Page 3 - Introduction
Introduction Congratulations on purchasing the Samson MPL 1502 stereo mixer! Althoughthis unit is designed for easy operation, we suggest you first take some time togo through these pages so you can fully understand how we’ve implemented anumber of unique features. In this manual, we’ll provide you ...
Page 5 - Guided Tour - Overview; SAMSON; Main section
Guided Tour - Overview The following illustration shows an overview of the front panel of the MPL 1502: 3 1 2 3 −∞ −∞ −∞ +15 1 2 3 −∞ −∞ −∞ 1 2 3 −∞ −∞ −∞ 1 2 3 −∞ −∞ −∞ 1 2 3 −∞ −∞ −∞ −∞ −∞ −∞ −∞ −∞ −∞ −∞ −∞ −∞ −∞ −∞ −∞ −∞ −∞ −∞ −∞ +15 −∞ −∞ -20 -10 -6 -2 0 +2 +6 -20 -10 -6 -2 0 +2 +6 15 CHANNEL ST...
Page 6 - Guided Tour - Mono and Stereo Channels
Guided Tour - Mono and Stereo Channels 1: Mic inputs (1 - 5) - Provided in monophonic channels only. Use these electronically balancedXLR jacks to connect microphones to any of the MPL 1502’s five mono channels (channels 1 - 5).These are intended to accept signal from low-level, low-impedance mics b...
Page 8 - Guided Tour - Main Section
Guided Tour - Main Section 1: Meter - This seven-segment bar meter shows the continuous output level ofthe main stereo output. For optimum signal-to-noise ratio, try to adjust all levelsso that program material is usually at or around 0 VU, with occasional but notsteady excursions to the red +2 or +...
Page 10 - Guided Tour - Rear Panel
Guided Tour - Rear Panel 1: Power on-off switch - As you may have guessed, this is what you use toturn the MPL 1502 on and off. To avoid potential damage to your speakers, turnthe mixer on before you turn on any connected power amps—and turn it off afterthe power amps are turned off. 2: Phantom swit...
Page 12 - Connecting The MPL 1502 - General Suggestions
Connecting The MPL 1502 - General Suggestions The actual connections you’ll make to and from the MPL 1502 will vary accord-ing to the environment you use it in and the particular equipment you have.In the “MPL 1502 Applications” sections at the rear of this manual, you’ll findsome suggested setups. ...
Page 15 - Setting Up and Using The MPL 1502
13 Setting up your MPL 1502 is a simple procedure which takes only a few minutes: 1. 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 on a table-top or optionally mounted in any standard 19” rack, requiring...
Page 16 - Setting the Correct Gain Structure
14 You’re now ready to establish the correct gain structure—the key to getting thebest performance from the MPL 1502, or from any mixer, for that matter. This isa simple procedure that ensures optimum input and output levels so that nounnecessary noise (caused by too low a signal) or overload distor...
Page 18 - Grounding Techniques
16 Grounding Techniques Hum and buzz are the biggest enemies you face when interconnecting a largenumber of different pieces of equipment to a central audio mixer. This isbecause each piece of equipment may operate at a marginally different voltage(this difference is called potential) and, when two ...
Page 21 - Using Equalization
19 Using Equalization One of the most exciting aspects of using a mixer such as the MPL 1502 is theability to shape a sound, using a process called equalization. But there are fewareas of sound engineering more misunderstood than equalization, and, just asgood EQ can really help a sound, bad EQ can ...
Page 22 - Using Aux Sends and Returns
20 Using Aux Sends and Returns The MPL 1502’s two Auxiliary sends allow you to combine the signal frommultiple channels and send the resulting mix to external devices such as effectsprocessors. When an Aux send knob is at the “0” position, the signal is routedwith unity gain (that is, no boost or at...
Page 23 - Using Channel Inser ts
21 Using Channel Inser ts In addition to using Auxiliary sends and returns to access outboard devices, theMPL 1502 also provides channel inserts for the first five (mono) input channels.These should be used when you want to affect just one channel’s signal, asopposed to signal from several channels—...
Page 24 - Applications; Application 1 - Using The MPL 1502 As A Main Live Mixer
22 Applications Here are four suggested applications for the MPL 1502; bear in mind that your particular circumstance may dictatechanges in these suggested signal connections and routings. Application 1 - Using The MPL 1502 As A Main Live Mixer The main connections here involve routing the MPL 1502’...
Page 25 - Application 2 - Using The MPL 1502 As An Onstage Monitor Mixer
23 Application 2 - Using The MPL 1502 As An Onstage Monitor Mixer Here, the MPL 1502 is receiving monophonic signal into its line inputs from the direct channel outputs of a main livemixer. Its Main output is connected to an outboard signal processor (typically an equalizer) prior to being routed to...
Page 26 - Application 3 - Using The MPL 1502 As A Keyboard Submixer
24 Application 3 - Using The MPL 1502 As A Keyboard Submixer Here, various keyboards and MIDI tone generators are connected to the mono and stereo line inputs of the MPL 1502.Signal processors are connected to Aux sends and returns and to channel inserts as required. The Main output can thenbe route...
Page 27 - Application 4 - Using The MPL 1502 For Recording
Applications Application 4 - Using The MPL 1502 For Recording You can also use the MPL 1502 for making simple recordings—for example, when recording a rehearsal or practicesession direct to open-reel two-track, cassette, or DAT recorder. Connect the MPL 1502 tape outputs to the inputs of thetwo-trac...
Page 28 - Specifications
26 Specifications 1. Frequency Response (0 dB = 1.0 V RMS) 17 Hz to 30 kHz ± 1.5 dB at +4 dB 2. Equivalent Input Noise Ch. 1 - Ch. 5 Mic input -128 dB (A filter, 150 Ω shorted) Ch. 1 - Ch. 15 Line input -131 dB (A filter, input shorted) 3. THD+N (unity gain, 20 Hz - 20 kHz) Less than 0.03 % 4. Input...
