Samson MPL 1204 User manual

MIXER
SAMSON®
MPL 1204

Introduction 3
MPL 1204 Features 3
Guided Tour 5
Overview 5
Channels 6
Main Section 8
Rear Panel 11
Connecting The MPL 1204 - General Suggestions 13
Setting Up and Using the MPL 1204 15
Setting the Correct Gain Structure 16
Grounding Techniques 18
Busing, Submixing, and Channel Muting 19
Using Pan 20
Using Equalization 21
Using Aux Sends and Returns 22
Using Inserts 23
PFL/AFL Soloing 24
Applications Notes 25
Using The MPL 1204 As A Recording Mixer 25
Using The MPL 1204 As A Main Live Mixer 26
Using The MPL 1204 As A Keyboard Submixer 27
Linking The MPL 1204 With Other Mixers 28
Appendix A: Block Diagram 29
Specifications 30

Introduction / MPL 1204 Features
Congratulations on purchasing the Samson MPL 1204 four-bus microphone/line
mixer! The MPL 1204 is optimized for use in both live performance and
recording applications, and it can be used wherever there are a number of
microphone or line-level sources that need to mixed down to two or four outputs.
Although the MPL 1204 is designed for easy operation, we suggest you first take
some time to go through these pages so you can fully understand how we’ve
implemented a number of unique features.
In this manual, we’ll provide you with an overview of MPL 1204 features,
followed by a guided tour of its front and rear panels. Then we’ll describe how
the MPL 1204 should be connected to your existing equipment (including wiring
diagrams) and talk about the important topics of gain structure and grounding
techniques. Next, we’ll cover a number of specific MPL 1204 features (such as
busing, submixing, channel muting, as well as using panning, equalization,
auxiliary sends and returns, channel inserts, and PFL/AFL) in detail. Finally,
we’ll wrap things up with a series of applications notes describing a number of
ways to use the MPL 1204 for both recording and live performance, plus
reference Appendices and full specifications. You’ll also find a warranty card
enclosed—please don’t forget to fill it out and mail it so that you can receive
online technical support and so we can send you updated information about
other Samson products in the future.
SPECIAL NOTE: Should your unit ever require servicing, a Return Authorization
number (RA) is necessary. Without this number, the unit will not be accepted.
Please call Samson at 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 its original carton and packing materials.
MPL 1204 Features
“MPL”stands for “Mic/Program/Line”and the name describes the broad range of
signals which can be handled by this powerful four-bus mixer. In fact, the
compact design of the MPL 1204 belies an extraordinary versatility. Add
excellent sound quality to the equation, and you’ve got a product which is
equally useful in live performance and for recording (you’ll find descriptions of
each application at the conclusion of this manual). Here are some of the
MPL 1204’s main features:
•Twelve independent channels, with both mic and line inputs for each
channel. This allows you to blend together a variety of source signals,
including dynamic or condenser microphones, keyboards, CD/tape players,
etc. Standard XLR mic connectors (for microphone inputs) and electronically
balanced 1/4" jacks (for line-level inputs) are provided for each channel;
in addition, there is a dedicated stereo CD/Tape input that provides dual
phono (RCA) jacks.
•Four bus outputs (a “bus”is simply a pathway through which a signal can be
routed) and an electronically balanced main stereo output, with dedicated
front panel control. Any channel input can be routed to either of the two bus
pairs (1/2 or 3/4), and any of the buses can be routed to the Left/Right mix
output with the touch of a button. This flexible design allows you to easily
mute selected channels and/or to create submixes within your main mix.
3

MPL 1204 Features
•Electronically balanced XLR Main stereo outputs as well as an independent
electronically balanced stereo Control Room output (with dedicated level
control) for connection to a power amplifier and studio monitors.
•A phantom power switch enables you to use the MPL 1204 with high-quality
condenser microphones. When turned on, 48 volts of phantom power is
provided to the mic connectors of all twelve input channels.
•Two auxiliary sends and two stereo auxiliary returns (which can be routed to
any of the four buses). Aux send 1 is pre-fader and post-equalizer, while
Aux send 2 is post-fader and post-equalizer.
•Independent 3-band equalization for each channel, with 15 dB of cut or boost
for low (100 Hz) and high (10 kHz) frequencies, and 12 dB of cut or boost for
mid (1 kHz) frequencies.
•Constant level Pan controls for each channel that allow you to precisely
place each input signal in the left-right plane.
•Center detents for all Pan and EQ controls, making it easy to use the
MPL 1204 even in low-light situations such as live performance.
•Selectable Pre Fade Listen (PFL) or After Fade Listen (AFL) soloing for each
channel. PFL allows headphone monitoring of individual channels, pre-fader
(but post-EQ), while AFL enables headphone monitoring of individual
channels, post-fader and post-EQ. Both types of solo function are
non-mix-destructive in that they do not affect the signal being output
either by the Main, Bus, or Control Room outputs.
•A flexible front panel metering system includes a ten-segment level meter
and allows you to view at a glance the levels of the main Left/Right output,
as well as main power, phantom power, and PFL or AFL status.
•An independent front-panel headphone output with dedicated volume
control for private monitoring of soloed channels.
•Channel inserts for all twelve channels, enabling you to use outboard signal
processors such as equalizers, compressor/ limiters, or noise gates in a
standard “effect loop.”
•Bus inserts allow external signals to be submixed into any or all of the four
buses and also enables linking of multiple mixers.
•The MPL 1204 can be mounted in any standard 19" rack (taking four rack
spaces), making it easy to integrate into any existing system.
•Last but certainly not least, affordability. The MPL 1204 has been designed
from the ground up to provide versatility and excellent sound quality at a
cost-conscious price.
4

