Samson Mixer SM10 User Guide

10-Channel Rack Mount Line Mixer  
Owners Manual  
 
Important Safety Information  
1. Read these instructions.  
2. Keep these instructions.  
3. Heed all warnings.  
paratus. When a cart is used, utilize  
caution when moving the cart/ap-  
paratus combination to avoid injury  
from tip-over.  
4. Follow all instructions.  
14. Refer all servicing to qualified service  
personnel. Servicing is required if the  
apparatus has been damaged in any  
way, such as power-supply cord or  
plug breakage, damage due to liquid  
or objects falling onto the appara-  
tus, exposure to rain or moisture, or  
if the apparatus does not operate  
normally, or has been dropped.  
5. This apparatus shall not be exposed  
to dripping or splashing liquid and  
no object filled with liquid, such as  
a vase, should be placed on the ap-  
paratus.  
6. Clean only with a dry cloth.  
7. Do not block any of the ventilation  
openings. Install in accordance with  
the manufacturer's instructions.  
15. POWER ON/OFF SWITCH: For prod-  
ucts with a power switch, the power  
switch DOES NOT break the connec-  
tion from the mains.  
8. Do not install near any heat sources  
such as radiators, heat registers,  
stoves, or other apparatuses (includ-  
ing amplifiers) that produce heat.  
16. MAINS DISCONNECT: The plug  
should remain readily operable.  
For rack-mount or installation  
where plug is not accessible, an  
all-pole mains switch with a contact  
separation of at least 3mm in each  
pole shall be incorporated into the  
electrical installation of the rack or  
building.  
9. Only use attachments/accessories  
specified by the manufacturer.  
10. Unplug this apparatus during light-  
ning storms or when not in use for  
long periods of time.  
11. Do not override the intended pur-  
pose of the polarized or grounding-  
type plug. A polarized plug has  
two blades, with one wider than  
the other. A grounding-type plug  
has two blades and a third ground-  
ing prong. The wide blade, or third  
prong, is provided for your safety.  
If the provided plug does not fit  
your outlet, consult an electrician to  
replace the obsolete outlet.  
17. FOR UNITS EQUIPPED WITH EXTER-  
NALLY ACCESSIBLE FUSE RECEP-  
TACLE: Replace fuse with same type  
and rating only.  
18. MULTIPLE-INPUT VOLTAGE: This  
equipment may require the use of a  
different line cord, attachment plug,  
or both, depending on the available  
power source at installation. Connect  
this equipment only to the power  
source indicated on the equipment  
rear panel. To reduce the risk of fire  
or electric shock, refer servicing  
to qualified service personnel or  
equivalent.  
12. Protect the power cord from being  
walked on or pinched, particularly at  
the prongs, convenience receptacles,  
the point where they exit from the  
apparatus.  
13. Use only with the cart  
stand, tripod bracket,  
or table specified by  
the manufacture, or  
sold with the ap-  
 
Table of Contents  
Introduction. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1  
Package Contents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2  
Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3  
Controls and Functions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4  
Input and Output Connections. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7  
SM10 Quick Start. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9  
SM 10 System Setup. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12  
SM10 Wiring Guide . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13  
Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14  
Copyright 2010, Samson Technologies Corp.  
v1  
Samson Technologies Corp.  
45 Gilpin Avenue  
Hauppauge, New York 11788-8816  
Phone: 1-800-3-SAMSON (1-800-372-6766)  
Fax: 631-784-2201  
 
Introduction  
The Samson SM10 rack mount mixer is a versatile tool for many sound appli-  
cations. The SM10 mixer features eight independent stereo line input chan-  
nels, and includes two channels with XLR microphone preamps. There are also  
two additional line inputs with stereo 1/4jacks and level controls that can  
be used to daisy-chain SM10 mixers together. The SM10 features a multitude  
of signal routing options, with Monitor (Pre-Fade), EFX (Post-Fade), and Mix  
B sends on Channels 1-8. The Master section of the SM10 features expanded  
monitoring capabilities. The headphone output and meter bridge can be  
selected to monitor the MON out, EFX out, Mix B, or Main output. There is also  
an extra MON output with level control for quick patching to the MON send  
without having to go to the rear panel. Built into a single space 19-inch rack  
with internal power supply, the SM10 is reliable for any installation and rug-  
ged enough to be used on the road.  
In these pages, you’ll find a detailed description of the features of the SM10  
rack mount mixer, as well as a guide to its control panel, instructions for setup  
and use, and full specifications. You’ll also find a warranty card enclosed.  
Please don’t forget to fill it out and mail it in so that you can receive online  
technical support, and so that we can send you updated information about  
this and other Samson products in the future. Also, be sure to check out our  
With proper care, your SM10 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 an RA 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 Samson product outside the  
United States, please contact your local distributor for warranty information  
and service.  
SM10  
Owner's Manual  
1
 
