dB300a - Speaker SAMSON - Free user manual and instructions

USER MANUAL dB300a SAMSON

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 manufacturers 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 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 third prong is provided for your safety. When the provided plug does not fit your outlet, consult an electrician 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.

• Two-way Active Loudspeaker

• Custom designed, heavy-duty, 12-inch low frequency driver with 3-inch voice coil.

• 1" throat, high-frequency compression driver with 1.75-inch titanium diaphragm.

• Efficient 250 watt, Class H power amplifier for low frequency transducer with High Speed, High Current MOSFET rail switches.

• 50 watt class AB amplifier for high frequency compression driver.

• Massive torroidal power transformer.

• Balanced line level input with level control.

• Balanced microphone input with level control and Phantom Power for condenser microphones.

• Sophisticated, multi-band dynamics processor with audibly transparent limiting.

• Internal 24 dB/octave time aligned electronic crossover.

• Separate bass and treble controls.

• Defeatable low cut filter.

• 30 and 45- degree monitor angles for near and far field coverage.

• Standard 1 3/8-inch (35mm) speaker stand receptacle.

• Four M6 fly-points for hanging installations.

• Optional U bracket and Array kits for wall mounting or hanging clusters.

• Rugged, road-worthy construction for high reliability.

• Multi-point amplifier protection for all fault conditions.

• Quality build and rugged construction ensure reliable performance from venue to venue.

• Three-year extended warranty. Monitor dB300a ENGLISH 3dB300a Layout dB300a Front View Layout MonitordB300a 1 12 Inch Driver – Custom designed , heavy- duty, 12” low frequency driver with 3-inch voice coil provides deep bass. 2 Wide Dispersion Horn – 1 inch throat, 60 x 90 degree wide dispersion horn provides exten- sive coverage and linear off- axis response. 3 Titanium Compression Driver – 1.75 inch (44mm), titanium diaphragm with 1 inch open- ing. 4 Stacking Bumper – Gender mating bumpers for stacking dB300’s. 5 Power LED – Blue Light Emitting Diode illu- minates indicating the unit is powered on and ready for operation. 6 Bass Port– Two precision tuned, low frequen- cy port tubes extend the bass response. 7 Handle – One of two ultra over sized rubber grip carry handles. 8 Steel Grill – Durable steel grill provides pro- tection for, and easy access to LF driver. 9 Enclosure – Thick-wall, rugged PVC plastic enclosure. ENGLISH 4dB300a REAR PANEL 1 MIC LEVEL – Used to adjust the volume of the microphone input. 2 AMP / CLIP LED - Dual color LED lights Green when amp is active, flashes Red when the amp is clipped or stays Red indicating the amplifier is in protect mode.

LINE LEVEL – Used to control the level of the line input.

LOW FREQUENCY - Controls the low band of the Channel Equalizer, +/- 12 dB at 100Hz.

HIGH FREQUENCY - Controls the high band of the Channel Equalizer, +/- 12 dB at 10kHz. 6 OUTPUT SWITCH - This switch is used to select the sig- nal that is sent to the Line Output. When the switch is in the up position, the signal on the Line Output is exactly the same as the signal on the Input. When the switch is in the down position the Line Output carries the MIX of the Mic and Line Inputs, as well as the High and Low Equalizer and Low Filter. 7 LOW FILTER SWITCH - When engaged, a Low-cut filter is employed at 80Hz with a roll-off slope of 12 dB per octave. 8 LINE INPUT CONNECTOR - Combo XLR plus 1/4 inch Input for connecting balanced or unbalanced line level signals. 9 HEAT SINK - Convection cooling of the internal power amplifier via massive aluminum extrusion. 10 POWER – Switches on the dB300a’s main power. 11 AC POWER INLET – Connect the supplied standard IEC AC power cable here. 12 LINE OUTPUT - Male XLR connector used to link multiple dB300a’s. 13 MIC INPUT CONNECTOR - XLR Input for connecting low impedance microphones to the Low-Noise pre-amp and Phantom Power. 14 PEAK LED- Red LED illuminates when the Mic input receives a clipped signal. dB300a Layout

dB300a Rear Panel Layout ENGLISH 5Quick Set-Up In the following pages of this manual, you will find a detailed explanation of all the dB300a’s functions and controls, but if you just want to get started quickly you can follow the steps below. Using a Microphone

• Be sure that the dB300a’s Power switch is set to the off position.

• Turn the LINE and MIC LEVEL controls fully coun

terclockwise to the off position.

• Connect the power cable to an AC socket.

• Using a standard XLR cable, plug a microphone into the dB300a’s MIC INPUT.

• While speaking into the microphone, slowly raise the MIC LEVEL control until you have reached the desired level. Using a Line Level Signal

• Be sure that the dB300a’s Power switch is set to the off position.

• Turn the LINE and MIC LEVEL controls fully coun

terclockwise to the off position.

• Connect the power cable to an AC socket.

• Using a standard XLR or 1/4 inch cable, connect a line level signal from a mixer or keyboard into the dB300a’s LINE INPUT.

