Sam Ash Music XP800 Portable PA System with Bluetooth User Manual
Sam Ash Music Corporation Portable PA System with Bluetooth
user manual
Owner's Manual
800-WATT PORTABLE PA SYSTEM
X P
800
E PEDITION
Copyright 2015
v1
Samson Technologies Corp.
45 Gilpin Avenue
Hauppauge, New York 11788-8816
Phone: 1-800-3-SAMSON (1-800-372-6766)
Fax: 631-784-2201
www.samsontech.com
e Bluetooth® word mark and logos are registered trademarks owned by Bluetooth SIG, Inc. and
any use of such marks by Samson Technologies is under license. Other trademarks and trade
names are those of their respective owners.”
3
XP800 • Portable PA System
Important Safety Information
If you want to dispose this product, do not mix it with general household waste. There is a
separate collection system for used electronic products in accordance with legislation that
requires proper treatment, recovery and recycling.
Private household in the 28 member states of the EU, in Switzerland and Norway may
return their used electronic products free of charge to designated collection facilities or to
a retailer (if you purchase a similar new one).
For Countries not mentioned above, please contact your local authorities for a correct method of
disposal.
By doing so you will ensure that your disposed product undergoes the necessary treatment, recovery
and recycling and thus prevent potential negative effects on the environment and human health.
WARNING: TO REDUCE THE RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK, DO NOT REMOVE COVER
(OR BACK) AS THERE ARE NO USER-SERVICEABLE PARTS INSIDE. REFER
SERVICING TO QUALIFIED SERVICE PERSONNEL.
This lightning flash with arrowhead symbol within an equilateral
triangle is intended to alert the user to the presence of non-insulated
“dangerous voltage” within the product’s enclosure that may be of
sufficient magnitude to constitute a risk of electric shock.
The exclamation point within an equilateral triangle is intended to
alert the user to the presence of important operating and maintenance
instructions in the literature accompanying the appliance.
ATTENTION
RISQUE DE CHOC ÉLECTRONIQUE -
NE PAS OUVRIR
CAUTION
To prevent electric shock hazard, do not connect to mains power supply
while grille is removed.
4
Important Safety Information
1. Read these instructions.
2. Keep these instructions.
3. Heed all warnings.
4. Follow all instructions.
5. Do not use this apparatus near water.
6. Clean only with dry cloth.
7. Do not block any ventilation openings. Install in accordance with the manufacturer’s
instructions.
8. Do not install near any heat sources such as radiators, heat registers, stoves, or other
apparatus (including amplifiers) that produce heat.
9. Do not defeat the safety purpose of the polarized or grounding type plug. A polarized
plug has two blades with one wider than the other. A grounding type plug has two
blades and a third grounding prong. The wide blade or the third prong are provided
for your safety. If the provided plug does not fit into your outlet, consult an electrician
for replacement of the obsolete outlet.
10. Protect the power cord from being walked on or pinched particularly at the plugs,
convenience receptacles, and at the point where they exit from the apparatus.
11. Only use attachments/accessories specified by the manufacturer.
12. Use only with the cart, stand, tripod, bracket, or table specified by the
manufacturer, or sold with the apparatus. When a cart is used, use
caution when moving the cart/apparatus combination to avoid injury
from tip-over.
13. Unplug the apparatus during lightening, sort or when unused for long periods of time.
14. Refer all servicing to qualified personnel. Service is required when the apparatus has
been damaged in any way, such as power supply cord or plug is damaged, liquid has
been spilled or objects have fallen into the apparatus has been exposed to rain or
moisture, does not operate normally, or has been dropped.
15. This appliance shall not be exposed to dripping or splashing water and that no object
filled with liquid such as vases shall be placed on the apparatus.
16. Caution-to prevent electrical shock, match wide blade plug wide slot fully insert.
17. Please keep a good ventilation environment around the entire unit.
18. POWER ON/OFF SWITCH: For products with a power switch, the power switch DOES
NOT break the connection from the mains.
