Samson Auro D1200 User manual

OWNER'S MANUAL

Copyright 2013 - Samson Technologies Corp.
V3.1
Samson Technologies Corp.
45 Gilpin Avenue
Hauppauge, New York 11788-8816
Phone: 1-800-3-SAMSON (1-800-372-6766)
Fax: [phone]
www.samsontech.com

Important Safety Information
CAUTION: TO REDUCE THE RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK,
DO NOT REMOVE COVER (OR BACK). NO USER-SERVICE-
ABLE 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 “danger-
ous 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 in-
structions in the literature accompanying the appliance.
AVIS
RISQUE DE CHOC ÉLECTRONIQUE -
NE PAS OUVRIR
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,
recovery and recycling and thus prevent potential negative effects on the environment and hu-
man health.

Important Safety Information
1. Read these instructions.
2. Keep these instructions.
3. Heed all warnings.
4. Follow all instructions.
5. This apparatus shall not be exposed
to dripping or splashing liquid and no
object filled with liquid, such as a vase,
should be placed on the apparatus.
6. Clean only with a dry cloth.
7. Do not block any of the ventilation
openings. Install in accordance with the
manufacturer's instructions.
8. Do not install near any heat sources such
as radiators, heat registers, stoves, or
other apparatuses (including amplifiers)
that produce heat.
9. Only use attachments/accessories speci-
fied by the manufacturer.
10. Unplug this apparatus during lightning
storms or when not in use for long peri-
ods of time.
11. Do not override the intended purpose of
the polarized or grounding-type plug. A
polarized plug has two blades, with one
wider than the other. A grounding-type
plug has two blades and a third ground-
ing prong. The wide blade, or third prong,
is provided for your safety. If the provided
plug does not fit your outlet, consult an
electrician to replace the obsolete outlet.
12. Protect the power cord from being walked
on or pinched, particularly at the prongs,
convenience receptacles, the point where
they exit from the apparatus.
13. Use only with the cart stand, tripod
bracket, or table specified by the manu-
facture, or sold with the
apparatus. When a cart
is used, utilize caution
when moving the cart/
apparatus combination to
avoid injury from tip-over.
14. Refer all servicing to qualified service
personnel. Servicing is required if the
apparatus has been damaged in any way,
such as power-supply cord or plug break-
age, damage due to liquid or objects fall-
ing onto the apparatus, exposure to rain
or moisture, or if the apparatus does not
operate normally, or has been dropped.
15. POWER ON/OFF SWITCH: For products
with a power switch, the power switch
DOES NOT break the connection from
the mains.
16. MAINS DISCONNECT: The plug should
remain readily operable. For rack-mount
or installation where plug is not acces-
sible, an all-pole mains switch with a
contact separation of at least 3 mm in
each pole shall be incorporated into
the electrical installation of the rack or
building.
17. FOR UNITS EQUIPPED WITH EXTER-
NALLY ACCESSIBLE FUSE RECEP-
TACLE: Replace fuse with same type and
rating only.
18. MULTIPLE-INPUT VOLTAGE: This equip-
ment may require the use of a different
line cord, attachment plug, or both,
depending on the available power source
at installation. Connect this equipment
only to the power source indicated on the
equipment rear panel. To reduce the risk
of fire or electric shock, refer servicing to
qualified service personnel or equivalent.
19. WARNING: The mains plug/appliance
coupler is used as disconnect device, the
disconnect device shall remain readily
operable.

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Table of Contents
Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Auro D1200 Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Quick Start . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Controls and Functions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Configuring Your Speaker System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Positioning the Subwoofer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Setting the Low Pass Filter (LPF) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Polarity. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Connections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Specifications. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Auro D1200 Active Subwoofer 5

