Samson MPL 1640 Owner's Manual
Samson MPL 1640 Owner's Manual

Samson MPL 1640 Owner's Manual

Samson technologies cor owner manual mixer mpl 1640

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Summary of Contents for Samson MPL 1640

  • Page 2: Table Of Contents

    Changing the MPL 1640 from Rack-mount to Tabletop 23 Applications 24 Using the MPL 1640 as a main live mixer 24 Using the MPL 1640 as an onstage monitor mixer 25 Using the MPL 1640 as a keyboard submixer 26...
  • Page 3: Introduction

    MPL 1640 in your particular environment. If this is your first mixer, we’re confident that you’ll find the information in these pages valuable—read them carefully before proceeding...
  • Page 4 Bus 3/4 output. • Channel input trim controls are continuously adjustable from +4 to -50 dB, making it possible to use the MPL 1640 with a wide variety of signal sources and outboard equipment. • Center detents for all pan, balance, and EQ controls, making it easy to use the MPL 1640 even in low-light situations such as live performance.
  • Page 5: Guided Tour - Overview

    The following illustration shows an overview of the front panel of the MPL 1640: SAMSON 16 CHANNEL AUDIO MIXER INPUT TRIM INPUT TRIM INPUT TRIM INPUT TRIM INPUT TRIM HIGH HIGH HIGH HIGH HIGH −∞ −∞ −∞ −∞ −∞ AUX 1...
  • Page 6: Channel

    3: Auxiliary sends (light gray) - These knobs allow you to route signal to any of the MPL 1640’s three monophonic auxiliary outputs. These are typically used to create submixes (for example, a monitor mix or headphone cue mix) or to feed signal from single or multiple channels to outboard effects devices.
  • Page 7 6: Bus switch (gray) - When up, the channel’s signal is routed to the Main L/R faders (as described on page 7) and then on to the MPL 1640 Main Mix output jacks (as described on page 8). When pressed in, the channel’s signal is...
  • Page 8: Main Section

    Returns.” 4: Stereo Auxiliary Return Balance (dark gray) - These knobs determine the relative levels of the left and right input signals connected to the MPL 1640’s three stereo Auxiliary returns. When the knob is placed at its center (detented) position, both left and right input signals for that Aux return are at equal strength.
  • Page 9 7: Headphone jack - Connect any standard stereo headphones to this jack (via a standard 1/4” TRS plug) for private monitoring of the main stereo output. The built-in MPL 1640 headphone preamp delivers 150 mw at 30 ohms. 8: Main L/R Faders (white with blue line) - These linear sliders determine the relative level of the two Main Left/Right outputs just prior to being sent to the rear panel Main Mix output jacks (as described on page 8).
  • Page 10: Rear Panel

    OFF. 2: Power switch - This is what you use to turn the MPL 1640 on and off. To avoid potential damage to your speakers, turn the mixer on before you turn on any connected power amps—and turn it off after the power amps are turned off.
  • Page 11 13: XLR Mic Inputs (1 - 10) - Use these standard XLR jacks to connect microphones to any of the MPL 1640’s first ten channels (channels 1 - 10). These are intended to accept signal from low-level, low-impedance mics but can also be used for signal from other sources (such as direct injection boxes) if the channel’s Trim control is turned...
  • Page 12: Connecting The Mpl 1640

    Here we present a few basic rules concern- ing MPL 1640 connections that will apply in pretty much all situations: • In general, it’s best to make all connections with the MPL 1640 and all power amplifiers turned off. If you must make connections with the power on, make sure that both the Main Mix and 3/4 output levels are completely down.
  • Page 13: Insert Connectors

    SLEEVE RING * The MPL 1640 Aux returns are hardwired to the Main Mix outputs; there is no provision for routing their signal to the Bus 3/4 outputs. ** You’ll also find this information silkscreened on the MPL 1640 rear panel.
  • Page 14: Setting Up And Using The Mpl 1640

    (BALANCED 600Ω + 4dB) SAMSON Setting up your MPL 1640 is a simple procedure which takes only a few minutes: 1. Remove all packing materials (save them in case of need for future service) and decide where the unit is to be physically placed—it can be used on a tabletop or mounted in any standard 19”...
  • Page 15 (channels 1 - 10). ** If you're using an instrument such as electric guitar or bass, we recommend that you connect it to the MPL 1640 with a direct injection box to ensure cor- rect impedance. Setting Up and Using the MPL 1640...
  • Page 16 The gain structure is now correctly set—you’ve optimized the level of all sig- nals coming into and out of the MPL 1640, and the end result will be mini- mum noise and distortion and maximum clean sound. You’ll now find that...
  • Page 17: Grounding Techniques

    Three-prong plugs (such as the one used by the MPL 1640) should always be used as is; don’t use adapters to lift the ground (unless you’re using a “star ground network”—see below).
  • Page 18 Grounding Techniques If you’re using the MPL 1640 in a fixed location such as a recording studio, you may want to invest the time and money into creating a star ground network. This is by far the best technique for avoiding grounding problems. It involves using a formidable ground source such as a cold water pipe or a copper spike driven into the earth.
  • Page 19: Using Bus 3/4

