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17
Setting the Correct Gain Structure
k. Repeat step (i) above for each instrument connected to TM300 channel line inputs.
l. The procedure for setting optimum microphone levels is virtually identical; sing or
speak into the mic at the level you expect to use in performance while slowly raising the
fader for that channel to its “0” position. Then adjust the Trim control for that channel
while watching the segment meter and channel Peak LED. You should expect that
microphone inputs will require rather more in the way of Trim boost than line inputs.
m. The general idea behind using the internal DSP is to drive it as hot as possible (short
of overloading it) and to then use the Aux Return 2 control to carefully set the amount of
processed signal you want to hear. (Note: When operating the TM300 in a “split mono”
configuration, the Aux Return 2 control determines the amount of processed signal in the
main [left] output and the Rev To Aux 1 Level control determines the amount of
processed signal in the monitor [right] output.) Press in the DSP On/Off switch to
activate the internal DSP and then select one of the three preset reverb effects for the
DSP. Begin by setting the Aux Return 2 control to its “0” (2 o’clock) position (this can
later be adjusted if you want to hear more or less processed signal). Next, using a
channel that has already had its gain structure adjusted in step (i) or (k) above, play the
instrument (or sing into the microphone) connected to that channel while slowly turning
the Aux Send 2 knob for that channel clockwise until you hear the desired amount of
processed signal added to the dry signal. If you hear any distortion, lower the amount of
signal being sent to the DSP by turning that channel’s Aux send 2 knob (or the main Aux
Send 2 knob) counterclockwise. For more information, see the “Using the Aux Sends
and Returns” and “Using DSP” sections on pages 20 and 22 in this manual.
n. If you have any outboard signal processors connected to the Aux send 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 TM300 Aux Sends. As with the internal DSP, the idea is to drive these
devices as hot as possible (short of overloading them) and then to use the 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 (i) or (k) above. Turn the Aux Send 1 knob for that channel to
its “0” (unity gain) position and 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
just occasional higher excursions). Then it’s time to optimize the Aux Return level.
While continuing to play your instrument (or continuing to sing into the microphone),
slowly raise the Aux Return level control until you hear the desired amount of processed
signal added to the dry signal. Repeat for any external device connected to the Aux 2
Send jack (which is active only when the DSP On/Off switch is “off”). For more
information, see the “Using the Aux Sends and Returns” section on page 20 in this
manual.
o. The gain structure is now correctly set—you’ve optimized the level of all signals
coming into and out of the TM300, and the end result will be minimum noise and
distortion and maximum clean sound. You can now connect unity gain devices (such as
compressors, limiters, and noise gates) as needed to the channel and/or main inserts.
You’ll find that the majority of your mixes can be accomplished with most channel faders
at or near their 0 (unity gain) position and that the channel peak LEDs rarely if ever light
(remember, if they do light, it means that something is distorting!). If you need to make
adjustments to the overall level, use the main left/right stereo faders.
If you encounter difficulty with any aspect of setting up or using your TM300, you can call
Samson Technical Support (1-800-372-6766) between 9 AM and 5 PM EST.
ENGLISH