Thank you for purchasing the Samson Auro D1200 professional, powered subwoofer.
The Auro D1200 is a compact and powerful speaker cabinet featuring a 12", long
excursion driver, and complemented by a 700 Watt class-D power amplifier. The
subwoofer offers stereo, full-range outputs for running your satellite speakers or link-
ing multiple D1200 cabinets together to create larger sound reinforcement systems.
The Auro cabinet is constructed with 15 mm plywood, heavy-duty textured black
paint and oversized steel handles offering excellent protection against wear and tear,
for truly portable audio. The D1200 active subwoofer is ideal for live music, DJ, and
installed sound applications, or anywhere serious power and superior sound quality
are desired.
In these pages, you’ll find a detailed itemization of the features of the Auro powered
subwoofer, as well as a description of its controls, step-by-step instructions for its
setup and use, and full specifications. You’ll also find a warranty card enclosed—
please don’t forget to fill it out and mail it in so that you can receive online techni-
cal support, and so that we can send you updated information about this and other
Samson products. Also, be sure to check out our website (www.samsontech.com) for
complete information about our full product line.
With proper care and adequate air circulation, your Auro D1200 will operate trouble-
free for many years. We recommend you record your serial number in the space
provided below for future reference.
Serial number: _______________________________
Date of purchase: ____________________________
Should your unit ever require servicing, a Return Authorization (RA) number must
be obtained before shipping your unit to Samson. Without this number, the unit will
not be accepted. Please call Samson at 1-800-3SAMSON (1-800-372-6766) for an
RA number prior to shipping your unit. Please retain the original packing materials
and, if possible, return the unit in its original carton and packing materials. If you
purchased your Samson product outside the United States, please contact your local
distributor for warranty and service information.
Introduction
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Auro D1200 Features
The Samson Auro D1200 powered subwoofer utilizes the latest technology in loud-
speaker and power amplifier design. Here are some of its main features:
• Heavy-duty, 12" low frequency transducer with 2.5" voice coil
• Built-in 700 Watt, highly efficient class-D power amplifier
• Dual balanced XLR/¼" combo inputs
• Dual parallel XLR full range outputs
• Variable low pass filter control (80Hz - 200Hz)
• Three-position DSP contour control to adjust the tonal characteristic of the
subwoofer
• Selectable polarity control
• Two large, steel carry handles
• 13 / 8" (35mm) pole mount receptacle
• Heavy-duty steel grill
• Internally braced, 15mm plywood construction
• Durable textured black polyurethane paint
Auro D1200 Active Subwoofer 7

Unpack the Auro D1200 and all included components.
Be sure to save the packaging in case you ever move, or
need to send the unit for service.
Quick Start
The Auro D1200 subwoofer is a perfect addition to your portable sound system. Fol-
low these steps to easily integrate the D1200 in your current setup.
Set the Auro D1200 subwoofer and satellite speaker(s)
appropriately for the performance venue. The D1200 has
a 13 / 8" speaker pole receptacle, so you can mount a satel-
lite speaker directly on top of the D1200 using a satellite
mounting pole (such as the Samson TS20).
Turn all speakers (and amplifiers) off, and
turn the level controls completely down.
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Plug the supplied power cable into an AC outlet
and turn the Power switch on your D1200 and
satellite speaker(s) to the ON position.
Note: Always make sure that the AC outlet used
with this unit is configured with the correct volt-
age, as indicated on the rear panel of the Auro
loudspeaker.
Connect an XLR cable from the THRU output of the
Auro D1200 to the line input of your active satellite
speaker(s) or power amplifiers.
Connect a line-level signal from your mixer (or other
source) to a LINE INPUT jack on the Auro D1200. If you
are using a single subwoofer with stereo satellite speak-
ers, connect the left and right output of the mixer to the
stereo (Channel A & B) input jacks on the Auro D1200.
Quick Start
Auro D1200 Active Subwoofer 9

