SCM800

Eight-Channel Microphone Mixer

The Shure eight-channel microphone mixer, SCM800, user guide.

Version: 6 (2020-D)
 Shure Incorporated

Table of Contents
EQUALIZER FUNCTIONS 11
SCM800Eight-Channel Microphone Mixer 3
Internal Modifications 12
IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS 3 ABOUT PRINTED CIRCUIT BOARD MODIFICATIONS 12

Inserting A 15 dB Microphone Preamplifier Pad 12

Description 4
Line-Level Output to Mic-Level Output 13
Features 4
Disable Master Level Control 13
SCM800 Front Panel 4
Change Limiter Threshold 13
SCM800 REAR PANEL 6
Local Aux Operation 13

SYSTEM SETUP 7 Send/Return (Insert) to Direct Out 13

SCM800/E CONNECTIONS 7 Send/Return to Direct Out Post-Fader 13

OUTPUT LIMITER THRESHOLD SETTINGS 8 Remote Volume Control of Channels 14

LINKING MULTIPLE SCM800 MIXERS 9

Specifications 14
LINKING TO OTHER SHURE AUTOMATIC MIXERS 9
Replacement Parts 16
USING AN SCM800 AS A SUBMIXER 10

ADDITIONAL LINK CABLES 10 Service Statement 16

BASIC MIXER OPERATION 10 Certifications 16

LIMITER 10

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SCM800
Eight-Channel Microphone Mixer

IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

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. Allow sufficient distances for adequate ventilation and install in accordance
with the manufacturer’s instructions.
8. DO NOT install near any heat sources such as open flames, radiators, heat registers, stoves, or other apparatus (in­
cluding amplifiers) that produce heat. Do not place any open flame sources on the product.
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 wider blade or the third
prong are provided for your safety. If the provided plug does not fit into your outlet, consult an electrician for replace­
ment of the obsolete outlet.
10. PROTECT the power cord from being walked on or pinched, particularly at plugs, convenience receptacles, and the
point where they exit from the apparatus.
11. ONLY USE attachments/accessories specified by the manufacturer.
12. USE only with a 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 this apparatus during lightning storms or when unused for long periods of time.
14. REFER all servicing to qualified service personnel. Servicing 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,
the apparatus has been exposed to rain or moisture, does not operate normally, or has been dropped.
15. DO NOT expose the apparatus to dripping and splashing. DO NOT put objects filled with liquids, such as vases, on the
apparatus.
16. The MAINS plug or an appliance coupler shall remain readily operable.
17. The airborne noise of the Apparatus does not exceed 70dB (A).
18. Apparatus with CLASS I construction shall be connected to a MAINS socket outlet with a protective earthing connec­
tion.
19. To reduce the risk of fire or electric shock, do not expose this apparatus to rain or moisture.
20. Do not attempt to modify this product. Doing so could result in personal injury and/or product failure.
21. Operate this product within its specified operating temperature range.

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This symbol indicates that dangerous voltage constituting a risk of electric shock is present within this unit.

This symbol indicates that there are important operating and maintenance instructions in the literature accom­
panying this unit.

Description
The Shure Model SCM800 is a full­featured, eight­channel microphone mixer for sound reinforcement, general audio record­
ing, and audio­visual systems. Any low­impedance, balanced dynamic or condenser microphone, including a wireless micro­
phone system, can be used with the SCM800 mixer
Each SCM800 accepts up to eight microphone­ or line–level inputs and one aux­level input (two input jacks feed the same
channel). Up to four SCM800 mixers can be linked to provide up to 32 input channels. Each input channel has a two-band
equalizer, switchable microphone- or line-level operation, switchable 48 V phantom power, and a ¼-inch send/ receive insert
jack.
The SCM800 operates on 120 Vac power; the SCM800E operates on 230 Vac power. Both models are supplied with rack-
mounting hardware, link cable and removable block terminal connectors. An accessory rack panel adapter (Model RKC800,
available separately) converts the removable block input and output connectors to XLR connectors, and the Aux connectors to
phono jacks.

Features
• Compatible with Shure SCM810 and FP410 automatic microphone mixers
• Adjustable EQ per channel: low-frequency rolloff and highfrequency shelving
• 48 V phantom power selectable for each input
• Active balanced microphone- and line-level inputs and line-level output
• Highly RF-resistant chassis and circuitry
• LED indication of channel clipping
• Linking capability for systems up to 32 microphones
• Two Aux-level input jacks that feed one channel
• Insert jack on each channel
• Manual mixing of input channels
• Front-panel headphones output with level control
• Peak-responding output limiter with selectable thresholds and LED indicator

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SCM800 Front Panel

MODEL SCM800/E FRONT PANEL FIGURE 1

1. Microphone Channel Gain Controls 1 - 8:

Allows adjustment of microphone gain.

