Samson Home Theater Server S Class User Guide

4 INPUT 4 ZONE STEREO MIXER  
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Table of Contents  
Introduction  
S zone Features  
2
3
Controls and Functions  
Front Panel Layout  
Rear Panel Layout  
4
5
Designing an Installation Plan  
Connecting the S zone  
6-7  
Connecting the S zone Inputs  
Connecting the S zone Zone Outputs  
Operating the S zone  
8-10  
11  
Using the S zone Input Section  
Set the Input for Stereo or Mono operation  
Using the Zone Assignment switches  
Using the VOLUME Control  
Using the Monitor Section  
Using the headphone  
Controlling the Zone Outputs  
Setting the Output level  
Setting the Zone Output EQ For Voice  
Setting the Zone Output EQ For Music  
12  
12  
12  
12  
13  
13  
14  
14  
15  
15  
Using the Ducker  
Setting The DUCK ENABLE switches  
Channel 1 DUCK ENABLE  
Channel 2 DUCK ENABLE  
CHANNEL 1 MASTER  
16  
16  
16  
16  
Usng the Ducker-Switch Chart  
17  
S zone System Configurations  
S zone Wiring Guide  
Specifications  
18-19  
20  
21  
S zone Block Diagram  
Notes  
22  
23-24  
Copyright 2004, Samson Technologies Corp.  
Printed October , 2004  
Samson Technologies Corp.  
575 Underhill Blvd.  
P.O. Box 9031  
Syosset, NY 11791-9031  
Phone: 1-800-3-SAMSON (1-800-372-6766)  
Fax: 516-364-3888  
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Introduction  
Congratulations on purchasing the Samson S zone, four  
channel, stereo zone mixer! Although this product is  
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.  
With proper care and adequate air circulation, your S  
zone will operate trouble free for many years. We recom-  
mend you record your serial number in the space pro-  
vided below for future reference.  
Serial number: _______________________________  
Date of purchase: _____________________________  
The S zone is a professional quality 4-channel zone mixer  
that allows you to mix just about any audio signal includ-  
ing those from microphones, stereo CD and tape players,  
video players, and then lets you distribute an indepen-  
dent mix to any of the four stereo zones. Each of the  
input channels is assignable to any or all of 4 stereo zones  
outputs via easy to use LED backlit switches. The micro-  
phone inputs can be set to “duckthe zone inputs so that  
the background music automatically turns down when  
an announcement is made. On each the S zone’s outputs,  
you’ll find a convenient two-band equalizer allowing you  
to adjust the overall tonal response of each zone. A five-  
segment LED bar VU meter is present on all outputs pro-  
viding a visual display of the level of each zone. Perhaps  
the most unique feature of the S zone is it's front panel  
monitor section. The zone assignment switch, headphone  
jack, level control and internal super speaker allow you to  
monitor the signal that is playing in any zone directly on  
the S zone, without having to physically be in the room  
that signal is playing in. The handy scribe strip for both  
the inputs and outputs make it easy to label the connect-  
ed gear and the rooms the S zone is feeding. For easy  
installation, all the S zone connections are made with  
standard Euroblock connection strips.  
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.  
In this manual, you’ll find a detailed description of the  
features of the S zone, as well as a guided tour through  
the front and rear panels, step-by-step instructions for  
using the unit, suggested applications and full specifica-  
tions.  
You’ll also find a warranty card enclosed—please don’t  
forget to fill it out and mail it so that you can receive  
online technical support and so we can send you  
updated information about 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.  
2
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S zone Features  
The Samson S zone four-channel stereo zone mixer utilizes state-of-the-art, high quality audio circuit technol-  
ogy for precise tonal and level control. Here are some of the S zone’s main features:  
The S zone has four stereo Input Channels with a  
Volume control, Stereo/Mono switch and our dedi-  
cated Zone assignment switches.  
Ultra-low noise circuitry with high quality op-amps  
ensure superb audio fidelity.  
Electronically balanced and unbalanced input  
and output connections are made via easy to use  
Euroblock connection strips.  
Channel 1 and Channel 2 inputs feature a high  
quality microphone pre-amp with phantom power  
allowing you to connect just about any dynamic or  
condenser microphone.  
Internal power supply ensures reliability and trouble-  
free operation.  
The S zone features four stereo Zone Outputs, each  
with a Stereo/Mono switch, Volume control, High  
and Low equalizers and a six-segment LED bar VU  
Meter monitoring the output level, enabling you to  
control the overall level and tone independently for  
four discreet coverage areas.  
Standard 19" rack design (the S zone requires only a  
single rack space) for easy integration into any travel-  
ing or fixed installation audio system.  
Optional security cover kit prevents S Zone settings  
from accidentally being altered.  
A remote Volume Control for each Zone Output, up  
to 3000 feet in distance is possible using standard  
50k –100k linear taper potentiometer and two-con-  
ductor shielded wire.  
All-steel chassis makes the S zone eminently road-  
worthy.  
Three year extended warranty.  
Microphone “Duckswitch on Channel 1 and  
Channel 2, which when turned on, allow any signal  
from the microphone inputs, like an announcement  
or page, to automatically lower the background  
music level.  
The S zone features a unique front panel monitor  
section including a zone assignment switch, head-  
phone jack, level control and internal super speaker  
allowing you to monitor the signal that is playing in  
any zone directly on the S zone, without having to  
physically be in the room that the signal is playing in.  
3
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Controls and Functions  
Front Panel Layout  
 