    Using Bus 3/4 In addition to the Main Mix stereo output, the MPL 1640 provides two indepen- MAIN MIX OUT (BALANCED 600Ω + 4dB) dent bus outputs (Bus 3/4).* A “bus” is simply a pathway through which a signal can be routed. The provision of these secondary outputs makes it possible for...
  • Page 20: Using Pan

    Using Pan The final Main output of the MPL 1640 is stereo—that is, there are two discrete Main Mix output jacks, labeled “left” and “right,” which will normally route signal (via a power amplifier) to two discrete speakers.* Because of this, you will usual- ly be working with a stereo field that ranges from hard left to hard right.
  • Page 21: Using Equalization

    One of the most exciting aspects to using a mixer such as the MPL 1640 is hav- ing the ability to shape a sound, using a process called equalization. But there are few areas of sound engineering more misunderstood than equalization, and, just as good EQ can really help a sound, bad EQ can really hurt it, so read on...
  • Page 22: Using The Auxiliary Sends And Returns

    Balance knob functions as a constant level Pan control, allowing you to continuously place the incoming signal anywhere in the left-right stereo field. Note that the MPL 1640 Aux returns are hardwired to the Main Mix outputs; there is no provision for routing their signal to the Bus 3/4 outputs.
  • Page 23: Using Channel Inserts

    In addition to using Auxiliary sends and returns to access outboard devices, the MPL 1640 also provides channel inserts for input channels 1 - 12 as well as for the Main Mix and Bus 3/4 outputs. Channel inserts should be used when you want to affect just one signal, as opposed to signal from several channels—most often, this will be for dynamic...
  • Page 24: Using Pfl Solo

    POWER PHANTOM The MPL 1640 provides PFL (Pre-Fade Listen) solo switches for each of its six- teen input channels. The main function of PFL is to allow you to check that a signal is actually arriving at a particular input. When a PFL(solo) switch is pressed, the pre-fader (but post-EQ) signal of that channel alone is routed to the headphone output and to the meter.
  • Page 25: Changing The Mpl 1640 From Rack-Mount To Tabletop

    Changing the MPL 1640 from Rack-mount to Tabletop The diagrams below show the steps required to convert the MPL 1640 from rack-mount to tabletop usage or vice-versa. CAUTION: These servicing instructions are for use by qualified personnel only. Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel.
  • Page 26: Applications

    Application 1 - Using the MPL 1640 as a main live mixer The main connections here involve routing the MPL 1640’s Main Mix output to the input of a power amplifier, and, from there, to PA speakers. Microphones and line level signals are connected to various channel inputs. Signal processors are connected to Aux sends and returns and to channel inserts as required.
  • Page 27: Using The Mpl 1640 As An Onstage Monitor Mixer

    Application 2 - Using the MPL 1640 as an onstage monitor mixer Here, the MPL 1640 is receiving signal into its line inputs from the direct channel outputs of a main live mixer. Its Main Mix output is connected to an amplifier and onstage monitors, and the Main Mix inserts are connected to a graphic equalizer.
  • Page 28: Using The Mpl 1640 As A Keyboard Submixer

    Application 3 - Using the MPL 1640 as a keyboard submixer Here, various keyboards and MIDI tone generators are connected to various line inputs of the MPL 1640. Signal proces- sors are connected to Aux sends and returns and to channel inserts as required. The Main Mix output is routed to stereo input channels of a live performance or recording mixing console, with the performer having complete control over the blend of signals being provided to the sound engineer.
  • Page 29: Using The Mpl 1640 As A Recording Mixer

    Application 4 - Using the MPL 1640 as a recording mixer You can also use the MPL 1640 as a recording mixer when making simple recordings (for example, when recording a rehearsal or practice session direct to open-reel two-track, cassette, or DAT recorder). Microphones and line level signals are connected to various channel inputs.
  • Page 30: Appendix A: Changing The Mpl 1640 Voltage

    (actually 220 - 240 volts). The position of the two fuses in the sled as well as the fuse ratings must be maintained for adequate protection. Fuse ratings for the MPL 1640 are: 1 amp for 115 VAC and .5 amp for 230 VAC.
  • Page 31: Appendix B: Block Diagram

    Appendix B: Block Diagram...
  • Page 32: Specifications

    Specifications Frequency Response Mic/Line to Main ± 1 dB (Trim @ min, output @ 0 dB, In/Out fader @ center position) Aux Return to Main ± 1 dB (Return VR @ “0” position, Main fader @ center position, output @ 0 dB) Total Harmonic Distortion (Output 600 ohm balanced) Line to Main Out...
  • Page 33 Maximum Input Level (±3 dB) Ch Input Mic Ch Input Line Channel fader range Aux send gain range Input Channel Equalization (± 2 dB) High (10 kHz) Mid (800 Hz) Low (80 Hz) Dimensions (W x D x H) Weight Power Requirements 120 VAC 60 Hz Power Consumption...
  • Page 34 Produced by On The Right Wavelength for Samson Technologies Corp. Copyright 1994, Samson Technologies Corp. Printed August 1994 Samson Technologies Corp. 262 Duffy Avenue Hicksville, NY 11801 Phone: 516-932-1062 Fax: 516-932-3815...

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