Introduction / MPL 1204 Features

Congratulations on purchasing the Samson MPL 1204 four-bus microphone/line mixer! The MPL 1204 is optimized for use in both live performance and recording applications, and it can be used wherever there are a number of microphone or line-level sources that need to mixed down to two or four outputs. Although the MPL 1204 is designed for easy operation, we suggest you first take some time to go through these pages so you can fully understand how we’ve implemented a number of unique features.

In this manual, we’ll provide you with an overview of MPL 1204 features, followed by a guided tour of its front and rear panels. Then we’ll describe how the MPL 1204 should be connected to your existing equipment (including wiring diagrams) and talk about the important topics of gain structure and grounding techniques. Next, we’ll cover a number of specific MPL 1204 features (such as busing, submixing, channel muting, as well as using panning, equalization, auxiliary sends and returns, channel inserts, and PFL/AFL) in detail. Finally, we’ll wrap things up with a series of applications notes describing a number of ways to use the MPL 1204 for both recording and live performance, plus reference Appendices 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.

SPECIAL NOTE: Should your unit ever require servicing, a Return Authorization number (RA) is necessary. Without this number, the unit will not be accepted. Please call Samson at 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 its original carton and packing materials.

MPL 1204 Features

“MPL” stands for “Mic/Program/Line” and the name describes the broad range of signals which can be handled by this powerful four-bus mixer. In fact, the compact design of the MPL 1204 belies an extraordinary versatility. Add excellent sound quality to the equation, and you’ve got a product which is equally useful in live performance and for recording (you’ll find descriptions of each application at the conclusion of this manual). Here are some of the

MPL 1204’s main features:

•Twelve independent channels, with both mic and line inputs for each channel. This allows you to blend together a variety of source signals, including dynamic or condenser microphones, keyboards, CD/tape players, etc. Standard XLR mic connectors (for microphone inputs) and electronically balanced 1/4" jacks (for line-level inputs) are provided for each channel;

in addition, there is a dedicated stereo CD/Tape input that provides dual phono (RCA) jacks.

•Four bus outputs (a “bus” is simply a pathway through which a signal can be routed) and an electronically balanced main stereo output, with dedicated front panel control. Any channel input can be routed to either of the two bus pairs (1/2 or 3/4), and any of the buses can be routed to the Left/Right mix output with the touch of a button. This flexible design allows you to easily mute selected channels and/or to create submixes within your main mix.