Live 615 - Speaker SAMSON - Free user manual and instructions

USER MANUAL Live 615 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.

Congratulations on purchasing the Samson Live Series active loudspeaker! By combining super clean power, advanced active processing and the highest quality speaker and cabinet components, the Live Series provides studio quality sound for any kind of live sound reinforcement application. The Live Series product range includes five enclosures, the L612, L612M, L615, L1212 and L1215, and this manual covers the operation and specifications of each model. The L612, L615, L1212 and L1215 trapezoidal enclosures are configured as “front of house” loudspeakers while the L612M is configured as a dedicated low profile floor monitor. The L612 , L612M and L1212 are 2-way, active speaker systems utilizing super heavy-duty, custom designed, 12-inch low frequency drivers and a 1.75-inch titanium diaphragm high frequency driver on a 1” throat, wide dispersion horn. The L615 and L1215 are 2-way, active, speaker systems that employ super heavy-duty, custom designed, 15-inch low frequency drivers and a 1.75-inch titanium diaphragm high frequency driver on a 1” throat, wide dispersion horn. The L612, L612M and L615 drive units are powered by their internal 300-watt bi-amp amplifier module with 250 watts for the Low Frequency driver and 50 watts for the High Frequency driver. The L1212 and L1215 feature a massive 400 watts of power for the dual Low Frequency drivers, plus 100 watts for the High Frequency compression driver. All of the LIVE series amplifiers feature a built-in active crossover and multi-band dynamics processing. The L612 and L615 models offer a practical back-panel, mixer-like preamp section that provides mic and line inputs with individual input level controls. In addition, the models have a two band EQ and controls for the extension output selection. The Live Series goes beyond concert-quality to studio-quality thanks to Samson’s exclusive Optimax processing. Optimax processing uses sophisticated circuitry to compress and limit output at ideal levels. This allows the Live Series to provide huge volume levels without sacrificing low end. The trapezoidal shape of the speaker cabinet offers more than just superior acoustics, not only is it a front-firing PA speaker, the Live Series are also designed to operate as wedge-style monitors. With the Live Series, setup and break down is quick and easy thanks to the internal amplification. The L612 and L615’s can be easily stand mounted using the integral 1 3/8” pole mount receptacle. If you are traveling to different venues with your loudspeaker system, the heavy-grade steel grill and durable carpet covering offer excellent protection against wear and tear on the road. By using clean power and over designed components, the Live Series offers crystal-clear audio and an ultra-wide sound field. The top end is clear, sweet and articulate. The low-end is enormous, and at the same time, it’s tight and controlled. As fixed sound reinforcement or as a durable, great-sounding road PA, the Live Series active monitor is ideal for sound professionals and performers looking for serious power and studio monitor sound quality from a PA speaker system. In these pages, you’ll find a detailed description of the features of the Live Series PA system, as well as a description of its front and rear panels, step-by-step instructions for its setup and use, and full specifications. You’ll also find a warranty card enclosed—please don’t forget to fill it out and mail it in so that you can receive online technical support and so we can send you updated information about these and other Samson products in the future. Also, be sure to check out our website (www.samsontech.com) for complete information about our full product line. With proper care and adequate air circulation, your Live Series will operate trouble free for many years. We recommend you record your serial number in the space provided below for future reference. Serial number:_______________________________ Date of purchase:____________________________ Should your unit ever require servicing, a Return Authorization number (RA) must be obtained before shipping your unit to Samson. Without this number, the unit will not be accepted. Please call Samson at 1-800- 3SAMSON (1-800-372-6766) for a Return Authorization number prior to shipping your unit. Please retain the original packing materials and if possible, return the unit in the original carton and packing materials. If you purchased your Samson product outside the United States, please contact your local distributor for warranty information and service. IntroductionENGLISH

Live Series Features The Samson Live Series active two-way loudspeakers are an all-in-one solution, ideal for most any live sound applications. Here are some of their main features:

• Two-way active, Bi-amped professional loudspeaker enclosures.

• The LIVE series enclosures feature custom designed, heavy-duty, low frequency drivers with a single 12- inch in the L612 and L612M, dual 12-inch in the L1212, single 15-inch in the L615 and dual 15-inch in the L1215. All the drivers feature oversize motors and large voice coils.

• The articulate high frequency response is achieved by the 1" throat, high-frequency compression driver with 1.75-inch titanium diaphragm.

• The L612, L612M, and L615 feature 300 watts of power with an efficient 250 watt, class AB amplifier for low frequency transducer, with 50 watt class AB amplifier for high frequency compression driver. The L1212 and L1215 amplifiers deliver 400 watts to the dual low frequency drivers, plus 100 watts to the high frequency compression driver.

