Audio-Technica ATW-3131BD User manual

3000 Series

Frequency-agile True Diversity UHF Wireless System

Installation and Operation

-TUNER-

ON

OFF

POWER

ALERT

UHF SYNTHESIZED DIVERSITY RECEIVER ATW-R3100b

A

B

MODE/SET

2

3000 Series Installation and Operation

This device complies with part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is
subject to the condition that this device does not cause harmful
interference.

This device complies with INDUSTRY CANADA R.S.S. 210, en
conformité avec IC: RSS-210/CNR210. Operation is subject to the
following conditions: 1) This device may not cause harmful interference
and 2) this device must accept any interference received, including
interference which may cause undesired operation.

CAUTION! Electrical shock can result from removal of the receiver
cover. Refer servicing to qualied service personnel. No user­serviceable parts inside.

• Do not expose batteries to excessive heat such as re, near heating
units or in direct sunlight.

• To prevent re or shock hazard, do not expose this product to rain
or moisture.

• To prevent re, do not place any naked ame sources (such as
lighted candles) on the apparatus.

• To prevent re, do not cover the ventilation of the apparatus with
newspaper, tablecloths, curtains etc.

• Do not expose this apparatus to drips or splashes.

• Do not place any objects lled with liquids, such as vases, on the
apparatus.

• Do not install this apparatus in a conned space such as a bookcase
or similar unit.

• The apparatus should be located close enough to the AC outlet
so that you can easily grasp the AC adapter at any time. In case of
emergency, disconnect the AC adapter quickly.

• Always consider environmental issues and follow your local
regulations when disposing of batteries. Do not expose batteries to
excessive heat.

The circuits inside the receiver and transmitter have been precisely
adjusted for optimum performance and compliance with federal
regulations. Do not attempt to open the receiver or transmitter. To do so
will void the warranty, and may cause improper operation.

Notice to individuals with implanted cardiac pacemakers
or AICD devices:

Any source of RF (radio frequency) energy may interfere with normal
functioning of the implanted device. All wireless microphones have
low-power transmitters (less than 0.05 watts output) which are unlikely
to cause difculty, especially if they are at least a few inches away.
However, since a “body-pack” mic transmitter typically is placed against
the body, we suggest attaching it at the belt, rather than in a shirt
pocket where it may be immediately adjacent to the medical device.
Note also that any medical-device disruption will cease when the RF
transmitting source is turned off. Please contact your physician or
medical-device provider if you have any questions, or experience any
problems with the use of this or any other RF equipment.

RF Interference
Please note that wireless frequencies are shared with other radio
services. According to Federal Communications Commission
regulations, “Wireless microphone operations are unprotected
from interference from other licensed operations in the band. If any
interference is received by any Government or non Government
operation, the wireless microphone must cease operation...” If you
need assistance with operation or frequency selection, please contact
your dealer or Audio-Technica.

Thank you for choosing this Audio-Technica 3000 Series Frequency-agile
True Diversity UHF Wireless System.

The 3000 Series wireless system is available in six UHF frequency
bands to provide exible performance in a wide variety of regions
worldwide:

Frequency Range Number of frequencies
Band C 541.500 – 566.375 MHz 996
Band D 655.500 – 680.375 MHz 996
Band E 795.500 – 820.000 MHz 981
Band F 840.125 – 864.900 MHz 953
Band G 721.500 – 746.375 MHz 996
Band I 482.000 – 507.000 MHz 1001
Band U 606.000 – 631.000 MHz 1001

The band letter reference at the end of 3000 Series Stock Numbers
indicates what band the system/component operates in. For simplicity,
model numbers used throughout this manual will reference only the
basic model number without the band indications.

Each wireless system includes a receiver and either a body-pack or
handheld transmitter. UniPak® body-pack transmitter systems may
include an accessory microphone for a particular application. All A-T
Wireless Essentials® microphones and cables, available separately, are
pre-terminated for use with any Audio-Technica 3000 Series wireless
system.

All 3000 Series components feature soft-touch controls for quick, easy
access to a formidable range of functions; an LCD information display
in each unit provides convenient visual indication of unit settings and
operation.