Package Contents  
Unpack the carton and check for all parts shown. Save the carton and packing  
material in case you ever move or need to send the units for service.  
If any part of the product appears to be damaged, do not attempt to use it.  
Contact your authorized Samson dealer or local distributor.  
SM10 Mixer  
Power Cable  
Owner’s Manual  
10-Channel Mic/Line Mixer  
SM10  
2
 
Features  
The Samson SM10 rack mount mixer is a comprehensive all-in-one  
solution for fixed installation, live sound, on-stage monitoring,  
keyboard submixer and recording applications. Here are some of  
its main features:  
10 input channels – Two Mic/Line plus ten stereo line  
Low noise, discrete microphone pre-amplifiers with 48-Volt  
phantom power.  
Versatile signal routing via Main Mix, Mix B, Mon, EFX bus  
outputs, as well as mono output.  
Balance controls for each channel that allow you to blend the  
relative levels of stereo inputs.  
Two auxiliary sends can be used to route signals to external  
effects, or to create a separate mix for on-stage monitors.  
Front-panel headphone and mono output jack with dedicated  
level controls  
Flexible headphone and six-segment LED meter source con-  
trol allows you to monitor the MON, EFX, MIX B and MAIN MIX  
Line Input Level switch for +4 dBu or -10 dBV line level input  
signals.  
Electronically balanced main stereo XLR and 1/4line outputs.  
Center detents for all input controls, for use in low-light situa-  
tions such as live performance.  
Single 19rack-mount metal chassis with internal power sup-  
ply, easily integrated into any existing system.  
Quality built and rugged construction ensure reliable perfor-  
mance from venue to venue and session to session.  
SM10  
Owner's Manual  
3
 
Controls and Functions  
The following section details each part of the SM10 controls and functions.  
1
2
5
1. VOLUME – This knob controls the volume  
of channel inputs and is used to continu-  
ously adjust the loudness of the various  
signals being blended together at the  
Main Outputs. There is a detent at the 12  
o’clock position of the knob, which indi-  
cates unity gain.  
Moving the knob counterclockwise from  
the 12 o’clock position causes the signal  
to be attenuated. Moving it clockwise  
3
4
from the 12 o’clock position causes the signal to be boosted.  
For best signal-to-noise ratio, all Volume controls for channels carrying  
signal should generally be kept at or near the 12 o’clock position. Channels  
that are unused should have their Volume controls kept fully counterclock-  
wise at their minimum level.  
2. BALANCE When the both inputs of a channel are connected, the left  
input signal is automatically panned hard left and the right input signal is  
automatically panned hard right. In this case, the Balance knob controls  
the relative levels of the paired input signals. When the knob is placed at  
its center detent position, both signals are at equal strength. When moved  
left of center, left input signal remains at the same strength but the right  
input signal is attenuated. When the knob is moved right of center, the  
left input signal remains at the same strength but the right input signal is  
attenuated.  
When only the left input is connected, the Balance knob functions as a  
constant level Pan control, allowing you to continuously place the incom-  
ing signal anywhere in the left-right stereo field.  
3. MON (Monitor) Send – The MON send knob allows you to route the signal  
to the MON outputs. The MON send is pre-fader so the signal is unaffected  
by the position of the channel Volume control. These sends are usually  
used to create a separate mix for a monitor system. When the MON send  
knob is at the 12 o’clock center detent position, the signal is routed with  
unity.  
SM10  
4
 