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INPUT SECTION  
13 ZONE
 
SELECT switch
– This four-position switch is  
used to assign any of the four Zones to play in the  
MONITOR SPEAKER or HEADPHONE JACK.  
1
VOLUME – Rotary control used to adjust the level of  
signal source connected to channel 1.  
2
ZONE 1 – When the LED Backlit switch is pressed  
in, the switch lights red and the input is assigned to  
ZONE 1.  
14  
HEADPHONE JACK
- Connect any standard stereo  
headphone using a standard 1/4-inch jack to moni-  
tor the ZONE OUTPUTS.  
3
ZONE 2 – When the LED Backlit switch is pressed in,  
the switch lights green and the input is assigned to  
ZONE 2.  
ZONE OUTPUT SECTION  
15 VOLUME
 
– This rotary control is used to control the  
overall level of OUTPUT ZONE 1.  
4
5
STEREO/MONO switch - This switch is used to  
select either stereo or mono input.  
16
H
IGH
 
– High frequency equalizer rotary control  
with +/-12 dB of cut or boost at 10kHz.  
SCRIBE STRIP – Convenient area for marking the  
input source allowing you to label the channel with  
the device connected to the input.  
17
O
UTPUT
 
METER
– Six-segment LED meter display-  
ing the level of the ZONE 1 OUTPUT with -20 to +14  
dB indicators.  
6
7
ZONE 3 – When the LED Backlit switch is pressed in,  
the switch lights amber and the input is assigned to  
ZONE 3.  
18
STEREO/MONO switch
- This switch is used to  
select either stereo or mono operation on the ZONE  
1 OUTPUT.  
ZONE 4 – When the LED Backlit switch is pressed in,  
the switch lights orange and the input is assigned to  
ZONE 4.  
19
S
CRIBE
 
STRIP
– Convenient area for marking the  
ZONE OUTPUT allowing you to notate the room or  
area the zone is feeding.  
8
9
MIC/LINE 2 – Channel 2 input with the same knob  
and switch complement as Channel 1.  
20 LOW
– Low frequency equalizer rotary control with  
+/-12 dB of cut or boost at 100Hz.  
LINE 3 – Channel 3 input with the same knob and  
switch complement as Channel 1.  
21 ZONE
 
OUTPUT 2
– ZONE 2 OUTPUT with the same  
knob and switch complement as ZONE 1 OUTPUT.  
10
L
INE
 
4
– Channel 4 input with the same knob and  
switch complement as Channel 1.  
22 ZONE
 
OUTPUT 3
– ZONE 3 OUTPUT with the same  
knob and switch complement as ZONE 1 OUTPUT.  
MONITOR SECTION  
23 ZONE
 
OUTPUT 4
– ZONE 4 OUTPUT with the same  
knob and switch complement as ZONE 1 OUTPUT.  
11 MONITOR SPEAKER – This built-in, miniature super-  
speaker allows you to listen to the signal that is pres-  
ent at any ZONE OUTPUT.  
24
P
OWER
 
switch
– Use this switch to power the unit  
on and off.  
12 MONITOR VOLUME - This rotary control is used  
to adjust the monitor level heard in the front panel  
Headphone jack or SUPER SPEAKER.  
4
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Controls and Functions  
Rear Panel Layout  
I
J
MIC TRIM
– The rotary control is used to adjust  
the input sensitivity of the microphone pre  
amplifier on channel 2.  
A
B
AC INPUT FUSE HOLDER
– Connect the supplied 3-  
pin IEC power cable here.  
ZONE 1 OUTPUT
– This connector includes the Zone  
1 Left and Right balanced output connections, along  
with the connections for the REMOTE volume con-  
trol.  
MIC/LINE 1
– This connector includes the con-  
nection for a stereo line level and mono micro-  
phone input for channel 1.  
K
L
MIC TRIM – The rotary control is used to adjust  
the input sensitivity of the microphone pre  
amplifier on channel 2.  
C
D
E
ZONE 2 OUTPUT
– This connector includes the Zone  
2 Left and Right balanced output connections, along  
with the connections for the REMOTE volume control.  
CH 1 MASTER switch – This switch is used to  
enable the ducking function on channels 2, 3  
and 4.  
ZONE 3 OUTPUT
– This connector includes the Zone  
3 Left and Right balanced output connections, along  
with the connections for the REMOTE volume control.  
M
DUCK ENABLE– Channel 2 will act as a ducking  
master when this switch is pressed in and the  
volume of channels 3 and 4 will automatically  
be lowered when the there is a microphone  
signal on Channel 2.  
ZONE 4 OUTPUT
– This connector includes the Zone  
4 Left and Right balanced output connections, along  
with the connections for the REMOTE volume control.  
F
LINE 3 AND 4 INPUT
 
