifier. One speaker output of the power amplifier is connected to either the XP100 1/4" input connector (solid line) or Speakon™ input connector (dotted line). ENGLISH 5Expedition Pro XP100

Using two XP100s in mono: A single mono signal (bus or aux send) is routed from a mixer to a power amplifier. One speaker output of the power amplifier is connected to either the XP100 1/4" input (solid line) or Speakon™ input (dotted line), and a con- nection is made between either the 1/4" extension to a second XP100’s input (solid line) or between the Speakon™ extension to a second XP100’s Speakon™ input (dotted line). Using two XP100s in stereo: A stereo signal (bus or aux send) is routed from a mixer to a power amplifier. The left speaker out- put of the power amplifier is connected to one XP100 (using either the 1/4" input [solid line] or Speakon™ input [dotted line]), and the right speaker output of the power amplifier is connected to the other XP100 (again using either the 1/4" input [solid line] or Speakon™ input [dotted line]). ENGLISH

Expedition Pro XP200 Guided Tour 1: Input connector - Use this balanced female XLR connector to route line- level signal into the XP200. 2: Output VU meter - This three-segment bar meter shows the XP200 output level. For optimum signal-to-noise ratio, set the Volume control (see #6 below) so that program material is usually at or around 0 VU, with occasional but not steady excursions to the red “+3 dB” segment. 3: Power switch - Use this to turn power to the XP200 on or off. 4: Voltage selector - Make sure this is set correctly for the country you are in before turning on the power to the XP200. 5: Battery VU meter - If an optional RB 2030 rechargable battery pack is installed, this meter shows how much battery power remains as it is being charged (Power switch off) or depleted (Power switch on). 6: Volume control - This knob sets the level of the XP200’s built-in power amplifiers. 7: Output connector- This balanced male XLR connector carries line-level out

put signal from the XP200. It is used to send signal to a second XP200 being daisy-chained (see interconnection diagram on the following page) or to an optional EX500 subwoofer. 8: Limiter switch - Use this switch to turn the built-in limiter circuitry on or off. In order to maximize speaker protection, we recommend that this switch be left in the “on” position during normal operation. 9: AC input - Connect the supplied heavy-gauge 3-pin “IEC” power cable here. Interconnecting the XP200

Using one XP200: A single mono signal (bus or aux send) is routed from a mixer to the XP200 XLR input. ENGLISH 7Expedition Pro XP200

Using two XP200s in mono: A single mono signal (bus or aux send) is routed from a mixer to one XP200’s XLR input, and a con- nection is made between that XP200’s XLR output to a second XP100’s XLR input. Using two XP200s in stereo: A stereo signal (bus or aux send) is routed from a mixer, with the left side connected to one XP200’s XLR input, and the right side connected to the other XP200’s XLR input. ENGLISH

Expedition Pro XP300 Guided Tour 1: Equalizer - These controls allow you to shape your sound by boosting or cutting the amount of bass (at 100 Hz) or treble (at 10 kHz) by up to 15 dB. A center detent in each knob indicates no boost or cut (that is, flat response). As each knob is turned clockwise from the 12 o’clock position, the bass or treble is boosted; as it is turned counterclockwise from the 12 o’clock position, the bass or treble is reduced. 2: Reverb send - These knobs determine how much signal is being sent from the channel to the onboard DSP effects processor. As you move the knob clockwise from 0 to 10, more signal is sent. To hear the effect, one of the six presets must be selected using the DSP Effects control (see #10 on the next page). Be careful not to send too much signal to the DSP, or a distorted sound will result. 3: Pan/Balance control - In channels 1 and 2, this knob acts as a Pan control, allow

ing you to place the signal anywhere in the left-right stereo spectrum, while keeping the overall signal level constant. When the knob is placed at its center (detented) position, the signal is sent equally to both the left and right outputs. To route a signal hard left or right, place the pan knob either fully counterclockwise or fully clockwise. In channel 3/4 (the stereo channel), this knob acts as a Balance control, allowing you to alter the relative levels of the two input signals. When the knob is placed at its cen

ter detented position, both signals are at equal strength. When moved left of center, you’ll hear more of the left input signal; when moved right of center, you’ll hear more right input signal. 4: Channel volume control - This knob determines the level of the channel In stereo channel 3/4, this knob simultaneously controls the level of both inputs (the relative levels of the two can be adjusted with the Balance knob, as described in #3 above). In practice, you’ll use the channel volume controls to continuously adjust the levels of the various signals being blended together by the XP300 mixer. 5: Insert (sub) connector - This 1/4" connector brings line-level signal in directly before the XP300 power amplifiers. It is normally used to return signal from an optional EX500 subwoofer.

