Setting the Correct Gain Structure
h.Once you’ve set the optimum level in step (g) above, continue playing the instrument and slowly raise the level of your power amplifier until you reach the desired listening level. Repeat step (g) above for each instrument connected to the MPL 1204 channel line inputs.
i.The procedure for setting optimum microphone levels is virtually identical; sing or speak into each mic at the level you expect to use in performance while slowly raising the Level control for that channel to its “0” position. Then adjust the Trim control for that channel while watching the segment meter. You should expect that
j.If you have any outboard signal processors connected to the Aux send and return jacks on the rear panel, follow this step. Because outboard effects processors can sometimes be quite noisy, it’s particularly important to maximize the amount of signal being sent to them via the MPL 1204 Aux sends. The idea is to drive these devices as hot as possible (short of overloading them) and then to use the corresponding Aux return level to carefully adjust the amount of processed signal being blended with the dry signal. To set optimum Aux send levels, use a channel that has already had its gain structure adjusted in step (g) or (i) above. Turn both Aux send knobs for that channel to their “0” (unity gain) position. Then play the instrument (or sing into the microphone) connected to that channel. Adjust the input levels of connected outboard effects processors so that their meter shows incoming signal normally in the 0 vu range (with only occasional higher excursions). Finally, optimize the Aux return levels: While continuing to play your instrument (or continuing to sing into the microphone), slowly raise each Aux return level control until you hear the desired amount of processed signal added to the dry signal. Adjust the Aux return Balance controls as required in order to set the relative levels of the signal arriving at the left and right Aux return inputs. For more information, see the “Using Aux Sends and Returns” section on page x in this manual.
k.At this point, if you want to route any channel or Aux return signal(s) to any of the four bus outputs at optimum level, simply set the channel’s “Mute 3/4” or Aux return’s Bus switch correctly and raise the corresponding bus fader to its “0” (unity gain) position.
l.The gain structure is now correctly set— you’ve optimized the level of all signals coming into and out of the MPL 1204, and the end result will be minimum noise and distortion and maximum clean sound. You’ll now find that the majority of your mixes can be accomplished with the Main or Control Room Level knobs and with most channel Level controls at or near their 2 o’clock “0” (unity gain) position. If you need to make adjustments to the overall level, use the level control of your power amplifier.
If you encounter difficulty with any aspect of setting up or using your MPL 1204, you can call Samson Technical Support
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