Quick Start
Run an audio signal (such as music from a CD) from your mixer, and check that you
are getting good levels using the mixer's output meter.
Slowly raise the satellite speaker(s) level control until
you have reached a comfortable level. Then raise the
Auro D1200 Level control until you have reached a
level that sits well within the rest of the mix.
If the volume from the D1200 gets too loud, or you notice the LIMITER indicator
blinking frequently, turn down the Level control on the Auro D1200 a little until the
LIMITER indicator does not light, or only lights occasionally with signal peaks.
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Controls and Functions
1. LINE INPUTS (A and B) - The D1200 features balanced XLR/¼" stereo line in-
puts. The left (A) and right (B) input signals are mixed together before they are
routed to the internal amplifier.
2. THRU Outputs (A and B) - Full range male XLR stereo line outputs. These outputs
can be used to connect another subwoofer, or send full range signal to your
main PA loudspeakers.
3. GAIN Control - This control adjusts the overall signal level at the input of the in-
ternal power amplifier. This control does not affect the signal sent to the THRU
outputs.
4. SIGNAL Indicator - The green SIGNAL LED lights whenever signal is present at
the D1200's inputs.
5. LIMITER Indicator - This yellow LED lights when the amp is near the clipping
point and the limiter is engaged. If the LIMITER indicator lights frequently,
turn down the GAIN control on the Auro subwoofer or turn down the signal at
the source, until the indicator does not light anymore, or lights only occasion-
ally with high signal peaks.
6. PROTECT Indicator - This LED lights RED when the amp overheats or other
problems have been detected. If the PROTECT indicator lights due to the level
being too high, the amplifier will limit the audio and lower the output level.
Turn the GAIN control down until the PROTECT indicator is no longer lit. When
the unit cools, the amplifier will raise the level back up.
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Auro D1200 Active Subwoofer 11

Controls and Functions
7. LPF (Hz) - Adjusts the low frequency filter
end range of the subwoofer from 80Hz-
200Hz. This setting does not affect the
signal sent to the THRU outputs.
8. DSP - The Auro D1200 DSP has three
EQ contour curves: NORMAL, DEEP, and
BOOST. The NORMAL setting produces
the standard frequency response for the
subwoofer and works best for most applications. BOOST enhances frequen-
cies at 100Hz to add punch and strengthen the kick drum frequency band.
The DEEP setting extends the low frequencies down to widen the range of the
subwoofer.
Note: While the DEEP setting might increase the low frequency response of the
Auro D1200, low frequencies use more power and reduce the overall headroom
of the amplifier.
9. POLARITY Switch - Use this switch to set the polarity of the amplified signal. In
the NORMAL setting, there is no change to the signal. When the switch is set to
the in REVERSE setting, the signal's polarity is changed by 180°. The setting of
the POLARITY switch has no effect on the signal sent to the THRU outputs.
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10. AC INPUT - Connect the supplied standard IEC AC power cable here.
11. POWER Switch - Switches on the Auro D1200 main power.
12. Voltage Switch - Slide to change the operating voltage from 115 to 230 volts.
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Configuring Your Speaker System
Before you start plugging in cables, you should take a minute to decide how you
want to interface your new Auro D1200. Most system set-ups fall into one of two
categories: Stereo or Mono sub operation.
In most cases, a common (mono) sub
bass setup is preferable. Low frequencies
produced by a subwoofer tend to be non-
directional. Since low frequency waves take
so much space to develop, it is difficult for
the ear to tell if sub bass is coming from
the left or right side (unless, of course
you’re in a very large room). Because of this
phenomenon, just about all sub bass mate-
rial is mixed in mono.
Follow the steps below for a system set-up
using the D1200 with a mixer and a pair of powered satellite loudspeakers.
• Lower your mixer’s master outputs until they are turned off.
• Connect the mixer’s left output to the D1200 left (A) LINE INPUT, and the mix-
er’s right output to the D1200 right (B) LINE INPUT.
• Connect the D1200 left (A) THRU output to the line input of the left side pow-
ered satellite, or power amplifier (if using passive speakers) and the D1200 right
(B) THRU output to the line input of the right side satellite or power amplifier (if
using passive speakers).
• Set the level of your powered satellites up to normal operating level. Run an
audio signal (such as music from a CD) through your mixer, and raise the level to
a comfortable listening volume.
• Slowly raise the D1200 Level control and adjust the D1200 GAIN control to the
desired low frequency output.
• When you raise and lower your mixer’s output, the D1200 and satellites will track
at the same relative volume.
Mono Sub Operation
Auro D1200 Active Subwoofer 13