Guided Tour - Overview
The following illustration shows an overview of the front panel of the MPL 1204:
5
LEVEL LEVEL LEVEL LEVEL LEVEL LEVEL LEVEL LEVEL LEVEL LEVEL LEVEL LEVEL
MUTE
3/4 LEFT
RIGHT
-20 -15 -9 -6 -3 0+2+4+6+8
PFL AFL POWER
MAIN LEVEL CONTROL ROOM
CH 1 CH 2 AUX RETURNS
STEREO SAMSON
MPL 1204 MIC MIXER
AFL
PFL
LRLR
BUS 2BUS 1 BUS 3 BUS 4
∞∞
00
+10
dB +10
dB
0
CH 3 CH 4 CH 5 CH 6 CH 7 CH 8 CH 9 CH 10 CH 11 CH 12
MUTE
3/4
-20 -15 -9 -6 -3 0+2+4+6+8
SOLO PHANTOM METER TAPE
11/12
1-2
3-4
+10
∞+10 ∞
PHANTOM
M
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TRIM
L
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+4
+24 -30
-50
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TRIM
L
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+4
+24 -30
-50
+4 ∞+10
0
AUX RET.1/2
+15
0
-15
HIGH
+12
0
-12
MID
+15
0
-15
LOW
∞+10
0
∞+10
0
AUX 1
AUX 2
PRE
POST
MUTE
3/4
SOLO
ON OFF
R
PAN
L
+10
∞
+15
0
-15
HIGH
+12
0
-12
MID
+15
0
-15
LOW
∞+10
0
∞+10
0
AUX 1
AUX 2
PRE
POST
MUTE
3/4
SOLO
ON OFF
R
PAN
L
+10
∞
+15
0
-15
HIGH
+12
0
-12
MID
+15
0
-15
LOW
∞+10
0
∞+10
0
AUX 1
AUX 2
PRE
POST
MUTE
3/4
SOLO
ON OFF
R
PAN
L
+10
∞
+15
0
-15
HIGH
+12
0
-12
MID
+15
0
-15
LOW
∞+10
0
∞+10
0
AUX 1
AUX 2
PRE
POST
MUTE
3/4
SOLO
ON OFF
R
PAN
L
+10
∞
+15
0
-15
HIGH
+12
0
-12
MID
+15
0
-15
LOW
∞+10
0
∞+10
0
AUX 1
AUX 2
PRE
POST
MUTE
3/4
SOLO
ON OFF
R
PAN
L
+10
∞
+15
0
-15
HIGH
+12
0
-12
MID
+15
0
-15
LOW
∞+10
0
∞+10
0
AUX 1
AUX 2
PRE
POST
MUTE
3/4
SOLO
ON OFF
R
PAN
L
+10
∞
+15
0
-15
HIGH
+12
0
-12
MID
+15
0
-15
LOW
∞+10
0
∞+10
0
AUX 1
AUX 2
PRE
POST
MUTE
3/4
SOLO
ON OFF
R
PAN
L
+10
∞
+15
0
-15
HIGH
+12
0
-12
MID
+15
0
-15
LOW
∞+10
0
∞+10
0
AUX 1
AUX 2
PRE
POST
MUTE
3/4
SOLO
ON OFF
R
PAN
L
+10
∞
+15
0
-15
HIGH
+12
0
-12
MID
+15
0
-15
LOW
∞+10
0
∞+10
0
AUX 1
AUX 2
PRE
POST
MUTE
3/4
SOLO
ON OFF
R
PAN
L
+10
∞
+15
0
-15
HIGH
+12
0
-12
MID
+15
0
-15
LOW
∞+10
0
∞+10
0
AUX 1
AUX 2
PRE
POST
MUTE
3/4
SOLO
ON OFF
R
PAN
L
+10
∞
+15
0
-15
HIGH
+12
0
-12
MID
+15
0
-15
LOW
∞+10
0
∞+10
0
AUX 1
AUX 2
PRE
POST
MUTE
3/4
SOLO
ON OFF
R
PAN
L
+10
∞
+15
0
-15
HIGH
+12
0
-12
MID
+15
0
-15
LOW
∞+10
0
∞+10
0
AUX 1
AUX 2
PRE
POST
MUTE
3/4
SOLO
ON OFF
R
PAN
L
+10
∞
R
BALANCE
L
∞+10
0
AUX RET.3/4
R
BALANCE
L
∞+10
0
PHONES
CHANNELS MAIN SECTION

Guided Tour - Channels
1: Trim (black) - This knob determines the input level of the connected signal.
Continuously adjustable from +4 dB to -50 dB (for mic inputs) or +24 to -30 dB (for line
inputs), the input signal is boosted when the trim is turned clockwise and attenuated when
turned counterclockwise. For information on how to properly set this for each channel, see
the section on page 14 entitled “Setting The Correct Gain Structure.”
2: Equalizer (violet) - These knobs determine the amount of boost or attenuation in each
of three frequency areas (up to 15 dB for low and high frequencies, and up to 12 dB for the
mid frequency). The mid frequency control (centered at 1 kHz) utilizes a resonant (“bell”)
peaking curve, while the high and low frequency controls (centered at 10 kHz and 100 Hz,
respectively) utilize shelving curves. A center detent in each knob (at the “0”position)
indicates no boost or attenuation (that is, flat response). As each knob is turned clockwise
from the “0”position, the frequency area is boosted; as it is turned counterclockwise from
the “0”position, the frequency area is attenuated. For more information on the application
of EQ, see the “Using Equalization”section on page 19 in this manual.
3: Auxiliary sends (blue) - These knobs allow you to route signal to either or both of the
MPL 1204’s two monophonic Auxiliary outputs. These are typically used to create
submixes (for example, a headphone cue mix) and to feed signal from single or multiple
channels to outboard effects devices. At the “0”(2 o’clock) position, the signal is routed
with unity gain (that is, no boost or attenuation). As each knob is turned clockwise from the
“0”position, the signal is boosted; as it is turned counterclockwise from the “0”position, it is
attenuated. Aux send 1 is post-eq but pre-fade; that is, the level of the signal is determined
solely by its Trim control and its EQ settings (see #1 and #2 above). In contrast,
Aux send 2 is post-eq and post-fade; that is, the level of the signal is determined by the
channel’s Trim control, its EQ settings, and the position of its Level control. For more
information, see the “Using Aux Sends and Returns”section on page 20 in this manual.
4: Solo On/Off switch - When pressed in, the channel is soloed (in headphones only).
Soloing will be in either PFL (Pre Fade Listen) or AFL (After Fade Listen) mode, depending
upon the setting of the PFL/AFL switch in the MPL 1204 main section. See #7 and #8 on
page 7 and the “PFL/AFL Soloing”section on page 22 in this manual for more information.
5: Mute 3/4 switch - When up, the channel’s signal is routed to the Bus 1/2 faders and
then on to the Bus 1/2 and, optionally, Main and Control Room output jacks (if, as
described in #14 on page 8, the Bus “L/R”switches for those buses is pressed in). When
pressed in, the channel’s signal is instead routed to the Bus 3/4 faders and then on to the
Bus 3/4 and, optionally, Main and Control Room output jacks (if, as described in #14 on
page 8, the Bus “L/R”switches for those buses is pressed in). If you set the Bus 3/4 faders
all the way down (to their “∞”position), this switch can be used for channel muting. See
the “Busing, Submixing and Channel Muting”section on page 17 in this manual for more
information.
6: Pan (green) - This knob allows you to place the input signal anywhere in the left-right
stereo spectrum, while keeping the overall signal level constant. When the knob is placed
at its center (detented) position, the signal is sent equally to both left and right outputs of
the selected bus (depending upon the setting of the channel’s Mute 3/4 switch, as
described in #5 above). When moved left of center, less signal is sent to the right output
and more signal is sent to the left output (making the sound appear left of center) and
when moved right of center, less signal is sent to the left output and more signal is sent to
the right output (making the sound appear right of center). To route a signal hard left or
right, place the pan knob either fully counterclockwise or fully clockwise. For more
information, see the “Using Pan”section on page 18 in this manual.
6
LEVEL
CH 1
0
M
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TRIM
L
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+4
+24 -30
-50
+4
+15
0
-15
HIGH
+12
0
-12
MID
+15
0
-15
LOW
∞+10
0
∞+10
0
AUX 1
AUX 2
PRE
POST
MUTE
3/4
SOLO
ON OFF
R
PAN
L
+10
∞
1
2
3
4
5
6
7

