Samson PL2404 manual Setting the Correct Gain Structure

Setting the Correct Gain Structure

i.If you have a microphone connected to channel 1 or channel 3, the procedure for setting optimum microphone levels is as follows: sing or speak into the mic at the level you expect to use in performance while slowly raising the Level control for that channel to its 2 o’clock “0” position. Again, slowly raise the power ampli- fier volume until you reach the level you want to hear. Then raise the rear panel Trim control for that channel to a point at which you get a strong, clear signal that doesn’t distort even at the highest singing or speaking levels. For best signal-to- noise ratio, always keep the Trim control as high as possible short of distortion.

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 PL 2404 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 all Aux send knobs for that channel to their “0” (unity gain) position (bear in mind that, when a pair of channel inputs are connected, the odd-numbered [left] input signal can only be routed to Aux 1L and Aux 3L, while the even-numbered [right] input can only be routed to Aux 2R and Aux 4R; when only the odd-numbered [left] input is connected, the signal can be routed to any of the four Aux sends). 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 micro- phone), slowly raise each Aux return level control until you hear the desired amount of processed signal added to the dry signal. For more information, see the “Using Aux Sends and Returns” section on page 20.

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 PL 2404, 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 PL 2404, you can call Samson Technical Support (1-800-372-6766) between 9 AM and 5 PM EST.

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