- This connector is used to  
hook up the LINE 3 and 4 Left and Right input con-  
nections.  
N
DUCK ENABLE – Channel 1 will act as a duck-  
ing master when this switch is pressed in and  
the volume of channels 3 and 4 will automati-  
cally be lowered when the there is a micro-  
phone signal on Channel 1.  
G
H
DUCK TRIM
– This rotary control is used to adjust  
how much signal level is dropped when the micro-  
phone activates the DUCK circuit.  
MIC/LINE 2
– This connector includes the connec-  
tion for a stereo line level and mono microphone  
input for channel 2.  
5
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Designing an Installation Plan  
Designing an Installation Plan  
Now, take some time to consider where you need to  
have sound in your particular installation. After you have  
decided where you need to create sound zones, you can  
consider your speaker selection, but first decide where you  
are going to locate your equipment rack.  
If you are a professional installer, you’ll probably want to  
skip over this section, however if you are setting up your  
system for the first time this section can help make your  
installation a little bit easier.  
Before you start plugging, stripping and connecting wires,  
it a good idea to have a clear installation plan. To create  
your installation plan you need to consider several design  
parameters including what sound sources will be used, if  
announcement paging in necessary, which rooms need  
to have sound, is remote volume control required, which  
type of speakers will do the best job for the room they are  
covering, and your wire plan.  
Locating Your Equipment Rack  
Since the S zone is standard19-inch rack mount device,  
you should consider using an equipment rack, such as the  
Samson SRK8. To select a good location for your equip-  
ment rack you should consider several points including  
the proximity to each of the sound zones, if the users  
need to access the gear like to change CD’s or to adjust a  
volume level and if you have a convenient location to the  
electrical service, to name a few. You will need to consider  
the length of wire runs and routing necessary to make the  
connections from the equipment rack to the various sound  
zones. Depending on the speakers you choose, and the  
length of cable runs you need to make, you may choose  
to run speaker level or line level to the sound zones. If you  
are using passive (non-powered) speakers you will need to  
connect the S zone to a power amp and run speaker wire,  
however you need to be careful to pay attention to the  
wire gauge and total length of the wire run. If you are us-  
ing powered (active) speakers you can run long distances  
using the balanced outputs directly from the S zone.  
Selecting the Sound Sources  
The S zone provides four input channels with the ability  
to connect up to six input sources. On input Channel’s 1  
and 2 there is an input for connecting microphones with  
phantom power to operate condenser type mics. You can  
connect line level signals on all four input channels, so sig-  
nals from TAPE, CD, DVD or Karaoke players, Audio Video  
TV monitors, Radio Tuners, DJ mixers or any other line level  
device can be used as a sound source. You may also be  
able to connect the output from a Home Hi-fi receiver if it’s  
equipped with a line level output. For example, in a small  
to medium size restaurant you may want background  
music from a CD in a room, Disco Karaoke in another room  
and have the ability to have a hostess paging parties for  
their tables, and a cook paging a waitress to pick up an  
order. The S zone can accomplish all of this easily.  
Another type of installation is one that uses speakers  
and amplifiers with 70-volt transformers. The benefit of  
these systems you can run long lengths of wire and have  
many speakers connected to a single amplifier. Since the  
equipment used in these types of installations are fairly  
specialized, you’ll probably need professional help. Only a  
licensed and insured professional sound contractor should  
perform installations of 70-volt systems.  
Creating the Audio Zones  
You can create separate audio environments using the S  
zone’s four output channels. Obviously, (or not perhaps  
not so obviously,) we call an output a zone on the unit, but  
a zone is also the area where you want to have sound. So,  
think about where you want to distribute the sound. The  
S zone can accomplish all of this easily. In addition, the  
S zone let’s you easily connect a remote control level for  
each of the zones, so you can control the volume in the  
room even if the audio equipment is located somewhere  
else.  
Selecting Speakers for Each Zone  
To select the speakers you need to consider a few impor-  
tant issues like where you are going to place your power  
amplifiers, using powered or un-powered speakers, or if  
you need to run a 70-volt distributed sound system. The  
following sections provide an overview on how to connect  
passive speaker or active speakers in a typical installation.  
6
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Designing an Installation Plan  
Using Passive Speakers  
If you are using passive (un-powered) speakers you need  