• Switch the dB300a’s Power switch to the ON position.

• Now, run an audio signal from your mixer (like some music from a CD) while slowly raising the dB300a’s LINE LEVEL control until you have reached the desired level. IMPORTANT NOTE: Be sure to keep the MIC LEVEL control all the way off if there is no microphone connected. ENGLISH 6Positioning the dB300a Microphone Positioning - How to Reduce Feedback Feedback is the annoying howling and squealing that is heard when the microphone gets too close to the speaker and the volume is high. You get feedback when the microphone picks up the amplified signal from the speaker, and then amplifies through the speaker again, and then picks it up again, and so on and so on. In general, it is always recommended that any LIVE mic (a mic that’s on) is positioned behind the speaker enclosures. This will give you the best level from your system before feedback. One possible exception is when you are adjusting the sounds of the microphones, since you want to listen in front of the speaker to hear properly. To do this, lower your mixers MAIN VOLUME while setting the EQ and effect from in front of the speakers. Once you have the sound you like, move the microphones to behind the speakers and raise the Main volume. Speaker Placement Whenever possible, it is a good idea to raise the speakers above the heads of the listening audience. The dB300a enclosures’ feature standard 1 3/8” pole mount receptacles, which are compatible with speaker stands from a variety of manufacturers. In a smaller setting like a school cafeteria, library, or a mall kiosk, you can also use the dB300a in one of the tilt back monitor positions, which will improve the projection of the speakers and may eliminate the need for speaker stands. Using the dB300a as a Floor Monitor The dB300a is an ideal solution for stage monitoring and thanks to its unique design, two wedge monitor positions are possible. When placed on its side, with the high fre- quency horn facing to the left of the enclo- sure, the dB300a is tilted at a 30 degree angle, optimizing performance when used on a large stage. When placed on its side with the high frequency horn facing to the right of the enclosure, the dB300a is tilted at a 45 degree angle optimizing performance when used on smaller stages. In a large stage monitor system, several dB300a’s can be daisy-chained together using the Line Output. In many instances (when using the dB300a as a moni- tor system) you may choose to use an exter- nal equalizer like the Samson S Curve 131 to increase the volume and reduce the chance of feedback. In this case be sure to set the HIGH and LOW EQ to the 12:00 or flat position. dB300a

ENGLISH 7Controls and Functions The following section details each part of the dB300a’s INPUT section including the MIC and LINE inputs, the two-band EQ, as well as the MIC and LINE LEVEL controls. MIC LEVEL The dB300a’s MIC LEVEL controls the overall level of the micro-phone input. The MIC LEVEL control features an audio taper. Raise the MIC Level to adjust the volume of the microphone con-nected to the MIC input.IMPORTANT NOTE: Be sure to keep the MIC LEVEL control all the way off if there is no microphone connected. PEAK LED The PEAK LED will illuminate RED when the dB300a’s mic input is receiving a clipped signal. If the PEAK LED lights up, lower the MIC LEVEL control. Once the PEAK LED goes off, raise the level controls back up until just before the PEAK LED lights.DYNAMIC PROTECTION The AMP / CLIP LED is a dual color LED used to monitor the output of the dB300a’s internal power amplifiers. When the unit is first powered on, the AMP / CLIP LED will light red (indicating the output relay is open). After the soft-start circuitry activates and the output relay closes, the AMP / CLIP will change to bright green indicating the unit is ready for operation. The LED will flash red on signal power peaks, while the green LED is still on. If there is a failure condition such as DC on the output, the output relay opens and the LED will switch to solid red, indicating a fault. If this happens, contact your autho-rized Samson Audio Service Center.LINE LEVEL The dB300a’s LINE LEVEL controls the overall level of the LINE input and features an audio taper. Raise the LINE Level to adjust the volume of the signal connected to the LINE input.Using the Equalizer SectionThe dB300a input channels feature a 2-band equalizer allowing you to adjust the high and low frequencies independently. The channel’s frequency response is flat when the knobs are in the "12:00" position. LOW Rotating the LOW knob towards the right will boost the bass frequencies at 100Hz by 12dB, and rotat ing it towards the left will cut the bass frequencies at 100Hz by 12dB. HIGH Rotating the HIGH knob towards the right will boost the treble frequencies at 10kHz by 12dB, and rotat ing it towards the left will cut the treble frequencies at 10kHz by 12dB. Operating the dB300a

