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Introduction

Thank you for purchasing the Expedition XP510i PORTABLE PA SYSTEM from Samson! The XP510i features a com-

pact, 10-channel mixer with 500 watts of onboard power and dual 2-way speakers, making it an ideal solution for 

a variety of small to medium sized PA applications. The XP510i is extremely portable thanks to its lightweight and 

unique “Slide and Lock” design.

The 10-channel mixer can be removed from the speaker for tabletop use. It features 4 inputs for connecting micro-

phones, plus three inputs for connecting stereo signals, like those from a CD player or electronic keyboard. There’s 

also a built-in, 24-bit digital effects processor to add studio quality effects to your voice or instruments. For music 

playback, the XP510i features a convenient iPod dock. The mixer also provides a robust output, with 500 watts of 

total power from the lightweight, Class D amplifier section. The XP510i employs a matched speaker system with 

dual 2-way enclosures that have proprietary 10-inch woofers and 1-inch high frequency drivers. To help project 

the sound to a larger audience, the XP510i speakers can be mounted on standard speaker stands, thanks to the 

integral pole mount receptacles. The XP510i is constructed using durable ABS, high impact plastic, making it super 

road tough, and at the same time, lightweight. 

  

In this manual, you’ll find a detailed description of the features of the XP510i PA system,  as well as 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 war-

ranty 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. Also, be sure 

to check out our website (www.samsontech.com) for complete information about our full product line.

With proper care and adequate air circulation, your XP510i 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. If you purchased your Sam-

son product outside the United States, please contact your local distributor for warranty information and service.

Features

• The XP510i is a compact PA system with dual 2-way speakers, onboard mixer and 500 watt power amplifier.

• The XP510i is the ultimate in portable design. The lightweight and clever design allow you to connect all the 

pieces together into a single, easy to move case.

• The mixer is stored in one of the speaker cabinets; the other cabinet has an accessory compartment for storing 

the speaker cables, microphones, etc.

• The speakers are 2-way vented enclosures with 10-inch woofers for deep bass, complimented by a 1-inch high 

frequency driver, set in a custom horn with a 60 x 90 degree coverage pattern producing a clean, clear sound.

• The internal 2 x 250 watt lightweight Class D power amplifier produces a powerful stereo sound.

• The XP510i’s mixer can be removed from the speaker for tabletop use and you can use the kick stand to set the 

mixer at an ergonomically correct angle.

• The 10-channel mixer features four Mic/Line inputs allowing you to connect microphones or line signals, plus 

three stereo inputs for connecting line signals from keyboards, drum machines and MP3/CD players. You can 

engage the Phantom Power switch if you are using condenser microphones. 

• On each of the mixer’s channel inputs there is a Bass and Treble control allowing you to equalize the tone of the 

individual inputs.

• To create a lush sound on any of the microphone channels, you can select from the ten, onboard, 24-bit digital 

effects.

• The XP510i features a built-in iPod dock allowing you to easily connect most iPod models for seamless music 

playback. You can use the iPod to simply play music, add background tracks, or repeat a commercial message at a 

fair or trade show.

• For added flexibility, the XP510i’s mixer has a Monitor Out on two, 1/4 inch jacks allowing you to connect to exter-

nal powered monitor speakers.  

XP510i Quick Start

Unpacking and Setting Up the XP510i

• Unpack all the system components from the shipping carton and save all packing materials in the (unlikely) event 

your unit ever needs to be returned for service.

• Remove the mixer by turning the quarter turn screw counterclockwise towards the RELEASE position.

LOCK

RELEASE

• Carefully hold the mixer to remove it from the speaker.

• Remove the accessory compartment cover by turning the quarter turn screw counterclockwise towards the 

RELEASE position, and remove the included speaker cables. 

• Replace the accessory panel by aligning the bottom of the panel into the slots, make sure the quarter turn screw 

is in the RELEASE position; then close the panel and turn the quarter turn screw clockwise to LOCK.

• Position the speakers on the floor or on stands, and using one of the included speaker cables, connect the mixer’s 

LEFT SPEAKER OUT to the left speaker’s input connector. Next, use the second included speaker cable to connect 

the RIGHT SPEAKER OUT to the right speaker’s input connector.

Using a Microphone

• Be sure that the XP510i’s Power switch is set to the OFF position.

• Turn all of the channel VOLUME (VOL) controls fully counterclockwise to the “0” position.

• If the speakers are not connected, connect the speaker wires as described in the previous section.

• Next, connect the power cable to an AC outlet.

• Using a standard XLR cable, plug a microphone into the XP510i’s Channel 1 MIC INPUT.

Using a Line Level Signal

• Be sure that the XP510i’s Power switch is set to the OFF position.

• Turn all of the channel VOLUME (VOL) controls fully counterclockwise to the “0” position.

• Connect the power cable to an AC outlet.

• If using channels 1-4, set the MIC/LINE switch to the LINE position.

• Using standard 1⁄4-inch cables, connect a line level signal from a keyboard into the XP510i’s LINE INPUTS.

XP510i Quick Start cont’d

• Switch the XP510i’s Power switch to the ON position.

• Play your guitar or keyboard and slowly raise the channel control and the MASTER level control until you have 

reached the desired VOLUME.

