Samson MXS3000 User manual

OWNER'S MANUAL
MXS3000 4600 Watt Stereo Power Amplifier
MXS3500 5400 Watt Stereo Power Amplifier

Copyright 2014, Samson Technologies Corp.
v1.3
Samson Technologies Corp.
45 Gilpin Ave
Hauppauge, NY 11788
www.samsontech.com

3
MXS Series Power Amplifiers
1. Read these instructions.
2. Keep these instructions.
3. Heed all warnings.
4. Follow all instructions.
5. This apparatus shall not be exposed to dripping or splashing liquid and no object
filled with liquid, such as a vase, should be placed on the apparatus.
6. Clean only with a dry cloth.
7. Do not block any of the 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 apparatuses (including amplifiers) that produce heat.
9. Only use attachments/accessories specified by the manufacturer.
10. Unplug this apparatus during lightning storms or when not in use for long periods of
time.
11. Do not override the intended 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 third prong,
is provided for your safety. If the provided plug does not fit your outlet, consult an
electrician to replace the obsolete outlet.
12. Protect the power cord from being walked on or pinched, particularly at the prongs,
convenience receptacles, the point where they exit from the apparatus.
13. Use only with the cart stand, tripod bracket, or table specified by
the manufacture, or sold with the apparatus. When a cart is used,
utilize caution when moving the cart/apparatus combination to
avoid injury from tip-over.
14. Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel. Servicing is
required if the apparatus has been damaged in any way, such as
power-supply cord or plug breakage, damage due to liquid or objects falling onto
the apparatus, exposure to rain or moisture, or if the apparatus does not operate
normally, or has been dropped.
15. 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 3 mm in each pole shall be incorporated into the electrical
installation of the rack or building.
16. FOR UNITS EQUIPPED WITH EXTERNALLY ACCESSIBLE FUSE RECEPTACLE:
Replace fuse with same type and rating only.
17. MULTIPLE-INPUT VOLTAGE: This equipment may require the use of a different
line cord, attachment plug, or both, depending on the available power source at
installation. Connect this equipment only to the power source indicated on the
equipment rear panel. To reduce the risk of fire or electric shock, refer servicing to
qualified service personnel or equivalent.
Important Safety Information

4
Important Safety Information
CAUTION: TO REDUCE THE RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK, DO NOT REMOVE COVER (OR BACK). 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 pres-
ence of important operating and maintenance instructions in the literature accompanying
the appliance.
AVIS
RISQUE DE CHOC ÉLECTRONIQUE -
NE PAS OUVRIR
THIS DEVICE COMPLIES WITH PART 15 OF THE FCC RULES
CLASS B. OPERATION IS SUBJECT TO THE FOLLOWING TWO
CONDITIONS:
(1) THIS DEVICE MUST NOT CAUSE HARMFUL
INTERFERENCE, AND
(2) THIS DEVICE MUST ACCEPT ANY INTERFERENCE
RECEIVED INCLUDING INTERFERENCE THAT MAY CAUSE
UNDESIRED OPERATION. SUITABLE FOR HOME OR OFFICE
USE.
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.

5
MXS Series Power Amplifiers
Contents
Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Getting Started with the MXS Power Amplifier . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Front Callouts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Rear Callouts. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10
Bridge and Parallel Modes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
System Setup Examples . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Wiring Guide . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14

