500 WATT Bi-AMPED ACTIVE LOUDSPEAKER
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Table of Contents
Introduction
2
3
dB500a Features
dB500a Layout
Front View Layout
Rear Panel Layout
4
5
Quick Set-up
6
7
Positioning the d500a
Operating the dB500a
Controls and Functions
Input and Output Connectors
8-9
8
9
Setting Up Your dB500a System
Using Speaker Stands
10-11
10
Stacking the dB500a
10
Permanent Installation
11
System Set-up
Compact Lounge PA for Two
Live Band PA System with Monitors
12
13
dB500a Wiring Guide
Specifications
14
15
Copyright 2002, Samson Technologies Corp.
Printed November, 2003
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 dB500a! The dB500a speaker system by Samson takes the concept
of powered PA systems to a new level. By combining 500 watts of power, advanced active processing and the
highest quality speaker and cabinet components, the dB500a provides studio quality sound for any kind of live
application. The monitor features a super heavy-duty, custom designed 15-inch low frequency driver and a 1.75
inch titanium diaphragm high frequency driver on a 1" throat, wide dispersion horn. The dB500a offers crystal-
clear audio and an ultra-wide sound field. The top end is clean, smooth and vivid. The low-end is enormous. The
dB500a is powered by a Class G amplifier that pumps 400 Watts to the low frequency driver and a Class AB amp
that provides 100 Watts to the high frequency section—more than enough power to fill any large club. The effi-
cient Class G amplifier design provides the power to deliver transient spikes with incredible punch and sonic puri-
ty. The dB500a goes beyond concert-quality to studio-quality thanks to Samson’s exclusive Optimax processing.
Optimax processing uses sophisticated circuitry to compress and limit output at ideal levels. This allows the
dB500a to provide huge volume levels without sacrificing low end. The dB500a offers a practical back-panel,
mixer-like preamp section that provides mic and line inputs with individual input level controls. Controls for the
selectable low pass filter and Optimax dynamics are also included. The trapezoidal shape of the speaker cabinet
offers more than just superior acoustics, not only is it a front-firing PA speaker, the dB500a’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 dB500a’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 dB500a, setup and break down is quick and easy. Heavy-grade steel grill, scuff-
resistant textured finish and rigid corners offer excellent protection against wear and tear. As fixed sound rein-
forcement or as a durable, great-sounding road PA, the dB500a active monitor is ideal for sound professionals
and performers looking for serious power and studio monitor sound quality from a PA speaker system.
In these pages, you’ll find a detailed description of the features of the dB500a PA system, as well 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 and adequate air circulation, your dB500a will operate trouble free for many years. We recom-
mend 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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dB500a Features
The Samson dB500a active two- way loudspeaker is an all-in-one solution for live sound. Here are some of its
main features:
•
Two-way Active Loudspeaker – Standard speaker stand receptacle, 15 and 30 degree monitor angles,
arrayable with 10 Fly Points.
•
•
•
Custom designed, heavy-duty, 15-inch low frequency driver with a 2.5-inch voice coil and 50 oz. magnet.
1" Throat, high-frequency compression driver with 1.75-inch titanium diaphragm and 75 oz. magnet structure.
Efficient 400 watt, Class G power amplifier for low frequency transducer with High Speed, High Current
MOSFET rail switches.
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
100 watt class AB amplifier for high frequency compression driver.
Massive torroidal power transformer.
Sophisticated, multi-band dynamics processor with audibly transparent switchable limiting.
Internal 24 dB/octave time aligned electronic crossover.
Separate bass and treble controls.
Defeatable low cut filter.
Balanced microphone input with level control and Phantom Power for condenser microphones.
Balanced line level input with level control.
Rugged, road-worthy construction for high reliability.
Multi-point protection for all fault conditions.
Quality build and rugged construction ensure reliable performance from venue to venue.
Three-year extended warranty.