• All models feature a balanced line level input with LEVEL control and PEAK indicator.

• The L612 and L615 have a balanced microphone input with level control and Phantom Power for powering condenser microphones plus separate bass and treble controls and a selectable low cut filter.

• For increased reliability, the LIVE series power amplifiers all feature large heatsinks and massive power transformers.

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

• Internal 24 dB/octave time aligned electronic crossover.

• Multi-point amplifier protection with LED indicator for all fault conditions.

• The L612 and L615 can be stand mounted using the standard 1 3/8-inch (35mm) speaker stand receptacle.

• Rigid all-plywood enclosures forces the maximum energy to the sound field while the rugged, road- worthy construction provides enhanced high reliability.

• Three-year extended warranty.ENGLISH

L612 and L615 Layout

1. Titanium Compression Driver – 1.75 inch (44mm),

titanium diaphragm with 1 inch opening.

2. Wide Dispersion Horn – 1 inch throat, 60 x 90 degree

wide dispersion horn provides extensive coverage and linear off-axis response.

3. Low Frequency Driver - 12-inch and 15-inch woofers

with oversize motors and 3-inch voice coils deliver deep, controlled bass response.

– Blue Light Emitting Diode illuminates indicating the unit is powered on and ready for operation.

– One of two over sized carry handles.

6. Steel Grill – Durable steel grill provides protection for,

and easy access to LF driver.

– A precision tuned, low frequency port, extends the bass response.

8. Enclosure – Rigid, all-plywood enclosure for maxmum

output and durability. Amplifier Panel Rear View

9. Heat sink - Convection cooling of the internal power

- LED light to indicate mic input peak.

11. MIC LEVEL – Used to adjust the volume of the

- 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.

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

Channel Equalizer, +/- 12 dB at 10kHz.

16. OUTPUT switch - This switch is used to select the

signal 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.

17. POWER – Switches on the LIVE series’ main power.

18. VOLTAGE switch - Used to change the operating

voltage from 115 to 230 volts. IMPORTANT NOTE! Bure sure to confirm and install the properly rated fuse when changing the operating voltage. (See below AC Power Inlet).

19. LINE INPUT connector - XLR Input for connecting

balanced line level signals.

20. AC Power inlet / Fuse Sled– Connect the supplied

standard IEC AC power cable here.

21. LINE OUTPUT connector- Male XLR connector used

to link multiple LIVE series.

22. MIC INPUT connector - XLR Input for connecting low

impedance microphones to the Low-Noise pre-amp and Phantom Power.ENGLISH

L1212 and L1215 Layout

1. Titanium Compression Driver – 1.75 inch (44mm),

titanium diaphragm with 1 inch opening.

2. Wide Dispersion Horn – 1 inch throat, 60 x 90 degree

wide dispersion horn provides extensive coverage and linear off- axis response.

3. Power LED – Blue Light Emitting Diode illuminates

indicating the unit is powered on and ready for operation.

4. Low Frequency Driver - 12-inch and 15-inch woofers

with oversize motors and large voice coils deliver deep, controlled bass response.

5. Handle – One of two over sized carry handles.

6. Bass Port– Precision tuned, low frequency port extends

and easy access to LF driver.

8. Enclosure – Rigid, all-plywood enclosure for maxmum

output and durability. Amplifier Panel Rear View

9. Heat sink - Convection cooling of the internal power

amplifier via massive aluminum extrusion.

10. LINE INPUT connector - XLR Input for connecting

balanced line level signals.

11. LINE OUTPUT connector- Male XLR connector used

to link multiple LIVE series.

- 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.

– Used to control the level of the line input.

14. POWER – Switches on the LIVE series’ main power.

15. VOLTAGE switch - Used to change the operating

voltage from 115 to 230 volts. IMPORTANT NOTE! Bure sure to confirm and install the properly rated fuse when changing the operating voltage. (See below AC Power Inlet).

1. Enclosure – Rigid, all-plywood enclosure for maxmum

output and durability.

2. Handle – Oversize carry handle.

3. Bass Port– Precision tuned, low frequency port

extends the bass response.

4. Steel Grill – Durable steel grill provides protection

5. Low Frequency Driver - 12-inch woofer with oversize

motor and 3-inch voice coil deliver deep, controlled bass response.

6. Power LED – Blue Light Emitting Diode illuminates

indicating the unit is powered on and ready for operation. 7 Titanium Compression Driver – 1.75 inch (44mm), titanium diaphragm with 1 inch opening.

