Samson Expedition Explor User manual

Owner's Manual

2
Important Safety Information
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 magni-
tude 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.
AVIS
RISQUE DE CHOC ÉLECTRONIQUE -
NE PAS OUVRIR
Copyright 2023
v1.1
Samson Technologies Corp.
278-B Duffy Ave
Hicksville, New York 11801
www.samsontech.com
The 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.”
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 27 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.

3
EXPLOR • Portable PA System
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 manu-
facturer’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 ap-
paratus. When a cart is used, use
caution when moving the cart/appara-
tus combination to avoid injury from
tip-over.
13. Unplug the apparatus during lightening
storms or when unused for long periods
of time.
14. Refer all servicing to qualified per-
sonnel. 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 environ-
ment around the entire unit.
18. To prevent injury, this apparatus must
be securely attached to the stand in ac-
cordance with the installation instruc-
tions.
19. WARNING: The battery (battery or
batteries or battery pack) shall not
be exposed to excessive heat such as
sunshine, fire or the like.
20. CAUTION: Danger of explosion if bat-
tery is incorrectly replaced. Replace
only with the same or equivalent type.
Important Safety Information

4
Important Safety Information
FCC Notice
1. This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following
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 compliance
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 digital
device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reason-
able 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 par-
ticular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television
reception, which can be ` 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 condi-
tion that this device does not cause harmful interference.

5
EXPLOR • Portable PA System

6
Table of Contents
Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7
Control Panel Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8
Quick Start . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9
Pairing with a Bluetooth® Device . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Charging the Battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Speaker Placement. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12
Avoiding Feedback . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Quick Start - XPD2 Wireless System . . . . . . . . . . . . .13
Quick Start - XPD2 Wireless System . . . . . . . . . . . . .14
HXD1 Handheld Transmitter Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
RXD2 Receiver Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
PXD1 Beltpack Transmitter Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . .16
Making Connections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Explor Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18
XPD2 Wireless Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

7
EXPLOR • Portable PA System
The Expedition Explor is a battery-powered loudspeaker that delivers big sound from a
compact portable system. With up to 12 hours of battery life you can keep the music going
all night long. This all-in-one speaker features a 3-channel mixer for microphones, line
sources, instruments, and Bluetooth audio devices.. From playing your favorite songs in
the backyard to giving a presentation in the boardroom, Expedition Explor provides superb
sound in a highly portable design.
We recommend you keep the following records for reference, as well as a copy of your sales
receipt.
Serial number: ____________________________________________
Date of purchase: __________________________________________
With proper care and maintenance, your Explor will operate trouble-free for many years.
Should your speaker 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 visit www.samsontech.com/ra 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 Expedition Explor was purchased outside of the United States, contact your local distribu-
tor for warranty details and service information.
Introduction

8
1. COMBO INPUT - XLR-1⁄4" input
for microphones, line signals, or
instruments with active preamps.
2. XPD WIRELESS* - Connect the
Samson XPD digital wireless USB
receiver to this input. The wireless
receiver is powered by the Explor,
so no additional power supply is
needed.
3. REVERB - Used to control the level
of CHANNEL 1 reverb.
4. VOLUME (CHANNEL 1) - Used to
control the level of the CHANNEL
1 Mic/Line input.
5. COMBO INPUT - XLR-1/4" input
used to connect microphones, pas-
sive electric guitar or line level sig-
nals.
6. GTR LINE SWITCH - Controls signal
level of CHANNEL 2 input. NOTE;
only changes level of 1/4" input
jack. XLR is mic level only.
7. REVERB - Used to control the level
of CHANNEL 2 reverb.
8. VOLUME (CHANNEL 2) - Used to
control the level of the CHANNEL 2 Mic/Guitar/Line input.
9. AUX IN - For connecting line-level devices using a 3.5mm audio cable.
10. PAIRING BUTTON - Press this button to enable pairing mode in order to connect to a Bluetooth
audio device.
11. BLUETOOTH INDICATOR - The blue color LED displays the Bluetooth status of the Explor system.
12. VOLUME (CHANNEL 3) - Used to control the level of the AUX/Bluetooth input.
13. LINE OUT - 1/4" output connector to link multiple Explor systems together.
14. BASS/MID/TREBLE CONTROL KNOBS - These knobs are used to adjust EQ settings to best suit your
application.
15. CHARGE & PEAK LED - Charge LED displays the status of the battery charge level. The Peak LED
illuminates red at the level where limiting occurs.
16. POWER - Switches on the main power.
17. AC INLET - Connect the supplied power cable here.
* The USB connector is for the Samson XPD wireless receiver only. The connector is not designed to
charge smartphones, tablets, or similar devices.
Control Panel Features
23
1
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17

