Samson POWER AMPLIFERS PG3800 - Manual (Page 5)

Introduction
Thank you for purchasing the PG2200 or PG 3800 power amplifier from Samson! We know you don’t like reading
owners manuals, but you’ve just purchased one of the finest sound reinforcement power amplifiers around, and we
want to tell you about it! So, before you plug in, we’d like to suggest you take just a few moments out to scan these
pages. We’ll make it as painless as possible, we promise—and, who knows, you might just pick up a tip or two. The
Samson PG Series stereo power amplifiers have been designed to a specification we call Pure Gain Amplification.
The PG series amplifiers provide robust, clean output with low distortion and wide dynamic range, along with the
dependability demanded by the most professional audio engineers and installers. This manual covers both the
PG2200 and PG3800 models. The PG series convenient 2 rack-space design is compact, and yet there’s plenty of power
available, with 2 x 280 Watts at 8Ω, 2 x 500 Watts at 4Ω and 2 x 1000 Watts at 2Ω for the PG2200 and 2 x 560 Watts at
8Ω, 2 x 900 Watts at 4Ω and 2 x 1800 Watts at 2Ω for the PG3800. For mono applications, a Bridge mode links both
channels of the amplifiers, thus providing even more power, with massive mono power ratings of 1000 watts at 8Ω,
2200 watts at 4Ω for the PG2200 and 1800 watts at 8Ω, 3800 watts at 4Ω for the PG3800. Making input connections
is simple since the PG series’ rear panel provides both balanced XLR and balanced 1/4-inch TRS connections. For the
outputs, the PG Series amplifiers provide standard 5-way binding posts, as well as dual Speakon™ connectors. The
front-panel controls and displays include a large power switch with LED indicator, as well as independent left and
right channel input level controls. To help you set the correct operating levels, the PG series amplifiers include front
panel Signal, Peak and Protection LED indicators. The PG series amplifiers also include onboard dynamics processing
with a selectable Low Frequency Filter at 30 Hz to help remove stage rumble and a selectable Limiter to help protect
your speakers and help keep your signal clean. Like all serious power amplifiers, the PG Series internal electronics are
based around a serious power-core, with over-sized toroidal transformers and large extruded heat sinks. To keep the
PG series amplifiers running cool, their designs employ twin internal wind tunnels with forced-air cooling via two
temperature-sensitive, variable speed fans, which greatly reduces the chance of thermal and overheating problems.
Multi-stage protection for power-up, over-heating, over-current, short circuit, low output impedance and DC voltage,
assures high reliability under the most demanding situations. The PG series amps are road tough with their all steel
chassis, 19-inch rack mount design and convenient carry handles, the PG series amplifiers are ready for a life of travel,
or at home in a nice fixed installation. Optimized for live sound venues, houses of worship, commercial installations,
and for driving small and medium-sized live PA systems, the PG series amplifiers will deliver reliable power from gig-
to-gig and venue-to-venue, day in and night out.
With proper care and adequate air circulation, your PG Series amplifier will operate trouble free for many years. We rec-
ommend you record your serial number in the space provided below for future reference.
Serial number:_____________________________________
Date of purchase: ___________________________________
In these pages, you’ll find a detailed description of the many features of the PG Series power amplifier, as well as a
guided tour through 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 support and so we can send you updated information about these and 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.
SPECIAL NOTE: Should your PG Series ever require servicing, a Return Authorization number (RA) is necessary. Without
this number, the unit will not be accepted. If purchased in the United States, please call Samson at 1-800-372-6766 for
a Return Authorization number prior to shipping the unit. If purchased outside the United States, contact your local
Samson dealer for details. Please retain the original packing materials and, if possible, return the unit in its original
carton and packing materials. If you purchased your Samson product outside the United States, please contact your
local distributor for warranty information and service.
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