Samson Graphite MF8 User manual

Quick Start Guide

Copyright 2017
V3
Samson Technologies
278-B Duffy Ave
Hicksville, New York 11801
Phone: 1-800-3-SAMSON (1-800-372-6766)
www.samsontech.com
Apple, Mac, Mac OS, and iPad are trademarks of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and
other countries.
IOS is a trademark or registered trademark of Cisco in the U.S. and other countries and
is used under license.

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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.
The 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 accompa-
nying the appliance.
WARNING
TO PREVENT FIRE OR SHOCK HAZARD. DO NOT USE THIS PLUG WITH AN EXTEN-
SION CORD, RECEPTACLE OR OTHER OUTLET UNLESS THE BLADES CAN BE FULLY
INSERTED TO PREVENT BLADE EXPOSURE. TO PREVENT FIRE OR SHOCK HAZARD.
DO NOT EXPOSE THIS APPLIANCE TO RAIN OR MOISTURE. TO PREVENT ELECTRICAL
SHOCK, MATCH WIDE BLADE PLUG TO WIDE SLOT AND FULLY INSERT.
ATTENTION
RISQUE D’ÉLECTROCUTION !
NE PAS OUVRIR !

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CAUTION
Any changes or modifications to the construction of this device which are not expressly
approved by the party responsible for compliance could void the user’s authority to
operate the equipment.
NOTE: This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B
digital 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 tele-
vision 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 to 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.
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.

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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 manufactur-
er’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. Only use attachments/accessories specified by the manufacturer.
10. 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.
11. Unplug the apparatus during lightning storms, or when unused for long periods
of time.
12. 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.
13. 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.
14. Caution-to prevent electrical shock, match wide blade plug wide slot fully insert.
15. Please keep a good ventilation environment around the entire unit.
16. Always unplug cables by gripping the plug firmly, not by pulling on the cable.
Important Safety Information

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Introduction
Thank you for purchasing the Samson Graphite MF8, compact USB control surface! The
Graphite MF8 gives you the performance and production control to easily integrate with
Windows or Mac digital production workstations. The controller can also be powered
directly by an Apple iPad (using the Apple iPad Camera Connection Kit or Lightning to
USB Camera Adapter, not included), to be used to control many iOS MIDI applications.
The Graphite MF8 is a full-featured control surface with eight channels with volume
faders, pan knobs, solo/mute and record arm buttons, as well as transport controls. For
expanded control the controller has five programmable function buttons, an assignable
master encoder and crossfader. Five presets provide access to additional layers of control.
To take full advantage of adjusting parameters and saving presets, you will need to
download the free Graphite Mini computer editor from the Samson website
(www.samsontech.com)
In these pages, you’ll find a detailed description of the features of the Graphite MF8
control surface, as well as a guided tour of its control panel, and instructions for setup
and use. 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 that we can send you
updated information about this and other Samson products in the future.
We recommend you record your serial number in the space provided below, for future
reference.
Serial number: ____________________________________________
Date of purchase: __________________________________________
With proper care and maintenance, your Graphite MF8 will operate trouble-free for many
years. Should your controller 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 Graphite MF8 was purchased
outside of the United States, contact your local distributor for warranty details and service
information.

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The Samson Graphite MF8 utilizes state-of-the-art technology and is engineered to the
finest detail. Here are some of its main features:
• Eight assignable channel faders and knobs
• Channel Solo/Mute and Record Arm buttons
• Master encoder
• Crossfader
• Five assignable function buttons
• Transport controls
• Five global Presets for extended control
• Channel up and down buttons for shifting the eight channels’ control area in
software
• Compact design, perfect for live performance and studio applications
• USB plug and play and bus powered
Features

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System Components
• Samson Graphite MF8 USB Controller
• One (1) USB Cable
• Graphite MF8 Owner’s Manual
Minimum System Requirements
Windows (PC)
• Windows XP/Vista/Win 7/Win 8
• 800MHz or higher, 256MB RAM or larger, USB port
Mac OS
• Mac OS X 10.4.9 or higher
• 733MHz or higher, 512MB RAM or larger, USB port
Apple iPad
• iOS v4.2 or higher

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Quick Start
1. Connect the Graphite MF8 to your computer or iPad* using the supplied USB
cable. The unit will receive power and transmit MIDI data via the USB connection.
If the Graphite MF8 is connected to a non-powered USB hub, it may not receive
enough power to turn on. It is recommended that you connect the Graphite MF8
directly to your computer or to a powered USB hub.
2. Launch your DAW or virtual instrument software.
3. Set the Graphite MF8 as the MIDI Input and MIDI Output device.
*To connect directly to an iPad, you will need to use the Apple iPad Camera Connection
Kit or Lightning to USB Camera Adapter (not included).
Computer