6
The Samson MXS Series stereo power amplifiers have been designed to provide solid,
clean output with low distortion and wide dynamic range, along with the dependability
demanded by professional front-of-house engineers and installers.
The efficient Class H design provides an abundance of power safely into loads as low
as 2 ohms, over the full frequency band, from 20 Hz to 20 kHz. Input connections are
made via both balanced XLR and balanced ¼” TRS connections. The MXS Series power
amplifier provides standard binding posts as well as a Speakon® output connectors. To
help you set the correct operating levels, the MXS amplifiers include front panel Signal,
Output Level, and Peak LED indicators.
Like all Samson power amplifiers, the MXS Series power amplifiers internal electronics
are based around a serious power-core, with robust power supply’s built to handle large
current demand from bass frequencies. To keep the MXS amplifiers running cool, the
design employs forced-air cooling via a temperature-sensitive, variable speed fan, which
greatly reduces the chance of thermal and overheating problems. Multi-stage protection
for power-up, short circuit, DC output, over current, and thermal, assures high reliability
under the most grueling situations.
Optimized for live sound venues, houses of worship, commercial installations, and for
driving live PA systems, the MXS amplifiers will deliver reliable power from gig-to-gig
and venue-to-venue. In the following pages, you’ll find a detailed description of the
many features of the MXS 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.
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 MXS power amplifier will operate trouble-free
for many years. Should your amplifier 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 number prior to shipping your unit. Please retain the original packing
materials and, if possible, return the unit in its original carton. If your MXS amplifier
was purchased outside of the United States, contact your local distributor for warranty
details and service information.
Introduction

7
MXS Series Power Amplifiers
Features
• Lightweight, high-power amplifier for performance and installation speaker
configurations:
MXS3000: 2 x 1850 Watts at 2Ω, 2 x 1550 Watts at 4Ω
4600 Watts at 4Ω, 3100 Watts at 8Ω bridged mono
MXS3500: 2 x 2700 Watts at 2Ω, 2 x 1900 Watts at 4Ω
5400 Watts at 4Ω, 3700 Watts at 8Ω bridged mono
• Clean, crisp sound, 0.02% THD, dynamic range of 100 dB, and frequency response
of 20 Hz to 20 kHz, guaranty ultra-clean sound quality
• Independent detent input level controls for each channel allow precision adjustments
• Three-position Mode (Mono, Stereo, Bridge Mono) and Filter (28Hz, Full, 120Hz)
selector switches
• LED signal indicators for each channel continuously display input signals and output
levels
• Four-point protection circuitry (Short Circuit, DC Output, Over Current, Thermal)
• Temperature-sensitive, variable speed fan provides reliable performance without
thermal and overheating problems
• Protection relay circuitry that guards against overheating or faulty wiring conditions
and also prevents “thumps” when powering on or off
• Input connectors for each channel accommodate both balanced XLR or balanced ¼”
TRS plugs
• Output connections are made via binding posts and Speakon® connectors
• The MXS Series power amplifiers can be mounted in any standard 19” rack, making
it easy to integrate the amp into any fixed or traveling PA rig
• Rugged construction makes the MXS Series power amplifiers completely roadworthy

8
Getting Started with the MXS Power Amplier
Setting up your MXS Series power amplifier is a simple procedure which takes only a
few minutes:
Remove all packing materials (save them in case your units needs future service) and
decide where the amplifier is to be physically placed—it can be used free-standing or
mounted in a standard 19” rack, requiring two rack spaces. When installed, make sure
that both the front and rear panels are unobstructed and that there is good ventilation
around the entire unit.
When making speaker connections, use the
binding posts, or Speakon® output connectors
on the rear panel. It is never a good idea to
power up any amplifier that is not connected to
loudspeakers.
To make the signal input connections, use the
input connectors on the rear panel (if operating the
amplifier in Parallel mode, use the Ch A input only).
On the front panel of the MXS amplifier, turn both Channel level controls fully
counterclockwise (to their minimum setting). Then connect the supplied heavy-gauge
3-pin power cable to the rear panel AC input and to any grounded AC socket.
Turn the Power switch ON.
Apply an input signal to the
MXS amplifier at or about
+4dBu (if sending signal from a
mixer, drive the output meters
at approximately 0 vu). While
the input signal is present,
slowly raise the Channel level
controls until the desired
sound level is achieved. For
the best signal-to-noise ratio,
the MXS amplifier should
normally be run with the
Channel Input controls at or
near maximum (fully clockwise)
and the PEAK segments should
light occasionally (but not
frequently) during maximum levels.