Expedition Pro XP300 6: Line inputs - Use these 1/4" jacks to connect line-level sources to the XP300. Channels 1 and 2 are mono 1/4" connectors; channel 3/4 uses a stereo (TRS) 1/4" connector, with tip carrying left signal and ring carrying right signal. Stereo devices should always be connected to the stereo channel (channels 3/4). If a wireless receiver is connected to the XP300 via its internal connectors (see page 14 in this manual), its output arrives at channel 2, which can also carry another line-level source connected to its line input, as well as signal from a microphone connected to its mic input. If an optional TD30 cassette player is installed, its output arrives at channels 3/4, which can also carry another two line-level sources (one connected to its line input and a second connected to the CD inputs [see #15 on the fol

lowing page]), as well as signal from a microphone connected to its mic input. 7: Mic inputs - Use these XLR jacks to connect microphones to the XP300’s built-in mic preamps. Each channel can carry both one or more line level sources (see #6 above) as well as a mic source. 8: DSP Effects control - Use this to select one of six reverb presets (Small Hall, Medium Hall, Large Hall, Church, Stadium, or Plate). If you don’t want to hear any reverb, set this switch to the “Off” position. 9: Mono/Stereo switch - When using one XP300, set this switch to “Mono” so that the XP300 power amp receives signal from both the left and right output sections. When using multiple Expedition Pro speaker enclosures, set this switch to “Stereo”; the XP300 will then reproduce only signal from the left output section only (that is, signals panned left at the mixer); the Right output can then be used to send signal from the right output section (that is, signal panned right at the mixer) to a second enclosure. See the interconnection diagrams on pages 10 - 11 for more information. 10: Outputs - The dual XLR connectors carry line-level output signal from the XP300. They are used to send signal to a second XP300 (or XP200) being daisy-chained (see the interconnection diagram on the following page) or to an optional EX500 subwoofer. Note that the signal being output from these con

nectors is dependent upon the setting of the Mono/Stereo switch (see #9 above). When set to “Stereo,” the Left XLR connector carries left signal only and the Right XLR connector carries right signal only; when set to “Mono,” both the Left and Right connectors carry the same monophonic signal, summed from both the left and right output sections. See the interconnection diagrams on pages 10 - 11 for more information. 11: Main Volume control - This knob determines the final output signal level—you can think of this as being the “master fader.” Signals from all four channels are routed here just before being routed to the XP300’s built-in power amplifiers and Left and Right output jacks (see #10 above). 12: Battery VU meter - If an optional RB 2030 rechargable battery pack is installed, this meter shows how much battery power remains as it is being charged (Power switch off) or depleted (Power switch on). See #20 on the following page. 13: Output VU meter - This three-segment bar meter shows the continuous output level of the XP300. For optimum signal-to-noise ratio, try to adjust all channel and main Volume controls so that program material is usually at or around 0 VU, with occasional but not steady excursions to the red “+3 dB” seg

ment. 14: Limiter LED - Lights whenever the built-in limiter is active. If you see this lighting frequently, it means you’re overloading the XP300, so turn down one or more of the Channel volume controls (see #4 on the preceding page) or the main Volume control (see #11 above). 15: CD inputs - Connect the outputs of a CD or tape player to this set of dual phono jacks. Signal arriving here returns to stereo channel 3/4. If an optional TD30 cassette player is installed, note that its output also arrives at channels 3/4, in addition to line-level signal arriving at its 1/4" TRS line input (see #6 on the preceding page) and signal from a microphone connected to its mic input (see #7 on the pre

ceding page). 16: AC input - Connect the supplied heavy-gauge 3-pin “IEC” power cable here. ENGLISH

Expedition Pro XP300 17: Limiter switch - Use this switch to turn the built-in limiter circuitry on or off. In order to maximize speaker protection, we recommend that this switch be left in the “on” position during normal operation. 18: Voltage selector - Make sure this is set correctly for the country you are in before turning on the power to the XP300. 19: Gain switch - Sets the line-level TRS input of channel 3/4 (see #6 on the preceding page) to either +4 (professional) or -10 (consumer) level. 20: Power switch - Use this to turn power to the XP300 on or off. If an optional RB 2030 rechargable battery pack is installed, it will charge when this switch is in the “Off” position. Interconnecting the XP300

Using one XP300: In this example, microphones are connected to the XLR mic inputs of chan- nels 1 and 2, and a stereo keyboard is connected to the stereo 1/4" TRS connector of channel 3/4 (using a Y-cord, with the tip carrying the left signal and the ring carrying the right signal). IMPORTANT NOTE: When using just one XP300, always be sure to set its Mono/Stereo switch to “Mono.” ENGLISH 11Expedition Pro XP300

Using one XP300 and an XP200 (stereo operation): In this example, microphones are connected to the XLR mic inputs of chan- nels 1 and 2 of an XP300, and a stereo keyboard is connected to the stereo 1/4" TRS connector of channel 3/4 of the XP300 (using a Y-cord, with the tip carrying the left signal and the ring carrying the right signal). A connection is then made between the Right output of the XP300 to the XLR input of an XP200. IMPORTANT NOTE: When using the XP300 with additional Expedition Pro enclosures, always be sure to set the XP300 Mono/Stereo switch to “Stereo.”

