dB500
dB500a
500 Watt 2-way Loudspeaker
A
U
D
I
O
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Table of Contents
Introduction
2
3
4
5
dB500Features
dB500 Components
Quick Set-Up
Controls and Functions
Positioning the dB500
Setting up your dB500
6
7-9
dB500 Wiring Guide
Specifications
10
11
Copyright 2001, Samson Technologies Corp.
Printed June, 2002
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 dB500! The dB500 speaker system by Samson takes the concept of
PA systems to a new level. By combining 500 watts of power handling, advanced crossover design and the high-
est quality speaker and cabinet components, the dB500 provides studio quality sound for any kind of live applica-
tion. The monitor features a super heavy-duty, custom designed, 15" Celestion® low frequency driver and a 1.75
inch (44 millimeter) titanium diaphragm high frequency driver on a 1" throat, wide dispersion horn. The dB500
offers crystal-clear audio and an ultra-wide sound field. The top end is clean, smooth and vivid. Not only a front-
firing PA speaker, the dB500’s are also designed to operate as wedge-style monitors. The cabinet’s right and left
side panels are joined at different angles, so depending on the side you choose, you get a different dispersion
angle, allowing for greater flexibility on stage. Adding to the dB500’s practical design is a catalog of mounting
options. The compact cabinet can be easily stacked, permanently installed, mounted using the integral 1 3/8"
pole mount receptacle or suspended using the ten built-in fly points. With the dB500, setup and break down is
quick and easy. Heavy-grade steel grills, scuff-resistant textured finishes and rigid corners offer excellent protec-
tion against wear and tear. As fixed sound reinforcement or as a durable, great-sounding road PA, the dB500
monitor is ideal for sound professionals and performers looking for serious output and studio monitor sound quali-
ty from a PA speaker system.
In these pages, you’ll find a detailed description of the features of the dB500 PA system, as well as a description
of its front and rear panels, step-by-step instructions for its 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 sup-
port and so we can send you updated information about these and other Samson products in the future.
With proper care your dB500 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 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.
2
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dB500 Features
dB500a
The Samson dB500 two way loudspeaker is an all-in-one solution for live sound. Here are some of its main fea-
tures:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Two-way loudspeaker system.
Standard speaker stand receptacle.
Custom designed, Celestion, heavy-duty, 15-inch low frequency driver with 2.5-inch voice coil.
1" throat, high-frequency compression driver with 1.75-inch titanium diaphragm.
500 watt power handling .
15 and 30- degree monitor angles.
Arrayable with 10 fly points.
Internal 18 dB/octave Butterworth time aligned crossover.
Rugged, road-worthy construction for high reliability.
Quality build and rugged construction ensure reliable performance from venue to venue.
Three-year extended warranty.
3
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dB500 Components
dB500 FRONT PANEL
1
2
15 Inch Driver – Custom designed
Celestion, heavy-duty, 15” low frequency
driver provides deep bass.
4
1
2
5
3
Wide Dispersion Horn – 1 inch throat,
60 x 90 degree wide dispersion horn pro-
vides extensive coverage and linear off
axis response.
9
8
3
Titanium Compression Driver – 1.75
inch (44mm), titanium diaphragm with 1
inch opening.
6
7
4
5
6
7
Handle – One of three ultra over sized
rubber grip carry handles.
Stacking Bumper – Gender mating
bumpers for stacking dB500’s.
Handle – One of three ultra over sized
rubber grip carry handles.
Active Monitor
dB500a
Steel Grill – Durable steel grill provide
protection for, and easy access to LF
driver.
8
9
Handle – One of three ultra over sized
rubber grip carry handles.
Enclosure – Rugged PVC plastic
enclosure.
A
B
dB500 REAR PANEL
A
SPEAKER INPUT – Speakon connector for
connecting to power amplifier. See page
10 of this manual for a detailed wiring dia-
gram.
WARNING: dB500 MONITOR CAN ACHIEVE
EXTREMELY HIGH SOUND PRESSURE
LEVELS. USE CAUTION OR HEARING
DAMAGE MAY RESULT.
FLYING HARDWARE FOR THE dB500 CAN
BE AFFIXED AT THE HANDLES,
REAR CABINET (2 POSITIONS)
AND TOP OF THE CABINET (2 POSITIONS).
FITTINGS ARE M8 (METRIC)
AND SHOULD BE EYE BOLTS
B
EXTENSION SPEAKER –1/4” parallel out-
put for connecting additional dB500’s.
