C Class Signal Processors PRE-SET STEREO COMPRESSOR Safety Instructions Caution: 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. WARNING: To reduce the risk of fire or electric shock, do not expose this unit to rain or moisture. 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. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. Please read all instructions before operating the unit. Keep these instructions for future reference. Please heed all safety warnings. Follow manufacturers instructions. Do not use this unit near water or moisture. Clean only with a damp cloth. Do not block any of the ventilation openings. Install in accordance with the manufacturers 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 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. 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. Unplug this unit during lightning storms or when unused for long periods of time. 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. 10. 11. 12. Table of Contents Introduction C com 16 Features 2 3 Controls and Functions Front Panel Layout Rear Panel Layout Quick Start Set-Up Default positions Operating the C com 16 Connecting the C com 16 Setting Input and Output Levels Using the PROGRAM Pre-sets Operating the C com 16 in MANUAL mode Compressing a Signal in Manual Mode Using the Enhancer Key Insert Dynamics Processing 101 Applications System Set-ups C com 16 Wiring Tilting and Stacking the C com 16 C Class Dual Rack Adaptor (optional) Specifications Block Diagram 4 5 6-7 6 7 8 8 8-9 9-10 10-11 11 12 12 13-14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 Copyright 2003, Samson Technologies Corp. Printed Febraury, 2003 Samson Technologies Corp. 575 Underhill Blvd. P.O. Box 9031 Syosset, NY 11791-9031 Phone: 1-800-3-SAMSON (1-800-372-6766) Fax: 516-364-3888 www.samsontech.com 1 Introduction Congratulations on purchasing the C com 16, pre-set stereo compressor by Samson Audio! The C com 16 is a compact, high-quality device that provides extensive dynamics processing and control that has previously only been found in expensive outboard devices. The C com 16 is the easiest to operate compressor ever made. Period! The easy operation makes the C com 16 the perfect solution for dynamics processing in live sound, and also, particularly for tracking in recording situations. With the 15 factory programmed Dynamics Pre-sets covering a wide range of applications, it's simple to dial up a dynamics program that's perfect for your gig or project. And for you tweekazoids, there is a full Manual mode offering variable control for Sensitivity, Ratio, Attack and Release. The C com 16 lets you add a powerful ENHANCER circuit to any Pre-set, or in manual mode, adding a pleasant restoration of high frequencies that can sometimes be diminished during heavy gain reduction. To help you monitor and set the best levels, the C com 16 features easy to read five segment, LED bar VU meters for INPUT and OUTPUT level, as well as GAIN REDUCTION. Like all Samson Audio C class processors, the C com 16 can be stacked on other C class models, and can be set up on an angle using the included tilting feet. The C com 16 is also a half-single rack space unit and can be rack mounted using the Samson CRK2 dual rack-mount adapter. Most importantly, by providing transparent gain control and superb audio fidelity, the C com 16's signal path will impress the most critical listeners. Although this unit is designed for easy operation, we suggest you take some time out first to go through these pages so you can fully understand how we've implemented a number of unique features. In this manual, you'll find a more detailed description of the features of the C com 16, as well as a guided tour through the front and rear panels, step-by-step instructions for using the C com 16 and full specifications. You'll also find a warranty card enclosed--please don't forget to fill it out and mail it so that you can receive online technical support and so we can send you updated information about other Samson products in the future. With proper care and adequate air circulation, your C com 16 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. 2 C com 16 Features The Samson C Com 16 dynamics processor utilizes the latest technology in gain management design. Here are some of its main features: · Full featured, stereo dynamics processor with 15 Pre-sets covering a full range of typical compression jobs for live sound and recording. User programmable MANUAL mode with variable control of SENSITIVITY, ATTACK, RATIO, RELEASE and OUTPUT. Selecting a pre-set PROGRAM is easy by using the 16-position, rotary PROGRAM selection control and the dual color LED's with legends indicating the selected dynamics program. SKD (Smart Knee Detector) switches from soft to hard knee based on the level of input signal. AEG (Automatic Envelope Generator) mode constantly adjusts the Compressor's Attack and Release times based on input signal. Manual adjustment of Attack and Release time is also facilitated. Enhancer circuit to help restore high frequencies that are sometimes lost as a result of heavy gain reduction. 