2. Input LED 1 - 8:
Lights red at 6 dB below clipping level.

3. Low-Cut Filter 1 - 8:
Recessed screwdriver adjustment provides adjustable low­frequency rolloff (high pass) to reduce undesirable low­frequen­
cy signals.

4. High-Frequency Shelving Filter 1 - 8:

Recessed screwdriver adjustment provides level boost or cut in mid/high frequency region for compensation of off-axis
lavalier microphones, or for cutting the high-frequency sibilance of vocal microphones.

5. AUX Level Control:

Sets the input level for aux-level equipment connected to the adjacent ¼-inch phone jack INPUT or rearpanel ¼-inch AUX
input.

6. AUX INPUT ¼-inch Phone Jack:

Mixes external auxiliary- or line-level sources, i.e., tape recorders, into output. Signal appears at output of all linked mixers.

7. MASTER Level Control:

Determines the overall mix level.

8. Output Level Meter:

Nine-segment LED meter indicates peak output signal level. Last LED indicates limiter action.

9. PHONES Control and ¼-inch Phone Jack:

Permits monitoring of mixer output through headphones. PHONES control determines headphones output level.

10. POWER LED:

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Lights green when unit is powered.

SCM800 REAR PANEL

MODEL SCM800/E REAR PANEL FIGURE 2

11. SCM800: 120 VAC Power Connector and Rocker Switch:

Switch turns unit on when power cord is plugged into 120 Vac.

SCM800E: 230 VAC Power Connector and Rocker Switch:

Switch turns unit on when power cord is plugged into 230 Vac.

12. DIP Switch:

The 7-position DIP switch provides control of the output limiter threshold (see DIP Switches).

13. LINK IN/OUT Jacks:

Permit multiple SCM800 mixers to be stacked for additional inputs.

14. LINE OUTPUT Removable Block Connector:

Active balanced line-level signal for connection to amplifiers, recorders or other mixers. If necessary, output level can be
changed to microphone level. Refer to the Internal Modifications section of this manual.

15. SEND/RECEIVE ¼-inch Insert Jacks:

Post-fader, post-EQ insert point to add external compressor/limiter, graphic or parametric EQ, or other signal processors.
Tip is send, ring is return. Can be modified for use as a Direct Out (see Internal Modifications).

16. AUX/INS/INS 3-Position Slide Switch:

Selects either aux input function or insert function for channel 8 (only) Insert jack. Left switch position is AUX IN; center and
right positions are INSERT. This switch is located behind Line Output connector.

17. INPUT 1-8 Removable Block Connectors:

Active balanced microphone- or line-level inputs.

18. Input 1 - 8 MIC/PHM/LINE 3-Position Slide Switch:

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Selects operation at either microphone-level (left), microphone-level with 48 V phantom power (center), or line-level (right)
signals. This switch is located behind the removable block connector.

SYSTEM SETUP
Rack mounting the SCM800/E
To mount an SCM800 or SCM800E in a standard 483 mm (19-inch) audio equipment rack so that the front panel faces out, as
shown in Figure 4. Then secure the mixer to the rack with the four supplied Phillips head screws.

RACK MOUNTING THE SCM800/E FIGURE 4

SCM800/E CONNECTIONS
Refer to Figure 5 and proceed as follows:

1. Connect microphone- or line-level signal sources to the Channel Input connectors (use conventional two-conductor
shielded cables).
2. Insert a screwdriver or similar tool into the slot above each block connector and adjust the input slide switch as re­
quired: microphone level (left position), 48 V phantom power (center position), or line level (right switch position).
3. Connect the Line Level Output of the SCM800/E to the input of other mixers, equalizers, amplifiers, or recorders. If mul­
tiple SCM800/E mixers are to be used, refer to the Mixer Linking paragraph of this manual.
4. If headphone monitors are to be used, plug them into the ¼-inch PHONES jack on the front panel.
5. Connect the power cord to a 120 Vac (SCM800) or 230 Vac (SCM800E) power source.

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SCM800/E AUDIO CONNECTIONS FIGURE 5

OUTPUT LIMITER THRESHOLD SETTINGS

The DIP switches on the rear-panel, shown below in Figure 3, control the output limiter threshold settings. Switches 5 and 6
change the output limiter threshold to OFF (default setting), +16 dBm, +8 dBm, or +4 dBm. Other settings are as shown in the
table at right. Refer to the Internal Modifications section of this manual for additional settings.

