User manual SAMSON SCOM4

S Class Signal Processors GAIN REDUCTION dB -24 -12 -6 -4 -2 INPUT / OUTPUT LEVEL dB -18 -6 0 +6 +9 GAIN REDUCTION dB -24 -12 -6 -4 -2 INPUT / OUTPUT LEVEL dB -18 -6 0 +6 +9 GAIN REDUCTION dB -24 -12 -6 -4 -2 INPUT / OUTPUT LEVEL dB -18 -6 0 +6 +9 GAIN REDUCTION dB -24 -12 -6 -4 -2 INPUT / OUTPUT LEVEL dB -18 -6 0 +6 +9 POWER EXPANDER/GATE TRIGGER COMPRESSOR / LIMITER THRESHOLD -10 CH 1 OUTPUT 0 STEREO LINK EXPANDER/GATE TRIGGER 20 COMPRESSOR / LIMITER THRESHOLD -10 CH 2 OUTPUT 0 EXPANDER/GATE TRIGGER 20 COMPRESSOR / LIMITER THRESHOLD -10 CH 3 OUTPUT 0 STEREO LINK EXPANDER/GATE TRIGGER 20 COMPRESSOR / LIMITER THRESHOLD -10 CH 4 OUTPUT 0 RATIO 4:1 METER RATIO 4:1 METER RATIO 4:1 METER RATIO 4:1 METER 4 CHANNEL COMPRESSOR GATE 20 GATE 50 0 -30 10 2 6 I/O -10 +10 IN/OUT 1 50 IN/OUT 2 0 GATE -30 10 2 6 I/O -10 +10 50 0 GATE -30 10 2 6 I/O -10 +10 IN/OUT 3 50 IN/OUT 4 0 GATE -30 10 2 6 I/O -10 +10 OFF +10 dB RELEASE -40 +20 1 dB ENHANCER -20 +20 OFF +10 dB RELEASE -40 +20 1 dB ENHANCER -20 +20 OFF +10 dB RELEASE -40 +20 1 dB ENHANCER -20 +20 OFF +10 dB RELEASE -40 +20 1 dB ENHANCER -20 +20 dB dB dB dB dB dB dB dB STEREO COMPRESSOR / LIMITER 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. RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK DO NOT OPEN WARNING DO NOT EXPOSE THIS EQUIPMENT TO RAIN OR MOISTURE AVIS RISQUE DE CHOC ELECTRONIQUE NE PAS OUVRIR CAUTION FOR CONTINUED PROTECTION AGAINST RISK OF FIRE, REPLACE ONLY WITH SAME TYPE FUSE ATTENTION UTILISER UN FUSIBLE DE RECHANGE DE MÊME TYPE WARNING DO NOT EXPOSE THIS EQUIPMENT TO RAIN OR MOISTURE AVIS RISQUE DE CHOC ELECTRONIQUE NE PAS OUVRIR RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK DO NOT OPEN 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. 1 Table of Contents Table des matières ENGLISH Forward by Ray Kennedy Introduction S·com 4 Features Controls and Functions Front Panel Layout Rear Panel Layout Operating the S·com 4 Setting Up the S·com 4 Compressing A Signal Gating A Signal Using The Expander Using the Enhancer Dynamics Processing 101 Applications System Set-ups S·com 4 Connections Specifications 3 4 5 6-7 6-7 8 8 9 9 10 11-12 13-14 15-16 17 60-61 Inhalt DEUTSCHE Vorwort von Ray Kennedy S·com 4 Features Regler und Funktionen Vorderseite Rückseite Bedienung des S·com 4 S·com 4 einrichten Signal komprimieren Signal gaten Expander einsetzen Enhancer einsetzen Dynamikbearbeitung 101 Anwendungen System-Einrichtungsbeispiele S·com 4 Anschlüsse Technische Daten 32 33 34-35 34-35 36 36 37 37 38 39-40 41-42 43-44 45 60-61 Contenido FRANÇAIS Note de Ray Kennedy Caractéristiques du S·com 4 Réglages et fonctions Face avant Face arrière Utilisation du S·com 4 Configuration du S·com 4 Compression d'un signal Utilisation du Noise Gate Utilisation de l'expanseur Utilisation de l'Enhancer 18 19 20-21 20-21 22 22 23 23 24 ESPAÑOL Prólogo de Ray Kennedy Características y funciones de S·com 4 Controles y funciones Distribución del panel frontal Distribución del panel posterior Utilizar el S·com 4 Preparar el S·com 4 Comprimir una señal Aplicar una compuerta a una señal Utilizar el Expander Utilizar el Enhancer Procesamiento de dinámica 101 Aplicaciones Instalaciones del sistema Conexiones de S·com 4 Especificaciones 46 47 48-49 48-49 50 50 51 51 51 53-54 55-56 57-58 59 60-61 Éléments de base sur les processeurs de dynamique 25-26 Applications Configurations du système Connexions du S·com 4 Caractéristiques techniques 27-28 29-30 31 60-61 Copyright 2001, Samson Technologies Corp. Printed August, 2001 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 Forward By Ray Kennedy The use of compressors and limiters in recording and mixing are some of the most