Guided Tour - Channels
7: Level (white) - This knob (purposely made a little bigger than the others so
you can find it easily in low-light situations) controls the volume of the channel
input. In practice, you will use the Level controls to continuously adjust the
loudnesses of the various signals being blended together by the MPL 1204.
The “0”(2 o’clock) position of the knob indicates unity gain (no level attenuation
or boost). Moving the knob counterclockwise from the “0”position (towards “∞”)
causes the signal to be attenuated (at the very bottom, it is attenuated infinitely—
in other words, there is no sound). Moving it clockwise from the “0”position
(towards “+10”) causes the signal to be boosted by as much as 10 dB.
For best signal-to-noise ratio, all Level controls for channels carrying signal
should generally be kept at or near the “0”position. Channels that are unused
should have their Level controls kept fully counterclockwise at their “∞”
(minimum) level. See the “Setting the Correct Gain Structure”section on
page 14 in this manual for more information.
7

8
Guided Tour - Main Section
1: Auxiliary Return Level (orange) - These knobs determine the input level of
signal arriving via the MPL 1204’s two stereo Auxiliary returns. The “0”
(2 o’clock) position of each knob indicates unity gain (no level attenuation or
boost). Moving each knob counterclockwise from the “0”position (towards “∞”)
causes the signal to be attenuated (at the fully counterclockwise position, it is
attenuated infinitely—in other words, there is no sound). Moving each knob
clockwise from the “0”position (towards “+10”) causes the signal to be boosted
by as much as 10 dB. For information on how to properly set these, see the
sections in this manual entitled “Setting the Correct Gain Structure”and “Using
the Aux Sends and Returns”(pages 14 and 20).
2: Stereo Auxiliary Return Bus switch - These switches determine which of
the two pairs of stereo buses (1/2 or 3/4) the Aux return signal is routed to.
When up, the Return’s signal is routed to the Bus 1/2 faders and then on to the
Bus 1/2 jacks as well as (if the Bus “L/R”switch is pressed in—see #14 on page
8) the Main and Control Room output jacks. When pressed in, the channel’s
signal is instead routed to the Bus 3/4 faders and then on to the Bus 3/4 jacks as
well as (if the Bus “L/R”switch is pressed in) the Main and Control Room output
jacks. If you set the Bus 3/4 faders all the way down (to their “∞”position), this
switch can be used for selective muting of Aux returns. For more information,
see the sections in this manual entitled “Busing, Submixing and Channel Muting”
and “Using the Aux Sends and Returns”(pages 17 and 20).
MUTE
3/4 LEFT
RIGHT
-20 -15 -9 -6 -3 0+2+4+6+8
PFL AFL POWER
MAIN LEVEL CONTROL ROOM
AUX RETURNS
STEREO SAMSON
MPL 1204 MIC MIXER
AFL
PFL
LRLR
BUS 2BUS 1 BUS 3 BUS 4
∞∞
00
+10
dB +10
dB
MUTE
3/4
-20 -15 -9 -6 -3 0+2+4+6+8
SOLO PHANTOM METER TAPE
11/12
1-2
3-4
+10
∞+10 ∞
1
2
5
8
7
9
10
11
12
PHANTOM
∞+10
0
AUX RET.1/2
R
BALANCE
L
∞+10
0
AUX RET.3/4
R
BALANCE
L
∞+10
0
PHONES
3
4
6
13
14
15