9
EXPLOR • Portable PA System
Follow these steps below to quickly start using your Explor portable sound system.
• Set the Explor's power switch to the OFF position,
and fully turn all of the VOLUME controls
counterclockwise.
• If an outlet is available, connect the included
power cable to the AC INLET of the speaker, and
plug it into an AC socket (wall outlet).
• Connect a microphone using a standard XLR cable,
line level equipment using a 1/4" instrument cable,
or portable audio device using an 1/8" cable.
• Switch on the Explor power.
• While speaking into the microphone or playing
music from a line level audio source, slowly raise
the channel VOLUME until you have reached the
desired level.
NOTE: If not using the channel 1 input, turn the VOLUME
control all the way down to keep out any unwanted noise.
Quick Start
Setting a Good Level
Use the Channel VOLUME controls to set the individual volume of your microphone, line
level and Bluetooth®devices.
The PEAK light illuminates when the signal sending to the internal amplifier begins to
reach a level where limiting occurs to prevent the audio from distorting. If the PEAK light
stays on, your mix is too hot and you need to lower the VOLUME controls. It is okay for the
PEAK light to occasionally light, however, it should go off quickly and should not constantly
stay on.

10
Bluetooth is a wireless communication technology that allows for connectivity between a wide
range of devices. The Explor uses Bluetooth to stream high quality audio from your Bluetooth
enabled device without the need to connect any cables. In order for your device to work with
the Explor, it must first be paired.
1. Turn all channel volume controls down counter-
clockwise.
2. With the Explor and your Bluetooth device pow-
ered on; press the PAIR button on the rear panel
(CHANNEL 3) of the Explor speaker 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 "Expedi-
tion Explor" 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 Explor is connecting to your device, the
Bluetooth indicator will quickly flash blue.
7. The Explor speaker indicates that pairing is com-
plete when the indicator turns steady blue. You can
now stream audio from your device to the Explor.
8. With the volume control on your Bluetooth device
turned up, play some music, and slowly raise the
Explor Bluetooth channel 3 volume control until
you have reached the desired level.
Pairing with a Bluetooth®device

11
EXPLOR • Portable PA System
The Explor has an internal, rechargeable battery capable of up to 12 hours of continuous
audio on a full charge. Even though the system may have some charge when first taken
out of the box, we recommend fully charging your Explor before first using the system.
To charge the battery:
• Set the power switch to the “OFF” position.
• Connect the Explor to an AC power outlet using the included power cord.
• Keep the system plugged in until the Battery indicator changes to green, indicating
the battery is fully charged.
The Explor utilizes a Lithium Ion battery. When not in use, the battery will slowly self-
discharge. If you are planning not to use the Explor for a long period of time, it is advised
to fully charge the unit before storing. It is also important to charge the unit every six
months when not used. This will ensure a healthy battery and extend its life.
If you find that the operation time of the Explor becomes noticeably decreased, even
after fully charging, the battery should be replaced. Contact Samson customer service or
your local distributor to order a replacement battery. NOTE: follow steps below to swap
your battery.
Charging the Battery

12
The Explor provides three different placement options for your specific situation.
For maximum sound coverage the Explor 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.
Take care when placing then Explor in direct sunlight for long periods of time, as this may
discolor or damage the unit.
Do not place the speaker on wet surfaces, as it can cause malfunction. If you notice
condensation on the unit, dry the speaker before using or storing.
Speaker Placement
Feedback is the annoying howling and squealing that can be 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 speaker. In general, it is recommended
to position the microphone behind the speaker enclosure. This uses the directional
characteristics of the speaker and microphone to your advantage.
• Keep the microphone as far from the speaker as possible. This will help achieve
isolation between the speaker and the microphone, and allow you to increase the
output of the Explor.
• 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 channel volume
control.
• Reduce the volume of the speaker.
Avoiding Feedback