19. MAINS DISCONNECT: The plug should remain readily operable. For rack-mount or
installation where plug is not accessible, an all-pole mains switch with a contact
separation of at least 3mm in each pole shall be incorporated into the electrical
installation of the rack or building.
5
XP800 • Portable PA System
Important Safety Information
FCC Notice
1. This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the follow-
ing two conditions:
(1) This device may not cause harmful interference.
(2) This device must accept any interference received, including interference that may
cause undesired operation.
2. Changes or modifications not expressly approved by the party responsible for compli-
ance could void the user’s authority to operate the equipment.
FCC Statement
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B dig-
ital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide
reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation.
This equipment generates uses and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not
installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference
to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur
in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio
or television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on,
the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following
measures:
• Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
• Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.
• Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the
receiver is connected.
• Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.
RF Warning Statement
The device has been evaluated to meet general RF exposure requirement. The device
can be used in portable exposure condition without restriction.
This device complies with RSS-310 of Industry Canada. Operation is subject to the
condition that this device does not cause harmful interference.
FCC Radiation Exposure Statement
This equipment complies with FCC RF radiation exposure limits set forth for an uncontrolled
environment. This equipment should be installed and operated with a minimum distance of
20 centimeters between the radiator and your body.
6
Introduction
Thank you for purchasing the Expedition XP800 PORTABLE PA SYSTEM from Samson!
The XP800 delivers the optimum balance between huge, awesome sound and portabil-
ity. The system is light enough for one person to carry, and packs together into a single
unit, making it amazingly easy to transport even in the trunk of a compact car.
The XP800 system is comprised of two 8” 2-way speaker cabinets, an 8-channel, 800
watt powered mixer, and two speakers cables. The powered mixer packs neatly into the
back of one of the speaker cabinets and there is an accessory compartment behind the
second cabinet to hold the speaker and power cables. The two speakers feature our
unique slide and lock design to join together, allowing the entire system to pack up into
a single unit about the size of a carry-on piece of luggage.
The 8-channel mixer can be used while it is stored in the back of the speaker or
removed from the speaker for desktop use. It features 4 inputs for connecting micro-
phones, plus two inputs for connecting stereo signals, like those from a keyboard or
MP3 player. There’s also a built-in, 24-bit digital effects processor to add studio quality
effects to your voice or instruments. For music playback, the XP800 features wireless
Bluetooth® connectivity, to stream audio from your smart phone, tablet, or computer.
The mixer also provides a robust output, with 800 watts of total power from the high-
ly-efficient, lightweight, Class D amplifier section.
The XP800 employs a matched speaker system with dual 2-way enclosures that have
proprietary 8” woofers and 1” high frequency drivers loaded in a 90° x 60° horn for
wide vertical coverage. To project the sound to a larger audience, the XP800 speakers
can be mounted on standard speaker stands, thanks to the integral pole mount recepta-
cles. The XP800 is constructed using durable ABS, high impact plastic, making it super
road tough, and at the same time, lightweight.
The XP800 is the perfect solution for your solo performance, garage band rehearsal,
cocktail hour act, boardroom presentation, or classroom lecture. In this manual, you’ll
find a detailed description of the features of the XP800 PA system, as well as step-by-
step instructions for its setup and use, and full specifications.
We recommend you keep the following records for reference, as well as a copy of your
sales receipt.
Serial number: ____________________________________________
Date of purchase: __________________________________________
Dealer name: _____________________________________________
With proper care and maintenance, your XP800 will operate trouble-free for many years.
Should your XP800 ever require servicing, a Return Authorization (RA) number 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 an RA num-
ber prior to shipping your unit. Please retain the original packing materials and, if pos-
sible, return the unit in its original carton. If your XP800 was purchased outside of the
United States, contact your local distributor for warranty details and service information.
7
XP800 • Portable PA System
The Samson Expedition XP800 is a compact portable PA system with dual 2-way speak-
ers, onboard mixer and 800 watt power amplifier. Here are some of the main features:
• Lightweight and designed to allow you to connect all the pieces together into a sin-
gle, easy to move case.