important tools available and much more useful than many realize. To me, compression is much more of a sound than a dynamics control device. Each model has its own sound and ideal application which is why I have about forty units to choose from. Learning which type of unit and what settings to use takes a lot of trial and experimentation but eventually you'll find the best applications. Peak limiting and soft compression are basically good for maximizing levels to tape or disk without a lot of coloration. Essentially knocking the peaks down and bringing the quieter portions of a sound up louder by narrowing the dynamic range. Slow attack and fast release times allow for more transparent sound. I personally like the sound of compression and use it at times to extremes. Depending on the type of unit and the settings, so many tonal characters can be achieved from thickening, adding ambience, toughening, softening, equalizing and much more. My favorite 'manic compression"' trick is to make vocals feel suspended in the mix, dry and intimate, as if the singer is right there in your face but not too loud. My partner Steve Earle says the amount of compression we use on the vocals on his records lets people know what he had for breakfast. In many ways, it becomes a replacement for reverb and used in extreme, it pulls in all the ambience around a vocal mic as well as digging out character from down in your vocal cords. On an overhead or room mic, you can actually change the perceived size of the room by making it suck in the decaying sound as it travels away. Again slow attack and fast release times will bring the best results because you can hit the threshold much harder. Stereo bus limiting and compression is also a very good method for actually gluing tracks together and making bands sound tighter than they really are. It also allows for more saturation to analog two track as well as fuller modulation to digital formats. For me, it is not unusual to hit three stereo limiters before getting to the hard disk in mastering, which the final parts will be cut from. Quite often running a signal through several compressors will allow some interesting results which cannot be achieved with one unit. There certainly are no rules but it is important to know that there are many different designs in squashing sound. Some are entirely tube, some tube and optical, just optical, FET transistors, VCA's (voltage control amplifiers), Pure Class A, Class A/B, Digital, as well as other combinations. Now, we have finally arrived in an age of very high quality VCA's which are not too expensive and are allowing for very sophisticated and versatile designs, as are the S-Class units from Samson. Ray Kennedy ENGLISH Ray Kennedy is a Nashville based Producer, Engineer and Songwriter whose production company Twang Trust, a partnership between Ray and singer songwriter Steve Earle, has been credited with well known artist recordings and performances including Steve Earle, Art Garfunkel, Willie and Waylon, Farm Aid, The Del McCoury Band, Nancy Griffith, Lucinda Williams, David Alan Coe, Shaver, V-Roys, and Rosie Flores. 3 Introduction Thank you for purchasing the Samson S·com 4 dynamics processor. The Samson S·com 4 is a one-space, four channel dynamics processor optimized for recording, live sound reinforcement systems, DJ set-ups and commercial installations. The S·com 4 is a complete dynamics processing solution offering four channels of full function Compressor, Expander/Gate, and Enhancer. S·com 4's convenient meters provide instant status of important gain management settings. In these pages, you'll find a detailed description of the features of the S·com 4 dynamics processor, as well 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. With proper care and adequate air circulation, your S·com 4 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: ENGLISH 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. 