SPEAKER
IN/EXTENTION
SPEAKER INPUT
SIDE BY SIDE CONCERT ARRAY TOP VIEW
4
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Quick Set-Up
In the following pages of this manual you will find a detailed explanation of system set-ups, but
if you just want to get started quickly you can follow the diagram and steps below to set up a
basic stereo PA system.
SPEAKER
INPUT
SPEAKER
INPUT
POWER AMP
OUTPUTS
POWER AMP
INPUTS
SERVO 550 STUDIO AMPLIFIER
SAMSON TECHNOLOGIES CORP., HICKSVILLE, NEW YORK
CAUTION
RISK OELETISHOCK
!
DO NOT OPEN
FUSE
SERIAL
BRIDGED
MONO STEREO
NUMBER
FUSE RATING
12A/250V (115V)
6A/250V (230V)
USE CLASS
2
WIRING MAXIMUM LOAD IMPEDANCE 4Ω
LEFT
CAUTION
HEATSINK MAY BE
HOT! DO NOT BLOCK
AIRFLOW OR OVER-
HEATING MAY OCCUR
RIGHT
TO PREVENT SHOCK DO
+RIGHT
GROUND
LEFT+
N
S
O
E
T
O
P
C
E
A
N
B
.
N
E
O
U
A
S
R
E
T
R
S
INPUTS
R
V
I
L
P
(BALANCED
INSIDE. REFER SERVICING
OUTPUT 250W/4Ω
10KΩ/0dBm0)
T
O
Q
U
A
L
I
F
I
E
D
SERVICE
PERSONNEL. TO PREVENT
FIRE OR SHOCK HAZARD
TIP RING SLEEVE
TIP
+
-
RING
SLEEVE GND
RIGHT
~AC INPUT
LEFT
115V/230W, 50/60HZ
510W (115V)900W (230V)
MAIN LEFT AND RIGHT
OUTPUTS
MIC/LINE
1
MIC/LINE
2
MIC/LINE 3/4
MIC/LINE 5/6
MASTER SECTION
LEFT/MONO
LEFT
LEFT
AUX OUT
SIGNAL FLOW
SIGNAL FLOW
Active Monitor
dB500a
Active Monitor
dB500a
AUX RET
RIGHT
CR OUT
RIGHT
MIX OUT
RIGHT
MONO OUT
30
30
3/L LINE IN
5/L
LINE IN
GAIN
CLIP
GAIN
CLIP
5
60
5
60
+26
4/R
6/R
-26
+26
-26
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
HF
HF
HF
HF
5
5
5
5
5
5
5
5
12K
12K
12K
12K
10
10
10
10
10
10
10
10
M
A
X
I
M
U
M
D
Y
N
A
M
I
C
R
A
N
G
E
15
5
15
5
15
5
15
5
15
5
15
5
15
15
5
0
0
5
MF
MF
MF
MF
2T IN
2T OUT
5
2.5K
2.5K
2.5K
2.5K
10
10
10
10
10
10
10
10
15
5
15
15
5
15
15
5
15
15
5
15
0
10
MONO
LEFT
RIGHT
LEFT
RIGHT
48V
LF
LF
LF
LF
5
5
5
5
80Hz
80Hz
80Hz
80Hz
2TK TO MIX
5
10
10
10
10
10
10
10
10
POWER
15
15
AUX
15
15
AUX
15
15
AUX
15
15
AUX
0
10
HARD
DISK
PEAK
+6
AUX RETURN
5
0
10
PAN
0
10
PAN
0
10
BAL
0
10
BAL
0
0
0
0
0
-6
-20
L
R
L
R
L
R
L
R
0
10
REC
REC
REC
REC
MASTER SECTION
MIX/2T
10
10
5
10
10
5
10
10
5
10
10
5
10
5
10
5
10
5
5
5
5
5
_
_
_
_
_
_
_
_
_
_
_
_
_
_
_
_
_
_
_
_
_
_
_
_
_
_
_
_
_
_
_
_
_
_
_
_
C/ROOM
_
_
+PHONES
5
_
0
5
0
5
0
5
0
5
0
5
_
0
5
0
5
0
5
0
5
0
5
0
5
_
_
_
_
_
_
_
_
0
10
10
10
10
10
10
10
10
10
10
10
10
15
20
15
20
15
20
15
20
15
20
15
20
15
20
15
20
15
20
15
20
15
20
30
40
30
40
30
40
30
40
30
40
30
40
30
40
30
40
30
40
30
40
30
40
CHANNEL
1
CHANNEL
2
CHANNEL 3/4
CHANNEL 5/6
PHONES
L
MIX
R
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 inrush current at power up, which
can sometimes damage loudspeakers.