Electric Acoustic
Guitar

Configuring the XP510i for Transport

You can easily carry your sound system using the XP510i’s “Slide and Lock” feature. The “Slide and Lock” speaker 

enclosures allow you to connect both speakers together into a single, easy to carry unit. Follow these steps to 

configure the XP510i for easy transport.

2.

 Position the second speaker above the first speaker 

and line up the “Slide and Lock” tracks and grooves so 

that they are parallel to the speaker on the floor. 

3. 

Slide the second speaker into the speaker on the 

floor making certain that the two speakers stay parallel 

to each other. 

• Switch the XP510i’s Power switch to the ON position.

• Set the MIC/LINE switch to the MIC position.

• Set the Channel 1 VOLUME (VOL) control to about halfway.

• While speaking into the microphone, slowly raise the MASTER level control until you have reached the desired 

level.

4. 

You will feel a slight click when the two speakers are 

in place.

Specifications*

Maximum Output Power

250 W + 250 W @ 8 Ω

 

Maximum Output Level (0.5% T.H.D. @ 1kHz)

+22dBu(MONITOR L/R) @ 10 kΩ    

+14 dBu (REC) @ 10 kΩ                                                            

T.H.D

<0.1% @+14 dB 20 Hz ~ 20 kHz (MONITOR L/R,REC L/R) @ 10 kΩ                                              

Frequency Response

20 Hz ~ 20 kHz +/-1 dB, 10 kΩ (MONITOR L/R)

20 Hz ~ 20 kHz +0/-1 dB, 10 kΩ (REC L/R)

Hum and Noise (Input GAIN=Maximum Input sensitivity, MIC)

-112dBu  equivalent input noise ( Rs = 150 Ω )

-90dBu 

Residual noise (MONITOR L/R) all Levels at Minimum

-80dBu 

MONITOR at nominal level and all channel Levels 

 

minimum.

-70dBu 

MONITOR at maximum level and all channel Levels    

 

minimum.

Maximum Voltage Gain

50dB MIC 1/2(XLR,LIMIT Position) IN TO MONITOR L/R 

60dB MIC 3/4(XLR) IN TO MONITOR L/R 

40dB MIC 1/2(PHONE TRS,LIMIT Position) IN TO MONITOR L/R 

50dB MIC 3/4(PHONE TRS) IN TO MONITOR L/R 

14dB CH 1/2 LINE(PHONE TRS,LIMIT Position,MIC/LINE SW IN) IN TO 

MONITOR L/R 

24dB CH 3/4 LINE(PHONE TRS,MIC/LINE SW IN) IN TO MONITOR L/R 

28dB ST LINE IN TO MONITOR L/R 

48dB MIC 3/4(XLR) IN TO REC L/R

Crosstalk (at 1 kHz)

-70 dB between input channels 

-70 dB between input/output channels 

SPEECH/MUSIC

167 Hz, 3dB/Octave 

Input Channel Equalization

HIGH: 10 kHz shelving ±15 dB 

LOW: 100 Hz shelving ±15 dB 

LIMIT/COMP Switch

DOWN = Comp, UP = Limit (CH1/2) 

Phantom Power

+15V DC

 

Power Source/Power Consumption

AC INPUT 100 V~240 V, 50/60 Hz, 600 W MAX.

Weight

52.8 Ib (24 Kg) 

Dimensions

22.7’’(W) x 12.6’’(D) x 22’’(H) 

577 mm(W) x 320 mm(D) x 560 mm(H)

Where 0 dBu = 0.775 V and 0 dBV = 1 V

 

Dimensions

320

603

173

339

13.1°

301

301

88

Input Connector

Input  Impedance

Nominal Source 

Impedance

Rated Input Level

Connector Type

CH MIC

3.6 kΩ / 7.5 kΩ

50 ~ 600 Ω / 600 Ω

-32 dBu / -22dBu

XLR Type Balanced  

/ Phone Jack (TRS) 

T=Hot R=Cold 

S=GND

CH LINE

3.6 kΩ / 7.5 kΩ

50 ~ 600 Ω / 600 Ω

-6 dBu / +4 dBu

XLR Type Balanced 

/ Phone Jack (TRS) 

T=Hot R=Cold 

S=GND

STEREO INPUT

10 kΩ

600 Ω

0 dBu

Unbalanced Phone 

Jack

STEREO INPUT

10 kΩ

600 Ω

0 dBu

RCA pin Jack

Output Connector

Output Impedance

Nominal Load 

Impedance

Rated Output 

Level

Connector type

MONITOR L/R

1 kΩ

≥10 kΩ

+4 dBu

Phone Jack (TRS) 

Impedance bal-

anced T=hot R=Cold 

S=ground

REC OUT

600 Ω

≥10 kΩ

+4 dBu

RCA pin Jack

SPEAKER OUTPUT

8 Ω

250 W

 Phone Jack

Input Specifications

Output Specifications

*Specifications and design subject to change without notice

System Specifications

Owners Manual

E PEDITION

XP510i

PORTABLE PA SYSTEM

1.

 Place one speaker on the floor and set it on its side.

XP510i Wiring Guide

There are several ways to interface the XP510i to support a variety of applications. The XP510i features balanced 

inputs and outputs, so connecting balanced and unbalanced signals is possible.

CONNECTING THE XP510i

Unbalanced 1/4” Connector

Balanced TRS 1/4” Connector

XLR Balanced Wiring Guide

Speaker cabinets must be reversed with respect to top and 

bottom.

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