4 S·com 4 Features GAIN REDUCTION dB -24 -12 -6 -4 -2 INPUT / OUTPUT LEVEL dB -18 -6 0 +6 +9 GAIN REDUCTION dB -24 -12 -6 -4 -2 INPUT / OUTPUT LEVEL dB -18 -6 0 +6 +9 GAIN REDUCTION dB -24 -12 -6 -4 -2 INPUT / OUTPUT LEVEL dB -18 -6 0 +6 +9 GAIN REDUCTION dB -24 -12 -6 -4 -2 INPUT / OUTPUT LEVEL dB -18 -6 0 +6 +9 POWER EXPANDER/GATE TRIGGER COMPRESSOR / LIMITER THRESHOLD -10 CH 1 OUTPUT 0 STEREO LINK EXPANDER/GATE TRIGGER 20 COMPRESSOR / LIMITER THRESHOLD -10 CH 2 OUTPUT 0 EXPANDER/GATE TRIGGER 20 COMPRESSOR / LIMITER THRESHOLD -10 CH 3 OUTPUT 0 STEREO LINK EXPANDER/GATE TRIGGER 20 COMPRESSOR / LIMITER THRESHOLD -10 CH 4 OUTPUT 0 RATIO 4:1 METER RATIO 4:1 METER RATIO 4:1 METER RATIO 4:1 METER 4 CHANNEL COMPRESSOR GATE 20 GATE 50 0 -30 10 2 6 I/O -10 +10 IN/OUT 1 50 IN/OUT 2 0 GATE -30 10 2 6 I/O -10 +10 50 0 GATE -30 10 2 6 I/O -10 +10 IN/OUT 3 50 IN/OUT 4 0 GATE -30 10 2 6 I/O -10 +10 OFF +10 dB RELEASE -40 +20 1 dB ENHANCER -20 +20 OFF +10 dB RELEASE -40 +20 1 dB ENHANCER -20 +20 OFF +10 dB RELEASE -40 +20 1 dB ENHANCER -20 +20 OFF +10 dB RELEASE -40 +20 1 dB ENHANCER -20 +20 ENGLISH dB dB dB dB dB dB dB dB The Samson S com 4 dynamics processor utilizes the latest technology in gain management design. Here are some of its main features: · Full featured, four channel dynamics processor including Compressor/Limiter and Expander/Gate on each channel. SKD (Smart Knee Detector) switches from soft to hard knee based on the level of input signal. AEG (Automatic Envelope Generator) feature constantly adjusts the Compressor's Attack and Release times based on input signal. 5 Segment LED Input/Output Meter, plus 5 Segment LED Gain Reduction Meter on each channel. Gate function can be switched from hard Off to light Downward Expander. Gate Open and Closed LED's. Expander/Gate with switchable Fast and Slow Release times. Stereo Link Switch for channels 1 & 2 and 3 & 4. Advanced circuit design, utilizing low noise operational amplifiers and high quality VCAs. Servo balanced inputs and outputs on XLR and 1/4" connectors. Switchable +4 and ­10 operating levels. High quality 41 position detent pots and backlit switches. The stylish bead blasted electric blue anodized front-panel is as easy to read as it is to look at. Three-year extended warranty. · · · · · · · · · · · · · 5 Controls and Functions Front Panel Layout 1 2 3 4 5 6 ENGLISH GAIN REDUCTION dB -24 -12 -6 -4 -2 INPUT / OUTPUT LEVEL dB -18 -6 0 +6 +9 GAIN REDUCTION dB -24 -12 -6 -4 -2 INPUT / OUTPUT LEVEL dB -18 -6 0 +6 +9 EXPANDER/GATE TRIGGER COMPRESSOR / LIMITER THRESHOLD -10 CH 1 OUTPUT 0 STEREO LINK EXPANDER/GATE TRIGGER 20 COMPRESSOR / LIMITER THRESHOLD -10 CH 2 OUTPUT 0 EXP T RATIO 4:1 METER RATIO 4:1 METER 4 CHANNEL COMPRESSOR GATE 20 GATE 50 0 -30 10 2 6 I/O -10 +10 IN/OUT 1 50 IN/OUT 2 0 GATE -30 10 2 6 I/O -10 +10 50 OFF +10 dB RELEASE -40 +20 1 dB ENHANCER -20 +20 OFF +10 dB RELEASE -40 +20 1 dB ENHANCER -20 +20 O dB dB dB dB 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 1 2 3 4 5 6 GATE OPEN & CLOSED LEDS - Indicates when the gate is open and closed. GATE SWITCH - Selects either Gate or Expander mode. GAIN REDUCTION METER - Displays the amount of Gain Reduction when Compressor circuit is activated. INPUT/OUTPUT METER - Displays the Input or Output signal level based on the setting of the I/O meter switch. STEREO LINK SWITCH- When engaged channel 2 functions are controlled by the settings on channel 1. CHANNEL 2 CONTROLS - The same knob and switch complement as channel 1 . 