• The mixer is stored in one of the speaker cabinets; the other cabinet has an acces-
sory compartment for storing the speaker cables, microphones, etc.
• The speakers are tuned, 2-way vented enclosures with 8” woofers for deep bass,
complimented by a 1-inch high frequency driver, set in a custom horn with a 60 x
90 degree coverage pattern producing a clean, clear sound.
• Internal 2 x 400 watt lightweight power amplifier produces a powerful stereo sound.
• The XP800’s mixer can be removed from the speaker for tabletop placement and
you can use the kick stand to set the mixer at an ergonomically correct angle. You
can also use the optional SMS308 adapter to mount the mixer to a microphone
stand.
• The 8-channel mixer features four Mic/Line inputs allowing you to connect micro-
phones or line level signals, plus three stereo inputs for connecting line signals
from keyboards, drum machines and MP3 players.
• Each channel features bass and treble controls allowing you to tailor the sound of
each input.
• To create a lush sound on the first four channels, you can select from the sixteen
on-board, 24-bit digital effects.
• Bluetooth® connectivity allows you to stream wireless audio from your smartphone,
tablet, or computer.
• For added flexibility, the XP800’s mixer has Subwoofer and Monitor ouptus, allow-
ing you to connect external powered speakers or active subwoofer to expand the
system.
Features
8
Mixer Layout
1
3
5
6
7
42 8 1211 13
14
15
16
17
22
20 21 23
9 10
19
18
1. Channel Input Jacks (channels 1 – 4)
MIC XLR Connector – Use these XLR jacks to connect low impedance microphones to
the XP800’s built-in mic preamps.
LINE ¼” Phone Connector – Use these ¼” jacks to connect instrument or audio
sources with line–level signals to the XP800. You can connect the outputs from
acoustic guitar with active pickups, keyboards, drum machines, CD/MP3/TAPE play-
ers and other units with line level outputs here.
2. Low-Z/Hi-Z Switch – This switches changes the input impedance of the channel 3
¼” jack from low impedance (Low-Z), for line level devices, to high impedance (Hi-
Z) for electric instruments with pickups.
3. MIC/LINE Switch (channels 1, 2, & 4) – The MIC position changes the gain of both
input jacks to MIC level. The LINE position reduces the gain of both jacks by 26dB
to line level.
4. STAGE XPD1 WIRELESS Input – Connect the optional Samson Stage XPD1 digital
wireless USB receiver to this input. The wireless receiver gets its power from the
XP800, so no additional power supply is needed. The WIRELESS input is routed to
the channel 4 LEVEL control. Note: This USB jack does not provide power for smart
phones.
5. Equalizer Knobs
HIGH Frequency – The HIGH knob controls the amount of treble applied to each
channel. The channel’s high frequency response is flat when the knob is in the cen-
ter detent (12:00) position. Rotating the knob to the right will boost the channel’s
high frequency response above 10 kHz by 15 dB, and rotating it towards the left
will cut the high frequency response by 15 dB.
9
XP800 • Portable PA System
Mixer Layout
LOW Frequency – The LOW knob controls the amount of bass applied to each chan-
nel. The channel’s low frequency response is flat when the knob is in the center
detent (12:00) position. Rotating the knob to the right will boost the channel’s low
frequency response below 100 Hz by 15 dB, and rotating it towards the left will cut
the low frequency response by 15 dB.
6. EFFECTS Knobs – Use the EFFECTS control knows to add an effect to a Mic or Line
input on any of the first four input channels. As the knob is rotated clockwise, the
level of signal sent to the effects bus is increased.
7. LEVEL Knobs – This knob sets the overall level for the input channel.
NOTE: To reduce noise, set the LEVEL controls on any unused channels to the mini-
mum setting.
8. Stereo Channel Input Jacks (channels 5/6, 7/8) – For stereo inputs, use the L input to
connect the left channel and the R input to connect the right channel. Use these
inputs to connect high impedance microphones, synthesizers, drum machines,
MP3, CD, tape players or any other line level device. The XP800 features ¼”
phone,
¹
/
8
” phone, and RCA connectors.