Controls and Functions  
4. EFX (Effects) Send – The EFX send knob allows you to route the signal  
to the EFX outputs. The EFX send is post-fader so the level of the signal is  
determined by the position of the channel Volume control. These sends  
are usually used to route signal to outboard effects devices. When the EFX  
send knob is at the 12 o’clock center detent position, the signal is routed  
with unity.  
5. MUTE/CLIP/MIX B – This switch will flash RED when the channel input sig-  
nal peaks. To reduce distortion, turn the Volume control counterclockwise  
until the clip indicator does not light during normal use. When the switch  
is depressed the channel’s signal path is interrupted to the main mix and  
the channel is assigned to the MIX B bus.  
6. LINE IN VOLUME – The SM10 features two additional stereo  
6
7
Line Inputs (channels 9 and 10) which can be used to return  
the outputs of the an external effects processor, or to con-  
nect the output of any stereo line level device to the main  
mix.  
7. MON Send – The MON signals (see #3) from input channels  
1-8 are mixed together and sent to the MON Outputs. Use  
the MON send control to set the amount of signal being  
sent to the MON Output.  
8
8. EFX SEND – The EFX signals (see #4) from input channels  
1-8 are mixed together and sent to the EFX Output. Use the  
EFX level controls to set the amount of signal being sent to  
EFX Output.  
9
11  
12  
13  
9. MAIN OUTPUT LEVEL – This  
knob determines the final  
output signal level. Signals  
from all channels are routed  
here just before leaving the  
SM10 via its left and right Main  
Output jacks. The 12 o’clock  
center detent position of the  
control indicates unity gain (no  
level attenuation or boost).  
10  
14  
15  
10. SOURCE Select Switch – The Source select Switch allows you to configure  
the Output Meter (see #11) and Headphone output (see #15) to monitor  
the MON, EFX, MIX B and Main Output buses.  
SM10  
Owner's Manual  
5
 
Controls and Functions  
11. Output Meter – This six-segment meter shows the continuous output  
level of the Main Mix, MON, EFX, or MIX B, depending on the position of  
the SOURCE select switch (see #10). For optimum signal-to-noise ratio,  
adjust all levels so that program material is usually at or around 0 VU, with  
occasional, but not steady, excursions to the red segments.  
12. MON OUT LEVEL – The SM10 provides a second MON output connec-  
tor carrying a mono signal of the MON mix. The MON OUT LEVEL control  
knob is used to set the volume of the MON OUT jack.  
13. MON OUT Jack – The left and right MON mix are summed together to a  
monaural signal and sent out this connector. The signal at the MON OUT  
jack follows the MON OUT LEVEL (see #12) control knob.  
14. HEADPHONE LEVEL – This knob sets the level of the signal sent to the  
HEADPHONE jack. To avoid possible damage to connected headphones,  
always turn this all the way off (to the fully counterclockwise position)  
before plugging in a pair of headphones—then raise the level slowly  
while listening.  
15. HEADPHONE Jack – Connect standard stereo headphones to this jack  
(via a 1/4”TRS plug) for monitoring of the MON, EFX, MIX B and Main  
Output buses, depending on the position of the SOURCE select switch  
(see #10).  
SM10  
6
 
Input and Output Connections  
18  
16. Mic/Line Inputs (chan-  
nels 1 and 2) - Use these  
Combo XLR plus 1/4-  
inch jacks to connect a  
microphone or line level  
signal to channels 1 and  
2. The XLR inputs provide  
48-volt phantom power  
for use with condenser  
microphones.  
17  
16  
17. Line Inputs - Use these balanced 1/4jacks to connect line level sources  
such as synthesizers, drum machines, MP3 players, or effects processors  
to any of the 8 channels. When connecting monophonic (as opposed  
to stereo) signal sources, use the left inputs; the Balance control for that  
channel will then act as a constant level pan control.  
18. Input Level Switch – Use this switch to independently set the sensitivity  
of channels 1-8 line level inputs. When the switch is in the up position the  
input are set to +4dBu. When the switch is depressed the input is set to  
-10dBv.  
20  
19  
19. Stereo LINE IN (channels 9-10) – Two stereo 1/4-inch  
jacks for connecting stereo line level sources like those  
from the outputs of effects processors. These inputs can  
also be used to link multiple SM10’s or to add the output  
from another mixer to the SM10 without taking up chan-  
nel line inputs.  
20. MON Output – The signals present at the MON stereo  
1/4-inch output are sent from the MON send, which are  
fed from the input channelsMON control knobs. In a  
live sound situation this can be used to create a monitor  
mix by connecting the MON output to a power amp and  
monitor speaker.  
21  
21. EFX Output – The stereo 1/4-inch EFX Output is used to send a signal to  
an external signal processor such as a delay or reverb. The signal present  
at the EFX Output is sent from the EFX bus, which is fed from the input  
channel’s EFX control knob.  
SM10  
Owner's Manual  
7
 
