Samson Expedition XP300 User manual

Owner's Manual

Copyright 2017, v1.1
Samson Technologies Corp.
278-B Duffy Ave
Hicksville, New York 11801
Phone: 1-800-3-SAMSON (1-800-372-6766)
Fax: [phone]
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.”
Important Safety Information
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 legisla-
tion 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, re-
covery and recycling and thus prevent potential negative effects on the environment and human
health.
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 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 accompanying the appliance.
ATTENTION
RISQUE DE CHOC ÉLECTRONIQUE -
NE PAS OUVRIR
CAUTION
To prevent electric shock hazard, do not connect to mains power supply while
grille is removed.
2

XP300 • Portable PA System 3
Important Safety Information
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 manufacturer’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 apparatus. When a cart is used, use caution
when moving the cart/apparatus combination to avoid injury from tip-over.
13. Unplug the apparatus during lightening, sort or when unused for long periods of time.
14. 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.
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 environment around the entire unit.
18. POWER ON/OFF SWITCH: For products with a power switch, the power switch DOES NOT
break the connection from the mains.
19. 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 3mm in each pole shall be incorporated into the electrical installation of the rack
or building.

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 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 communica-
tions. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation.
If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television 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 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.
FCC Radiation Exposure Statement
This equipment complies with FCC RF radiation exposure limits set forth for an uncontrolled
environment. This equipment should be installed and operated with a minimum distance of 20
centimeters between the radiator and your body.
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 condition
that this device does not cause harmful interference.
4

Congratulations on purchasing the Expedition XP300 Portable PA System from Samson! The
XP300 is a compact, all-in-one, portable PA system featuring a six-channel mixer and 300
watts of onboard power with dual 6” 2-way speakers, making it an ideal solution for a variety
of small- to medium-sized sound reinforcement applications. The XP300 is also extremely
portable, thanks to its lightweight and unique “Slide and Lock” design.
The six-channel mixer can be removed from the speaker for tabletop use or can be stand
mounted using the Samson SMS150 Mixer Stand Holder. It features two XLR inputs for
connecting microphones, one channel for connecting a stereo signal from an MP3 player, or
other electronic device. There’s also a built-in, 24-bit digital effects processor to add studio
quality effects to your voice or instruments. For music playback, the XP300 features wireless
Bluetooth®connectivity, to stream audio from your smart phone, tablet, or computer. The
mixer provides a robust output, with 300 watts total power from the lightweight, Class D
amplifier section. The XP300 employs a matched speaker system with dual 2-way enclosures
that have proprietary 6” woofers and 1” high frequency drivers. To help project sound to a
larger audience, the XP300 speakers can be mounted on standard speaker stands, thanks to
the integral pole mount receptacles. The XP300 is constructed using durable ABS high impact
plastic, making it super road tough and, at the same time, lightweight.
We recommend you keep the following records for reference, as well as a copy of your sales
receipt.
Transmitter & Receiver Serial number: _________________________________
Date of purchase: ___________________________________________________
If you have any questions or comments regarding the XP300 Portable PA System or any other
products from Samson, do not hesitate to contact us at [email protected].
With proper care and maintenance, your XP300 Portable PA System will operate trouble-free for many
years. Should your XP300 Portable PA System 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
XP300 Portable PA System was purchased outside of the United States, contact your local distributor.
Introduction
XP300 • Portable PA System 5

Features
• Compact stereo PA system with onboard mixer, and 300 watt power amplifier that
packs up into a single case.
• 2-way vented speaker enclosures with 6” woofers and 1” high frequency drivers.
• Internal 2 x 150 watt lightweight Class D power amplifier.
• Removable six channel mixer with two Mic inputs, USB Wireless mic input, Stereo
Line Input channel and Bluetooth®
• Bass and Treble controls on the first three input channels.
• USB jack for connecting a Samson XPD Wireless microphone receiver.
• Sixteen, 24-bit digital effects.
• Bluetooth® connectivity allows you to stream wireless audio from your
smartphone, tablet, or computer.
• Sub output allows for connecting an active subwoofer to expand the system.
• Includes 2 x 10’ speaker cables.
6

Getting Started
1. Remove the mixer by turning the quarter turn screw counterclockwise towards the
RELEASE position.
LOCK
RELEASE
2. Carefully hold the mixer to remove it from the speaker.
3. Remove the accessory compartment
cover by turning the quarter turn screw
counterclockwise towards the RELEASE
position, and remove the included AC and
speaker cables.
4. Replace the accessory panel by aligning
the bottom of the panel with the slots.
Make sure the quarter turn screw is in the
RELEASE position; then close the panel
and turn the quarter turn screw clockwise
to LOCK.
XP300 • Portable PA System 7