to first decide where you will place your power amplifier.  
If the speakers in a particular sound zone are less than 100  
feet away you can locate your power amplifier in the same  
rack as the S zone and wire the speaker wires from the  
amplifier to your sound zone.  
NOTE: This type of wiring is known as "home-run wiring" since  
you are making direct connection from the amplifiers in the  
equipment rack to the speakers loicated in the sound zone  
room.  
In this case, you would connect the S zone’s Zone Output  
to the power amplifier input and the run the speaker wires  
to the passive speakers. If the speakers in a particular  
sound zone are further than 100 feet, you should consider  
placing the amplifier in the same room as the sound zone.  
In this case you will run balanced line level signal from the  
S zone’s Zone Output over the long wire run to the input of  
the power amplifier located in the sound zone.  
Using Active Speakers  
If you are going more than 100 feet you can also consider  
using active speakers (speakers with built in power). When  
using active speakers you can connect the S zone’s outputs  
using the balanced line level signals. In this case you will  
run line level signal from the S zone’s Zone Output over  
the long wire run to the input of the powered speaker  
located in the sound zone. For more information on wiring  
for balanced signals see the wire guide on page 20 of this  
manual.  
7
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Setting up the S zone  
Quick Start  
On the front panel of the S zone, set all the VOLUME  
control knobs to their bottom-most “OFFsetting.  
We recommend that you take the time to read through  
this manual, and then, use it as a reference guide. If you are  
installing your first system you should read through the  
section “Designing an Installation Planon page 6 before  
you start connecting your S zone. If you’re a professional  
installer you can skip over that section and if you want to  
get started running some signals through your inputs and  
outputs, you can follow the following quick start example.  
Set all ZONE OUTPUT LOW and HIGH Equalizer control  
Knobs to their flat (“0”) center detented position.  
Now, make the S zone input connections, using the  
Euroblock connectors on the rear panel.  
Setting up your S zone is a simple procedure, which takes  
only a few minutes. The following section describes the  
set-up and operation of a simple installation using the S  
zone with a CD player and paging microphone.  
Next, make the S zone output connections, using the  
Euroblock connectors on the rear panel.  
In this set up example, a paging microphone connected to  
the S zone’s CHANNEL 1 input and a CD player connected to  
CHANNEL 3. The S zone’s ZONE OUTPUT 1 is connected to a  
pair of active (self powered) speakers. If you are using passive  
speakers, the S zone’s ZONE OUTPUT should be connected to  
the power amp input.  
Plug in the supplied AC connector and connect it to  
any standard AC socket.  
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 used freestanding  
or mounted in a standard 19rack (The S zone requires  
only a single rack space).  
Press the front panel Power switch in order to turn on  
the S zone.  
Power on your CD player, then power your active  
speaker or power amp.  
Make sure the power to all input sources (like CD, DVD,  
MP3 & TAPE players) and amplifiers in your audio sys-  
tem is off.  
On the Line 3 input channel, press the Zone 1 Switch.  
Apply an input signal from the CD player to the S zone  
and slowly raise the front panel LINE 3 Volume control  
knob to the “0point.  
Turn the volume control of your active speakers all the  
way off. If you are using passive speakers with a sepa-  
rate power amplifier, be sure to turn the power amp  
volume controls all the way off.  
While the input signal is present, slowly raise the front  
panel ZONE OUTPUT 1 control knob to the “0point (if  
sending signal from a CD Player, drive the mixer’s out-  
put meters at approximately 0 VU).  
8
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Setting up the S zone  
Quick Start - continued  
Note: The MIC TRIM level control allows you to set the best sig-  
nal to noise level. Very simply put, this means the hottest mic  
level with the least amount of distortion. If the MIC TRIM is too  
low, the mic level may not be loud enough. If the MIC TRIM is  
set too high, the channel will distort. Use your ears to set the  
MIC TRIM to the highest point before you hear any distortion.  
Once you get a good level reading on the ZONE  
OUTPUT VU meter, you can begin to slowly raise the  
volume control on your active speakers or power amp.  
Now experiment with the level using both the Zone 1 Output  
and the power amp input level. On active speakers, there is  
usually a unity gain or 0 dB point on the volume control knob  
and you should set the control to that position to start. Then,  
you may need to lower the ZONE OUTPUT VOLUME control, or  
the speaker's volume control to set the proper level that you  
want in your particular room. If your are using a power amp,  
you may want to turn the power amp all the way up, and  
again, you may need to lower the ZONE OUTPUT VOLUME  