13
EXPLOR • Portable PA System
Quick Start - XPD2 Wireless System
1. Plug the RXD2 USB receiver into the USB
jack labeled XPD WIRELESS. There is a
USB A female to USB A male extension
cable included. This can be used to
prevent damage to RXD2 receiver, if the
Explor is knocked over or dropped.
2. On the handheld transmitter, open
the bottom section of the microphone.
Place a fresh set of AA (LR6) batteries
in the transmitter battery holder, taking
care to observe the polarity markings,
then screw the cover back on to the
lower barrel.
3. Turn the Channel 3 volume knob on
the Explor completely counterclockwise
, then turn the POWER switch on the
Explor to the ON position.
4. Turn on the power to the transmitter by
pressing and holding Power switch; the
indicator LED will light amber.

14
Quick Start - XPD2 Wireless System
5. If the transmitter and receiver have not been
previously paired, please plug it into your Explor
and press and hold the button on the RXD2
receiver for >5 seconds, until it begins to flash.
6. Press and hold the Power button on the
handheld transmitter for >5 seconds. This will
put both components into pairing modes. Once
the receiver and transmitter communicate and
sync, the LEDs on both units will turn steady
amber and will be ready for operation.
7. Speak or sing into the mic at a normal
performance level and raise the CHANNEL 3
WIRELESS VOLUME control until the desired
level is reached.
If you hear distortion check the rear panel PEAK LED. If it is lit red, turn down the
channel 3 VOLUME on the Explor until it lights only occasionally during loud sounds.
If you still hear distortion, open the battery compartment of the transmitter 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
channel 3 VOLUME control of the Explor turned fully clockwise), use the supplied plastic
screwdriver to turn the Gain control in the HXD1 transmitter slowly clockwise until the
signal reaches an acceptable level.

15
EXPLOR • Portable PA System
HXD1 Handheld Transmitter Controls
1. Status Indicator - This LED displays the
operation mode:
Amber: Normal Operation
Flashing Amber: Pairing/Low Battery
2. Power/Pair Switch - Press <5 seconds to
turn the unit on or off. Press >5 seconds
to enter pairing mode.
3. Input GAIN Control - This control adjusts
the transmitter input sensitivity.
4. Battery Holder - Insert two standard
AA (LR6) batteries here, being sure to
observe the plus and minus polarity
markings shown. Although rechargeable
Ni-Cad batteries can be used, they do
not supply adequate current for more
than four hours. WARNING: Do not insert
the batteries backwards; doing so can
cause severe damage to the HXD1 and
will void your warranty.
5. Plastic Screwdriver - Used to adjust the
input GAIN control.
RXD2 Receiver Controls
1. USB Connector - Plugs into the XPD WIRELESS jack on the
rear panel of the Expedition Explor. The receiver can also plug
directly into a computer USB port and will be recognized as
a USB audio device. The unit passes audio to the device and
receives power from the device through this connector.
2. PAIR Switch - Press and hold for >5 seconds to enter pairing
mode.
3. STATUS Indicator - This LED displays the operation mode:
Amber: Normal Operation
Flashing Amber: Pairing
No Light: Not Paired; Transmitter out of range
4. LINE / Headphone Output - Use this 3.5mm jack when connecting to an analog line input
or headphones for monitoring.

16
PXD1 Beltpack Transmitter Controls
1. Input Connector - Connect the input device via the mini-XLR connector. The PXD1 is
supplied with either a lavalier or headset microphone.
2. Status Indicator - This LED displays the operation mode:
Amber: Normal Operation
Flashing Amber: Pairing / Low Battery
3. Power/Pair Switch - Press for <5 seconds to turn the unit on or off. Press for more
than 5 seconds to enter pairing mode.
4. Input GAIN Control - This control adjusts the transmitter input sensitivity.
5. Battery Holder - Insert two standard AA (LR6) batteries here, being sure to observe
the plus and minus polarity markings shown. WARNING: Do not insert the batteries
backwards; doing so can cause severe damage to the PXD1 and will void your
warranty.
6. Screwdriver - Used to adjust the input GAIN control.