9
Guided Tour - Main Section
3: Stereo Auxiliary Return Balance (brown) - These knobs determine the
relative levels of the left and right input signals connected to the MPL 1204’s two
stereo Auxiliary returns. When the knob is placed at its center (detented)
position, both left and right input signals for that Aux return are at equal strength.
When moved left of center, the left input signal remains at the same strength but
the right input signal is attenuated; when the knob is moved right of center, the
right input signal remains at the same strength but the left input signal is
attenuated. When placed fully counterclockwise, only the left input signal is
heard (panned hard left); when placed fully clockwise, only the right input signal
is heard (panned hard right). These “radical”positions are useful when you are
using a stereo Aux return as two mono returns—see the “Using Aux Sends and
Returns”section on page 20 in this manual for more information.
4: Headphone Level - This knob sets the level of the signal sent to the
headphone jack (see #5 below). WARNING: To avoid possible damage to
connected headphones (or, worse yet, to your ears!), always turn this all the way
off (to the fully counterclockwise “0”position) before plugging in a pair of
headphones—then raise the level slowly while listening. The Headphone Level
has no effect on the final Main output level or on the Control Room output level.
5: Headphone jack - Connect any standard stereo headphones to this jack
(via a 1/4" TRS plug) for private monitoring of all soloed channels. The built-in
MPL 1204 headphone preamp delivers 120 mw at 33 ohms. For more
information, see the “PFL/AFL Soloing”section on page 22 in this manual.
6: Meter - This ten-segment bar meter shows the continuous output level of
either Bus 1/2 or Bus 3/4, depending upon the setting of the Meter switch
(see # 10 on page 8). For optimum signal-to-noise ratio, try to adjust all channel
levels so that program material is usually at or around 0 VU, with occasional but
not steady excursions to the red “+”segments. See the “Setting the Correct
Gain Structure”section on page 14 in this manual for more information.
7: Status LEDs - These show the status of various conditions within the
MPL 1204. The leftmost LED (labeled “PFL”) lights steadily green when the
MPL 1204 is in PFL mode (see #8 below). The left center LED (labeled “AFL”)
lights steadily red when the MPL 1204 is in AFL mode (see #8 below). The right
center LED lights steadily green when the Phantom Power switch (see #9 below)
is engaged and 48 volts phantom power is being delivered to all XLR mic
connectors. The rightmost LED (labeled “Power”) lights steadily red whenever
the MPL 1204 is powered on.
8: Solo switch - This determines whether the MPL 1204 is in PFL mode (switch
up) or AFL mode (switch pressed in). For more information, see the “PFL/AFL
Soloing”section on page 22 in this manual.
9: Phantom Power switch - When this switch is pressed in, the MPL 1204
delivers 48 volts of phantom power to pins 2 and 3 of all XLR microphone
connectors in all twelve channels. WARNING: Only use this switch with the
MPL 1204 powered down. Before turning phantom power on, be sure to
disconnect all non-microphone signal sources (such as passive direct injection
boxes) from the XLR mic jacks. Although phantom power will have no adverse
affect on connected dynamic microphones, it should be used only when one or
more condenser microphones are connected to the MPL 1204. Refer to the
owners manual of your microphone to determine whether or not it requires
48 volts phantom power—we cannot assume responsibility if you damage
a mic by incorrectly applying phantom power. If you’re not completely

Guided Tour - Main Section
certain that one or more connected mics require 48 volts phantom power, leave
this switch off (its out position).
10: Meter switch - When out, the ten-segment MPL 1204 meter (see #6 on the
previous page) shows the continuous output level of Bus 1-2; when pressed in,
the meter shows the continuous output level of Bus 3-4.
11: Tape switch - Press this in to route signal connected to the rear panel RCA
jack tape inputs to channels 11 and 12 (the left side is routed to channel 11 and
the right side is routed to channel 12). When this switch is pressed in, any mic
or line input signal connected to channels 11 and 12 is automatically muted.
12: Main Level - This knob determines the final signal level of the rear panel
Main output—you can think of it as being the “master fader.”The 2 o’clock “0”
position of the knob indicates unity gain (no level attenuation or boost). Moving
the knob counterclockwise from the “0”position (towards “∞”) causes the signal
to be attenuated (at the very bottom, it is attenuated infinitely—in other words,
there is no sound). Moving it clockwise from the “0”position (towards “+10”)
causes the signal to be boosted by up to 10 dB. For more information, see the
“Setting The Correct Gain Structure”section on page 14 in this manual.
13: Control Room Level - This knob determines the signal level of the rear
panel Control Room output, allowing independent monitoring of the Main output
signal. The 2 o’clock “0”position of the knob indicates unity gain (no level
attenuation or boost). Moving the knob counterclockwise from the “0”position
(towards “∞”) causes the signal to be attenuated (at the very bottom, it is
attenuated infinitely—in other words, there is no sound). Moving it clockwise
from the “0”position (towards “+10”) causes the signal to be boosted by up to
10 dB.
14: Bus L/R switches - These switches allow you to route the output from the
four buses to the Main left/right output jacks and Control Room left/right output
jacks on the rear panel (see #10 and #11 on page 10). When this switch is up,
the signal from that bus is not routed to the main outputs and instead terminates
at its Bus out jack (see #12 on page 10). When pressed in, the signal from that
bus is routed to the Main and Control Room outputs (buses 1 and 3 are routed to
the left Main and Control Room output jacks and buses 2 and 4 are routed to the
right Main and Control Room output jacks) as well as to its Bus out jack.
For more information, see the “Busing, Submixing and Channel Muting”section
on page 17 in this manual.
15: Bus Faders (white with blue line) - These linear sliders determine the
relative level of the four bus outputs. The “0”position of each fader indicates
unity gain (no level boost or attenuation). Moving the fader below this position
(towards the “∞”position) causes the signal to be attenuated (at the very bottom,
it is attenuated infinitely—in other words, there is no sound). Moving it above
this position (towards the “+10 dB”position) causes the signal to be boosted by
up to 10 dB. For best signal-to-noise ratio, all Bus faders should generally be
kept at or near the 0 level. For more information, see the “Setting The Correct
Gain Structure”and the “Busing, Submixing and Channel Muting”sections on
pages 14 and 17 in this manual.
10