9. MONITOR OUT Jacks – The signal present at the MONITOR OUT jacks is sent from
the MONITOR level control knob, which is fed from the input channels. The
MASTER control does not affect the MONITOR OUT signal. This output can be
used to send the mix to powered speaker cabinets to use a stage monitors, or as
additional front of house speakers to expand the coverage of the system.
10. SUB OUT Connector – This full-range output is used to send the main mix to an
external active subwoofer. The signal present at this connector is the before the
MASTER level control.
11. FOOT SW Jack – Connect a footswitch to this jack to turn on and off the on–board
digital effects.
12. SPEAKER OUT Jacks – Two ¼” phone powered output jacks used to connect the left
and right speakers. Use the included speaker cables to connect the speakers.
CAUTION: The total impedance load for each side of the amplifier must not be less
than 8 Ohms. Do not connect additional speakers to the XP800 mixer/amplifier.
13. AC Input – Connect the supplied heavy gauge 3-pin “IEC” power cable here.
14. POWER Switch – Use the POWER switch to turn power to the XP800 on or off. The
switch illuminates red when the unit is in the ON position and receiving power.
15. MONITOR Level Knob – The MONITOR level control is used to control the overall level
sent to the MONITOR OUT.
16. Pairing Indicator – Displays the Bluetooth status of the XP800 system.
17. Pairing Button – Press this button to enable discoverable mode in order to pair with
a Bluetooth audio device.
10
Mixer Layout
18. Effects SEND Knob – The SEND knob is used to adjust the total amount of effects
added to the master bus.
19. Effects Program (PROG) Selector – This control knob is used to select one of 16, 24–
bit DSP effects programs.
20. MASTER Knob – The MASTER volume knob controls the overall output level. This
knob determines the final output signal level. Signals from all channels are routed
here just before being routed to the built–in power amplifiers and Left and Right
speaker output jacks.
21. Metering LED Indicators – This six–segment bar meter shows the XP800’s output
level. For optimum signal–to–noise ratio, set the VOLUME control so that program
material is usually at or around +3 to +6 VU, with occasional, but not steady light-
ing of the red “LIMITER” segment.
22. SPEECH/MUSIC Switch – The SPEECH/MUSIC switch is used to change the overall
frequency response, or tone contour, for the XP800 sound system. If your appli-
cation is mainly for music, press the switch down to select the MUSIC response
curve. If your application is mainly for spoken word, leave the switch up to select
the SPEECH response curve.
23. PHANTOM Switch – The XP800 features an onboard phantom power supply to oper-
ate condenser microphones. When the switch is engaged, the LED will illuminate
indicating that phantom power is now available on the microphone pre–amps.
IMPORTANT NOTE: To avoid a loud pop, be sure to turn down the MASTER level
control before plugging and unplugging the mic cables when the phantom power is
active.
11
XP800 • Portable PA System
Bluetooth® is a wireless communication technology that allows for connectivity between a
wide range of devices. The XP800 uses Bluetooth to stream high quality audio from your
Bluetooth enabled device without the need for connecting any cables. In order for your device
to work with the XP800 it must first be paired.
1. Turn all channel LEVEL controls down counterclockwise to 0.
2. With the XP800 and your Bluetooth device powered on; press the PAIR button on
the top panel of the XP800 mixer to make the speaker discoverable. The Bluetooth
indicator will slowly flash blue.
3. In the settings of your Bluetooth device, set it to “discover” available devices.
4. From the Bluetooth device list, select the "Samson XP800" device.
5. If your device asks for a passkey, enter digits 0000 (four zeros) and press OK. Some
devices may also ask you to accept the connection.
6. As the XP800 is connecting to your device, the Bluetooth indicator will quickly flash
blue.
7. The XP800 speaker indicates that pairing is complete when the indicator turns
steady blue. You can now stream audio from your device to the XP800 speakers.
8. With the volume control on your Bluetooth device turned up, play some music,
and slowly raise the XP800 BLUETOOTH channel 7/8 LEVEL control until you have
reached the desired level.