control to set the proper level. You may also need to lower the  
ZONE OUTPUT VOLUME control, or the power amp's volume  
control to set the proper level that you want in your particular  
room. This concept is known as "gain staging" and it is the  
most important part of getting a good sound. Ideally, you  
want the S zones Output level meter to read about O dB. This  
will give you the best signal to noise performance and clean-  
est sound. So, try to adjust the Zone Output Volume controls  
so that the VU Meter reads about 0 dB. Then adjust the vol-  
ume control on the amplifier or speaker to a the desired listen-  
ing level.  
Mic Trim  
Experiment by moving each of the CHANNEL VOLUME  
control knobs up and down, carefully listening to get  
the best balance between your microphone and music  
from your CD player.  
Now, read on and learn about more different wiring hook-  
ups and more on using some of the S zones advance fea-  
tures.  
Now that you have the basic system operation level  
set, you can get a level setting for your microphone  
connected to the S zone’s CHANNEL 1 input. While  
speaking into your microphone, slowly raise the  
VOLUME control knob on CHANNEL 1 to the 0 posi-  
tion.  
If you have followed all the steps above and are experienc-  
ing difficulties with any aspect of setting up or using your  
S zone, you can call Samson Technical Support (1-800-372-  
6766) between 9 AM and 5 PM EST, or contact your local  
distributor.  
At this point if the microphone is very low in volume,  
raise the level of the rear panel MIC TRIM control. If the  
microphone is very high in volume, lower the level of  
the rear panel MIC TRIM control. You want to set the  
MIC TRIM so that you have a good range of level con-  
trol on the CHANNEL 1 VOLUME control without add-  
ing any distortion.  
9
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Connecting the S zone  
Get Connected !  
Next connect your line inputs to channels 2 using the wir-  
ing guide below.  
The S zone’s rear panel is where you will find all (except the  
headphone jack) of the input and output connections. The  
S zone provides four input channels that can accept up  
to four line level sources and two microphones and four  
output channels to feed the sound zones. The connections  
for these inputs and outputs are made via standard Eurob-  
lock connectors (the mating ends to connect to your wires  
have been included). The Euroblock connectors are easy  
to wire-up; just strip your wire, insert it into the Euroblock  
connector and tighten down the screws. The next section  
of this manual will detail the connections for the S zone’s  
inputs and outputs.  
These inputs are set to accept –10 dBV levels, which is the  
standard for devices like most CD and DVD players.  
Line Input Wiring for Channel 1 and 2  
Now connect your line inputs to channels 3 and 4 using  
the wiring guide below.  
Euroblock Connector  
Connecting the S zone Inputs  
After you have designed a plan for your installation you  
will need to connect your audio sources to the S zone’s  
inputs. You may want to connect several devices like  
microphones for paging, and other line level devices like  
CD, DVD, MP3, TAPE or Karaoke players or perhaps a radio  
tuner. Regardless of the sound source, it’s important to  
connect the inputs properly. Follow the section and wiring  
diagrams below to connect your input sources.  
The microphone inputs accept low impedance (100 to 600  
ohms) balanced or unbalanced microphones.  
Connect your microphones to inputs channel 1 and 2 us-  
ing the following wiring guide.  
Line Input Wiring for Channel 3 and 4  
These inputs are set to accept –10 dBV levels, which is the  
standard for devices like most CD and DVD players.  
Note: The S zone always provides 15 volts of phantom  
power to the microphone inputs so you’ll have no problem  
using just about any condenser microphone. Dynamic  
microphones can be connected as well.  
Mic Input Wiring for Channel 1 and 2  
10  
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Connecting the S zone  
Connecting the S zone Zone Inputs - continued  
If you need to connect one or two microphones, along  
with more than two line level input sources, you can use  
the mic and line inputs for channel 1 and 2 at the same  
time. You should only do this if you need more than two  
line inputs. When you connect both the mic and line to the  
same input you will not be able to control the level of the  
two input sources individually. So, if possible in this situa-  
tion, select a line level device that has its own output level  
control. You can use that level control to help you balance  
between the line level and the mic connected to the same  
input. To connect a mic and line input to Channel 1 and  
Channel 2 at the same time follow the wiring diagram  
below.  
Connecting the S zone Zone Outputs  
After you have designed a plan for your installation you  
will need to connect the S zone’s Zone Outputs to your  
power amplifiers or powered speakers. You can wire the  
S zone’s Outputs for balanced or unbalanced. It is highly  
recommended that you use balanced wiring when you  
are running long runs of cable, let's say over 20 feet. When  
you run a balanced wire you benefit from CMR (Common  