5. Position the speakers on the floor or on standard
speaker stands.
Getting Started
6. Using one of the included speaker cables, connect the mixer’s LEFT SPEAKER OUT to the
left speaker’s input connector. Next, use the second included speaker cable to connect the
RIGHT SPEAKER OUT to the right speaker’s input connector.
8

Quick Start
1. Be sure that the XP300’s POWER switch is set to the OFF position.
2. Turn each of the channel LEVEL and MASTER volume controls fully counterclockwise, to
the “0” position.
3. Next, connect one side of the included power cable to the XP300 mixer’s power inlet and
the other to a grounded AC power outlet.
4. Connect your microphones using standard XLR cables, instruments using 1/4” phone
cables, and MP3 player using 1/8” cable, into the appropriate jacks on the mixer.
5. If using a Samson XPD Wireless Microphone ssytem, plug the receiver into the CH 2 USB
jack.
6. Switch on all equipment connected to the XP300 first, then switch the XP300’s POWER
switch to the ON position.
7. Turn the MASTER level control about 1/2 of the way up.
8. Start talking or playing into channel 1 while slowly adjusting the LEVEL control until you
have reached the desired level. Do the same for each channel you are using.
9. If you notice that the LIMITER indicator is lighting constantly, turn the MASTER volume
down so that the indicator only lights occasionally during loud hits.
XP300 • Portable PA System 9

Quick Start
To add depth to the mix or smooth out vocals, you can apply effects such as reverb to the first
two channels. To do this:
10. Use the PROGRAM selector to choose one of the 16 built-in digital effects.
11. Raise the EFFECTS level controls on the channel(s) to which you would like to add the
effect.
12. Slowly turn up the effects SEND knob until the desired sound is reached.
The XP300 input channels feature a 2-band equalizer allowing you to adjust the tonal
characteristic of the signal. You can independently adjust the bass and treble frequencies on
each channel. The channel’s frequency response is flat when the knobs are in the 12 o’clock
position.
13. If you find the audio too muddy, you may want to reduce the LF (low
frequency) control.
14. If you find that the audio sounds dull, you can increase the HF (high
frequency) control. There is no right or wrong way to EQ a sound. You
should listen to how the mix sounds in the room and fine-tune to your
liking.
10

Bluetooth®is a wireless communication technology that allows for connectivity between a wide range
of devices. In order for your device to work with the XP300 it must first be paired.
1. Turn all channel LEVEL controls down counterclockwise to 0.
2. With the XP300 and your Bluetooth device powered on; press the PAIR button on the top
panel of the XP300 mixer 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 “Samson XP300” device.
5. If your device asks for a passkey, enter digits 0000 (four zeros) and press OK. Some devic-
es may also ask you to accept the connection.
6. As the XP300 is connecting to your device, the Bluetooth indicator will quickly flash blue.
7. The XP300 speaker indicates that pairing is complete when the indicator turns steady
blue. You can now stream audio from your device to the XP300 speakers.
8. With the volume control on your Bluetooth device turned up, play some music, and slowly
raise the XP300 BLUETOOTH channel 5/6 LEVEL control until you have reached the
desired level.
Pairing with a Bluetooth® device
XP300 • Portable PA System 11

Configuring the XP300 for Transport
You can easily carry your sound system using the XP300 Slide and Lock feature. The Slide and
Lock speaker enclosures allow you to connect both speakers together into a single, easy to carry
unit. Follow these steps to configure the XP300 for transport.
4. You will feel a slight click when the two speak-
ers are in place.
1. Place one speaker on the floor and set it on its side.
2. Position the second speaker above the first speaker
and line up the “Slide and Lock” tracks and grooves
so that they are parallel to the speaker on the floor.
Speaker cabinets must be reversed with respect to top
and bottom.
3. Slide the second speaker into the speaker on the floor
making certain that the two speakers stay parallel to
each other.
5. The XP300 can now be carried or trans-
ported as a single unit.
12

