User manual SAMSON Q1U

[. . . ] We recommend 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. 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. [. . . ] However, to take advantage of the advance features you should install the Samson Softpre software. Just type samsontech. com into your favorite internet browser, look for the Softpre applet link and follow the on screen instructions to download the applet. After you download the applet software, run the installation program and start to use the Samson Softpre software. Once you have the Softpre software installed you can operate your Q1U by following the simple instructions outlined in the following sections of this manual. Setting a Good Level One of the most important fundamentals of good audio engineering is setting proper levels. Even on a small typical mixer, or basic multi-track recorder, there are several controls that affect the level of a signal as it makes it's way from your sound source to your speakers and then, ultimately, the level of your headphone or monitor system. These include pre-amp gain, EQ, aux sends and returns, channel fader level, bus or group levels, and finally, the master fader. That's not to mention the level of the 5:15 train on its way to Pennsylvania station who's thunderous crossing horn can be picked up from 5 miles away while miking a nylon string guitar, despite the use of double moving blankets over the windows of your project studio. Start off by being aware that anytime you change any control in the audio path, you are probably affecting gain somewhere. Then, be sure to carefully monitor the levels on your input and output meters to avoid a clipped signal. Also, remember your ear is the most sophisticated and calibrated piece of test gear you have. So, setting a good level should be approached from a technical point of view, and then confirmed, by a creative point of view. INPUT GAIN ­ Fader The Q1U has an onboard, digitally controlled analog INPUT GAIN stage which is controlled by the Q1U software fader. The Q1U can accept levels from most any sound source by using the INPUT GAIN fader. You can use the INPUT GAIN control to adjust the level of your input signal. It is a good idea to start with the level low and raise it up as you need. Be sure to monitor the input digital VU METER and try to set the INPUT GAIN control so that the meter reads just below the CLIP indicator. If you see the CLIP indicator light you are "Over­Loading" and the sound may become distorted. The CLIP indicator will stay red until you clear it by clicking on the CLIP icon. 5 Using the Softpre Applet DIGITAL VU METER - Input Level To monitor the signal being sent from the Q1U, there is an digital VU METER with a scale from infinity to Digital Maximum or CLIP. The level displayed on the meter will be affected by the Input Gain Fader so be sure that you have that set to the correct position for your sound source. The digital VU METER features "VU" ballistics, which means it reacts to the signal based on an average level. [. . . ] Some famous engineers have relied on an old nylon stocking over a bent clothes hanger, which actually works very well, but can also smell really bad. A more clever solution is to use a external pop filter like the Samson PS01. You can also try placing the microphone slightly off axis (on a slight angle) from the vocalist. This can often solve the problem without using an external pop filter. [. . . ]