Mode Rejection), which reduces the possibility of noise  
and hum from other interfering electrical device. Regard-  
less of the sound source, it’s important to connect the  
outputs properly.  
To connect the Zone Outputs to a balanced input using  
standard XLR connectors, follow the wiring diagram below.  
Zone Output Balance Line  
To connect the S zone’s Zone Outputs to an unbalanced  
input using standard 1/4-inch connectors, follow the wir-  
ing diagram below.  
Mic/Line Input Wiring for Channel 1 and 2  
Zone Output Unbalance Line  
11  
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Operating the S zone  
Using the S zone Input Section  
Using the Zone Assignment switches  
The S zone provides four stereo inputs that can also be set  
to accept mono signals. The input channels are where you  
will connect your sound sources like CD, DVD player, AV  
monitor output, paging mics or just about any other audio  
signal. Channel 1 and 2 also feature a high quality micro-  
The S zone channel input strips each have assignment  
switches for the four output zones, labeled ZONE 1, ZONE  
2, ZONE 3 and ZONE 4. These switches are used to select  
which of the sound sources will be heard in each of the  
zones. The switches are backlit with red LED’s, which  
phone input offering 58 dB of gain and phantom power for illuminate when the switch is pressed in, indicating the  
using condenser microphones. In addition, Channel 1 and  
2 include a ducking feature, which will automatically lower  
the volume of the line inputs so that an announcement  
can be heard over the program music material.  
input channel is assigned to the Zone Output. Using these  
switches, it is possible to choose what you are hearing in  
each zone. For example you may want make an announce-  
ment in the room connected to Zone 1, but not in Zone 2.  
In this case press the Zone Assign switch 1 on channel one,  
but do not engage the Zone 2 Assign switch,  
The S zone’s inputs are laid out in four separate input strips  
that include a volume control, a stereo/mono selection  
switch, four zone assignment switches and even a conve-  
nient scribe strip for labeling the input source.  
Set the Input for Stereo or Mono Operation  
The S zone is a stereo device and thanks to the STEREO/  
MONO switch you can set any of the input channels to  
accept either stereo or mono signals. If you are connecting  
a mono source like a microphone, you will want to set the  
Stereo/Mono switch to the MONO position. By selecting  
MONO, you do not have to worry about which speakers  
the mic will be routed to, regardless if you are using a  
mono or stereo sound zone. If you are connecting a device  
like a CD or DVD player and you want to run that signal in  
stereo, set the STEREO/ MONO switch to STEREO position.  
To learn more of output using stereo and mono outputs  
see the section “Setting the Outputs for Stereo or Mono”  
operation on page 14 of this manual.  
Channel Input Zone Assignment Switches  
Using the VOLUME Control  
Each channel of the four S zone’s channels have an inde-  
pendent level control labeled VOLUME. It’s a good idea to  
start your set-up with all of these turned off (in the fully  
counterclockwise position). Once you have all the chan-  
nels connected, and the ZONE assignment is set, you can  
use the VOLUME control to adjust the level of the channel  
input in any zone.  
Now that you have made the connections for your inputs,  
you can test the signals by using the S zones MONITOR  
selection.  
Channel Input Stereo / Mono switch  
Channel Input Volume  
12  
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Operating the S zone  
Using the Monitor Section  
Using the headphone  
The S zone features a unique monitor section located in  
the center of the unit allowing the operator or installer to  
Any standard headphone with an impedance of 8 – 200  
ohms can be plugged into the front panel PHONES 1/4-  
listen to each of the zones in headphones or in the internal inch jack. When a headphone is connected to the PHONES  
super speaker. The added convenience allows the installer  
or end user to monitor the program material that is play-  
ing in each zone from a single location in the building.  
input, the internal super speaker will turn off allowing the  
user or installer to monitor any zone without disturbing  
the room ambiance.  
S zone Monitor Section  
S zone Phones Jack  
Selecting the Output  
Routing a signal to the Internal Monitor  
The following section explains a simple procedure to route  
signal from inputs to outputs, and then monitor the Zone  
output in the Zone Monitor.  
The ZONE SELECT is a four-position switch used to assign  
any zone to the monitor section for listening in the head-  
phone or internal super speaker.  
Connect an input signal like a CD or DVD player to the  
one of the S zone's line inputs.  
Assign that input to the one or more zones using the  
input channel ZONE assignment switches.  
Now, adjust the assigned ZONE(s) OUTPUT VOLUME  
control(s) so that you see the input reading on the out-  
put meter(s).  
Position the ZONE SELECT switch to the Zone that you  
want to hear in the monitor.  
Monitor Section Zone Select Switch  
Now, use the Monitor VOLUME control to adjust the  