Input and Output Connections  
23  
22  
22. MAIN OUTPUTS 1/4-inch Jacks - In live  
performance applications, these outputs  
can be used to connect the SM10 to a  
power amp and speakers. In recording  
applications, these outputs are used  
to connect to a stereo device such as  
computer sound card, MP3, or hard disk  
recorder. The signals at the Main Out-  
puts jacks follow the Main Output level  
controls.  
23. MAIN OUTPUTS XLR Jacks - In live per-  
formance applications, these male XLR outputs can be used to connect  
the SM10 to a power amp and speakers. In recording applications, these  
outputs can be used to connect to a stereo device such as computer  
sound card, MP3, or hard disk recorder. The signal at the Main Outputs  
jacks follow the Main Output level control.  
24. Power Switch – Use this switch to turn the  
SM10 on and off. To avoid potential damage  
to your speakers, turn the SM10 on before you  
turn on any connected power amps—and turn  
it off after the power amps are turned off. The  
switch should be in the off position when con-  
necting the SM10 to the mains.  
25  
24  
25. AC Inlet – Connect the supplied IEC cable  
here.  
SM10  
8
 
SM10 Quick Start  
The following section explains the basic operation of the SM10.  
CONNECTING MICROPHONES AND INSTRUMENTS  
1. Remove all packing materials (save them in case of need for future service)  
and decide where the unit is to be physically placed—it can be mounted in  
any standard 19rack (requiring one rack space), or used on a tabletop.  
2. Before connecting mics or instruments, make sure that the power to all  
your systems components, including the SM10, are turned off. Also, make  
sure that the Main Output control knob is turned all the way down.  
3. Connect the cable(s) to your microphone(s) and instrument(s), and insert  
the other end of the cable(s) firmly into the appropriate input(s) on the  
SM10.  
NOTE: SETTING THE INPUT GAIN – When connecting a microphone to chan-  
nels 1 and 2, it’s a good idea to start with the Volume control turned all the  
way down. Slowly raise the Volume control until you see the CLIP LED turn on.  
Now, back the Volume control down so that the MUTE/CLIP LED only lights for  
a short time during the loudest input the channel will experience.  
4. Switch on the power of any peripheral devices, and then power up the  
SM10.  
NOTE: It is important to remember the Golden Rule of audio … “LAST ON,  
FIRST OFF. Translated, this means that when turning on your system, you  
should always turn your power amplifiers or powered monitors on LAST, and  
when turning your system off, turn your power amps off FIRST. This helps  
avoid any loud pops caused by rush current at power up, which can some-  
times damage loudspeakers.  
5. Turn on your power amp or powered monitors and raise the level control to  
the manufacturersrecommended operating level.  
6. Set the Main Output control of the SM10 master section to the 12 o’clock  
(unity) position.  
7. While speaking into the mic (or playing the instrument), adjust the channel  
Volume control so that the “0LED of the MAIN section peak level meter  
lights only occasionally.  
SM10  
Owner's Manual  
9
 
SM10 Quick Start  
SENDING AN INDEPENDENT MIX TO THE MONITOR SPEAKERS  
The SM10’s MON auxiliary send can be  
used to feed a separate set of amplifiers  
and loudspeakers for stage monitors. This  
lets you build one stereo mix for the main  
mix, or amplifiers and speakers facing the  
audience, and another stereo mix for the  
amplifiers and monitor speakers facing the  
musicians.  
1. Raise the MON controls for the channels that you wish to hear from the  
monitor speakers.  
NOTE: MON controls are “pre-fader sends,which means they are not affected  
by the Volume control level settings of each channel. This allows you to create  
a mix for the monitors that is indepen-  
dent of the main left and right mix.  
2. Raise the MON SEND control to ad-  
just the level of the mixed signal from  
the channel MON controls until the  
desired level is reached at the rear  
panel MON Output jack.  
3. For added monitoring flexibility, the front panel MON Output (mono) can  
be connected to a powered monitor speaker. Slowly raise the MON Level  
control until the desired level is reached.  
4. The MON mix can be monitored via headphones, by setting the PHONES  
SOURCE switch to MON.  
NOTE: Listening to high volume levels through headphones for even a short  
time may damage your hearing and/or your headphones. Always turn the  
HEADPHONE LEVEL control all the way counterclockwise before connecting  
your headphones. Slowly raise the HEADPHONE LEVEL until a comfortable lis-  
tening level is reached. Noise over 85 dB can cause gradual hearing loss. Learn  
to establish a safe listening level.  
SM10  
10  
 