ENGLISH 8Operating the dB300a Controls and Functions - continued LOW FILTER The dB300a also incorporates a Low-cut FILTER which when engaged, will roll off the low frequency response of the cabinet beginning at 80Hz. The low cut FILTER is two pole, which means that the low frequency roll off will grad-ually cut more and more of the low fre-quencies (12dB per octave). When you press the FILTER switch in, the green LED will illuminate indicating that the Low-cut FILTER is engaged.OUTPUT SWITCH The Output switch is used to select the signal that is sent to the Line Output. You can have either a parallel output directly from the Line input, or a mixed signal including the Mic and line inputs plus the EQ and limiter. When the switch is in the up position, the signal on the Line Output is exactly the same as the signal on the Line Input. When the switch is in the down position, the Line Output carries the MIX of the Mic and Line Inputs. If the Level controls, High and Low Equalizer and Filter are used, they will also affect the signal sent to the Line Output. Input and Output Connectors MIC XLR Input The dB300a’s microphone input accepts a standard low impedance (150-600 Ohms) input and the connection is made via a standard female XLR connector. The microphone input features a high quality, discrete transistor pre-amp providing trans- parency and extended dynamic range. The MIC input can work simultaneously with the LINE input so it is possible to use a microphone while playing alone with a keyboard that is plugged into the dB300a’s LINE input. You can control the micro-phone input by using the MIC LEVEL control as described in the section below.LINE OUTPUT You can run several monitors by using the LINE OUTPUT to daisy-chain one dB300a to another. The LINE OUTPUT is a balanced output that, depending on the position of the OUTPUT switch,will have either a direct parallel output of the Line input, or the Mix of the Line and Mic input. For more information on the Output switch, see section 8 above. For more information on cables and wiring, see page 14 of this manual for a detailed wiring diagrams. LINE Combo Balanced Input For added convenience, the dB300a employs a Combo connector that accepts a standard XLR mic cable for balanced line level signals, or a standard 1/4" instrument cable for either balanced (TRS – TIP/RING/SLEEVE) or unbalanced (TS – TIP/SLEEVE) line level signals. The LINE input can work simultaneously with the Mic input so it is possible to use a microphone while playing alone with a keyboard that is plugged into the dB300a’s LINE input. You can control the LINE input by using the LINE LEVEL control as described in the previous page. For more information on cable and wiring, see page 14 of this manual for a detailed wiring diagrams

ENGLISH 9Setting Up Your dB300a System Using Speaker Stands The dB300a enclosure features a standard 1 3/8”, pole mount receptacle, which is compatible with speaker stands from a variety of manufacturers. Before installing the dB300a on a speaker stand, loosen the thumbscrew located on the bottom of the rear side of the enclosure. Once installed on the stand, be sure to tighten the thumbscrew to hold the speaker in place. Be careful not to over tighten the thumbscrew to avoid stripping the threads. Stacking the dB300a The dB300a enclosure incorporates gender mating stack feet and bumpers that allows you to stack one dB300a on top of another. When stacking the dB300a’s, be certain that the rubber feet from the top unit are securely fastened into the bottom unit’s stacking bumpers. NOTE: DO NOT STACK dB300a’s OVER TWO (2) TALL. ENGLISH 10Setting Up Your dB300a System Permanent Installation The dB300a is a logical solution for many fixed installations in live sound venues, discos, schools, houses of worship, conven- tion centers and airport terminals to name a few. The enclosure is extremely versatile for installation as it can be hung in several differ- ent positions by using the 4 Fly-points. Hanging the dB300a is serious business and therefore licensed and insured professional sound contractors only should perform such an installation. Using the Fly-points IMPORTANT NOTE: Only licensed and insured professional sound contractors should install the dB300a using the Fly- points. Samson assumes no liability for any installation. The dB300a features 4 Fly-points located in pairs on the top and bottom of the enclo- sure. By removing the installed screws, you will have access to the threaded inserts that are compatible with a variety of standard M6 hardware including that offered by ATM Flyware. ENGLISH 11dB300a System Set-ups Compact Lounge PA for Two This example shows a PA system set-up that can be used for a small club, at a ceremony or in a lounge, using a single dB300a for both a microphone and vocal. A separate signal is sent from the vocal micro- phone to the dB300a’s Mic input, and from the keyboard to the dB300a’s Line input. The individual Mic and Line level controls allow you to create a mix right on the dB300a. For further control, you can use the dB300a’s two-band equalizer to boost or cut the highs and/or low frequencies adjusting the overall tonal contour of the system. ENGLISH 12dB300a System Set-ups MonitordB300 MonitordB300

ITALIANOSpecifications/Caractéristiques techniques Specifications Inputs Microphone Balanced XLR Line Balanced Combo XLR/Line Outputs Extension Balanced XLR Controls Mic Level Rotary Line Level Rotary Low EQ Rotary Center Detent, +/-12dB @100Hz High-EQ Rotary Center Detent, +/-12dB @ 10kHz Low Filter Switch Push Switch, High Pass (low-cut) 12dB per octave @80Hz Output Switch Push Switch, Selects Mix or Thru for Line Output Connector Power Rating: Low Frequency 250 Watt RMS High Frequency 50 Watt RMS Frequency Response: 60 Hz – 24 kHz ± 3 dB Crossover Frequency: 2.3 kHz, 3 pole (18 dB Per Octave) LF Driver: 12" heavy-duty bass transducer, 3" voice coil (Kapton Former), 50 oz. barium ferrite magnet HF Driver: 1.75" titanium compression driver, edge-wound copper voice coil, 64 oz. magnet structure Mounting: Stand Integral 1 3/8" Pole Mount Receptacle, Fly Points 4 Stacking Large, gender mating stacking bumpers Weight: 47lbs. (