8. Wide Dispersion Horn

– 1 inch throat, 60 x 90 degree wide dispersion horn provides extensive coverage and linear off- axis response. Amplifier Panel Rear View

9. AC Power inlet / Fuse Sled – Connect the supplied

standard IEC AC power cable here.

10. VOLTAGE switch - Used to change the operating

voltage from 115 to 230 volts. IMPORTANT NOTE! Bure sure to confirm and install the properly rated fuse when changing the operating voltage. (See above AC Power Inlet).

11. POWER – Switches on the L612Ms main power.

12. Heat sink - Convection cooling of the internal power

amp is active, flashes Red when the amp is clipped or stays Red indicating the amplifier is in protect mode.

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

Channel Equalizer, +/- 12 dB at 10kHz.

17. LINE INPUT connector - XLR Input for connecting

balanced line level signals.

L612 and L615 Quick Set-Up In the following pages of this manual, you will find a detailed explanation of all the Live Series functions and controls, but if you just want to get started quickly with the L612 and L615 you can follow the steps below. Using a Microphone

• Be sure that the Live Series Power switch is set to the off position.

• Turn the LINE and MIC LEVEL controls fully counterclockwise to the off position.

• Connect the power cable to an AC socket.

• Using a standard XLR cable, plug a microphone into the Live Series MIC INPUT.

• Switch the Live Series Power switch to the ON position.

• 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 Live Series Power switch is set to the off position.

• Turn the LINE and MIC LEVEL controls fully counterclockwise to the off position.

• Connect the power cable to an AC socket.

• Using a standard XLR cable, connect a line level signal from a mixer or keyboard into the Live Series LINE INPUT.

• Switch the Live Series Power switch to the ON position.

• Now, run an audio signal from your mixer (like some music from a CD) while slowly raising the Live Series 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. IMPORTANT NOTE!!: Be sure to watch the PEAK LED, as it should only light RED occasionally. Operating the speaker while the PEAK LED stays on RED could cause catastrophic damage to your speaker. So be sure to lower the mixers output or the LINE LEVEL input control until the PEAK LED lights RED only occasionally.ENGLISH

In the following pages of this manual, you will find a detailed explanation of all the Live Series functions and controls, but if you just want to get started quickly with the L1212 and L1215 you can follow the steps below. Using a Line Level Signal

• Be sure that the Live Series speakers’ Power switch is set to the off position.

• Turn the LINE controls fully counterclockwise to the off position.

• Connect the power cables to an AC socket.

• Connect your turntables or CD players to your DJ mixer following the manufacturers instructions.

• Using a standard XLR cable, connect the mixer’s left output to the left side Live Series’ LINE INPUT and then connect the mixer’s right output to the right side LIVE series’ LINE INPUT.

• Switch the Live Series Power switch to the ON position.

• Now, run an audio signal (like some music from a CD) from your mixer and check that you are getting a good level using the mixers output meter.

• Next, slowly raise the Live Series LINE LEVEL control until you have reached the desired level. IMPORTANT NOTE!!: Be sure to watch the PEAK LED, as it should only light RED occasionally. Operating the speaker while the PEAK LED stays on RED could cause catastrophic damage to your speaker. So be sure to lower the mixers output or the LINE LEVEL input control until the PEAK LED lights RED only occasionally. L1212 and L1215 Quick Set-UpENGLISH

Positioning the Live Series 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 L612, and L615 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 LIVE series in tilt back monitor positions, which will improve the projection of the speakers and may eliminate the need for speaker stands. For larger settings (like clubs and parties), the L1212 and L1215 can be placed directly on the floor which causes a bass coupling effect that enhances the low frequency response. For even more bass, place a LIVE series on top of a powered sub woofer like the Samson dB1500a or dB1800a. Positioning the L612M Floor Monitor The L612M is an ideal solution for stage monitoring and thanks to its unique low-profile design. In a large stage monitor system, several L612M’s can be daisy-chained together using the Line Output. When positioning the monitor, be mindful of the placement of your microphones to help reduce feedback problems. It’s a really good idea to know your microphone’s pick up pattern to choose the right spot. Some microphones, like super and hyper cardioid models, offer a lot of rejection in the rear of their pick up pattern and when the L612M is positioned at the same angle as the rejection, you can set the monitor a lot louder before it feeds back. In many instances when using several L612M’s in a monitor system, you may choose to use an external 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.ENGLISH

Controls and Functions The following section details each part of the LIVE series INPUT section including the MIC and LINE inputs, the two-band EQ, as well as the MIC and LINE LEVEL controls.