level in the speaker or headphone.  
Using the Monitor VOLUME control  
When you are monitoring the signal from the selected  
sound zone, you can use the volume control to adjust the  
level in the internal Monitor super speaker or in the head-  
phones.  
Note: If you assigned two or more inputs to different Zone  
Outputs, you will hear the different signals in the Monitor  
speaker or headphones as you change the ZONE SELECT  
switch.  
Monitor Section Output Volume Control Knob  
13  
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Operating the S zone  
Controlling the Zone Outputs  
Setting the Output level  
The S zone has four output zones, which are controlled  
using the four ZONE output strips located on the right  
It’s always a good idea to start with all the Zone Volume  
controls turned all the way down (fully counter-clockwise).  
side of the front panel. Each Zone Output has its own level Then, follow these steps.  
control, output meter and two-band equalizer. You can  
adjust the overall volume using the Level control and even  
apply some basic equalization to contour the frequency  
response of the speaker system when necessary. You can  
also add a label for the zone name using a grease pencil or  
removable label on the Zone Output Scribe Strip.  
Once you have a signal playing in the input, assign the  
input to a zone.  
Now, slowly raise the LEVEL control until you get to  
the desired level and look for the level display on the  
zone output meter (appoximately 0 VU on the output  
meter).  
Zone Output Section  
Zone Output Volume  
Setting the ZONE OUTPUT for Stereo or Mono  
Operation  
The S zone is a stereo device and thanks to the STEREO/  
MONO switch you can set any of the ZONE OUTPUT’s to  
send either stereo or mono signals. In many installations,  
it is desirable to run mono sound zones since the sound  
is being distributed through several speakers and there is  
no one position. In other situations like around a cocktail  
lounge, perhaps a disco/karaoke dance floor in a restau-  
rant or an outside patio in a home installation, you may  
want to run a stereo sound zone.  
Zone Output Stereo / Mono switch  
14  
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Operating the S zone  
Using the Equalizer  
Setting the Zone Output EQ For Voice  
Each of the four Zone Outputs includes a two-band equal-  
izer allowing individual equalization settings on each  
output channel. Located in the Zone Output section on  
the right side of the front panel, each output’s equalizer  
features LOW (BASS) and HIGH (TREBLE) controls. By using  
these controls to adjust the frequency response, you can  
to set an individual tonal contour curve for the speakers  
connected to each Zone Output. For example if you are  
using a zone for announcement paging only, you can cut a  
little of the bass and treble which will produce an equaliza-  
tion contour emphasizing the midrange. For music you  
can add bass and treble to produce a “Hi-fiequalization  
contour.  
To set the Zone Output equalizer for vocal operation you  
want to emphasize the midrange response. To do this  
lower the LOW and HIGH frequency control knobs by  
about 3dB so set them to the 11:00 position as shown in  
the following diagram.  
Vocal EQ Contour  
Setting the Zone Output EQ For Music  
To set the Zone Output equalizer for music playback you  
want to emphasize the bass and a treble like most con-  
sumer hi-fi systems. To do this raise the LOW and HIGH  
frequency control knobs by about 3dB so set them to the  
2:00 position as shown in the following diagram.  
Zone Output Equalizer  
The LOW Frequency EQ control provides up to 12 dB of  
CUT or BOOST at 100 Hz. You’ll notice a single detent  
when the control knob is located in the center of its travel  
range indicating that there is no boost or cut and that  
the LOW frequency response of the channel is flat. The  
HIGH Frequency EQ control provides up to 12 dB of CUT  
or BOOST at 10kHz. You’ll notice a single detent when the  
control knob is located in the center of its travelindicating  
that there is no boost or cut and that the HIGH frequency  
response of the channel is flat.  
Music EQ Contour  
The next section explains how to apply some common  
equalization curves to for typical applications.  
Note: It’s a good idea to test the sound zone with the type of  
program material (music or speech) that will ultimately be  
used in the working installation. Your speaker may sound  
great with little or no added equalization on the Zone Output.  
You can use an RTA (Real Time Analyzer) like the Samson  
D1500 to measure the frequency response of the speaker  
system in any sound zone. If you do not have an analyzer, use  
your ears and adjust the equalization to a setting that sounds  
good to you.  
15  
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Operating the S zone  
Using the Ducker  
Channel 2 DUCK ENABLE  
The S zone allows you to set up a sophisticated music and  
paging system where the background music will auto-  
matically lower when an announcement is made. This  
automatic level control is known as Ducking. The S zone’s  
When the Channel 2 DUCK ENABLE switch is pressed in,  
when ever signal is present at the input of Channel 2 the  