SM10 Quick Start  
USING AN EXTERNAL EFFECT  
If you prefer to use an external device for  
effects processing, you can easily connect  
the unit using the SM10 EFX bus. Follow  
the simple steps below to interface your  
processor:  
1. Connect the EFX OUTPUT to the input of the external effect processor.  
2. Connect the outputs of the effects processor to channel 9 stereo line input.  
3. Set the EFX SEND control to the 12 o’clock position.  
4. Raise the EFX knobs for the channels to which you want the external effect  
to be applied.  
5. Set the input level of the external ef-  
fect so that the sound is not distorted  
and so that the effect’s input meter  
does not indicate a clipped signal.  
6. Use the channel 9 Volume control to  
adjust the level of the effects pro-  
cessed by the external effects device.  
7. The EFX bus can be monitored via headphones, by setting the PHONES  
SOURCE switch to EFX.  
NOTE: Listening to high volume levels through headphones for even a short  
time may damage your hearing and/or your headphones. Always turn the  
HEADPHONE LEVEL control all the way counterclockwise before connecting  
your headphones. Slowly raise the HEADPHONE LEVEL until a comfortable lis-  
tening level is reached. Noise over 85 dB can cause gradual hearing loss. Learn  
to establish a safe listening level.  
SM10  
Owner's Manual  
11  
 
SM10 System Setup  
SIGNAL FLOW  
SIGNAL FLOW  
SIGNAL FLOW  
O L W  
S I G N A L F  
O L W  
S I G N A L F  
SIGNAL FLOW  
O L W  
O L W  
S I G N A L F  
S I G N A L F  
SM10  
12  
 
SM10 Wiring Guide  
CONNECTING THE SM10  
There are several ways to interface the SM10 to support a variety of applica-  
tions. The SM10 features balanced inputs and outputs, so connecting bal-  
anced and unbalanced signals is possible.  
SM10  
Owner's Manual  
13  
 
Specifications  
Inputs  
Microphone  
Line  
XLR balanced (2)  
1/4”TRS balanced (Ch 1-8),  
1/4stereo (Ch 9-10)  
Input Impedance  
Mic  
1.5K Ohms  
Line  
23K Ohms (+4 dBu, Ch 1-8)  
40K Ohms (-10 dBV, Ch 1-8)  
20K Ohms (Ch 9-10)  
Maximum Gain  
Mic  
65 dB  
Line  
39 dB  
Line Operating Level  
Maximum Input Level (1 kHz, 3 dB)  
Mic Input  
+4 dBu / -10 dBV selectable  
-4 dBu  
Line Input  
Equivalent Input Noise  
+28 dBu  
- 123 dBu unweighted  
Outputs  
Main Outputs  
Type  
Output Impedance  
Gain Range  
1/4”TRS balanced (2), XLR (2)  
200 Ohms Main Out  
-∞ to +15 dB  
Max output level  
MON (Pre Fade Out)  
+22 dBu  
1/4impedance balanced mono output  
(front panel), Stereo MON (rear panel)  
1/4unbalanced  
100 Ohms  
1/4”TRS Stereo  
EFX (Post Fade Out)  
Output Impedance  
Headphone  
Output (600 Ohm load)  
100 mW  
System  
Frequency Response  
Signal-to-noise ratio  
THD  
10 Hz – 23 kHz 1 dB  
> 90 dB typical  
<0.01% typical  
Crosstalk (1 kHz)  
-70 dB between input channels  
-70 dB between input/output channels  
48 Volts DC  
120-240 VAC / 50-60 Hz  
19L x 8.25”W x 1.75H  
484mm L x 210mm W x 44.5mm H  
6 lbs / 2.8 kg  
Phantom Power  
Power Requirements  
Dimensions  
Weight  
SM10  
14  
 
Notes  
45 Gilpin Avenue  
Hauppauge, New York 11788-8816  
Phone: 1-800-3-SAMSON (1-800-372-6766)  
Fax: 631-784-2201  
 

Quasar Air Conditioner HQ 2081TH User Guide
Radio Shack Clock 63 987 User Guide
Ramsey Electronics Car Satellite TV System HR20 User Guide
Ricoh All in One Printer MP C2500 User Guide
RIDGID Impact Driver R82320 User Guide
Samsung Camcorder HDR CX7E User Guide
Samsung Digital Camera Digimax 130 User Guide
Seagate Computer Drive SGTST3000DM0011CH166 User Guide
Sega Video Games ULUS 10064 User Guide
Sennheiser Headphones CX 500 black User Guide