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Introduction

Congratulations on purchasing the Samson S83/S63 Mixer Amplifier!  In this
manual, we’ll take you on a guided tour through all the features of this powerful
and flexible device, and we’ll tell you how to get the most out of the S83/S63.
Although designed for easy operation, we suggest you take some time out first
to go through these pages so you can fully understand how we’ve implemented
a number of unique features.

The S83 and S63 both combine a flexible multi-channel mixer with a clean, pow-
erful amplifier and high-quality spring reverb unit—all in a single compact chas-
sis that mounts easily in any standard 19” rack.  Simply plug in your micro-
phones and line-level instruments (such as keyboards, tape decks, CD players,
etc.) and connect the unit to any standard speaker system, and you’ve got a
complete PA system suitable for use in permanent installations such as church-
es, conference rooms, small clubs, or similar environments.

The S83 and S63 differ in the number of input channels (the S83 has eight while
the S63 has six); the type of equalization (the S83 provides four bands per chan-
nel, while the S63 has three); their amplifier power ratings (the S83 delivers 300
watts into 4 ohms, while the S63 delivers 210 watts into 4 ohms); the number of
Effects returns (the S83 has four while the S63 has two) and the presence or
absence of a master metering section, peak LEDs, and headphone preamplifier
(the S83 has all of these while the S63 does not).  Both units include a 10-band
graphic master equalizer, a master level control, phantom power, two Effects
sends, and a Monitor output as well as dedicated tape/CD input.

In these pages, we’ll begin with an overview of the main S83/S63 features, fol-
lowed by a guided tour of both units’ front and rear panels.  Then we’ll describe
the various input and output connections (including wiring diagrams) and tell you
in detail how to set up your S83/S63 as well as showing you how best to use the
unit in live performance.  Finally, we’ll cover a number of specific topics (such as
grounding techniques, using equalization, and using the effects sends and
returns) and then wrap things up with full specifications.

Oh, and one last thing—don’t forget to fill out and mail in the enclosed warrantee
card!  This will enable you to receive online technical support and will allow us to
send you updated information about other Samson products in the future.

1

Summary of Contents for S63, S83

Page 1: ...SAMSON S83 S63 AMPLIFIER MIXER...

Page 2: ...ion 12 Rear Panel 14 Connecting The S83 S63 General Suggestions 15 Setting Up and Using the S83 S63 16 Setting the Correct Gain Structure 17 Suggested Performance Applications 20 S83 20 S63 21 Groundi...

Page 3: ...r chan nel while the S63 has three their amplifier power ratings the S83 delivers 300 watts into 4 ohms while the S63 delivers 210 watts into 4 ohms the number of Effects returns the S83 has four whil...

Page 4: ...o shape the sound of your input signal sources In addition a ten band graphic master equalizer allows you to tune the output of the S83 S63 to the particular room environment you are in This can be pa...

Page 5: ...bring external signals from other mixers or audio devices into the S83 S63 power amplifier A rear panel preamplifier output allows you to connect the S83 S63 to exter nal power amplifiers when higher...

Page 6: ...ANNEL 6 PEAK LOW 15 LEVEL 0 10 EFF1 MON 0 4 40 TRIM 0 10 10 EFF2 REV 0 LINE MIC CHANNEL 7 PEAK LOW 15 LEVEL 0 10 EFF1 MON 0 4 40 TRIM 0 10 10 EFF2 REV 0 LINE MIC CHANNEL 8 PEAK 8 CHANNEL MIXER 300 WAT...

Page 7: ...m 4 db to 40 db the input trim is at unity gain no boost or attenuation when set to the 0 position The input signal is boosted when the trim is turned to the right of 0 and attenuated when turned to t...

Page 8: ...er EQ These sliders allow you to add 15 db of boost or attenuation to ten different frequency areas affecting the main output signal of the S83 When a slider is at its center detented 0 db position th...

Page 9: ...termines the input level of signal arriving via Effects returns 3 and 4 mixed together in mono This signal is at unity gain no boost or attenuation when the knob set to the 0 position and is boosted w...

Page 10: ...Effects Sends and Returns section in this manual for more information 4 Effects Sends These unbalanced outputs allow you to route signal from each of the two discrete Effects Sends to external devices...