The ATW-R3100b receiver is equipped with automatic frequency
scanning for easy setup. It also features true diversity reception. Two
antennas feed two completely independent RF sections on the same
frequency; automatic logic circuitry continuously compares and selects
the superior received signal, providing better sound quality and reducing
the possibility of interference and dropouts. Soft-touch controls
provide convenient access to a variety of functions, while a backlit LCD
information display provides constant monitoring of system operation,
including indication of the transmitter’s battery status. The receiver is
half-width for a standard 1U 19" rack mount; rack-mount adapters are
included. Two receivers can be mounted side by side, using an optional
AT8630 joining-plate kit.

The versatile ATW-T310b UniPak® body-pack transmitter has both
low- and high-impedance inputs, plus a bias connection for use with
electret condenser microphones, as well as Hi-Z instrument pickups.
In addition to its programmable functions, the transmitter features
a three-position sliding cover to limit access, if desired, to just the
Power/Mute button, or to cover all the controls, as appropriate for the
application and user. The ATW-T341b handheld dynamic microphone/
transmitter features the same element used in the Artist Elite® AE4100
dynamic handheld microphone created for professional livesound
venues. The ATW-T371b handheld condenser microphone/transmitter
features the same element used in the Artist Series ATM710 cardioid
condenser vocal microphone.

Transmitters in the 3000 Series use two 1.5V AA batteries for
economical operation and wide availability. The receiver and both
transmitters have “fuel gauge” battery condition indicators with
low-battery warnings.

An advanced Digital Tone Lock™ tone squelch system in the
ATW-R3100b receiver opens only when a 3000 Series transmitter

3000 Series Installation and Operation

3

is detected, reducing the possibility of interference. As a result, 3000
Series transmitters and receivers must be used together and should
not be used with components from other Audio-Technica wireless
systems, or with those of other manufacturers. Exception: 3000 Series
components are compatible with Audio-Technica 1800 Series wireless
system components.

Please note that in multiple-system applications there must be a
transmitter-receiver combination set to a separate frequency for each
input desired (only one transmitter for each receiver). Because the
wireless frequencies are within UHF TV frequency bands, only certain
operating frequencies may be useable in a particular geographic area.

Receiver Installation

Location
For best operation the receiver should be at least 3 ft. (1 m) above the
ground and at least 3 ft. away from a wall or metal surface to minimize
reections. The transmitter should be at least 3 ft. from the receiver,
as shown in Figure A. Keep antennas away from noise sources such
as digital equipment, motors, automobiles and neon lights, as well as
away from large metal objects.

Fig. A

Output Connections

There are two audio outputs on the back panel: balanced and
unbalanced. Use shielded audio cable for the connection between the
receiver and the mixer. If the input of the mixer is a 1/4" jack, connect a
cable from the 1/4" unbalanced audio output on the back of the receiver
housing to the mixer. If the input of the mixer is an XLR-type input,
connect a cable from the balanced XLR-type audio output on the back
panel to the mixer. The two isolated audio outputs permit simultaneous
feeds to both unbalanced and balanced inputs. For example, both a
guitar amp and a mixer can be driven by the receiver.

Antennas

Attach the included pair of UHF antennas to the antenna input jacks.
The antennas are normally positioned in the shape of a “V” (both 45°
from vertical) for best reception.

Antennas can be remotely located from the receiver. However, due
to signal loss in cables at UHF frequencies, use the lowest-loss RF
cables practical for any cable runs over 8 m/25 feet. RG8-type is a good
choice. Use only copper-shielded cable, not CATV-type foil-shielded
wire. Audio-Technica offers quality RF cables in four lengths, as well as
remote antennas.

Either passive or active antennas may be used. Both input jacks
offer switchable +12 V DC output on their center pins to operate
Audio-Technica powered antennas or other in-line RF devices if desired.
Up to 60 mA can be drawn from each antenna input jack.

Power Connections

Connect the included AC adapter to the DC power input on the back of
the receiver. Loop the small cord from the DC plug over the cord hook
above the jack, to keep the plug from being detached by an accidental
tug on the cord. Then plug the AC adapter into an AC power outlet.
Operation of the receiver is controlled by the front-panel Power switch.

Receiver Controls and Functions

Front Panel Controls and Functions

Fig. B

1. POWER SWITCH: Press Power switch in and the receiver
readouts will light.

2. ALERT INDICATOR: The Alert Indicator lights:
(a) When the receiver is in the Function Edit mode,
(b) When no RF signal is received from transmitter,
(c) When only one or two RF signal-strength bars are on,
(d) When the transmitter is in the Mute mode,
(e) When audio modulation level from the transmitter is close to the
clipping point (AF +3/+6 bars),
(f) When only one bar of the Battery “fuel gauge” is on (transmitter
battery is weak).