17
EXPLOR • Portable PA System
Making Connections
Instrument*, Keyboard,
Drum Machine
Microphone, Instrument*,
Line Level Device
LINE OUT
MP3 Player,
Portable Audio
Paired Bluetooth
Device
XPD
Wireless System
SIGNAL FLOW
SIGNAL FLOW
SIGNAL FLOW
SIGNAL FLOW
SIGNAL FLOW

18
Frequency Response . . . . . . . . . . 50 Hz ~ 20 kHz
Maximum SPL . . . . . . . . . . . . . 105 dBSPL
Monitor Tilt Angle . . . . . . . . . . . 45°
Vertical Tilt Angle . . . . . . . . . . . 30°
Channel 1 Inputs
Input Impedance (Combo Input) . . . . XLR Input (balanced) 3 kΩ
Input Impedance (Combo Input) . . . . 1/4" TRS Input (balanced/unbalanced) 16 kΩ
Wireless Input . . . . . . . . . . . . . USB 3.0 for Samson XPD Wireless
Channel 2 Inputs
Input Impedance (Combo Input) . . . . XLR Input (balanced) 3 kΩ
Input Impedance (Combo Input) . . . . 1/4" TRS Input 11 kΩ (line) 1 MΩ (GTR)
Channel 3 Inputs
1/8" Stereo Aux Input Impedance . . . . 14 kΩ
Bluetooth . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Bluetooth v5.0 Standard
Gain Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70 dB range
Equalizer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . -12/+12 dB Bass/Mid/Treble Active EQ
1/4" TRS Line Output Impedance . . . . 200 Ω
1/4" TRS Balanced Max Output Level . . +21 dBu at 1 % THD+N
Speakers. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8" Woofer + 3" Mid + 2x's 1" HF Tweeter
Built-in Battery. . . . . . . . . . . . . Removable Lithium Ion
Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 hours typical
Battery Charging . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 hours
Construction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Polypropylene, internally ribbed
Grill . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Perforated Steel Grill, powder coated
Mounting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Integrated 1 3/8" Pole Mount Receptacle
Operating Temperature . . . . . . . . . -10°C ~ +40°C
Dimensions (LxDxH) . . . . . . . . . . 11" x 9.64" x 16.33" (280 mm x 245 mm x
415 mm)
Weight. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16.22 lb / 7.36 kg
Explor Specifications

19
EXPLOR • Portable PA System
XPD2 Specifications
Simultaneous Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Working Range . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100' line of sight
Working Frequency . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2.404~2.476GHz
Modulation type . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . GFSK
Audio Frequency Response . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20Hz - 16kHz
T.H.D . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . <0.1% (at 1kHz, -10dBu)
Signal to Noise. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . >85 dB
Operating Temperature . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . -10°C ~ +40°C
PXD1 Transmitter
Input Connector . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Mini-XLR (P3)
RF Power . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . <10 mW EIRP
Power Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Two AA (LR6) alkaline batteries
Battery Life . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 hours
Audio Sample Rate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32 kHz
Dimensions (HxLxD) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.75” x 2.44” x 0.75”
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (96 mm x 62 mm x 18.5 mm)
Weight. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0.2 lb / 93 g
HXD1 Transmitter
Microphone Element . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Q6 Dynamic
RF Power . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . <10 mW EIRP
Power Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Two AA (LR6) alkaline batteries
Battery Life . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 hours
Audio Sample Rate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32 kHz
Dimensions (HxLxD) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10.2" x ø2.1"/260 mm x ø54 mm
Weight. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0.5 lb / 218 g
RXD2 Receiver
Max Analog Output Level . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0 dBu
Headphone Output . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 mW into 16 Ω or 32 Ω
Operating Voltage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5V DC
Dimensions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.5" x 0.9" x 31"
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 89 mm x 23 mm x 8 mm
Weight. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0.35 0z / 10 g

Samson Technologies Corp.
278-B Duffy Ave
Hicksville, New York 11801
www.samsontech.com
Having Trouble with your Expedition Explor?
We can help!
CONTACT OUR SUPPORT TEAM: [email protected]
Our experts can help you resolve any issues.
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