1
Before connecting your dB500’s, make sure that the power of all your systems compo-
nents is turned off. Also, make sure that your power amplifier volume controls and the
main left and right faders of your mixer are turned all the way down.
2
3
Connect the cables to your microphones and instruments, or a CD player, to your mixer.
Switch on the power of the mixer, instruments and/or CD player, and then switch on
your power amplifier.
4
5
While speaking into the mic (or playing the instrument or CD), raise the mixers main
Left and Right faders to the "0" position. Be sure that the mixer’s output meters are not
clipping. If they are, adjust the mixer volumes down until the signal cleans up.
Now, slowly raise your power amp until you reach the desired listening level.
5
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Controls and Functions
Positioning the dB500
Microphone Positioning - How to Reduce Feedback
Feedback is the annoying howling and squealing that is heard when the
microphone gets too close to the speaker and the volume is high. You get
feedback when the microphone picks up the amplified signal from the
speaker, and then amplifies through the speaker again, and then picks it
up again, and so on and so on. In general, it is always recommended that
any LIVE mic (a mic that’s on) is positioned behind the speaker enclo-
sures. This will give you the best level from your system before feedback.
One possible exception is when you are adjusting the sounds of the
microphones, since you want to listen in front of the speaker to hear prop-
erly. To do this, lower the MAIN VOLUME while setting the EQ and effect
from in front of the speakers. Once you have the sound you like, move
the microphones to behind the speakers and raise the Main volume.
Active Monitor
Acti
dB500a
dB500a
Speaker Placement
Whenever possible it is a good idea to raise the speakers above the
heads of the listening audience. The dB500 enclosure features a stan-
dard 1 3/8” pole mount receptacle, which are compatible with speaker
stands from a variety of manufacturers. In a smaller setting like a school
cafeteria, library, or a mall kiosk, you can also use the dB500 in one of
the tilt back monitor positions, which will improve the projection of the
speakers and may eliminate the need for speaker stands.
Using the dB500 as a Floor Monitor
The dB500 is an ideal solution for stage
monitoring and thanks to its unique design,
two wedge monitor positions are possible.
When placed on its side with the high fre-
quency horn facing to the left of the enclo-
sure, the dB500 is tilted at a 15 degree
angle optimizing performance when used
on a small stage. When placed on its side
FAR FIELD
NEAR FIELD
Top
with the high frequency horn facing to the
right of the enclosure, the dB500 is tilted at
a 30 degree angle optimizing performance
when used on larger stages. In a large
Bottom
stage monitor system, several dB500’s can
be daisy-chained together using the
EXTENSION SPEAKER output.
Note: Be sure to check the manufacturers
minimum recommended impedance for
your power amplifier to avoid overload and
possible damage to both the speaker and
STAGE MONITOR POSITION
15 DEGREES
STAGE MONITOR POSITION
30 DEGREES
amplifier. In many instances when using the dB500 as a monitor system, you may choose to use an
external equalizer like the Samson S Curve 131 to increase the volume and reduce the chance of
feedback.
6
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Controls and Functions
Setting Up Your dB500 System
SIGNAL FLOW
MODE
SIGNAL FLOW
SIGNAL FLOW
SIGNAL FLOW
SIGNAL FLOW
7
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Controls and Functions
Setting Up Your dB500 System
Using Speaker Stands
The dB500 enclosure features a standard 1 3/8”,
pole mount receptacle, which are compatible with
speaker stands from a variety of manufacturers.
Before installing the dB500 on a speaker stand,
loosen the thumbscrew located on the bottom of the
rear side of the enclosure. Once installed on the
stand, be sure to tighten the thumbscrew to hold the
speaker in place. Be careful not to over tighten the
thumbscrew to avoid stripping the threads.
Stacking the dB500
The dB500 enclosure incorporates gender mating
stack feet and bumpers that allows you to stack one
dB500 on top of another. When stacking the
dB500’s, be certain that the rubber feet from the top
unit are securely fastened into the bottom unit’s
stacking bumpers.
NOTE: DO NOT STACK dB500’s OVER TWO (2)
TALL.