3
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dB500a Layout
dB500a Front View Layout
5
6
Handle – One of three, ultra oversized,
rubber grip carry handles.
1
2
3
Enclosure – Rugged polypropylene plas-
tic enclosure.
Power LED – Blue Light Emitting Diode
illuminates indicating the unit is powered
on and ready for operation.
Stacking Bumper – Gender mating
bumpers for stacking dB500’s.
Wide Dispersion Horn – 1 inch throat, 60
x 90 degree wide dispersion horn pro-
vides extensive coverage and linear off-
axis response.
7
8
9
15 Inch Driver – Custom designed,
heavy-duty, 15” low frequency driver pro-
vides deep bass.
Bass Port – Three precision tuned, low
frequency port tubes extend the bass
response.
4
Titanium Compression Driver – Edge-
wound copper voice coil,1.75-inch
(44mm), titanium diaphragm with 1-inch
throat boasting high SPL while sounding
smooth and sweet.
Steel Grill – Durable steel grill provides
protection for, and easy access to low fre-
quency driver.
4
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dB500a Layout
dB500a Rear Panel Layout
dB500a REAR PANEL
4
2
3
1
5
1
2
MIC LEVEL – Used to adjust the volume of the
microphone input.
15
6
SAMSON
AMP / CLIP LED - Dual color LED lights Green when
amp is active, flashes Red when the amp is clipped
or stays Red indicating the amplifier is in protect
mode.
4
4
4
4
8
8
8
8
AMP / CLIP
0
10
0
10
12
12
12
12
MIC LEVEL
PROTECTION
LINE LEVEL
EQUALIZER
LOW 100Hz HIGH 10KHz
P E A K
3
4
5
6
LINE LEVEL – Used to control the level of the line
input.
MIC INPUT
LINE OUTPUT
LINE INPUT
LOW FREQUENCY - Controls the low band
of the Channel Equalizer, +/- 12 dB at 100Hz.
14
13
7
8
HIGH FREQUENCY - Controls the high band
of the Channel Equalizer, +/- 12 dB at 10kHz.
LIMITER SWITCH - Used to engage the dB500a’s
Optimax dynamics processing. A red LED will illu-
minate indicating the Optimax is on.
9
7
OUTPUT SWITCH - This switch is used to select the
signal that is sent to the Line Output. When the
switch is in the up position, the signal on the Line
Output is exactly the same as the signal on the
Input. When the switch is in the down position the
Line Output carries the MIX of the Mic and Line
Inputs, as well as the High and Low Equalizer and
Low Filter.
10
8
9
FILTER SWITCH - When engaged, a Low-Cut
filter is employed at 80Hz with a roll-off slope of 12
dB per octave.
LINE INPUT CONNECTOR - Combo XLR plus 1/4
inch Input for connecting balanced or unbalanced
line level signals.
10
HEAT SINK - Convection cooling of the internal
power amplifier via massive aluminum extrusion.
11
12
POWER – Switches on the dB500a’s main power.
AC POWER INLET – Connect the supplied
standard IEC AC power cable here.
13
14
LINE OUTPUT - Male XLR connector used to link
multiple dB500a’s.
dB500A
MIC INPUT CONNECTOR - XLR Input for connecting
low impedance microphones to the Low-Noise pre-
amp and Phantom Power.
DESIGNED AND ENGINEERED IN THE UNITED STATES BY SAMSON TECHNOLOGIES
15
PEAK LED- Red LED illuminates when the Mic input
receives a clipped signal.
12
11
5
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Quick Set-Up
In the following pages of this manual you will find a detailed explanation of all the dB500a’s
functions and controls, but if you just want to get started quickly you can follow the steps below.
IMPORTANT NOTE: To ensure the cleanest and loudest possible output, and to protect
your speaker system, we highly recommend pressing the LIMITER switch on.
Using a Microphone
•
•
Be sure that the dB500a’s Power switch is set
to the off position.
