Samson 120a Car Amplifier User Manual


 
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Congratulations on purchasing the Samson Servo 120a Power Amplifier! Although designed for easy operation,
we suggest you first take some time to go through these pages so you can fully understand how we’ve imple-
mented a number of unique features.
The Servo 120a is a single rack-space stereo power amplifier which is optimized for use in both professional and
project recording studio environments as well as for live performance. It delivers 60 watts of power per channel
into 4 ohms (or, in Bridge mode, 120 watts into 8-ohms) over the full frequency spectrum, from 3 Hz to 65 kHz.
Both balanced 1/4" TRS and unbalanced RCA-type input connectors are provided, along with 5-way binding
post output connectors. Front-panel controls and displays include a power switch, independent left- and right-
channel input level controls, ten-segment LED meters, a Protection LED, and a convenient headphone jack and
speaker on/off switch for private cue monitoring. Suggested applications for the Servo120 include:
Amplification for nearfield monitors or cue headphones in both professional and project studios
-
Its
superb audio specs and whisper-quiet performance (its convection cooling design means there is no fan),
along with its unique front-panel speaker on-off switch and dedicated headphone jack, make the Servo
120a the perfect complement to any recording studio.
Home Theatre applications
-
The power and flexibility offered by the Servo 120a (it can be used either as a
60 watt stereo amplifier, or, in bridge mode, as a 120 watt monophonic amp) makes it the perfect addition
to any home theatre, in conjunction with any DVD player or other surround sound system. For example, use
it in stereo mode to drive your main front left/right speakers, using your home stereo to drive the
rear
satel-
lite speakers—or use the Servo 120a in Bridge mode to drive your center channel or subwoofer with power
galore.
As an extension to a home hi-fi system
- The Servo 120a boasts professional specs which far exceed that
of most consumer products. For a real “studio” experience in your own home, try connecting your home
hi-fi amplifier’s auxiliary outputs to the Servo 120a’s inputs (thus using your hi-fi amp as a preamplifier) and
then connect your existing speakers to the Servo 120a’s outputs. If you fall in love with the sound (as we’re
sure you will), you might want to substitute a professional pre-amplifier for your existing hi-fi amp—and,
from there, you may well end up graduating to higher-level speakers. High quality sound is addicting—
don’t say we didn’t warn you!
Powering public address systems in permanent installations
- The Servo 120a can be used to effectively
drive PA speakers in installations such as classrooms and corporate conference rooms.
Onstage monitoring
- In small and medium-sized onstage areas (such as in clubs, lounges, etc.), the Servo
120a can be used to drive stage monitors, allowing the performers to hear themselves without having to
rely on onstage equipment amplification.
MIDI rack monitoring
- Taking only a single rack space, MIDI musicians can easily incorporate the Servo
120a into their existing rack of gear. Combined with a pair of high quality stage or studio speakers, this
makes for an excellent monitoring system that can accurately reproduce the broad range of frequencies
typically output by devices such as synthesizers, samplers, and digital audio workstations.
In these pages, you’ll find a detailed description of the many features of the Servo 120a Power Amplifier, as
well as a guided tour through its front and rear panels, step-by-step instructions for its setup and use, reference
appendices, 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 technical support and so we can send you updated information
about these and other Samson products in the future.
SPECIAL NOTE: Should your unit ever require servicing, a
Return Authorization
number (RA) is
neces-
sary. 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.
Introduction