8
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Controls and Functions
Setting Up Your dB500 System
Permanent Installation
The dB500 is logical solution for many
fixed installations in live sound venues,
discos, schools, houses of worship, con-
vention centers and airport terminals to
name a few. The enclosure is extremely
versatile for installation as it can be hung
in several different positions by using the
10 Fly-points. Hanging the dB500 is seri-
ous business and therefore licensed and
insured professional sound contractors
only should perform such an installation.
Using the Fly-points
2
3
4
1
IMPORTANT NOTE: Only
licensed and insured professional
sound contractors should install the
dB500 using the Fly-points. Samson
assumes no liability for any installa-
tion.
10
WARNING: dB500 MONITOR CAN ACHIEVE
EXTREMELY
HIGH SOUND PRESSURE
5
6
LEVELS. USE CAUTION OR HEARING
DAMAGE MA RESULT
Y
.
FLYING HARDWARE FOR THE dB500 CAN
BE AFFIXED AT THE HANDLES,
REAR CABINET (2 POSITIONS)
AND TOP OF THE CABINET (2 POSITIONS).
FITTINGS ARE M8 (METRIC)
AND SHOULD BE EYE BOLTS
SPEAKER
The dB500 features ten Fly-points
located in pairs below each of the
five carry handles. By removing the
handles you will have access to the
threaded inserts that are compatible
with a variety of standard M8 hard-
ware including that offered by ATM
Flyware.
SPEAKER INPUT
IN/EXTENTION
SIDE BY SIDE CONCERT ARRAY TOP VIEW
9
INTEGRAL STACKING FEATURE FOR PLACING
UNITS ON TOP OF EACH OTHER
MOUNTING FLY POINTS
FAR FIELD
NEAR FIELD
STAGE MONITOR POSITION
15 DEGREES
STAGE MONITOR POSITION
30 DEGREES
14.80 dB, 5060Hz
(171),0.000 msec (1)
LOG FREQUENCY - Hz
110
100
90
dB
SPL
dB
15.0
10.0
5.0
0.00
0.79
1.63
80
70
2.43
0.0
-5.0
3.27
4.06 msec
60
20 50 100 200 500 1K 2K 5K 10K 20K
100.0
1000.0
10000.0
FREQUENCY RESPONSE
FREQUENCY (Hz)
SPECTRAL DECAY
110
100
POLE MOUNT
SPEAKON WIRING
90
dB
SPL
80
1
-
1
+
70
60
2
+
2
-
1
3/8"
20
5
0
1
0
0
2
0
0
5
0
0
1
K
2
K
5K 10K 20K
1/4"
35mm
CROSSOVER
FREQUENCY (Hz)
S/N
DESIGNED AND ENGINEERED IN THE UNITED STATES BY SAMSON TECHNOLOGIES www.samsontech.com
8
7
9
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dB500 Wiring Guide
CONNECTING THE dB500
The dB500 provides both Speakon and 1/4” phone connectors for easy interface with industry standard cables.
You can use a variety of standard speaker cables that are available “off the shelve” at you local pro-audio or
musical instrument retailer. Be sure that cables use standard strained speaker wire, and a gauge 12-14 is rec-
ommended. If you are making you own cables, use the diagrams following below to ensure a proper hook up.
Unbalanced 1/4” Connector
Signal
Signal
Tip (signal)
Ground
Ground
Sleeve (ground)
Speakon Wiring Guide
+
-
1- 1+
2+ 2-
NOT CONNECTED
10
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dB500 Specifications
Power Rating: (@ 8Ω):
Frequency Response:
Operating Impedance:
Sensitivity:
500 Watts Program
60 Hz – 15 kHz 3 dB
8 Ohms
97 dB SPL @ 1W/1m
2.3 kHz (24 dB Per Octave)
Crossover Frequency:
LF Driver:
15″ heavy-duty driver
2.5″ voice coil (Kapton Former)
50 oz. barium ferrite magnet
HF Driver:
Mounting:
1.75" titanium compression driver
Integral 1 3/8″ Pole Mount Receptacle
15º wedge monitor position, 30º wedge monitor position, Ten Fly Points
Weight:
50 lbs.
22.7kg
Dimensions:
30″ (h) x 19″ (w) x 17″ (d)
(762mm) (h) x (483mm) (w) x (432mm) (d)
19″
(483mm)
17″
(432mm)
30″
(762mm)
dB500a
19″
(483mm)
11
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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
Download from Www.Somanuals.com. All Manuals Search And Download.
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