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i. Repeat step (g) above for each instrument connected to the S83/S63 channel
line inputs.
j. The procedure for setting optimum microphone levels is virtually identical; 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 “0” position. Then adjust the input
trim control for that channel while watching the meter (if you’re using an S83) or
Peak LED (if you’re using an S63). You should expect that microphone inputs
will require rather more in the way of input trim boost than line inputs.
k. If you have any outboard signal processors connected to the Effects send
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 S83/S63 Effects sends. The idea is to drive
these devices as hot as possible (short of overloading them) and then to use the
corresponding Effects return level to carefully adjust the amount of processed
signal being blended with the dry signal. To set optimum Effects send levels,
use a channel that has already had its gain structure adjusted in step (g) or (j)
above. Turn both Effects send knobs for that channel to their “0” (unity gain)
position and 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 just
occasional higher excursions). Then it’s time to optimize the Effects return lev-
els. While continuing to play your instrument (or continuing to sing into the
microphone), slowly raise each Effects return level control until you hear the
desired amount of processed signal added to the dry signal. For information on
how to correctly set the levels for the internal reverb unit or Monitor output, see
the “Using the Effects Sends and Returns” section in this manual.
l. The gain structure is now correctly set—you’ve optimized the level of all sig-
nals coming into and out of the S83/S63, 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 most channel level controls at or near
their 0 (unity gain) position and that (in the case of the S83) channel peak LEDs
or (in the case of the S63) the main Peak LED rarely if ever lights (remember, if
they do light, it means that something is distorting!). If you need to make adjust-
ments to the overall level, use the main level control.
If you encounter difficulty with any aspect of setting up or using your S83/S63,
you can call Samson Technical Support (516-932-1062) between 9 AM and 5
PM EST.
Setting the Correct Gain Structure