level of the inputs connected to Channel 3 and 4 will  
automatically be lowered by the amount set by the DUCK  
ducker can operate with either one or two microphones al- TRIM control. Once there is no input present on Channel 2,  
lowing two zone paging. Plus, you can even use a line level the level of the inputs connected to Channel 3 and 4 will  
source to duck another line level source (for example: ap-  
be returned to their normal level. Therefore, you can con-  
plications like one CD player audio advert ducking another nect a microphone to Channel 2’s input and a CD player  
playing background music).  
to Channel 3’s input, press the Channel 2 DUCK ENABLE,  
and whenever you speak into the microphone, the back-  
ground music will be lowered. When you stop speaking  
the background music will returned to the original level.  
You can set the DUCK ENABLE on Channel 2 individually or  
together with the Channel 1 DUCK ENABLE if you need to  
have two microphones ducking the background music.  
Setting The DUCK ENABLE switches  
The S zone can use either Channel 1, 2 or even Channel 1  
and 2 to duck the line inputs connected to channel three  
and four. You can even set Channel 1 as a Master channel  
which will duck the line inputs connected to Channel 3  
and 4 and the mic and/or line connected to Channel 2.  
The next section details the operation of the DUCK EN-  
ABLE switches located on the right side of the S zone’s rear  
panel.  
CHANNEL 1 MASTER  
If you are using a microphone or line level signal to duck  
the level of the inputs connected to Channels 2, 3 and 4,  
you can use the CHANNEL 1 MASTER switch so that Chan-  
nel 1 will have priority over all the other inputs. With the  
CHANNEL 1 MASTER selected, when signal is present at  
the input connected to Channel 1, all other inputs will be  
lowered by 10dB.  
Channel 1 DUCK ENABLE  
When the Channel 1 DUCK ENABLE switch is pressed in,  
when ever signal is present at the input of Channel 1 the  
level of the inputs connected to Channel 3 and 4 will  
automatically be lowered by the amount set by the DUCK  
TRIM control. Once there is no input present on Channel 1,  
the level of the inputs connected to Channel 3 and 4 will  
be returned to their normal level. Therefore, you can con-  
nect a microphone to Channel 1’s input and a CD player  
to Channel 3’s input, press the Channel 1 DUCK ENABLE,  
and whenever you speak into the microphone, the back-  
ground music will be lowered. When you stop speaking,  
the background music will returned to the original level.  
You can set the DUCK ENABLE on Channel 1 individually or  
together with the Channel 2 DUCK ENABLE if you need to  
have two microphones ducking the background music.  
16  
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Operating the S zone  
Using the Ducker - continued  
You can set the S zone’s ducking matrix to seven settings.  
The diagram below shows the possible settings for using  
the DUCK ENABLE and MASTER switches.  
Follow the grid below and set the S zone Ducker switches  
to the positions that are best suited for your application.  
17  
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S zone System Configurations  
Using the S zone with Active Speakers  
Using the S zone with Passive Speakers  
®
®
®
®
®
®
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S zone System Configurations  
S zone’s Four Room Set-up  
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S zone Wiring Guide  
S zone Wiring Guide  
There are several ways to interface the S zone, depending on your exact monitoring set-up. Follow the cable diagrams  
below for connecting your monitor system.  
Mic Input Wiring for Channel 1 and 2  
Line Input Wiring for Channel 1 and 2  
Line Input Wiring for Channel 3 and 4  
Line Input Wiring for Channel 3 and 4  
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S zone Specifications  
S zone Specifications  
Input Impedance:  
Mic  
600Ω XLR balanced  
Line  
22K Ω  
Max Input Level  
Mic  
-14 dBV balanced  
+24 dBV  
Line  
Maximum Gain  
Mic  
60 dB  
Line  
26 dB  
Output Level  
Output Impedance  
Balanced  
Unbalanced  
Max. S/N ratio  
THD  
+17 dBV max.  
200 Ohms  
100 Ohms  
96 dB  
<.02%  
CMRR:  
Phantom power  
>52 dB (Mic)  
+12 VDC  
Tone Controls  
LOW  
+/- 15 dB
 
at 100 Hz  
+/- 15 dB
 
at 10 kHz  
HIGH  
Connectors  
Inputs  
6 PIN Euroblock  
9 PIN Euroblock  
Outputs  
Power Supply  
Mains Voltages/selectable  
USA/Canada ~120 V AC, 60 Hz  
U.K./Australia ~240 V AC, 50 Hz  
Europe  
~230 V AC, 50 Hz  
Fuse  
100-120 V AC; 250 mA (slow-blow)  
200-240 V AC: 125 mA (slow-blow)  
5 Watts  
Power Consumption  
Power inlet  
Standard IEC receptacle with fuse  
Dimensions  
Weight  
19 in. (w) x 7.5 (d) x 1.75 (h)  
482 mm (w) x 190 (d) x 44 (h)  
5.1 lb. (2.31 kg)  
21  
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S zone Block Diagram  
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Notes  
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Notes  
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Samson Technologies Corp.  
575 Underhill Blvd.  
P
.
O. Box 9031  
Syosset, NY 11791-9031  
Phone: 1-800-3-SAMSON (1-800-372-6766)  
Fax: 516-364-3888  
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