Samson PL2404 - Manual (Page 16)

14
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.