Configuring Your Speaker System
In larger rooms, as well as in theaters
and theme park installations (for low fre-
quency special audio effects), two or more
Auro D1200's can be used in stereo. For
additional low-end, you can daisy chain
a pair of Auro D1200 subwoofers to each
side of your speaker system using the par-
allel THRU outputs.
To create a stereo full range audio system,
two D1200s can be used with any pair of
powered full range enclosures (like the
Samson Auro D208 and D210). Follow
these steps below for a system set-up
using two D1200s with a mixer and a pair
of powered satellite loudspeakers.
• Lower your mixer’s master outputs until they are turned off.
• Connect the mixer’s left output to the left side D1200 LINE INPUT A, and the
mixer’s right output to the right side D1200 LINE INPUT B.
• Connect the left side D1200 THRU A output to the line input of the left powered
satellite, and the right side D1200 THRU B output to the line input of the right
satellite.
• Set the level of your powered satellites up to normal operating level. Run an
audio signal (such as music from a CD) through your mixer, and raise the level to
a comfortable listening volume.
• Slowly raise the D1200 GAIN controls and adjust the two subwoofers to the
desired level of low frequency output.
• When you raise and lower your mixer’s output, the two D1200 subwoofers and
satellites will track at the same relative volume.
Stereo Sub Operation
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Positioning the Subwoofer
The placement of the subwoofer can affect the overall performance of your system
since room acoustics may create standing waves, an acoustical phenomenon that
causes certain bass frequencies to sound louder. Here are a few points you should
consider when setting up your system which can help you achieve optimal perfor-
mance in your space.
The ideal placement of the subwoofer is as close to the main front of house speak-
ers as possible, in order to blend the satellites and subwoofer. Mounting the satel-
lite speakers on top of the subwoofer allows you to align the drivers. The closer the
subwoofer is to a wall, the louder the bass frequencies will sound, and you can adjust
the mix between the subwoofer and satellite speakers by moving the subwoofer closer
to and further from a wall.
Avoid placing the subwoofer in a corner. This can make the subwoofer appear to be
louder, but only for a limited frequency band, and will make the mix sound "boomy"
and not well defined. The best way to increase the overall level of bass is to add a
second Auro D1200.
Auro D1200 Active Subwoofer 15

Setting the Low Pass Filter (LPF)
The Auro D1200 LPF (low pass filter) control gives you the ability to tune the
subwoofer to match your sound and room. The LPF control adjusts the internal
crossover of the subwoofer from 80Hz-200Hz. Use the below points as guidelines
when setting up your sound system, but always use and trust your ears when finding
a setting that sounds good and fits your application.
The goal is to seamlessly integrate the subwoofer with rest of your speakers to extend
the frequency range of your system, rather than produce an unnatural, boomy mix.
You do not want the subwoofer and the main speaker to reproduce the same frequen-
cies, as this will create duplication of low frequencies, and create an imbalanced
mix.
A good place to start is to use the frequency response of your speaker cabinets. You
can usually find this information in the documentation included with your speak-
ers. Set the Auro D1200 subwoofer LPF to the lowest frequency that your satellite
speaker produces.
If your satellite speakers are large (12" or 15") set the low pass filter to 80Hz. If
your speakers are small (8” or 10”) set the low pass filter in the 100Hz range. If you
have an oscillator (there are many free oscillator smartphone and tablet apps avail-
able), slowly sweep from 400Hz down to 40Hz, and listen to how the subwoofer and
speakers blend together. You may need to raise or lower the LPF control to create the
smoothest frequency response.
If you do not have an oscillator, use music tracks that have a steady bass line and
kick drum. Slowly adjust the LPF until you find the optimum setting.
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Polarity
A speaker reproduces sound by converting electrical signal into physical vibration.
This physical vibration, in turn, pushes air to create sound waves. When setting up
your speaker system, the goal is to have all speakers moving in phase, with the in
and out movement of the speakers synchro-
nized. This produces an even sound across
all audible frequencies. If the subwoofer
is out of phase with the full range front of
house speakers, you may notice decreased
bass response, or even bass frequency
cancellation where satellite and subwoofer
frequency responses overlap. Many times
this phenomenon is very subtle, but it can
produce the effect of “holes” in the music,
and diminished bass frequencies.
Ideally, your Auro D1200 subwoofer should be positioned on the same plane as your
satellite speakers. In reality, we know this is difficult, as there are restrictions when
setting up a PA system due to space limitations, speaker stand configuration, or even
speaker cabinet shape. To compensate for these obstacles, the Auro D1200 features
a Phase switch, which allows you to reverse the polarity of the subwoofer relative to
the source signal. This enables you to put the D1200 in phase with the rest of your
PA system, or 180° out of phase.
To determine if the audio produced by your D1200 is in phase with the rest of your
PA system, play an audio track containing a lot of bass frequencies through your
speaker system. Stand at a good listening distance, where you can clearly hear the
audio from the subwoofer(s) and mains speaker(s), and listen until you believe you
have a good gauge of the level of bass frequencies. Press the Phase switch on the
D1200 to reverse the phase by 180°, and move back to your original listening posi-
tion (if possible, have someone else press the Phase switch so that you can stand in
the exact same location). Compare the overall level of the bass frequencies between
the two settings. The correct setting will result in more bass frequencies. If the situ-
ation allows, you can fine-tune the phase of your D1200 to your satellite speakers by
moving the relative position of the subwoofer closer or further away from the listening
position.
Time
Amplitude
0° 90° 180° 270° 360°
Phase SW = NORMAL
Phase SW = INVERT
Auro D1200 Active Subwoofer 17

