4 INPUT 4 ZONE STEREO MIXER
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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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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 “duck”the 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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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-
All-steel chassis makes the S zone eminently road-
worthy.
Three year extended warranty.
Microphone “Duck”switch 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
•
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.
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Front Panel Layout
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INPUT SECTION
– This four-position switch is
used to assign any of the four Zones to play in the
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.
- Connect any standard stereo
headphone using a standard 1/4-inch jack to moni-
3
ZONE 2 – When the LED Backlit switch is pressed in,
the switch lights green and the input is assigned to
ZONE 2.
– This rotary control is used to control the
4
5
STEREO/MONO switch - This switch is used to
select either stereo or mono input.
– 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.
– Six-segment LED meter display-
ing the level of the ZONE 1 OUTPUT with -20 to +14
6
7
ZONE 3 – When the LED Backlit switch is pressed in,
the switch lights amber and the input is assigned to
ZONE 3.
STEREO/MONO switch
select either stereo or mono operation on the ZONE
ZONE 4 – When the LED Backlit switch is pressed in,
the switch lights orange and the input is assigned to
ZONE 4.
– 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.
– 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.
knob and switch complement as ZONE 1 OUTPUT.
– Channel 4 input with the same knob and
switch complement as Channel 1.
knob and switch complement as ZONE 1 OUTPUT.
MONITOR SECTION
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.
– Use this switch to power the unit
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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Rear Panel Layout
– The rotary control is used to adjust
the input sensitivity of the microphone pre
amplifier on channel 2.
– Connect the supplied 3-
pin IEC power cable here.
1 Left and Right balanced output connections, along
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.
2 Left and Right balanced output connections, along
CH 1 MASTER switch – This switch is used to
enable the ducking function on channels 2, 3
and 4.
3 Left and Right balanced output connections, along
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.
4 Left and Right balanced output connections, along
hook up the LINE 3 and 4 Left and Right input con-
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.
H
– This rotary control is used to adjust
how much signal level is dropped when the micro-
phone activates the DUCK circuit.
MIC/LINE 2
tion for a stereo line level and mono microphone
input for channel 2.
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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
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
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
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
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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 “OFF”setting.
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 Plan”on 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 19”rack (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 “0”point.
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 “0”point (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.
•
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.
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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
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.
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.
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
input. To connect a mic and line input to Channel 1 and
Channel 2 at the same time follow the wiring diagram
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.
Zone Output Unbalance Line
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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
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.
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.
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
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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
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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-fi”equalization
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.
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Operating the S zone
Using the Ducker
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
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.
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.
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.
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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
Follow the grid below and set the S zone Ducker switches
to the positions that are best suited for your application.
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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 3 and 4
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S zone Specifications
S zone Specifications
Input Impedance:
Max Input Level
Line
26 dB
Output Level
Output Impedance
Max. S/N ratio
+17 dBV max.
96 dB
CMRR:
Phantom power
>52 dB (Mic)
+12 VDC
Tone Controls
Inputs
6 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
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)
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S zone Block Diagram
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Samson Technologies Corp.
575 Underhill Blvd.
Syosset, NY 11791-9031
Phone: 1-800-3-SAMSON (1-800-372-6766)
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