NOTE: Switches 1, 2, 3, 4 and 7 are inactive and are not used.

OUTPUT LIMITER THRESHOLD DIP SWITCH FIGURE 3

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DIP SWITCH FUNCTIONS

DIP Switch Position Limiter Threshold

5 Up, 6 Up Limiter Off (default)

5 Down, 6 Up +8 dBm

5 Up, 6 Down +16 dBm

5 Down, 6 Down +4 dBm

LINKING MULTIPLE SCM800 MIXERS

Up to four SCM800 mixers can be “linked” using the supplied link cables If additional inputs are needed. Such a configuration
can provide 32 mic inputs. Refer to Figure 6. When multiple SCM800 mixers are linked, all input signals appear at all linked
mixer outputs––there is no master­slave relationship. The output controls and functions of each linked mixer are post­link and
do not affect the signals appearing at other linked mixer outputs. Each mixer’s Master level control only controls its own output.
Each output can be used independently. In a linked system, the Aux input of any mixer appears at each linked mixer’s output.
See Internal Modifications to defeat the linking of Aux signals.
Link jacks should be connected sequentially: theLINK OUTof one mixer to the LINK IN of the next, leaving one LINK OUT and
one LINK IN unconnected.

NOTE: Each doubling of the number of linked mixers decreases the master output level by 6 dB.

LINKING MULTIPLE SCM800/E MIXERS FIGURE 6

LINKING TO OTHER SHURE AUTOMATIC MIXERS

An SCM800 can be interfaced with Shure SCM810 and FP410 automatic microphone mixers via the link jacks. Linking an
SCM800 is equivalent to adding an additional mixer with eight open microphones to a system. Because of the loading effects
of additional open microphones, only one SCM800 can be linked to an automatic system. When using more than one SCM800
with other Shure automatic mixers, connect them as described in the following section.

NOTE: When linking an SCM800 to an automatic system, use the SCM800 LINK OUT jack to interface with the LINK IN jack of the automatic system (see Fig­
ure 7).

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LINKING AN SCM800/E TO OTHER AUTOMATIC MIXERS FIGURE 7

USING AN SCM800 AS A SUBMIXER

The master output of the SCM800 (or the output of a mixer in a group of linked SCM800 mixers) can be connected to a chan­
nel input or the aux input of an automatic mixer, or other types of mixers. See Figure 8.

USING AN SCM800/E AS A SUBMIXER FIGURE 8

ADDITIONAL LINK CABLES

Additional 381 mm (15 in.) link cables are available as Shure Part No. 95A8889. Longer cables in a variety of lengths are avail­
able from Apple Computer as computer printer connections; they are variously referred to by Apple as “shielded serial cable
with two mini DIN­8 connectors,” and “Apple System Peripheral–8 Cable.”

BASIC MIXER OPERATION

1. Turn on the Power switch.
2. Adjust each channel level so that its Overload LED flickers only during very loud speech or noise.
3. Turn unused channel controls full counterclockwise.
4. Adjust the Low-Cut and High-Frequency controls adjacent to each Input Gain control until all microphones sound alike.
5. Adjust the SCM800 Master level control for the desired output level, as indicated by the output peak meter.
6. Adjust the headphones volume level with the PHONES control knob.

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LIMITER
The SCM800’s output limiter prevents distortion during loud program peaks without affecting normal program levels. Increasing
the individual or Master level controls will increase the average output and, in turn, the amount of limiting. The limiter prevents
excessive overloading of devices connected to the SCM800 output. As supplied, the limiter is defeated.
The limiter threshold can be set for a peak output level of +4, +8, or +16 dBm. With the threshold set at +16 dBm, the mixer
has 12 dB of headroom at a nominal level of +4 dBm. Refer to the Internal Modifications section for information on how to
change the limiter’s settings.

EQUALIZER FUNCTIONS
Low Cut Filter (High-Pass)
The low­cut (or high­pass) filter allows all frequencies above its cutoff point to pass from filter input to filter output without atten­
uation, while frequencies below the cutoff are attenuated (see Figure 9). The cutoff point is defined as the frequency where the
signal has dropped 3 dB relative to the flat, or bandpass, region. Below the cutoff point, the filter exhibits increasingly more at­
tenuation as the frequency diminishes. The rate at which this attenuation occurs is defined in decibels per octave (dB/oct). The
SCM800 has a one-pole, low-cut (highpass) filter of 6 dB per octave. Low-cut filters are ideally used for attenuating, or rolling
off, the audio signal where extraneous noise, excessive proximity effect, or other unwanted material is present. For example,
the low­frequency vibration cause by footsteps and vehicle traffic can be transmitted through microphone stands to the micro­
phone, and then into the sound system. These frequencies, typically ranging from 5 to 80 Hz, are generally not desirable.