3. LCD WINDOW: Backlit screen indicates control settings and
operational readings. See Figure D for examples.

4. TUNER OPERATION INDICATOR: Indicates which Tuner (A or B) has
the better reception and is in operation. The “B” indicator also lights
to serve as conrmation of Mode/Set button entries.

5. UP/DOWN BUTTONS: Press Up or Down arrow buttons, in
conjunction with the Mode/Set button, to step through menus,
select operating frequency and edit receiver function choices.

6. MODE/SET BUTTON: Use in conjunction with the Up/Down arrow
buttons to step through menus, choose operating frequency, initiate
automatic scanning and select receiver function options.

7. MOUNTING ADAPTERS: For mounting the receiver in any standard
19" rack. Attach adapters to the receiver with the screws supplied
and remove the four receiver feet. (Use optional AT8630 joining­ plate kit to mount two ATW-R3100b receivers side-by-side.)

Rear Panel Controls and Functions

Fig. C

8. ANTENNA INPUT JACK: BNC-type antenna connector for Tuner “B.”
Attach the antenna directly, or extend it with a low-loss antenna
cable.

9. ANTENNA INPUT JACK: Input for Tuner “A.” Attach the antenna
directly, or extend it with a low-loss antenna cable.

10. AF LEVEL CONTROL: Adjusts audio output level of both AF Output
jacks; maximum output is fully clockwise.

11. GROUND LIFT SWITCH: Disconnects the ground pin of the
balanced output jack (12) from ground. Normally, the switch should

1 2 3 4 5 6

ON

POWER

OFF

ALERT

ON

POWER

OFF

UHF SYNTHESIZED DIVERSITY RECEIVER ATW-R3100b

8 9 10

ANT. B

ALERT

UHF SYNTHESIZED DIVERSITY RECEIVER ATW-R3100b

7

-TUNER-

A

MODE/SET

B

AF

LEVEL

ANT. A

GROUND

GROUND LIFT

11 13 14

-TUNER-

A

B

AF OUT

BALANCED

MODE/SET

AF OUT

UNBALANCED

1512

DC500 mA

12~18V

4

3000 Series Installation and Operation

be to the left (ground connected). If hum caused by a ground loop
occurs, slide switch to the right (ground lifted).

12. BALANCED AUDIO OUTPUT JACK: XLRM-type connector. A
standard 2-conductor shielded cable can be used to connect the
receiver output to a balanced microphone-level input on a mixer or
integrated amplier.

13. UNBALANCED AUDIO OUTPUT JACK:

1

/4" phone jack. Can be
connected to an unbalanced aux-level input of a mixer, guitar amp
or tape recorder.

14. POWER INPUT JACK: Connect the DC plug from the included in-line
AC adapter.

15. CORD HOOK: Loop the small DC cord around the cord hook to keep
the DC plug from pulling out accidentally.

Power On/Off
To turn the receiver on, press in the Power switch. The Alert light and
the LCD window will come on (about 1-2 seconds). The operating
frequency will be displayed in the window after the power-up sequence.
To turn the receiver off, press the Power switch again.

LCD Window

The LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) presents a great deal of setup and
operating information clearly and conveniently. (See Figure D for
examples.)

Fig. D

8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1

BATTRF AF

D1. Normal Receiver Operation
(Transmitter off)

MHz

+6
+3

0

-3

-6

-9

-16

-20

D2. Menu Mode (Frequency) D3. Edit Mode (Frequency)

MHz MHz

ashing

Up/Down Arrow Buttons
In conjunction with the Mode/Set button, the arrow buttons permit
moving through the menu of functions, and they offer a choice of
settings within each function.

Mode/Set Button

The Mode/Set button shifts the receiver from normal operation into
Menu mode and, in conjunction with the Up/Down arrow buttons,
permits selection of different features and changing of their stored
values in the Edit mode.

How to Make Setting Changes

1. From the normal operating mode, press the Mode/Set button once
to enter the Function Menu mode. (Only the frequency will remain
in the LCD window, and the receiver’s audio output will be cut off.)

2. Use the Up/Down arrow buttons to reach the desired function.
The value in the LCD window is the current setting for that function.

