Samson MPL 1204 - Manual (Page 3)

Introduction / MPL 1204 Features
Congratulations on purchasing the Samson MPL 1204 four-bus microphone/line
mixer! The MPL 1204 is optimized for use in both live performance and
recording applications, and it can be used wherever there are a number of
microphone or line-level sources that need to mixed down to two or four outputs.
Although the MPL 1204 is designed for easy operation, we suggest you first take
some time to go through these pages so you can fully understand how we’ve
implemented a number of unique features.
In this manual, we’ll provide you with an overview of MPL 1204 features,
followed by a guided tour of its front and rear panels. Then we’ll describe how
the MPL 1204 should be connected to your existing equipment (including wiring
diagrams) and talk about the important topics of gain structure and grounding
techniques. Next, we’ll cover a number of specific MPL 1204 features (such as
busing, submixing, channel muting, as well as using panning, equalization,
auxiliary sends and returns, channel inserts, and PFL/AFL) in detail. Finally,
we’ll wrap things up with a series of applications notes describing a number of
ways to use the MPL 1204 for both recording and live performance, plus
reference Appendices and full specifications. 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.
SPECIAL NOTE: Should your unit ever require servicing, a Return Authorization
number (RA) is necessary. Without this number, the unit will not be accepted.
Please call Samson at 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 its original carton and packing materials.
MPL 1204 Features
“MPL” stands for “Mic/Program/Line” and the name describes the broad range of
signals which can be handled by this powerful four-bus mixer. In fact, the
compact design of the MPL 1204 belies an extraordinary versatility. Add
excellent sound quality to the equation, and you’ve got a product which is
equally useful in live performance and for recording (you’ll find descriptions of
each application at the conclusion of this manual). Here are some of the
MPL 1204’s main features:
• Twelve independent channels, with both mic and line inputs for each
channel. This allows you to blend together a variety of source signals,
including dynamic or condenser microphones, keyboards, CD/tape players,
etc. Standard XLR mic connectors (for microphone inputs) and electronically
balanced 1/4" jacks (for line-level inputs) are provided for each channel;
in addition, there is a dedicated stereo CD/Tape input that provides dual
phono (RCA) jacks.
• Four bus outputs (a “bus” is simply a pathway through which a signal can be
routed) and an electronically balanced main stereo output, with dedicated
front panel control. Any channel input can be routed to either of the two bus
pairs (1/2 or 3/4), and any of the buses can be routed to the Left/Right mix
output with the touch of a button. This flexible design allows you to easily
mute selected channels and/or to create submixes within your main mix.
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