9
MXS Series Power Amplifiers
Front Callouts
1 2 3 5 2
5
4
1. Power Switch - Use this switch to power the MXS amplifier on or off
2. Channel Level Controls - Two detent controls to precisely adjust and the match the
output level of each channel
3. MODE Indicators - The corresponding indicator lights based off of the setting of the
rear panel MODE switch (Stereo, Bridge, Parallel).
4. FILTER Indicators - These LED indicators light depending on the setting of the rear
panel FILTER switch (Full, 28Hz, 120Hz).
5. Audio Indicators - The front panel LED indicators monitor the power output level for
the corresponding channel:
PEAK: The PEAK indicator lights whenever the channel is outputting signal
at full strength. For the best signal-to-noise ratio, the right (PEAK)
segment should light occasionally during peak levels; if it lights
frequently, you may be overloading the amplifier and a distorted
(“clipped”) signal is probably being output.
-10: Lights whenever the output level reaches -10dB below the distortion or
clipping
SIGNAL: These LED indicators continuously monitor the input level for the
corresponding channel. The SIGNAL LED lights whenever signal is
present.

10
Rear Callouts
1 3 4 46 75
1 2 5 6
1. Input Connectors - Connect incoming signals to these electronically balanced con-
nectors, using either XLR or ¼” TRS (Tip/Ring/Sleeve) plugs. The amplifier accepts
input levels of any strength but needs at least +4 dBu to achieve maximum power.
The inputs are wired in parallel, so they can be used to daisy chain out of each
channel to a second power amplifier.
2. FILTER Switch - This switch selects the setting of the internal high-pass filter on
the audio outputs. When set to the FULL position, the filter is bypassed and the
amplifier passes the full frequency bandwidth (20Hz to 20kHz) to each output
channel. In the
28Hz position, it sets a high-pass filter at 28Hz on the speaker outputs. This setting
is useful for protecting speakers from over-excursion. The 120Hz position sets a
high-pass filter at 120Hz on the speaker outputs. This setting can be used as a
crossover for satellite speakers when adding subwoofers to your audio system.
3. MODE Switch - For normal operation, place this three-way switch in the STEREO posi-
tion. When placed in the PARALLEL position, the signal arriving at the Ch A input
only is routed to the power amplifiers of both Ch A and Ch B (the Ch B input is
ignored). When placed in its BRIDGE position, the signal arriving at the Ch A input
only is again routed to both power amplifiers (the Ch B input is ignored), but the
two power amplifiers are bridged together.
4. Exhaust Fan - This variable-speed fan provides cooling to amplifier. Make sure that
both the front and rear panels are kept free of all obstructions and that cool, fresh
air is accessible at all times.
5. Speakon® Output Connectors - Use these to connect each channel of the amplifier to
your loudspeakers.
6. Binding Post-Use these to connect each channel of the amplifier to your loudspeak-
ers. Be sure to connect the loudspeaker correctly, with the red (+) terminal normally
connected to the positive input of the speaker and the black (ground) terminal nor-
mally connected to the negative input of the speaker.
7. AC Input - Connect the supplied heavy-gauge 3-pin “IEC” power cable here

11
MXS Series Power Amplifiers
Bridge and Parallel Modes
The MXS amplifiers provide a rear-panel
switch that allows it to be used in either
a Bridge or Parallel mode. When this
switch is placed in the STEREO position,
the MXS amplifier functions as a true
stereo amplifier, where both of the two
independent amplifier channels (Ch A and
Ch B) can receive different input signals
and produce independent output signals.
However, when the switch is placed in the
BRIDGE position, the Ch A input signal is
routed to both power amplifiers bridged
together, producing a single output signal.
The illustration on the left shows how
this works. In Bridge mode, the polarity
(phase) of the Ch B output signal is reversed
relative to that of the Ch A output signal.
Both channels then process the same input
signal, with the speaker load connected so
that power is derived from both channels.
The effective voltage swing seen by the load
is thus doubled, so that the power output is
multiplied by four.
When using the binding post outputs in
Bridge mode, be sure to connect your
loudspeaker with the red (+) terminal of the
Ch A output connected to the positive input
of the speaker and the red (+) terminal of
the Ch B output connected to the negative
input of the speaker. Do not use the black
ground (-) output terminal of either channel.
You can also use an Speakon® connector,
plugged into the CH A output, wired +1 for
the positive input of the speaker and +2 for
the negative input of the speaker.
When the rear panel switch is placed in
the PARALLEL position, the MXS amplifier
operates in an input parallel mode. In this
mode, only the signal present at the Ch A
input is used. This signal is then routed to
both the Ch A and Ch B power amplifiers,
thus producing a dual mono output.
INPUT
Bridge Mode
CHANNEL
1(+) OUTPUT
CHANNEL
2(+) OUTPUT
Bridge Wiring
+1 +2 Connected
1- 1+
2+ 2-