Page 11: ...mplifier speaker system so that the performers can receive an onstage monitor mix independent of the house mix See the Using the Effects Sends and Returns section of this manual for more information 8...

Page 12: ...12 12 1 kHz 0 15 15 HIGH 0 15 15 LOW 0 15 LEVEL 0 10 EFF1 MON 0 4 40 TRIM 0 10 10 EFF2REV 0 LINE MIC CHANNEL 2 12 12 1 kHz 0 15 15 HIGH 0 15 15 LOW 0 15 LEVEL 0 10 EFF1 MON 0 4 40 TRIM 0 10 10 EFF2 R...

Page 13: ...the 0 position the signal is attenuated 4 Input trim black This knob determines the input level of the connected mic or line signal Continuously adjustable from 4 db to 40 db the input trim is at uni...

Page 14: ...gnal being output from the rear panel Monitor jack The amount of signal sent is increased as the knob is turned clockwise For more information see the Using the Effects Sends and Returns section in th...

Page 15: ...dynamic microphones it should be used only when one or more condenser microphones are connected to the S63 Refer to the owners manual of your microphone to determine whether or not it requires 48 volt...

Page 16: ...e unbalanced outputs allow you to route signal from each of the two discrete Effects Sends to external devices such as effects processors Effects Send 1 is pre fader and pre EQ while Effects Send 2 is...

Page 17: ...alanced output provides a monophonic line level output from Effects Send 1 post Monitor level control but unaffected by the Main Level control It is normally used to connect the unit to an external mo...

Page 18: ...channel line inputs will accept either balanced or unbalanced connectors The diagram below shows how balanced 1 4 TRS Tip Ring Sleeve connectors should be wired Unbalanced cables use standard 1 4 phon...

Page 19: ...sure correct phase correlation be sure that the connection from the tip of the S83 S63 speaker jack goes to the hot input of your loudspeaker and that the sleeve of the S83 S63 speaker jack is connect...

Page 20: ...63 turn on the Phantom switch Then turn on the S83 S63 s main power g Play an instrument connected to one of the S83 S63 s line inputs and while doing so raise the corresponding channel level control...

Page 21: ...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 t...

Page 22: ...120V 60Hz 450 W POWER FUSE ON OFF 12 12 2 5K 0 15 15 HIGH 0 12 12 500Hz 0 15 15 LOW 0 15 LEVEL 0 10 EFF1 MON 0 4 40 TRIM 0 10 10 EFF2 REV 0 LINE MIC CHANNEL 1 PEAK LOW 15 LEVEL 0 10 EFF1 MON 0 4 40 TR...

Page 23: ...0 15 LEVEL 0 10 EFF1 MON 0 4 40 TRIM 0 10 10 EFF2REV 0 LINE MIC CHANNEL 2 12 12 1 kHz 0 15 15 HIGH 0 15 15 LOW 0 15 LEVEL 0 10 EFF1 MON 0 4 40 TRIM 0 10 10 EFF2 REV 0 LINE MIC CHANNEL 3 12 12 1 kHz 0...

Page 24: ...you are using rack mounted audio devices and are experiencing hum or buzz there s a simple test to determine the source of the problem while keeping all devices powered on and connected with audio ca...

Page 25: ...areas because they have maximum impact on musical signals that s why they are sometimes known as sweet spots When an EQ knob is in its center detented position 0 it is having no effect When it is move...

Page 26: ...ne to shine through And try not to think of EQ as a miracle worker no amount of equalization can put a singer in tune or remove the distortion from an overloaded input signal The key is to get the sig...

Page 27: ...affect the send level as well It is particularly important to keep this distinction in mind when you connect external signal processors to the S83 S63 via either or both of the two Effects Send jacks...

Page 28: ...el levels and the individual channel EQ settings Using the Internal Reverb Both the S83 and S63 contain a high quality internal three spring reverb unit that adds a quality called ambience this is rou...

Page 29: ...z 15 dB Mid 1 kHz 12 dB Low 80 Hz 15 dB Graphic Equalizer both models 30 64 125 250 500 Hz 1 2 3 5 10 kHz 15 dB Peak LED 5 dB before clipping Tape Input Sensitivity 10 dB 300 mV Headphone S83 20 mW 8...

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