3. Press the Mode/Set button once again to open the list of available
choices for that function. The value will ash, indicating that it can
be changed (Edit mode).

4. Use the arrow buttons to go through the available choices, stopping
on the desired new choice.

5. (a) To accept and enter the new choice, press and hold the Mode/
Set button until “STORED” appears in the LCD. This changes the
value and puts the function of the buttons back at Menu level (step
2 above). (The “B” tuner light will come on while the Mode/Set
button is depressed, to conrm its action.)
(b) To “back out” of the Edit mode without making a new choice,
simply press the Mode/Set button once. The word “ESCAPE” will
appear in the window and the function of the buttons will revert to
the Menu level (step 2 above), without making any changes.

6. Repeat this selection process for any other function changes
desired. When nished with any changes, use the arrow buttons to

move to “QUIT”. Press the Mode/Set button once to exit the
menu and return the receiver to normal operation. (“RF” and “AF”
will reappear in the window, indicating the return to normal receiver
operation, with the receiver’s audio output again enabled.)

Frequency Group Selection

To select a frequency scan group, press the Mode/Set button, then use
the arrow button until the desired group appears in the display. To store
the selected frequency scan group, press the Mode/Set button to enter
the desired group; then use the arrow button to start the scan. When a
ashing number is displayed, press and hold Mode/Set button to select
the frequency. See detailed instructions in System Operation.

How to Restore Default Settings

To return all the receiver functions to their original factory default
settings, rst turn the receiver off. Then hold in the Mode/Set button
while pressing and releasing the Power switch. The LCD will briey
show “RESET”, followed by “WAIT” (release the Mode/Set button),
before commencing normal-mode operation at the default settings.

When the receiver is in the Menu or Edit mode, its audio output is
silenced. Once control-setting operations are completed (or Escape
is used), normal receiver operation will resume with its audio output
restored.

While in the Edit mode, if no action is taken for approximately 30
seconds (no buttons pressed), the receiver will “back out” to the Menu
mode. Similarly, after about 30 seconds of inaction in the Menu mode,
the receiver will “back out” to normal receiver operation with audio
output restored.

High-pass Filter

Internal high-pass lter circuitry may be set to four positions: High­pass Off, or a 6 dB, 12 dB or 18 dB slope at 150 Hz. The default
setting is Off (“HP OFF”). Increasing the slope of the high-pass lter
further suppresses unwanted low frequencies, while maintaining the
frequency response in the desired audio range.

Meter Hold Setting

When activated (“MH ON”), this function permits the bar-meters in
the LCD window to capture and display the highest-level “AF” audio
modulation (a solid bar) and the lowest-level “RF” signal (a ashing bar)
received from the transmitter. This is particularly useful when setting
up the system initially, during a sound- check, or when diagnosing
operating problems. The default setting is Off (“MH OFF”).

When the Meter Hold is On, it is possible to reset it – to obtain a new
set of RF and AF readings – without turning it off-and-on using the
Menu/Edit functions. Simply press the transmitter’s Power/Mute button
once (to mute the transmitter) and wait until the receiver’s Alert light

comes on, indicating the Mute condition. Then press the transmitter’s

Power/Mute button once again, to un-mute the transmitter. After the

Alert light goes out, a new set of min/max RF/AF readings will be

indicated on the bar-meters. (Note that, depending upon the digital
updating- and-conrming sequence of the Mute condition data from
the transmitter, it may take several seconds for the Alert light condition
to change. The Meter Hold function is not reset until the Alert light

has turned on, then turned off.)

Digital Tone Lock™ Squelch

The 3000 Series employs a unique Digital Tone Lock squelch system
that provides enhanced rejection of interference. In addition to providing
highly effective control of unwanted noise, the Tone Lock signal from
the transmitter also conveys data on the transmitter’s battery condition
and mute status back to the receiver for display.

3000 Series Installation and Operation

5

The squelch level is adjustable from 15 dB (the default value) to 39 dB
in 6 dB steps. Increasing the squelch level – also called “tightening
the squelch” – can cause a reduction in useable range of the wireless
transmitter, so use the lowest value that reliably mutes the unwanted
RF signals. (If interference is a problem, rst consider trying a different
frequency.)