12
System Setup Examples
Typical MXS amplifier and speaker configurations:
Mono Input: Parallel Full Range Speakers
Stereo Input: Stereo Full Range Speakers
Mode Switch: Stereo
Filter Switch: Full
Mode Switch: Bridge
Filter Switch: 28Hz
Mono Input: Bridge Mono Output
Mode Switch: Parallel
Filter Switch: Full

13
MXS Series Power Amplifiers
Model MXS3000 MXS3500
Rated Output Power
Stereo both channel driven
8 ohms 950W 1100W
4 ohms 1550W 1900W
2 ohms 1850W 2700W
Bridged mono 8 ohms 3100W 3700W
4 ohms 4600W 5400W
Signal to Noise Ratio (20Hz-20k) >103dB
Distortion (SMPTE-IM) 0.02%
Input sensitivity @8ohms Voltage Gain 0dBu
Voltage Gain @ 8 ohm 38dB 39dB
Output Circuitry Class H
Current Consumption (115VAC/230VAC)
@1/8 rated power 4ohms 670W 850W
@1/3 rated power 4ohms 1400W 1700W
@ rated power 4ohms, max. 2600W 3300W
Distortion (typical @4 ohms)
20Hz-20kHz,10dB below rated power 0.003%
1kHz,rated power 0.007%
Frequency Response @8ohms 1Watt 20Hz to 20KHz +0/-0.2dB
4Hz to 50kHz ±3dB
Damping Factor (400Hz) >300
Input Impedance Balanced 20K/Unbalanced 10K
Input Clipping 0dB
Cooling Dual continuously variable speed fan;
Back-to-Front air flow
Connectors (each channel) Inputs 3-pin XLR and ¼” TRS, balanced
Outputs Binding post and Speakon®
Indicators Signal, -20dB, -10dB, Limit, Thermal
Protection
Amplifier protection: Thermal,Short,DC
output, mismatched loads
Amplifier protection: On/off muting and
Delay, Locked the power amplifiers
Dimensions (LxWxH) 19” x 14.7” x 3.5”
482mm x 375mm x 88mm
Net Weight 21.6lb / 9.8kg
Specications

14
Wiring Guide
Unbalanced ¼” Connector
Balanced TRS ¼” Connector
XLR Balanced Connector
Signal
Ground Ground Sleeve (ground)
Signal Tip (signal)
+Signal (tip) +Signal (tip)
-Signal (tip)
Ring (+signal)
Tip (-signal)
Ground
-Signal (ring)
Ground Sleeve (ground)
-Cold (3)
+Hot (2)
Common (1)
(ground)
-Cold
+Hot Common (ground)
End ViewSolder Points
Female XLR
Male XLR -Cold-Cold (3)
+HotCommon (ground)
+Hot (2) Common (1)
(ground)
End View Solder Points
Stereo Operation
+1 -1 Connected
1- 1+
2+ 2-
Mono Operation
+1 +2 Connected
1- 1+
2+ 2-
Speakon® Wiring Guide

Samson Technologies Corp.
45 Gilpin Avenue
Hauppauge, New York 11788-8816
Phone: 1-800-3-SAMSON (1-800-372-6766)
Fax: [phone]
www.samsontech.com