10
Guided Tour - Rear Panel
5: Aux Sends 1 - 2 - These unbalanced outputs allow you to route signal from each of the two discrete Effects Sends to
external devices such as effects processors. Aux Send 1 is pre-fade and pre-EQ, while Aux Send 2 is post-fade and
post-EQ. See the “Using the Aux Sends and Returns” section on page 19 in this manual for more information.
6: Pre Out (L, R) - These two unbalanced outputs provide a stereo line-level output from the SD8 mixer section; they
are normally used to connect the unit to self-powered speakers or to an external power amplifier and speakers where
additional power is required or where additional amplifier feeds are necessary. The Pre outputs are not affected by the
ten-band graphic master equalizer but are affected by the SD8’s Main Level control.
7: Amp In (L, R) - These two unbalanced inputs allow you to connect any external stereo line-level signal directly to the
SD8 power amplifier. When connection is made to either of these jacks, the internal connection between the SD8 mixer
and SD8 power amplifier is broken, and all channel inputs are muted. The Amp inputs are not affected by either the
ten-band graphic master equalizer or the SD8’s Main Level control. The Amp In jacks can optionally also be used as
insert patch points as follows:
• Ring - A preamp output which is affected by both the ten-band graphic master equalizer and the SD8’s Main
Level control.
• Tip - An amp input which is not affected by either the ten-band graphic master equalizer or the SD8’s Main
Level control.
For more information about the use of the Amp In jacks as insert patch points, contact Samson Technical Support
(1-800-372-6766) between 9 AM and 5 PM EST.
8: Monitor Out - This unbalanced output provides a monophonic line-level output, affected by the front panel Monitor
level control (see #6 on page 8) but unaffected by the Main Level control (see #4 on page 8). It is normally used to
connect the unit to an external monitor mixer/amplifier/speaker system so that the performers can receive an onstage
monitor mix independent of the house mix. See the “Using the Aux Sends and Returns” section on page 19 of this
manual for more information.
9: Speaker Outputs - These are the SD8’s main outputs; use these four unbalanced jacks (two of which carry the left
signal and two of which carry the right) to connect the SD8 to loudspeakers rated at 4 ohms or greater (that is, 4, 8, or 16
ohms). The lower the ohm rating, the greater the power output. We recommend the use of 4 ohm speakers for long-term
usage. The SD8 delivers 250 watts of power per channel into 4 ohms at less than 1% THD (Total Harmonic Distortion).
In order to ensure correct phase correlation, the tip of the SD8 speaker jack should be connected to the “+” (hot) input
of your loudspeaker, and the sleeve of the SD8 speaker jack should be connected to the “-” (ground) input of your
loudspeaker.
10: CD/Tape In - Use these dual RCA input jacks to connect the output from a CD or tape player to the SD8. When
connected, the stereo signal appears at Channels 7 and 8, at unity gain (the Trim control for those channels will have no
effect), mixed in with any mic or line signal connected to those channels. From there, the signals can be panned as
required, equalized if necessary, and routed to either Aux send (for routing to connected external processors), to the
internal DSP, and/or to the Monitor output.
11: Heat sink - Make sure this anodized aluminum heat sink is unobstructed when the SD8 is powered on. In particular,
we recommend that you keep the rear of the rack open in order to release heat. If your rack does not have a removable
rear, space should be left open on the front of the rack cabinet, especially immediately above the SD8—remember, heat
rises!
12: Carrying handle - Use this convenient carrying handle whenever transporting the SD8. Alternatively, the SD8 can
be mounted in any standard 19" rack (taking just four spaces) by removing this handle and installing the supplied rack
ears.