LOW–CUT FILTER EFFECTS FIGURE 9

High-Frequency Shelving
The fixed­frequency equalizer produces a 6 dB boost or cut at 5 kHz and above (see Figure 10). High­frequency shelving is ex­
tremely useful for boosting flat frequency response, tempering very sibilant vocal microphones, or enhancing the sound of off-
axis lavalier microphones.

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HIGH-FREQUENCY SHELVING EFFECTS FIGURE 10

Internal Modifications
NOTE: Remove AC power before opening the unit.

ABOUT PRINTED CIRCUIT BOARD MODIFICATIONS

• A jumper is represented by “X” on the printed circuit board legend, a resistor is represented by an “R.”
• The first number in the reference designator indicates the channel number; i.e., R1027 refers to a Channel 1 resistor, and
X7216 refers to a Channel 7 jumper, etc.
• Components in the Master section are preceded by the number “9” (X901, etc.).
• The circuit board contains holes where resistors are to be added.
• A single drop of solder can serve as a jumper between adjacent jumper pads.
• All Channel modifications in this section use Channel 1 as an example.

Inserting A 15 dB Microphone Preamplifier Pad

Each channel’s microphone preamplifier gain can be reduced by 15 dB. This may be desirable with extremely high­output mi­
crophones.
To pad the gain of the MIC position:

1. Remove surface mount resistor R1023.

2. Solder a 680 Ω resistor at jumper X112. For a greater gain reduction, use a resistor with a value greater than 680 Ω.
Use a lesser value resistor for less reduction.

To pad the gain of the PHM (phantom) position:

1. Remove surface mount resistor R1026.

2. Solder a 1.5 kΩ resistor at jumper X110. This reduces gain by 8 dB. For a greater gain reduction, use a resistor with a
value greater than 1.5 kΩ. Use a lesser value resistor for less reduction

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NOTE: To compensate for higher output condenser microphones, the factory-set gain in the PHM position is 13 dB lower than
the gain in the MIC position.

Line-Level Output to Mic-Level Output

Procedure:

1. Short jumper X901.

2. Remove resistors R900 and R909.

Disable Master Level Control

The Master gain control can be disabled so it cannot be tampered with. The following table indicates the resistor value to be
used for the desired gain.

Master Section Gain Resistance

-6 dB 5.1 kΩ

0 10 kΩ

6 dB 20 kΩ

Procedure:
Remove resistor R9230. Install new resistor at jumper X914.

Change Limiter Threshold

All three threshold settings (+16, +8 and +4 dBm) can be changed. To shift the threshold down by 6 dB, resistor Rwill be 82 kΩ.
To shift the limiter thresholds up by 6 dB, R will be 330 kΩ.
Procedure:

1. Remove resistors R9177 and R9180.

2. Install new resistor R at jumper X907.

Local Aux Operation

With linked mixers, the Aux input from a modified mixer does not link.
Procedure:
Remove resistor R9024.

Send/Return (Insert) to Direct Out

Changes a channel’s ¼­inch insert jack to a Direct Out jack.

1. Remove jumpers at X101, X102, X105 and X106, and X808 if modifying channel 8.
2. Short resistors R1011 and R1020.

Send/Return to Direct Out Post-Fader

A channel’s Insert phone jack can be changed to Direct Out, post­fader.

1. Remove jumpers at X101, X102 and X105.

2. Short resistors at R1020.

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Remote Volume Control of Channels

The channel, aux, or master levels can be controlled remotely by a dc voltage via an external VCA (Voltage Controlled Amplifi­
er). An example of an external VCA is the ST­VCA1 from Radio Design Labs (1–800–281–2683 or www.rdlnet.com).
Procedure:
For channel control:

1. Connect the tip of a ¼-in. connector to the line input of the VCA, and the sleeve to the ground of the VCA.
2. Connect the ring to the line output of the VCA.
3. Plug the ¼-in. connector to the Insert jack of the SCM800.
4. Set the channel level control should be set to 5.