Pairing with a Bluetooth® device
12
Setting Up the XP800
Unpack all the system components from the shipping carton and save all packing mate-
rials in the event your unit ever needs to be returned for service.
Remove the mixer by turning the quarter turn screw counterclockwise towards the
RELEASE position.
LOCK
RELEASE
Carefully hold the mixer to remove it from the speaker.
Remove the accessory compartment cover
by turning the quarter turn screw counter-
clockwise towards the RELEASE position,
and remove the included speaker cables.
Replace the accessory panel by aligning
the bottom of the panel with the slots.
Make sure the quarter turn screw is in the
RELEASE position; then close the panel
and turn the quarter turn screw clockwise
to LOCK.
13
XP800 • Portable PA System
Position the speakers on the floor or on stands.
Setting Up the XP800
Using one of the included speaker cables, connect the mixer’s LEFT SPEAKER OUT to
the left speaker’s input connector. Next, use the second included speaker cable to con-
nect the RIGHT SPEAKER OUT to the right speaker’s input connector.
For maximum sound coverage the XP800 can
be used with a standard 13⁄8” speaker stand.
The speaker should be raised above the heads
of the listening audience. Take care when
placing the speaker on a stand, to ensure that
it is on a level, steady surface and will not tip
over. When using the speaker on the floor, or
when the speaker is below the listener, the
XP800 features a monitor angle position to
project the sound up, towards the audience.
14
Quick Start
1. Be sure that the XP800’s POWER switch is set to the OFF position.
2. If the speakers are not connected, connect the speaker wires as described in the
previous section.
3. Turn each of the channel LEVEL and MASTER volume controls fully counterclock-
wise, to the “0” position.
4. Next, connect one side of the included power cable to the XP800 mixer’s power
inlet and the other to a grounded AC power outlet.
5. Connect your microphones using standard XLR cables, instruments using ¼” phone
cables, and MP3 player using
¹
/
8
” cable, into the appropriate jacks on the mixer.
SIGNAL
SIGNAL
SIGNAL
SIGNAL
SIGNAL
SIGNAL
SIGNAL
Electric Acoustic
Guitar Keyboard
XP800 Speaker Cabinets
Active
Subwoofer
Dynamic Microphone
6. Switch on all equipment connected to the XP800, then switch the XP800’s POWER
switch to the ON position.
7. Turn the MASTER level control about 3/4 of the way up.
8. Start talking or playing into channel 1 while slowly adjusting the LEVEL control
until you have reached the desired level. Do the same for each channel you are
using.
15
XP800 • Portable PA System
XP800 Quick Start
9. If you notice that the LIMITER indicator is lighting constantly, turn the MASTER
volume down so that the indicator only lights occasionally during loud hits.
10. To add depth to the mix or smooth out the vocals, you can apply effects such as
reverb to channels 1–4. To do this, raise the EFFECTS level controls on the chan-
nel(s) to which you would like to add the effect.
11. Slowly turn up the effects SEND knob until the desired sound is reached.
12. To alter the tonal characteristic of the signal, you can adjust the LOW (bass) and
HIGH (treble) controls. If you find the audio too muddy, you may want to reduce the
LOW control. If you find that the audio sounds dull, you can increase the HIGH con-
trol. There is no right or wrong way to EQ a sound. You should listen to how the mix
sounds in the room and fine-tune to your liking.
16
Applying Effects
The XP800 features built-in, high quality, 24-bit digital effects that you can add to chan-
nels 1 through 4. You can use effects like delay or reverb to enhance vocals or ambiance
to the mix by following the steps below:
1. Connect a mic or instrument to the desired channel, and adjust the volume and
equalizer to your liking.
2. Use the PROG selector to choose one of the ten built-in digital effects.
3. Raise the EFFECTS level on the channel to which you want to add the digital effect.
4. Raise the effects SEND main level control to apply the amount of effect desired.
Feedback is the annoying howling and squealing that can heard when the microphone
picks up sound from the speaker. The sound is then re-amplified back through the
speaker again, creating a feedback loop. Follow these steps to minimize the likelihood
of feedback:
• Avoid pointing the microphone directly at the speakers. In general it is
recommended that the microphone be positioned behind the speaker enclosure.