Guided Tour - Rear Panel
1: Power on-off switch - As you may have guessed, this is what you use to turn the
MPL 1204 on and off. To avoid potential damage to your speakers, turn the MPL 1204
on before you turn on any connected power amps—and turn it off after the power amps
are turned off.
2: Fuse - Contains a 1 amp, 250 volt fuse for 115 volt operation or a 0.5 amp, 250 volt
fuse for 230 volt operation.
3: AC input - Connect the supplied standard 3-pin “IEC”plug here.
4: Mic inputs (1 - 12) - Use these electronically balanced XLR jacks to connect
microphones to the MPL 1204. These are intended to accept signal from low-level,
low-impedance mics but can also be used for signal from other sources (such as direct
injection boxes) if the channel’s Trim control (see #1 on page 4) is turned down.
WARNING: Do not connect a channel’s microphone input if you already have something
connected to its line input (see #5 below); all channels are designed to accept only one
source or the other.
5: Line inputs (1 - 12) - Use these electronically balanced 1/4" jacks to connect
line-level sources such as synthesizers, drum machines, CD players, tape decks, or
effects processors to any of the MPL 1204’s twelve channels. Use balanced three-
conductor cabling and Tip/Ring/Sleeve (TRS) plugs wherever possible (unbalanced
two-conductor plugs can also be inserted into these inputs, but you’ll get better signal
quality and less outside noise and hum if you use balanced lines). The “Connecting the
MPL 1204”section on page 11 in this manual provides more information on how best to
use channel inputs. WARNING: Do not connect a channel’s line input if you already
have something connected to its microphone input (see #4 above); all channels are
designed to accept only one source or the other.
6: Channel Inserts (1 - 12) - Use these to insert an external effects processor (such as
outboard equalizer, compressor/limiter or noise gate) into any of the MPL 1204’s
channels in an “effects loop”configuration. These jacks accept 1/4" TRS plugs, with
the ring carrying the send signal and the tip carrying the return signal. Normally, this
will be connected to a Y-cord; see the “Connecting The MPL 1204”section on page 12
in this manual for more information and a wiring diagram.
11
MPL 1204 12 CHANNEL MIC MIXER
1/23/4
1
AUX RETURNS
STEREO INPUTS
UNBALANCED 10KΩ+4dBu
S / N
AVIS;
RISQUE DE CHOC ELECTRIQUE
NE PAS OUVRIR
DO NOT EXPOSE THIS EQUIPMENT
TO RAIN OR MOISTURE.
ON
OFF
~AC INPUT
115V/230V
50/60Hz, 25W
SAMSON
TRS
STEREO INPUT
TIP = LEFT
RING = RIGHT
SLEEVE = COM
TRS
BALANCED
TIP = HI
RING = LO
SLEEVE = COM
TRS INSERT
UNBALANCED
TIP = RETURN
RING = SEND
SLEEVE = COM
XLR
BALANCED
3 = LO
2 = HI
1 = COM
FUSE
1A/250V[115V]
0.5A/250V[230V]
CAUTION
RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK
DO NOT OPEN !
115V/230 - 50/60 Hz 25W
POWER
RATING
1
2
3
1
2
3
1
2
3
1
2
3
1
2
3
1
2
3
1
2
3
1
2
3
1
2
3
1
2
3
1
2
3
1
2
3
2AUX SENDS
UNBALANCED <75Ω+4dBu
TAPE IN
UNBALANCED
10KΩ-10dBu
12 11 109 87654321
12
12
11
11
10
10
9
9
8
8
7
7
6
6
5
5
4
4
1
1
2
2
3
3
MICROPHONE INPUTS BALANCED +4dBu TO -50dBu
LINE INPUTS BALANCED +24dBu TO -30dBu
CHANNEL INSERTS TIP RETURN -RING SEND -SLEEVE GND
BUS INSERTS
UNBALANCED 75Ω+4dBu
MIXER LINKING
4123
BUS OUTPUTS
UNBALANCED 75Ω+4dBu
4123
CONTROL ROOM
BALANCED <75Ω+4dBu
RIGHT LEFT
1
2
3
1
2
3
MAIN
BALANCED <75Ω+4dBu
POWER
L/11
R/12
RIGHT LEFT
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10 11 12 13

12
Guided Tour - Rear Panel
7: Aux Returns (1/2, 3/4) - These unbalanced 1/4" TRS inputs allow you to
route signal from external devices such as effects processors to either of the two
stereo Aux Returns. These jacks accept 1/4" TRS plugs, with the tip carrying
the left signal and the ring carrying the right signal (sleeve is common ground).
See the “Using Aux Sends and Returns”section on page 20 in this manual for
more information.
8: Aux Sends (1, 2) - These unbalanced 1/4" outputs allow you to route signal
from either of the two discrete Aux Sends to external devices such as effects
processors. All four MPL 1204 Aux sends are post-fade. See the “Using Aux
Sends and Returns”section on page 20 in this manual for more information.
9: Tape/CD inputs (L, R) - Use this set of dual RCA jacks to connect the
outputs of a tape or CD player to the MPL 1204. When the “Tape”switch
(see #11 on page 8) is pressed in, signal connected here is routed to channels
11 and 12 (the left side is routed to channel 11 and the right side is routed to
channel 12), with any mic and line input signal connected to channels 11 and 12
automatically muted.
10: Main outputs (L, R) - These are the MPL 1204’s main outputs. In live
performance applications, you’ll usually use these to connect the MPL 1204 to
a power amp and speakers; in recording applications, these will normally be
connected to the inputs of a two-track recorder. The Main out XLR jacks are
electronically balanced, so you should use balanced three-conductor cabling
wherever possible for optimum signal quality and reduced outside noise and
hum. See the “Connecting the MPL 1204”section on page 11 in this manual for
more information.
11: Control Room outputs (L, R) - In recording applications, these will
normally be connected to a power amplifier and loudspeakers. The Control
Room out jacks are electronically balanced, so you should use balanced
three-conductor cabling and 1/4" TRS plugs wherever possible (unbalanced
two-conductor plugs can also be inserted into these outputs, but you’ll get better
signal quality and less outside noise and hum if you use balanced lines). See
the “Connecting the MPL 1204”section on page 11 in this manual for more
information.
12: Bus outputs (1 - 4) - These unbalanced outputs allow you to route signal
from each of the four discrete buses to external devices such as a multitrack
digital or analog tape recorder. The signal is post-bus fader but pre-Main
control. See the “Busing, Submixing, and Channel Muting”section on page 17
in this manual for more information.
13: Bus Inserts (1 - 4) - Use these to insert an external effects processor
(such as outboard equalizer, compressor/limiter or noise gate) into any of the
MPL 1204’s four buses in an “effects loop”configuration. This enables you to
process a group of signals simultaneously (such as a drum submix being sent to
a single track of a tape recorder) at unity gain. These jacks accept 1/4" TRS
plugs, with the ring carrying the send signal and the tip carrying the return
signal. Normally, this will be connected to a Y-cord; see the “Connecting The
MPL 1204”section on page 12 in this manual for more information and a wiring
diagram. Bus inserts can also be used to link multiple MPL 1204s or to bring the
output from another mixer into the MPL 1204 without taking up channel line
inputs. See the “Using Inserts”section on page 21 and the “Linking the
MPL 1204”Application on page 26 in this manual for more information.