Using one XP300 and three XP200s (extended range stereo operation): In this example, microphones are connected to the XLR mic inputs of channels 1 and 2 of an XP300, and a stereo keyboard is connected to the stereo 1/4" TRS connector of channel 3/4 of the XP300 (using a Y-cord, with the tip carrying the left signal and the ring carrying the right signal). A connection is then made between the Left output of the XP300 to the XLR input of an XP200 (both will then carry the same left channel sig

nal). Finally, a connection is made between the Right output of the XP300 and an XP200, and between that XP200’s XLR output and the XLR input of a third XP200 (both will then carry the same right channel signal). IMPORTANT NOTE: When using the XP300 with additional Expedition Pro enclosures, always be sure to set the XP300 Mono/Stereo switch to “Stereo.” ENGLISH

Positioning and Mounting Instructions General Positioning Tips

• Operating a microphone or turntable in front of a speaker is a sure formula for feedback and/or rumble problems, so always place the Expedition Pro in front of any mics or turntables that are being used.

• Use the Expedition Pro upright for all “front-of-house” PA applications; use it in its tilt-back position only for onstage monitoring.

• Always raise the speakers as high above the audience as is practicable for maxi

• Use sufficient enclosures for the space you’re in. The larger the space, the more speakers will be required. Pole-Mounting The underside of the Expedition Pro contains a 1-3/8" stand mount socket that allows it to be raised up on any standard speaker pole mounting (such as the Ultimate Support Systems TS-30 or TS-33 speaker stands). Pole-mounting is gen

erally advisable when you want to maximize the distance that the Expedition Pro covers (sometimes called speaker “throw”). If you are using an EX500 subwoofer, you can use its integral pole mount to place an XP100, XP200 or XP300 immediately above it, creating a complete column of sound. Fly Mounting, Wall Mounting, and Ceiling Mounting As shown in the illustration below, the top panel of the Expedition Pro contains a number of fly points, located in compartments to the left and right of the wire

less receiver compartment. The covers placed over these compartments are sim

ply attached with double-sided sticky tape, so just pull up to remove. Expedition Pro fly-mount points ENGLISH

Positioning and Mounting Instructions Before fly-mounting, wall-mounting or ceiling-mounting the Expedition Pro, you must first install a Samson MP 1030 mounting bracket to the fly points, as shown in the illus

trations on the right Standard cabling and hardware can then be attached to the MP 1030 mounting bracket in environments where the Expedition Pro needs to be “flown.” In fixed installations where you wish to mount the Expedition Pro to a ceiling, use the OmniMount model 100-STMP mount, as shown in the illustration below: In fixed installations where you wish to mount the Expedition Pro from a wall, use the OmniMount model 100-WB mount, as shown in the illustration below: Top of Expedition Pro with MP 1030 mount- ing bracket installed. Installing the MP 1030 mounting bracket (top view) ENGLISH

As shown in the illustration on the left, the top panel of the Expedition Pro XP200 and XP300 provides a prewired compartment that accommodates any of three differ

ent Samson wireless receivers: the UM1 or M32 UHF models or the VM1 VHF model. Output signal from a wireless receiver mounted in an XP300 arrives at channel 2 of the onboard mixer. In addition, a number of accessories are available from your local Samson dealer that allow you to expand the capabilities of your Expedition Pro system. These include:

• The EX500 active subwoofer—the ideal complement to any Expedition Pro enclo

sure (or to any loudspeaker system, for that matter)—pairs a powerful 500-watt amplifier with a heavy-duty 15" low frequency driver in order to provide deep low end response. A built-in stereo electronic crossover allows the EX500 to operate either in mono or as a common subwoofer in a stereo system. It features an all- steel grill and rigid corners, as well as an integral 1 3/8" pole-mount receptacle

• The RB 2030 rechargable battery cartridge, which provides up to two hours of power to either the XP200 or XP300 from its dual Lead-Acid GelCel batteries.

• The MP 1030 mounting bracket, which allows any Expedition Pro enclosure to be “flown” or mounted on the wall or ceiling using standard OmniMount hard

ware. For more information, see the “Positioning and Mounting the Expedition Pro” section on page 12. Expedition Pro Accessories XP200/XP300 wireless compartment (top view) ENGLISH 15Introduction