XP300 Mixer Layout
1 3 4 9 10 11
2
7
8
12 13 14
5
6
19
17
18
16
15
1. XLR Mic Input Connectors (Channels 1-2) – Use these XLR jacks to connect low impedance
microphones, or low level signals from direct boxes, to the built-in mic preamps.
2. 1/4” Line Input Connector (Channel 1) – Use this 1/4” jack to connect instrument or audio
sources with line level signals.
3. USB WIRELESS Input – Connect the optional Samson XPD digital wireless USB receiver to
this input. The wireless receiver gets its power from the XP300, so no additional power
supply is needed. The input is routed to the CH 2 VOL control.
Note: The USB connector is for the Samson XPD receiver only. The connector is not
designed to charge smartphones, tablets, or similar devices.
4. Stereo Input Channel 3/4 – Use the Left (L) and Right (R) 1/4” inputs or stereo 1/8”
(3.5mm) input to connect stereo line level devices.
5. High Frequency (HF) – The HF knob controls the amount of treble applied to each channel.
The channel’s HIGH frequency response is flat when the knob is in the 12 o’clock or “0”
position. Rotating the knob to the right will boost the channel’s high frequency response
above 10 kHz up to 15 dB, and rotating it towards the left will cut the high frequency
response up to 15 dB.
6. Low Frequency (LF) – The LF knob controls the amount of bass applied to each channel.
The channel’s LOW frequency response is flat when the knob is in the 12 o’clock or “0”
position. Rotating the knob to the right will boost the channel’s low frequency response
below 100 Hz up to 15 dB, and rotating it towards the left will cut the low frequency
response up to 15 dB.
7. EFFECTS Knobs – Use the EFFECTS control knobs to add one of the sixteen digital effects
to the Channel 1 or 2 input channels. As the knob is rotated clockwise, the level of signal
sent to the effects bus is increased.
XP300 • Portable PA System 13

XP300 Mixer Layout
8. VOL Control Knobs – These knobs set the overall level for each input channel.
NOTE: To reduce noise, set the VOLUME controls on any unused channels to the minimum
setting.
9. Pairing Indicator – Displays the Bluetooth status of the XP300 system.
10. Pairing Button – Press this button to enable discoverable mode in order to pair with a
Bluetooth audio device.
11. SPEAKER OUT Jacks – The XP300 has two 1/4” phone connectors, which are powered
outputs used to connect your left and right speakers. Use the included speaker cables to
connect the speakers.
CAUTION: The total impedance load for each side of the amplifier must not be less than 8
ohms. Do not connect additional speakers to the XP300 mixer.
12. Effects PROGRAM Selector – This control knob is used to select one of 16, 24–bit DSP
effects programs.
13. EFFECTS Send Knob – The EFFECTS Send knob is used to adjust the total amount of effects
added to the master bus.
14. MASTER Volume Knob – The MASTER volume knob controls the overall output level.
Signals from all six channels are routed here just before being routed to the built-in power
amplifiers and Left and Right Speaker Output jacks.
15. IEC Inlet – Connect the supplied heavy-gauge 3-pin “IEC” power cable here.
16. POWER Switch – Use the POWER switch to turn power to the XP300 on or off.
17. Power/Peak Indicator – This LED will illuminate GREEN when the MAIN power switch is
turned on, and light RED when the when the amp is near the clipping point. If the Peak
indicator lights frequently, turn down the MASTER volume control or turn down the input
channel VOL controls, until the indicator does not light anymore, or lights only occasionally
with signal peaks.
18. SUB OUT Connector – This full-range output is used to send the main mix to an external
active subwoofer. The signal present at this connector is the after the MASTER level
control.
19. Mixer Lock – Turn this quarter turn lock counterclockwise, to the RELEASE position, to
remove the mixer from the rear of the speaker cabinet. When transporting the XP300,
make sure the lock is in the LOCK position.
14

Specifications
Amplifier
RMS Power 300 W @ 4Ω (150 W per channel)
Frequency Response 40 Hz - 20 kHz
Power Consumption AC Input 100V~240V 50/60Hz 180W
Operating Temperature 14° F (-10° C) to 104° F (40° C)
Speakers
Low Frequency 6” bass transducer
High Frequency 1” tweeter
Mixer
Inputs XLR, 1/4”, 3.5mm stereo, USB Wireless
Outputs 1/4” Sub Out, 1/4” Speaker output
Phantom Power +24V DC, Fixed Phantom Voltage
Input Channel EQ High 10 kHz Shelving ±15 dB
Low 100 Hz Shelving ±15 dB
Effects 16 Preset, 24-bit DSP
Indicators Two Color LED - Power/Peak
Bluetooth® Bluetooth 3.0, A2DP
Modulation Technique FHSS (GFSK, π/4-DQPSK, 8-DPSK)
Dimensions and Weight
Dimensions
Length 15.6”/395 mm
Width 8.6”/218 mm
Height 13.9”/354 mm
Weight 24 lbs/10.8 kgs
At Samson, we are continually improving our products, therefore specifications and
images are subject to change without notice.
XP300 • Portable PA System 15

Samson Technologies Corp.
278-B Duffy Ave
Hicksville, New York 11801
Phone: 1-800-3-SAMSON (1-800-372-6766)
Fax: [phone]
www.samsontech.com