13
Connecting The MPL 1204 - General Suggestions
The actual connections you’ll make to and from the MPL 1204 will vary
according to the environment you use it in and the particular equipment you
have. In the “MPL 1204 Applications”sections at the rear of this manual,
you’ll find some suggested setups. Here are a few basic rules concerning
MPL 1204 connections that will apply in most situations:
•In general, it’s best to make all connections with the MPL 1204 and any
connected power amplifiers turned off. If you must make connections with
the power on, make sure that the Main and Control Room Level knobs are
completely counterclockwise and that all four bus faders are completely
down (at their “∞”position). Whenever powering down, bring the Main and
Control Room Level knobs completely counterclockwise and set all four bus
faders completely down, turning off the main power amps first. Wait a few
seconds for their power supplies to discharge and then turn off all connected
equipment, turning the MPL 1204 off last.
•Try to use balanced connectors and cabling wherever possible. These kind
of connections do a better job of rejecting extraneous noise and hum and
generally provide a cleaner signal. Although the MPL 1204 will accept
unbalanced connectors throughout, it specifically provides electronically
balanced inputs for all mic and line inputs and for its Main and Control Room
outputs. The wiring diagram below shows how 1/4" TRS (Tip/Ring/Sleeve)
connectors should be wired for use with line-level inputs and Control Room
outputs:
XLR connectors for mic-level inputs and the Main outputs should be wired as
follows:
Unbalanced cables use standard 1/4" phone connectors, wired as follows:
•Make one connection at a time and then monitor the incoming signal. If you
hear a distinct hum or buzz, you may have a grounding problem with that
particular device. See the “Grounding Techniques”section on page 16
in this manual for information on how to avoid grounding problems.
TIP +
GROUND
RING -
RING
TIP SLEEVE
+ SIGNAL
GROUND
+ SIGNAL GROUND
3
-
SIG
NA
L
1 GROUND
2 + SIGNAL
T
TO MIC
OR POWER
AMPLIFIER

14
•NEVER connect a microphone and line level input to the same channel
simultaneously—use one or the other. You can have some channels
connected to microphones and others to line level signals (for example, you
might want to plug mics into channels 1 - 4 and line level signals into the
remaining channels)—just don’t have both kinds of inputs connected to the
same channel.
•There are two “hidden”(or at least not so obvious) stereo inputs to the
MPL 1204; these are the Auxiliary returns. Use these whenever you want
to bring in stereo signals that will not need to be equalized.
•Channel and bus insert cables (sometimes called “Y-cords”) should
terminate in standard 1/4" TRS jacks (ring to send and tip to return), wired
as follows:
•The MPL 1204 Aux return jacks are unbalanced stereo inputs, with the tip
carrying the left input signal and the ring carrying the right input signal
(with the sleeve carrying common ground), as shown below. Insertion of
a monophonic 1/4" jack into an Aux return will result in the incoming signal
being automatically routed to the left input only (and therefore panned hard
left).
Connecting The MPL 1204 - General Suggestions
TIP (RETURN)
SLEEVE (GROUND)
RING (SEND)
TIP (LEFT SIGNAL)
SLEEVE (COMMON GROUND)
RING (RIGHT SIGNAL)

15
Setting up your MPL 1204 is a simple procedure which takes only a few minutes:
1. Remove all packing materials (save them in case of need for future service)
and decide where the unit is to be physically placed—it can be mounted in any
standard 19" rack, requiring four rack spaces, or used on a tabletop.
2. Before even plugging the unit into an AC socket, begin by connecting the
MPL 1204 Main or Control Room outputs into a power amp and the amp into
loudspeakers (you’ll usually connect the Main output to a power amp in live
performance environments and the Control Room output to a power amp when
using the MPL 1204 for recording). It is never a good idea to power up any
amplifier that is not connected to loudspeakers.
3. Next, make the signal input connections to the mic or line inputs of the
various channels. WARNING: Do not connect a channel’s line input if you
already have something connected to its microphone input, or vice versa; each
channel is designed to accept only one source or the other.
4. Set all channel Trim controls fully counterclockwise (to their “+4”setting) and
turn all channel Level controls fully counterclockwise (to their “∞”setting). Then
bring all four bus faders completely down (to their “∞”setting), and set the Main
and Control Room Level controls fully counterclockwise (to their “∞”setting).
Finally, connect the IEC main power cord and plug the MPL 1204 into any
grounded AC socket.
5. Turn on the rear panel Power switch—the “Power”LED in the main section
will light up.
Setting Up and Using The MPL 1204
SERVO- 240
SAMSON
1
2
3
1
2
3
MAIN
BALANCED <75Ω+4dBu
RIGHT LEFT
SERVO- 240
SAMSON
CONTROL ROOM
BALANCED <75Ω+4dBu
RIGHT LEFT

16
You’re now ready to establish the correct gain structure—the key to getting the
best performance from the MPL 1204, or from any mixer, for that matter. This is
a simple procedure that ensures optimum input and output levels so that no
unnecessary noise (caused by too low a signal) or overload distortion (caused by
too high a signal) is created. Here’s a step-by-step description of how to do so:
a. With all connections made (as described above) but with the power amplifier
and MPL 1204 off, start by setting the power amplifier volume to minimum.
On the MPL 1204, set all channel Trim knobs to their fully counterclockwise (+4)
position and turn all channel Level controls fully counterclockwise (to their “∞”
position). Set all channel EQ and Pan knobs to their center detent “0”positions.
b. Make sure the Mute switch for all channels is set to the out (unmuted)
position check that the Meter 1-2 / 3-4 switch (in the main section) is set to its out
(1-2) position. This ensures that all channels are routing signal solely to buses 1
and 2 and that the meter will display the bus 1-2 output.
c. If the Main output jacks are connected to a power amplifer and loudspeakers
(as described in #2 on page 13), set the Main Level knob to its 2 o’clock “0”
position. If the Control Room output jacks are connected to a power amplifer
and loudspeakers (as described in #2 on page 13), set the Control Room Level
knob to its 2 o’clock “0”position.
d. Set all channel Aux send knobs and both Aux return Level knobs to their fully
counterclockwise (“∞”) position. Set both Aux return Balance knobs to their
center detent “0”positions.
e. Turn on all devices connected to channel line inputs and Aux returns and set
their output level controls to unity gain or, if there is no unity gain indicated on
their output control, to maximum. If you’ve got outboard effects processors
connected to Aux returns, make sure they are sending completely “wet”
(processed) signal, with no “dry”(unprocessed) signal mixed in. If condenser
microphones are connected to the MPL 1204, turn on the Phantom switch.*
f. Set the bus 1 and bus 2 faders at their “0”(unity gain) position and turn on the
MPL 1204’s rear-panel Power switch—the Power LED in the main section will
light up. Finally, turn on your power amplifier.
g. Play an instrument connected to one of the MPL 1204’s line inputs** and,
while doing so, slowly raise the corresponding channel Level control to the
2 o’clock “0”position. You should see the MPL 1204 meters begin to move.
While watching the meters, adjust the Trim control for that channel so that the “0”
segment lights frequently, with only occasional excursions into the “+”segments.
If the signal seems too hot even with the input channel trim all the way at its
minimum (+4) setting, you may need to lower the output level of the instrument,
though this will rarely occur. Conversely, if the signal is too low even with the
input channel trim all the way up, something's definitely wrong: in all likelihood,
the connecting audio cable is faulty.
* CAUTION: Before turning phantom power on, be sure to verify that all
connected mic(s) and/or active DI boxes require 48 volts. Also, disconnect all
other signal sources (such as passive DI boxes) from the XLR mic jacks.
** If you’re using an instrument such as electric guitar or bass, we recommend
that you connect it to the MPL 1204 with a direct injection box to ensure correct
impedance.
Setting the Correct Gain Structure