Connections
Sleeve (ground) Sleeve (ground)Sleeve (ground)
Tip (signal) Tip (signal)
Signal
Unbalanced ¼” Connector to RCA
Ground
Ground Ground Ground Sleeve (ground)Sleeve (ground)
Tip (signal) Tip (signal)SignalSignalSignalSignal
Unbalanced ¼” Connector
GroundGroundGroundGround Sleeve (ground)Sleeve (ring)Sleeve (ground)
Ring (signal) Signal (tip)
Signal (ring)Tip (signal)
Sleeve (ring)
Signal (tip) Signal (tip)
Signal (tip) Ring (signal)
Tip (signal)Signal (ring)
Balanced TRS ¼” Connector
Solder PointsEnd View
Sleeve (ground)
Cold (3)
Cold (3)
Hot (2)
Common (1)
Male XLR
Signal
Ground Sleeve (ground)
Signal (tip) Ring (signal)
Tip (signal)Signal (ring)
XLR to Balanced ¼”
Cold (3)Cold (3)
Hot (2) Hot (2)
Common (1)
Male XLR Female XLR
Cold
Solder PointsSolder Points End ViewEnd View
Cold
Hot Hot CommonCommon Common (1)
XLR to XLR Balanced
The Auro D1200 features balanced inputs and outputs with industry standard XLR
and ¼" connectors. Whenever possible, use high quality balanced connections to
other equipment to suppress interference. See the wiring diagram below for Auro
D1200 connectors.
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Specifications
Amplifier
Power 700 watts
Design Class-D
Transducer
Driver 12" paper cone, 2.5" voice coil diameter
Sensitivity 95dB SPL @ 1w/1m
Acoustic Performance
Frequency Response 45Hz - 200Hz (+/-3 dB)
Max. SPL (700 watts) 126 dB SPL @ 1m
Electronic Crossover
Crossover Type 24 dB/oct Linkwitz-Riley
Crossover Frequency 80Hz-200Hz
Controls and Connectors
Inputs (A and B) Balanced Female XLR/¼ Combo - Line Level
Thru Outputs (A and B) Balanced Male XLR - Line Level
Controls Master Level Rotary, DSP Switch, Phase Switch,
LPF Rotary
Indicators Signal, Limiter, Protect
Power Supply
Power Consumption 800 W max.
AC Connector 3-pin IEC 250 VAC, 20 A male
Fuse 250V / T5AH
Enclosure
Construction 15 mm plywood
Finish Textured black polyurethane paint
Handles 2 x Steel
Grill Perforated steel
Mounting Method Integral 1 3/8" (35 mm) Pole Mount Receptacle
Dimensions and Weight
Dimensions 15.55" L x 19" W x 18" H
395 mm L x 483.5 mm W x 457 mm H
Weight 42 lbs
19 kg
At Samson, we are continually improving our products, therefore specifications and
images are subject to change without notice.
Auro D1200 Active Subwoofer 19