Antenna Power

The antenna input jacks also can provide +12V DC output on their
center pins to power inline RF devices. A maximum of 60 mA can be
drawn from each of the jacks. While an accidental short-circuit will not
harm the internal 12V supply, make certain that an antenna cable shield
does not contact the center conductor. Antenna Power (“ANT.PWR”) is
selected (switched on or off) from the LCD menu.

Pre-coordinated Frequency Scan Groups 1-9

The nine scan groups provided on the 3000 Series receivers simplify
the selection of usable frequencies in a multi-channel wireless system.
If you are using multiple systems, stay within one of the nine frequency
groups for all of your systems. The available frequencies within each
group have been selected for simultaneous use, eliminating the
frustration encountered when trying to select compatible frequecies in
a multi-channel system.

Scan Groups 8 and 9 have been designed to allow for use on adjoining
stages. Use Group 8 on one stage and Group 9 on a second nearby
stage. Or use these two groups in two different rooms, with one room
using Group 8, and the second using Group 9.

Receiver Functions

Function
Menu

▲▼

Group 6 Lowest in

(continued)

Default
Setting*

frequency

Choices

▲▼

(Edit)

All frequencies
in Group 6

Wrap­around**

No

group

▲▼

Group 7 Lowest in

frequency

All frequencies
in Group 7

No

group

▲▼

Group 8 Lowest in

frequency

All frequencies
in Group 8

No

group

▲▼

Group 9 Lowest in

frequency

All frequencies
in Group 9

No

group

▲▼

Quit

(exit Menu)

QUIT Press Mode/

Set to exit

–

* To reset to Default values, hold in the Mode/Set button while
pressing the Power button to turn on the unit.
** Continue in the same Up/Down direction and choices “wrap around”
to the other end of the range.
† Band I: 482.000 – 507.000 MHz; Band C: 541.500 – 566.375 MHz;
Band U: 606.000 – 631.000 MHz; Band D: 655.500 – 680.375 MHz;
Band G: 721.500 – 746.375 MHz; Band E: 795.500 – 820.000 MHz;
Band F: 840.125 – 864.900 MHz

Receiver Functions

Function
Menu

Default
Setting*

Choices
(Edit)

(Receiver powers-up at Frequency)

▲▼

Frequency Lowest in

band†

▲▼

High-pass

HP OFF HP OFF, HP– 6,

Filter

▲▼

Meter Hold MH OFF MH OFF

All frequencies
in band

HP–12, HP–18

MH ON

▲▼

Squelch SQ 15 dB SQ 15 dB to

SQ 39 dB in
6 dB steps

▲▼

Antenna

Power

▲▼

Group 1 Lowest in

OFF PWR OFF

PWR ON

All frequencies

frequency

in Group 1

group

▲▼

Group 2 Lowest in

frequency

All frequencies
in Group 2

group

▲▼

Group 3 Lowest in

frequency

All frequencies
in Group 3

group

▲▼

Group 4 Lowest in

frequency

All frequencies
in Group 4

group

▲▼

Group 5 Lowest in

frequency

All frequencies
in Group 5

group

▲▼

Wrap­around**

Yes

No

Yes

No

Yes

No

No

No

No

No

Transmitter Controls And Functions

Refer to Figures E, F, G and H for an overview of transmitter features
and controls.

LCD Window

The backlit Liquid Crystal Display presents a great deal of setup and
operating information clearly and conveniently (See examples in Fig. J).
The LCD in the transmitters is designed for greatest contrast and best
viewing with the window rotated somewhat away from the viewer
(about 30 degrees), not straight-on, for a more convenient holding/
viewing position. The display is illuminated with a backlight when you
power on the device and when you press Set to access transmitter
functions. The backlight remains on during the Set process, only
turning off if no action is taken within 30 seconds or if Quit is pressed;
otherwise, it automatically turns off in ten seconds.

Power/Mute Button
The transmitters have a combination Power and Mute switch. When
used in combination with the programmed choices explained below,
the various functions available to the transmitter user may be tailored to
t personal preferences or particular situations of use.

Power On/Off

To turn the transmitter on, press and hold the Power/Mute button until
the green power indicator and the LCD window come on (about 1-2
seconds). The operating frequency will show in the window after the
power-up sequence.

To turn the transmitter off, press and hold the Power/Mute button again,
until the green power indicator and the LCD window are extinguished
(about 1-2 seconds). The LCD window will show “PWR.OFF” before
shutdown.

Mute Off/On

When the transmitter is muted, it produces RF with no audio signal