17
Setting the Correct Gain Structure
h. Once you’ve set the optimum level in step (g) above, continue playing the
instrument and slowly raise the level of your power amplifier until you reach the
desired listening level. Repeat step (g) above for each instrument connected to
the MPL 1204 channel line inputs.
i. The procedure for setting optimum microphone levels is virtually identical; sing
or speak into each mic at the level you expect to use in performance while slowly
raising the Level control for that channel to its “0”position. Then adjust the Trim
control for that channel while watching the segment meter. You should expect
that mic-level inputs will require rather more in the way of Trim boost than
line-level inputs.
j. If you have any outboard signal processors connected to the Aux send and
return jacks on the rear panel, follow this step. Because outboard effects
processors can sometimes be quite noisy, it’s particularly important to maximize
the amount of signal being sent to them via the MPL 1204 Aux sends. The idea
is to drive these devices as hot as possible (short of overloading them) and then
to use the corresponding Aux return level to carefully adjust the amount of
processed signal being blended with the dry signal. To set optimum Aux send
levels, use a channel that has already had its gain structure adjusted in step (g)
or (i) above. Turn both Aux send knobs for that channel to their “0”(unity gain)
position. Then play the instrument (or sing into the microphone) connected to
that channel. Adjust the input levels of connected outboard effects processors
so that their meter shows incoming signal normally in the 0 vu range (with only
occasional higher excursions). Finally, optimize the Aux return levels: While
continuing to play your instrument (or continuing to sing into the microphone),
slowly raise each Aux return level control until you hear the desired amount of
processed signal added to the dry signal. Adjust the Aux return Balance controls
as required in order to set the relative levels of the signal arriving at the left and
right Aux return inputs. For more information, see the “Using Aux Sends and
Returns”section on page x in this manual.
k. At this point, if you want to route any channel or Aux return signal(s) to any of
the four bus outputs at optimum level, simply set the channel’s “Mute 3/4”or
Aux return’s Bus switch correctly and raise the corresponding bus fader to its “0”
(unity gain) position.
l. The gain structure is now correctly set—you’ve optimized the level of all
signals coming into and out of the MPL 1204, and the end result will be minimum
noise and distortion and maximum clean sound. You’ll now find that the majority
of your mixes can be accomplished with the Main or Control Room Level knobs
and with most channel Level controls at or near their 2 o’clock “0”(unity gain)
position. If you need to make adjustments to the overall level, use the level
control of your power amplifier.
If you encounter difficulty with any aspect of setting up or using your MPL 1204,
you can call Samson Technical Support (1-800-372-6766) between 9 AM and
5 PM EST.

18
Grounding Techniques
Hum and buzz are the biggest enemies you face when interconnecting a large number of different pieces of
equipment to a central audio mixer. This is because each piece of equipment may operate at a marginally different
voltage (this difference is called potential) and, when two devices at slightly different potential are physically
connected with audio cabling, the end result can be nasty, extraneous noise (mind you, connecting two devices at
very different potential can result in a major electrical shock!).
However, there are several steps you can take to avoid grounding problems. First, assuming you have an isolated
electrical circuit that can handle the electrical demands of your mixer and all connected audio equipment (these
needs will usually be modest), you should always plug your mixer and all connected equipment into the same
circuit. If possible, nothing else but this equipment should be connected to that circuit. If you can’t do this, at least
avoid plugging your mixer and audio equipment into the same circuit that is already powering things like heavy
machinery, air conditioners, heaters, refrigerators, washing machines, neon signs or fluorescent light fixtures.
One particular culprit that will almost certainly create problems is the standard light dimmer (the kind that uses
silicon controlled rectifiers). Where low-level lighting is desired, use incandescent fixtures with autotransformer-type
dimmers (sometimes called Variacs) instead—these cost considerably more than the standard dimmer you’ll find at
your local hardware store, but are well worth the extra expense.
Three-prong plugs (such as the one used by the MPL 1204) should always be used as is; don’t use adapters to lift
the ground (unless you’re using a “star ground network”—see below). If you hear hum or buzz from a device that
uses a two-prong plug (or an external two-prong AC/DC adapter), you can try reversing the plug in the socket.
If that doesn’t work, you may need to physically ground that device’s chassis by connecting a wire (called a strap)
from it to a grounded piece of metal. Some pieces of equipment have a screw-type ground post to which the strap
can be connected; if not, you can attach some kind of metallic binding post to the case itself. If you are using
rack-mounted audio devices and are experiencing hum or buzz, there’s a simple test to determine the source of the
problem: while keeping all devices powered on and connected with audio cabling, physically remove each device,
one by one, from the rack. If the hum disappears when a particular device is removed, you’ll know that device is
probably the culprit.
We also recommend that you use balanced audio cabling and connectors wherever possible. The MPL 1204
provides electronically balanced inputs for all line channel inputs and for its Main outputs. The wiring diagram in the
“Connecting The MPL 1204”section of this manual (page 11) shows how 1/4" TRS (Tip/Ring/Sleeve) and XLR
connectors should be wired for use with these inputs and outputs.
In addition, you can minimize possible interference by planning your audio, electrical, and computer cable runs so
that they are as far apart from one another as possible and so they don’t run parallel to one another. If they have to
cross, try to ensure that they do so at a 90°angle (that is, perpendicular to one another). In particular, try to keep
audio cabling away from external AC/DC adapters.
If you’re using the MPL 1204 in a fixed location such as a recording studio, you may want to invest the time and
money into creating a star ground network. This is by far the best technique for avoiding grounding problems.
It involves using a formidable ground source such as a cold water pipe or a copper spike driven into the earth.
A thick grounding cable is connected to that source and then brought to a central distribution point; from there,
individual cables are connected to each piece of equipment. This setup also requires that you lift the ground plug of
all three-prong AC connectors, so there is the possibility of danger if it is done incorrectly. We strongly recommend
that you contract with a qualified professional to carry out this or any kind of electrical work.
Another, less common problem you may encounter is that of oscillation (a ringing tone), which, apart from being
annoying, is potentially dangerous to your speakers. This is generally caused either by poor outside wiring or by
returning a signal out of phase (most commonly from an outboard signal processor). If audible oscillation occurs, try
isolating each input signal by turning down all other inputs. If one signal alone is causing the problem, you should
be able to eliminate the oscillation by reversing that signal’s phase (many signal processors have a switch that
allows you to do this).