For Aux In control:

1. Connect the external source to the VCA line input.

2. Connect the VCA line output to the tip and sleeve of the SCM800 Aux input.
3. Set the Aux control to 5.

For Master control:

1. Connect SCM800 Line output to the VCA line input.

2. Connect the VCA line output to the external device (amplifier, tape recorder, etc.).
3. Set Master control to 5.

Specifications
Frequency Response
Voltage Gain
(typical, controls full clockwise)

Total Harmonic Distortion

<0.1%at +18 dBVoutput level, 50 Hz to 20 kHz(through 20 Hz-20 kHz filter); Input 1 and Master at 5, all
other controls full counterclockwise)

Hum and Noise

Equivalent Input Noise -125 dBV(150 Ω source; through 400 Hz-20 kHz filter)

Equivalent Input Hum and Noise -123 dBV(150 Ω source; through 20 Hz-20 kHz filter)

through 20 Hz-20 kHz filter; channel controls full coun­

Output Hum and Noise
terclockwise

Master full counterclockwise -90 dBV

Master full clockwise -62 dBV

Common Mode Rejection Ratio

>70 dB at 1 kHz

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Polarity
Mic/Line, Send inputs to all outputs are non-inverting; Aux input to all outputs is inverting

Overload and Shorting Protection

Shorting outputs, even for prolonged periods, causes no damage. Microphone inputs are not damaged
by signals up to 3 V; Lines and Monitor inputs by signals up to 20 V

Equalization
Low-frequency 6 dB/octavecut, adjustable corner from 25 to 320 Hz

High-Frequency ±6dB/octaveat 5 kHz, ± dBat 10 kHz, shelvingat 5

Limiter
Type Peak

Threshold Switchable: off, +4, +8, +16 ( dBm at output)

Attack 2 ms

Recovery 300 ms

Indicator Lights red when limiting occurs

Input LEDs
Light at 6 dBbelow clipping

Phantom Power
46 V DC open-circuit through6.8 k Ω series resistance per DIN 45 596

Operating Voltage
SCM800 120 V AC rated nominal, 50/60 Hz, 200 mA

SCM800E 230 V AC rated nominal, 50/60 Hz, 100 mA

Temperature Range
Operating Temperature 0° to 60° C (32° to140° F)

Storage Temperature -30° to 70° C (-22° to158° F)

Dimensions
44.5 mm H x 483 mm W 317 mm D (1¾ x 19 x 12½ in.)

Net Weight
4.3 kg (9 lb ., 9 oz.)

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Inputs
Impedance
Input Input Clipping Level
Designed for use with Actual (typical)

Mic 19‒600 Ω 10 kΩ -12 dBV

Line ≤2 kΩ 10 kΩ +22 dBV

Aux ≤2 kΩ 10 kΩ +22 dBV

Send/Return ≤2 kΩ 10 kΩ +18 dBV

Outputs
Impedance
Output Output Clipping Level
Designed for use with Actual (typical)

Line >600 Ω 60 Ω -18 dBV

Headphone 8‒200 Ω (60 Ω recommended) 300 Ω +12 dBV

Direct Output >2 kΩ 1 kΩ +18 dBV

Send/Return >2 kΩ 1 kΩ +18 dBV

Replacement Parts
Knob, Channel Gain and Phones (white) 95A8238

Knob, Master (blue) 95B8752

Line (Power) Cord (SCM800) 95B8389

230 VAC Power Line Cord 95B8247

Link Cable 95B8889

Three -Terminal Block Connector 95B8580

Service Statement
For additional service or parts information, please contact Shure's Service department at 1­800­516­2525. Outside the United States, please contact your au­
thorized Shure Service Center.

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Certifications
SCM800: Listed by Underwriters Laboratories, Inc.; Certified by Canadian Standards Association; SCM800E: Conforms to Eu­
ropean Union Directives; Certified to EN60065; Eligible to bear CE Marking; Conforms to European EMC Directive 2004/108/
EC; Meets Harmonized Standards EN55103­1:1996 and EN55103­2:1996 for residential (E1) and light industrial (E2) environ­
ments.
This product meets the Essential Requirements of all relevant European directives and is eligible for CE marking.
The CE Declaration of Conformity can be obtained from: www.shure.com/europe/compliance
Authorized European representative:
Shure Europe GmbH
Headquarters Europe, Middle East & Africa
Department: EMEA Approval
Jakob-Dieffenbacher-Str. 12
75031 Eppingen, Germany
Phone: +49-7262-92 49 0
Fax: +49-7262-92 49 11 4
Email: [email protected]

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