This uses the directional characteristics of the speaker and microphone to your
advantage.
• Keep the microphone as far from the speakers as possible. This will help achieve
isolation between the speaker and the microphone, and allow you to increase the
output of the XP800.
• Position the microphone as close to the sound source as possible. This will
enable the microphone to pick up more direct sound, and allow you to reduce the
microphone input gain control.
• Reduce the MASTER LEVEL of the XP800 system.
Avoiding Feedback
17
XP800 • Portable PA System
Plug the RXD1 USB receiver into
the Channel 4 USB jack labeled
WIRELESS.
On the wireless transmitter, place a
fresh set of AA (LR6) batteries in the
transmitter battery holder, taking care
to observe the polarity markings.
Turn the channel 4 LEVEL
knob on the XP800 completely
counterclockwise to 0, then
turn the POWER siwtch on the
XP800 to the ON position.
Turn on the power to the transmitter by
pressing and holding Power switch; the
indicator LED will light amber.
Stage XPD1 Wireless System (Optional)
18
If the handheld transmitter and
receiver have not been previously
paired, press and hold the button on
the RXD1 receiver for >5 seconds,
until it begins to flash.
Press and hold the Power button
on the transmitter >5 seconds.
This will put both components into
pairing modes. Once the receiver
and transmitter communicate and
sync, the LEDs on both units will
light steady and will be ready for
operation.
Raise the MASTER LEVEL control
and speak or sing into the mic at
a normal performance level while
raising the Channel 4 LEVEL
control until the desired level is
reached.
If you hear distortion check the
LIMITER LED. If it is lit red, turn
down the channel 4 LEVEL on the
XP800 until it lights only occasionally
during loud sounds. If you still hear
distortion, unscrew the microphone
body and use the supplied plastic
screwdriver to turn the Gain control
in the HXD1 transmitter slowly
counterclockwise until the distortion
disappears.
Conversely, if you hear a weak, noisy
signal at the desired volume level
(and with the WIRELESS control of
the XP800 turned fully clockwise),
use the supplied plastic screwdriver
to turn the Gain control in the
transmitter slowly clockwise until the
signal reaches an acceptable level.
Stage XPD1 Wireless System (Optional)
19
XP800 • Portable PA System
Amplifier
Power (0.5% THD at 1KHz) 800 W @ 8Ω (400 W per channel) Peak
400 W @ 8Ω (200 W per channel) Average
Frequency Response 20 Hz - 20 kHz
Power Consumption 120Vac 3.29A @ rated output power
Speakers
Low Frequency 8” bass transducer
High Frequency 1” tweeter
Mixer
Inputs XLR, ¼” balanced, RCA, 3.5 mm stereo, USB Wireless
Outputs ¼” MONITOR, ¼” SUB OUT , ¼” Speaker output
Maximum Output Level
(0.5% T.H.D at 1KHz)
+22dBu(MONITOR L/R & SUB OUT) @10KΩ
Phantom Power +15V DC, Fixed Phantom Voltage
Input Channel
EQ
High 10kHz Shelving ±15 dB
Low 100Hz Shelving ±15 dB
Speech/Music Switch 167Hz, 3dB/Octave
Effects 16 Preset, 24-bit DSP
Indicators 5-point Level, LIMITER, PHANTOM
Bluetooth® Bluetooth 3.0, A2DP
Dimensions and Weight
Dimensions 20.1’’(L) x 10.6’’(W) x 19’’(H)
510mm(L) x 270mm(W) x 485mm(H)
Weight 41.5Ib / 18.8kg
At Samson, we are continually improving our products, therefore specifications and
images are subject to change without notice.
Samson Technologies Corp.
45 Gilpin Avenue
Hauppauge, New York 11788-8816
Phone: 1-800-3-SAMSON (1-800-372-6766)
Fax: 631-784-2201
www.samsontech.com