19
Busing, Submixing and Channel Muting
As we’ve seen, the MPL 1204 uses a system of four buses—pathways through
which signal can be routed. The four MPL 1204 bus faders control the overall
level of the signal being output through the four buses. When the “L/R”switches
above each bus fader are pressed in, the signal from that bus is also routed to
the Main and Control Room outputs. In this case, buses 1 and 3 are
automatically routed to the left side of the Main and Control Room outputs and
buses 2 and 4 are automatically routed to the right side of the Main and Control
Room outputs. This four-bus system (which can eventually mix down to a single
stereo output) gives you a great deal of flexibility in terms of signal flow.
For example, you may want to connect the MPL 1204 to a four-track cassette or
open-reel tape recorder. One good way to do this is to route each of the four
individual bus outputs to a tape input, and to bring each of the four tape outputs
back to individual channels. With this setup, to record onto track 1, you’d route
one or more instrument or microphone channels to bus 1 (via the channel “Mute
3/4”switch); to record onto track 3, you’d route them to bus 3, etc. To connect
the MPL 1204 to an eight-track digital recorder (such as the Alesis ADAT™or
Tascam DA88™system), simply use signal splitters or patchbay mults to
combine the signal from buses so that bus 1 is routed to tape inputs 1 and 5;
bus 2 to tape inputs 2 and 6; bus 3 to tape inputs 3 and 7; and bus 4 to tape
inputs 4 and 8. See the “Applications”section on page 23 in this manual for
more information on using the MPL 1204 as a recording mixer.
Another important plus is that you can use each bus to set up a submix within
your overall mix. For example, let’s suppose that you’re using the MPL 1204 to
do live sound and you have eight microphones on the drum kit—separate mics
for the bass and snare drums as well as for the hi-hat, another mic for each of
three tom-toms, and an overhead pair for picking up cymbals. To get all this
signal into the MPL 1204, you’re going to have to use eight mono channels.
During a sound check, you’ll usually start with the drums, working to get the
blend of the eight different drum mics just right. After that’s done, the next step
is typically to start bringing in the other instruments. During the gig, however,
you may need to raise or lower the overall level of the drums, but you surely
won’t want to upset the blend you so carefully set up. This won’t be easy to do if
you have to move eight faders at once! The solution is to use the busing system
provided by the MPL 1204—route the eight drum channels to one pair of buses
and all other instruments to the other pair. Now you can adjust the overall level
of the entire drum mix by moving just two bus faders!
You can also use the MPL 1204 bus switches to mute particular channels (that
is, remove them temporarily from the overall mix without having to change their
fader position). To do this, keep bus faders 3 and 4 down at their “∞”position
(no signal) and use buses 1 and 2 for your overall mix. Then, to mute a signal,
all you have to do is press that channel’s “Mute 3/4”switch; the signal will be
rerouted to buses 3 and 4 (which are off) and will be removed from the mix you
hear. To restore the signal (that is, unmute it), all you have to do is press that
channel’s “Mute 3/4”switch again—since its fader hasn’t been moved, the sound
will come back at the same level as before.
∞∞
00
+10
dB +10
dB
MUTE
3/4
BUS INSERTS
UNBALANCED 75Ω+4dBu
MIXER LINKING
4123
∞∞
00
+10
dB +10
dB

20
Using Pan
The final Main output of the MPL 1204 is stereo—that is, there are two discrete
Main output jacks (and two discrete Control Room output jacks), labeled “left”
and “right,”which will normally be routed to two discrete speakers.* Because of
this, you will usually be working with a stereo field that ranges from hard left to
hard right. The MPL 1204 provides twelve monophonic input channels, each
with its own dedicated Pan control. The Pan circuitry in the MPL 1204 always
keeps the overall level constant, regardless of pan position. Here’s how it works:
When the Pan knob is placed at its center (detented) position, signal is sent
equally to both left and right outputs of the selected bus (depending upon the
setting of the channel’s Mute 3/4 switch, as described in #5 on page x). When
moved left of center, less signal is sent to the right output and more signal is sent
to the left output (making the sound appear left of center) and when moved right
of center, less signal is sent to the left output and more signal is sent to the right
output (making the sound appear right of center). To route a signal hard left or
right, place the pan knob either fully counterclockwise or fully clockwise.
You can use stereo panning creatively in a variety of ways: For example, you
might want to have guitars coming from one speaker and keyboards from
another, or you might use panning to “spread”the signal from a piano miked with
two microphones—one over the bass notes (panned left) and the other over the
treble notes (panned right). In live performance, you may want to resist the
temptation to pan anything completely hard left or right, since some members of
the audience not seated in the center of the venue may miss some signal
altogether. In these circumstances, you’re best to use modest panning, with
signals routed no further than the 9 o’clock and 3 o’clock positions.
* You can, of course, also use the MPL 1204 monophonically—simply route the
same signal to both the left and right outputs.
R
PAN
L