Turn the LINE and MIC LEVEL controls fully
counterclockwise to the off position.
•
•
Connect the power cable to an AC socket.
Using a standard XLR cable, plug a micro-
phone into the dB500a’s MIC INPUT.
•
•
Switch the dB500a’s Power switch to the ON
position.
While speaking into the microphone, slowly
raise the MIC LEVEL control until you have
reached the desired level.
Using a Line Level Signal
•
Be sure that the dB500a’s Power switch is set
to the off position.
•
Turn the LINE and MIC LEVEL controls fully
counterclockwise to the off position.
•
•
Connect the power cable to an AC socket.
Using a standard XLR or 1/4 inch cable, con-
nect a line level signal from a mixer or key-
board into the dB500a’s LINE INPUT.
•
•
Switch the dB500a’s Power switch to the ON
position.
Now, run an audio signal from your mixer (like some music from a CD) while slowly raising the
dB500a’s LINE LEVEL control until you have reached the desired level.
6
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Positioning the dB500a
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 recom-
mended that any LIVE mic (a mic that’s on) is positioned behind the
speaker enclosures. 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 properly. To do this, lower your mixers 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.
Speaker Placement
Whenever possible, it is a good idea to raise the speakers above the
heads of the listening audience. The dB500a enclosures’ feature stan-
dard 1 3/8” pole mount receptacles, 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 dB500a 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 dB500a as a Floor Monitor
The dB500a 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 dB500a is tilted at a fifteen
degree angle, optimizing performance
when used on a large stage. When placed
on its side with the high frequency horn
facing to the right of the enclosure, the
dB500a is tilted at a thirty degree angle
optimizing performance when used on
smaller stages. In a large stage monitor
system, several dB500a’s can be daisy-
chained together using the Line Output. In
many instances (when using the dB500a
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. In this
case be sure to set the HIGH and LOW
EQ to the 12:00 or flat position.
7
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Operating the dB500a
Controls and Functions
The following section details each part of the dB500a’s INPUT section including the MIC and LINE
inputs, the two-band EQ, as well as the MIC and LINE LEVEL controls.
MIC LEVEL
1
SAMSON
4
5
6
The dB500a’s MIC LEVEL controls
the overall level of the microphone
input. The MIC LEVEL control
features an audio taper. Raise the
MIC Level to adjust the volume of
the microphone connected to the
MIC input.
4
4
4
4
3
1
8
8 8
8
AMP / CLIP
12
12
12
12
0
10
10
0
MIC LEVEL
EQUALIZER
LOW 100Hz HIGH 10KHz
PROTECTION
LINE LEVEL
2
P E A K
NOTE: Be sure to keep the MIC
LEVEL control all the way off if
there is no microphone connected.
MIC INPUT
LINE OUTPUT
LINE INPUT
2
PEAK LED
The PEAK LED will illuminate RED when the dB500a’s mic input is receiving a clipped signal. If the
PEAK LED lights up, lower the MIC LEVEL control. Once the PEAK LED goes off, raise the level con-
trols back up until just before the PEAK LED lights.
DYNAMIC PROTECTION
3
The AMP / CLIP LED is a dual color LED used to monitor the output of the dB500a’s internal power
amplifiers. When the unit is first powered on, the AMP / CLIP LED will light red (indicating the output
relay is open). After the soft-start circuitry activates and the output relay closes, the AMP / CLIP will
change to bright green indicating the unit is ready for operation. The LED will flash red on signal
power peaks, while the green LED is still on. If there is a failure condition such as DC on the output,
the output relay opens and the LED will switch to solid red, indicating a fault. If this happens, contact
your authorized Samson Audio Service Center.
4
LINE LEVEL
The dB500a’s LINE LEVEL controls the overall level of the LINE input and features an audio taper.
Raise the LINE Level to adjust the volume of the signal connected to the LINE input.