6 Segment LED Input/Output Meter, plus 6 Segment LED Gain Reduction Meter. External KEY insert point provides for external processing of the side chain signal. High quality variable resistors provide smooth control. Easy to read and operate LED, backlit push switches. +4 and ­10dBu operating levels can be selected using the OUTPUT LEVEL switch. Advanced electronics incorporating high quality VCA's and low noise op-amps providing a transparent signal path. Oversized, rubber bumpers with tilting feet allow several Samson C class units to be stacked and tilted in an ergonomically correct operating position. EIA standard 19" rack mounting using the optional CRK2 rack mount kit. The stylish bead blasted, electric blue anodized front panel is as easy to read as it is to look at. Three-year extended warranty. 3 · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · C com 16 Front Panel Layout C com 16 Front Panel Layout 1 PROGRAM LED'S 1- 8 ­ When illuminated, indicates the associated Program (1-SMOOTH VOCAL, 2AGGRESSIVE VOCAL, 3-BASS, 4-SLAP BASS, 5ACOUSTIC, 6-FUNK GUITAR, 7-SUSTAIN, 8-PERC 1) is selected. PROGRAM LED'S 9-16 ­ When illuminated, indicates the associated Program (9-PERC 2, 10-SOFT, 11-DYNAMIC, 12-ENHANCED, 13-STEREO COMP, 14­STEREO LIMIT,15-STEREO MASTER,16-MANUAL) is selected. PROGRAM SELECTOR ­ Rotary encoder control knob used to select the 16 Programs. GAIN REDUCTION METER - Displays the amount of Gain Reduction when Compressor circuit is activated. SENSITIVITY - Used to set the minimum signal level at which the Compressor circuit begins to function. RATIO - Controls the amount of Gain Reduction in proportion to the amount of signal over the selected threshold level. RELEASE - Selects the amount of time the compresssor takes to return the signal to the orignal level. 8 OUTPUT - Used to set the final level after the compression circuit is applied. INPUT/OUTPUT METER - Six segment LED meter displays the Input or Output signal level based on the settings of the I/O meter switch. 9 2 10 MAINS POWER SWITCH - When switched on, the green LED will light, indicating the C com 16 is powered on and ready for operation. 11 ENHANCER - Activates the C com 16's Enhancer circuit which restores the high end loss resulting from extreme Gain Reduction. 12 ATTACK - Adjusts the amount of time the compressor takes to reach full gain reduction. 13 BYPASS - Used to switch the C com 16's compression circuit on and off. The C com 16 is engaged when the BYPASS LED lights green. 14 INPUT/ OUTPUT METER SELECT SWITCH - Selects either Input or Output level to be displayed on the Input/Output Meter. 3 4 5 6 7 4 C com 16 Rear Panel Layout C com 16 Rear Panel Layout A AC INLET - The included AC power supply is connected here. B LEFT OUTPUT - 1/4-inch, TRS (TIP/RING/SLEEVE) E KEY INSERT ­ 1/4-inch TRS (TIP/RING/SLEEVE) phone input/output connector used to externally process the compressors trigger signal. F LEFT/MONO INPUT - 1/4-inch phone connec- phone connector for the LEFT line-level, balanced output. C RIGHT OUTPUT - 1/4-inch, TRS (TIP/RING/SLEEVE) phone connector for the RIGHT line-level, balanced output. OPERATING LEVEL SWITCH - Switches the operat- tor for the LEFT (in stereo operation) or MONO line-level inputs. G RIGHT INPUT - 1/4-inch phone connector for the RIGHT line-level input. D ing level from -10dB to +4dB. 5 QUICK START Quick Start - Set-up Setting up your C com 16 is a simple procedure, which takes only a few minutes. There are many ways to interface the C com 16 with various recording or live sound set-ups, so take some time to decide which audio devices you want to connect. The following section shows a simple set-up for a typical live sound system with a C com 16 connected to a mixer, CD player and two powered PA monitors. Remove all packing materials (save them in case of need for future service) and plug the provided AC adapter in to the rear AC power inlet, but don't plug the power pack into a wall outlet just yet. You can use the C com 16 in line with the output of a mixer or recorder, or in a send and return insert-point which is typically found on input and output channels of mid to larger mixers. For detailed wiring diagrams see page 17 of this manual. Follow the next few steps described in the section below to begin to use your C com 16. Note: Before plugging in and turning on, remember the "last on, first off" rule of power amplifiers and powered speakers. 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 power amplifier or powered speakers on. When powering down, turn your power amplifier or powered speakers off first and then your mixer and outboard gear. LEFT/MONO LEFT LEFT AUX OUT AUX RET CR OUT MIX OUT 30 30 3/L LINE IN 5/L LINE IN RIGHT RIGHT RIGHT MONO OUT GAIN CLIP GAIN CLIP 5 -26 +26 60 5 -26 +26 60 4/R 6/R 0 5 5 0 0 5 0 5 HF 12K 5 HF 12K 5 HF 12K 5 5 HF 12K 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 15 5 0 15 5 2.5K 10 15 0 15 5 2.5K 10 15 0 15 5 2.5K 10 15 0 15 5 2.5K 10 5 MF 5 MF 5 MF 5 MF 2T IN 2T OUT 10 10 10 10 15 5 0 15 5 80Hz 10 15 0 15 5 80Hz 10 15 0 15 5 80Hz 10 15 0 15 5 80Hz LEFT LF RIGHT LEFT RIGHT 0 MONO 10 LF 5 LF 5 LF 5 2TK TO MIX 10 10 10 10 10 5 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 AUX AUX AUX AUX 0 10 0 0 10 0 0 10 0 0 10 0 0 10 AUX RETURN 5 PAN PAN BAL BAL L R L R L R L R 0 10 MIX/2T _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ C/ROOM +PHONES 5 _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ 0 10 · Using standard 1/4-inch cables, connect the mixer's left and right OUTPUTS to the to the C com 16's LEFT and RIGHT INPUTS. Now, using standard cables connect the C control's LEFT and RIGHT OUTPUTS to the inputs of your power amp or powered monitors. · 6 QUICK START Quick Start - Set-up - continued · · Plug the C com16's power pack into a wall outlet and switch the unit ...