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 CHANNEL 3 CONTROLS - The same knob and switch complement as channel 1. STEREO LINK SWITCH (3 & 4)-When engaged, channel 4 functions are controlled by the settings on channel 3. CHANNEL 4 CONTROLS - The same knob and switch complement as channel 1. MAINS POWER SWITCH - When turned on, activates the S·com. RACK EARS - Used for mounting into a 19inch standard rack. TRIGGER- Controls the threshold level that the Expander/Gate becomes activated. RELEASE SWITCH - Selects FAST or SLOW Release Time for EXPANDER/GATE. Rear Panel Layout A B C D E F G -10 LEVEL CH 4 -10 LEVEL CH 3 +4 +4 BALANCED INPUT BALANCED OUTPUT BALANCED INPUT BALANCED OUTPUT A B AC INLET - IEC standard AC power cable connector with external fuse. CHANNEL 4 XLR LINE INPUT - XLR Balanced line input. C D CHANNEL 4 1/4" TRS LINE INPUT - 1/4" TRS Balanced line input. OPERATING LEVEL SWITCH - Switches the operating level from -10 to +4. 6 Controls and Functions 7 8 9 10 11 ENGLISH GAIN REDUCTION dB -24 -12 -6 -4 -2 INPUT / OUTPUT LEVEL dB -18 -6 0 +6 +9 GAIN REDUCTION dB -24 -12 -6 -4 -2 INPUT / OUTPUT LEVEL dB -18 -6 0 +6 +9 POWER POWER XPANDER/GATE TRIGGER 20 COMPRESSOR / LIMITER THRESHOLD -10 CH 3 OUTPUT 0 STEREO LINK EXPANDER/GATE TRIGGER 20 COMPRESSOR / LIMITER THRESHOLD -10 CH 4 OUTPUT 0 RATIO 4:1 METER RATIO 4:1 METER GATE 0 -30 10 2 6 I/O -10 +10 IN/OUT 3 50 IN/OUT 4 0 GATE -30 10 2 6 I/O -10 +10 OFF +10 dB RELEASE -40 +20 1 dB ENHANCER -20 +20 OFF +10 dB RELEASE -40 +20 1 dB ENHANCER -20 +20 dB dB dB dB 21 22 14 THRESHOLD - Used to set minimum signal level at which the Compressor circuit begins to function. 15 RATIO - Controls the amount Gain Reduction in proportion to the amount of signal over the selected threshold level. 16 I/O METER SWITCH - Selects either the input or output level to be displayed on the Input/Output meter. 17 ENHANCE SWITCH- Activates S·com 4's ERF (Enhanced Frequency Recovery) circuit restoring the high end loss resulting from extreme Gain Reduction. 18 OUTPUT- Controls the level of output signal. 19 20 21 22 . CHANNEL 1 IN/OUT - Activates S·com 4 Channel 1. CHANNEL 2 IN/OUT - Activates S·com 4 Channel 2. CHANNEL 1 IN/OUT - Activates S·com 4 Channel 3. CHANNEL 2 IN/OUT - Activates S·com 4 Channel 4. H I 3 -10 LEVEL CH 2 -10 LEVEL CH 1 +4 +4 NCED PUT BALANCED INPUT BALANCED OUTPUT BALANCED INPUT BALANCED OUTPUT E F CHANNEL 4 XLR LINE OUTPUT - XLR Balanced line output. CHANNEL 4 1/4" TRS LINE OUTPUT - 1/4" TRS Balanced line output. G H I CHANNEL 3 - Same Inputs and Outputs as channel 4 CHANNEL 2 - Same Inputs and Outputs as channel 4 CHANNEL 1 - Same Inputs and Outputs as channel 4 7 Operating The S·com 4 Whether you are an experienced audio engineer, just starting out, or you just want to experiment, follow the steps below to get going. Further sections in this manual will cover basic dynamics and the associated parameters, system set-ups and applications for using dynamics processing in recording and live sound applications. ENGLISH SETTING UP THE S·com 4 · Connect one set of inputs and outputs to the Channel 1 connectors on the rear panel. · Set the controls to the following positions: GAIN REDUCTION dB -24 -12 -6 -4 -2 INPUT / OUTPUT LEVEL dB -18 -6 0 +6 +9 GAIN REDUCTION dB -24 -12 -6 -4 -2 INPUT / OUTPUT LEVEL dB -18 -6 0 +6 +9 EXPANDER/GATE TRIGGER COMPRESSOR / LIMITER THRESHOLD -10 CH 1 OUTPUT 0 STEREO LINK EXPANDER/GATE TRIGGER 20 COMPRESSOR / LIMITER THRESHOLD -10 CH 2 OUTPUT 0 RATIO 4:1 METER RATIO 4:1 METER 4 CHANNEL COMPRESSOR GATE 20 GATE 50 0 -30 10 2 6 I/O -10 +10 IN/OUT 1 50 IN/OUT 2 0 GATE -30 10 2 6 I/O -10 +10 OFF +10 dB RELEASE -40 +20 1 dB ENHANCER -20 +20 OFF +10 dB RELEASE