Using the Equalizer Section
The dB500a input channels feature a 2-band equalizer allowing you to adjust the high and low fre-
quencies independently. The channel’s frequency response is flat when the knobs are in the "12:00"
position.
5
LOW
Rotating the LOW knob towards the right will boost the bass frequencies at 100Hz by 12dB, and rotat-
ing it towards the left will cut the bass frequencies at 100Hz by 12dB.
HIGH
6
Rotating the HIGH knob towards the right will boost the treble frequencies at 10kHz by 12dB, and
rotating it towards the left will cut the treble frequencies at 10kHz by 12dB.
8
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Operating the dB500a
Controls and Functions - continued
LOW FILTER
7
The dB500a also incorporates a Low-cut
FILTER which when engaged will roll off
SAMSON
the low frequency response of the cabinet
beginning at 80Hz. The low cut FILTER is
two pole, which means that the low fre-
quency roll off will gradually cut more and
more of the low frequencies (12dB per
octave). When you press the FILTER
switch in, the green LED will illuminate
indicating that the Low-cut FILTER is
engaged.
4
4
4
4
8
8 8
8
AMP / CLIP
12
12
12
12
0
10
10
0
MIC LEVEL
EQUALIZER
00Hz H
PROTECTION
LINE LEVEL
7
8
9
P E A K
MIC INPUT
LINE OUTPUT
LINE INPUT
OUTPUT SWITCH
8
11
10
12
The Output switch is used to select the
signal that is sent to the Line Output. You
can have either a parallel output directly from the Line input, or a mixed signal including the Mic and line inputs plus the EQ
and limiter. When the switch is in the up position, the signal on the Line Output is exactly the same as the signal on the Line
Input. When the switch is in the down position the Line Output carries the MIX of the Mic and Line Inputs. If the Level con-
trols, High and Low Equalizer and Filter are used, they will also effect the signal sent to the Line Output.
Optimax LIMITER
9
In order to keep the sound loud and clean, the dB500a incorporates Optimax multi-band Limiting. The Optimax Limiter
divides the frequency range into separate parts so they can independently react to the limiting circuit. This ensures that the
high energy for the low frequency of a bass drum doesn’t cause the vocals to be over compressed. When you press the LIM-
ITER switch in, the red LED will illuminate indicating that the Optimax dynamics processing is engaged.
IMPORTANT NOTE: Unless you are using an external limiter, it is highly recommended that the LIMITER switch be
engaged at all times. This will ensure the cleanest possible output, and will protect your speaker system when it accidentally
receives a clipped signal from your mixer.
Input and Output Connectors
MIC XLR Input
10
The dB500a’s microphone input accepts a standard low impedance (150-600 Ohms) input and the connection is made via a
standard female XLR connector. The microphone input features a high quality, discrete transistor pre-amp providing trans-
parency and extended dynamic range. The MIC input can work simultaneously with the LINE input so it is possible to use a
microphone while playing alone with a keyboard that is plugged into the dB500a’s LINE input. You can control the micro-
phone input by using the MIC LEVEL control as described in the section below.
LINE OUTPUT
11
You can run several monitors by using the LINE OUTPUT to daisy-chain one dB500a to another. The LINE OUTPUT is a
balanced output that, depending on the position of the OUTPUT switch,will have either a direct parallel output of the LIne
input, or the Mix of the Line and Mic input. For more information on the Output switch, see section 8 above. For more infor-
mation on cables and wiring, see page 14 of this manual for a detailed wiring diagrams.
LINE Combo Balanced Input
12
For added convenience, the dB500a employs a Combo connector that accepts a standard XLR mic cable for balanced line
level signals, or a standard 1/4" instrument cable for either balanced (TRS – TIP/RING/SLEEVE) or unbalanced (TS –
TIP/SLEEVE) line level signals. The LINE input can work simultaneously with the Mic input so it is possible to use a micro-
phone while playing alone with a keyboard that is plugged into the dB500a’s LINE input. You can control the LINE input by
using the LINE LEVEL control as described in the previous page. For more information on cable and wiring, see page 14 of
this manual for a detailed wiring diagrams
9
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Setting Up Your dB500a System
Using Speaker Stands
The dB500a enclosure features a standard 1 3/8”,
pole mount receptacle, which is compatible with
speaker stands from a variety of manufacturers.