1. MIC LEVEL (L612 and L615 only)

The L612 and L615’s MIC LEVEL controls the overall level of the microphone input. Raise the MIC Level to adjust the volume of the microphone connected to the MIC input. IMPORTANT NOTE!!: Be sure to keep the MIC LEVEL control all the way off if there is no microphone connected.

The PEAK LED will illuminate RED when the LIVE series Mic or Line input is receiving a clipped signal. If the PEAK LED lights up, lower the Mic or Line Level control. Once the PEAK LED goes off, raise the level controls back up until just before the PEAK LED lights.

3. DYNAMIC PROTECTION

The AMP / CLIP LED is a dual color LED used to monitor the output of the LIVE Series’ 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, the output relay opens and the LED will switch to solid red, indicating a fault. If this happens, contact your authorized Samson Audio Service Center.

The LIVE Series’ LINE LEVEL controls the overall level of the LINE input. Raise the LINE Level to adjust the volume of the signal connected to the LINE input. Using the Equalizer Section (L612, L612M and L615 only) The L612, L612M and L615 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. You can set a “music” curve by adding a little boost to both the LOW and HIGH frequency. When using the L612M as a vocal monitor, try a little cut on the LOW and HIGH frequency to remove unwanted bass and treble for a more focused mid-range response. For most applications, it’s best to start with the LOW and HIGH controls set flat (12:00 position) and then use the HIGH and LOW EQ in small amounts until you reach the sound you want.

Rotating the LOW knob towards the right will boost the bass frequencies at 100Hz by 12dB, and rotating it towards the left will cut the bass frequencies at 100Hz by 12dB.

Rotating the HIGH knob towards the right will boost the treble frequencies at 10kHz by 12dB, and rotating it towards the left will cut the treble frequencies at 10kHz by 12dB. Operating the Live SeriesENGLISH

Operating the Live Series Controls and Functions - continued

The Output switch is used to select the signal that is sent to the Line Output. You can have either a parallel output direct- ly 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.

Each Live Series enclosure has a main POWER switch to activate the system. It’s a good idea to keep the POWER switch, and INPUT LEVEL controls, set to their off positions before you install the IEC power cable. Connect the supplied AC cable to the AC inlet on the rear amplifier panel. Be sure you have a good AC power connection, and then, set the POWER switch to the “ON” position. The LIVE series amplifiers feature a “soft start” circuit to protect the amplifier from potentially damaging inrush current. In order to ensure that the soft start circuit is working properly, be sure to avoid turning the POWER switch on and off too quickly. Input and Output Connectors

9. MIC XLR Input (L612 and L615 only)

The Live Series’ 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 qual- ity, discrete transistor pre-amp providing transparency 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 Live Series’s LINE input. You can control the microphone input by using the MIC LEVEL control as described in the section below.

You can run several cabinets by using the LINE OUTPUT to daisy-chain one Live Series 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 informa- tion on the Output switch, see section 7 above. For more information on cables and wiring, see page 13 of this manual for a detailed wiring diagrams.

The Live Series speakers employ an XLR connector that accepts a standard XLR mic cable for balanced 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 Live Series’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 13 of this manual for a detailed wiring diagrams.ENGLISH

Live Series System Set-ups L612 and L615 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 Live Series for both a microphone and vocal. A sepa- rate signal is sent from the vocal microphone to the L612 or L615’s Mic input, and from the keyboard to the Live Series’ Line input. The individual Mic and Line level con- trols allow you to create a mix right on the Live Series. For further con- trol, you can use the Live Series’ two-band equalizer to boost or cut the highs and/or low frequencies adjusting the overall tonal contour of the system. For more information on cable and wiring, see page 13 of this manual for a detailed wiring diagrams.ENGLISH

Live Series System Set-ups This example shows a typical PA system using mixer with a pair of Live Series for the main left and right mix. A separate signal from the mixer’s AUX/MONITOR bus is sent to two additional Live Series monitors. In order to increase the output of the monitor system, the use of an external graphic equalizer like one of the Samson “D Class” or “S curve” series is highly recommended. Live Band PA System With MonitorsENGLISH

LIVE! Series Wiring Guide Unbalanced 1/4” Connector to Female XLR XLR to XLR Balanced Connecting The Live Series The are several ways to interface the Live Series to support a variety of applications. The Live Series features balanced inputs and outputs, so connecting balanced and unbalanced signals is possible. Unbalanced XLR Connector to RCA XLR to Balanced 1/4-Inch Balanced 1/4” Connector to Female XLR Unbalanced Male XLR to1/4” ConnectorFRANÇAIS