Before installing the dB500a 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 dB500a
The dB500a enclosure incorporates gender mating
stack feet and bumpers that allows you to stack one
dB500a on top of another. When stacking the
dB500a’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 dB500a’s OVER TWO (2)
TALL.
10
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Setting Up Your dB500a System
Permanent Installation
The dB500a 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
ten Fly-points.
IMPORTANT NOTE: Hanging the
dB500a is serious business and therefore
licensed and insured professional sound
contractors only should perform such an
installation.
Using the Fly-points
The dB500a 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. The dB500a’s ten fly points
accept M8 rigging hardware like that
available from ATM Flyware
16mm shoulder eyebolts (ATM
Flyware part number, M8-
1.25x16EYE) can be used for hang-
ing the enclosure. When using the
eyebolts, be sure to use a 1.3 mm
(0.05") thick flat-washer for 8 mm
bolts against the insert, and a 2.6mm
(0.09") thick lock-washer for 8 mm
bolts between the flat-washer and
the eyebolt.
11
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dB500a System Set
Compact Lounge PA for Two
This example shows a PA system
set-up that can be used for a small
club, at a ceremony or in a lounge,
using a single dB500a for both a
microphone and vocal. A separate
signal is sent from the vocal micro-
phone to the dB500a’s Mic input,
and from the keyboard to the
dB500a’s Line input. The individual
Mic and Line level controls allow
you to create a mix right on the
dB500a. For further control, you
can use the dB500a’s two-band
equalizer to boost or cut the highs
and/or low frequencies adjusting
the overall tonal contour of the sys-
tem.
12
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dB500a System Set Up
Live Band PA System With Monitors
13
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dB500a Wiring Guide
CONNECTING THE dB500a
The are several ways to interface the dB500a to support a variety of applications. The dB500a features balanced
inputs and outputs, so connecting balanced and unbalanced signals is possible.
Unbalanced 1/4” Connector
Balanced TRS 1/4” Connector
XLR to XLR Balanced
Unbalanced 1/4” Connector to RCA
XLR to Balanced 1/4-Inch
14
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dB500a Specifications
Inputs
Microphone
Line
Balanced XLR
Balanced Combo XLR/Line
Outputs
Extension
Balanced XLR
Controls
Mic Level
Line Level
Rotary
Rotary
Low EQ
Rotary Center Detent, +/-12dB @100Hz
High-EQ
Rotary Center Detent, +/-12dB @ 10kHz
Low Filter Switch
Output Switch
Limiter Switch
Push Switch, High Pass (low-cut) 12dB per octave @80Hz
Push Switch, Selects Mix orThru for Line Output Connector
Push Switch, Optimax Multi-band dynamics - In/Out
Power Rating:
Low Frequency
400 Watt RMS
100 Watt RMS
High Frequency
Frequency Response:
Crossover Frequency:
LF Driver:
60 Hz – 24 kHz 3 dB
2.3 kHz, 3 pole (24 dB Per Octave)
15" heavy-duty bass transducer,
2.5" voice coil (Kapton Former)
50 oz. barium ferrite magnet
HF Driver:
1.75" titanium compression driver,
edge-wound copper voice coil,
75 oz. magnet structure
Mounting:
Stand
Integral 1 3/8" Pole Mount Receptacle,
10
Fly Points
Stacking
Large, gender mating stack-
ing bumpers
8
Weight:
61lbs.
(27.7kg.)
Dimensions:
30″ (h) x 19″ (w) x18″ (d)
762mm (h) x 483mm (w) x 457mm (d)
15
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Notes
16
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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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