Audio Technica R3100C Users manual

3000 Series Professional
UHF Wireless Systems

ATW-3110a

UniPak™Transmitter System

ATW-3141a

Handheld Dynamic Microphone System

Installation and Operation

Professional UHF Wireless Systems

Installation and Operation

2

CAUTION! Electrical shock can result from removal of the
receiver cover. Refer servicing to qualified service personnel.
No user-serviceable parts inside. Do not expose to rain or
moisture.

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.

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.

For simplicity, model numbers used throughout the manual will
reference only the basic model number without the “C” or “D”
band indications.

Each wireless system includes a receiver and either a body­pack or handheld transmitter. Individual components are also
available separately.

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-R3100 receiver is equipped with automatic frequency
scanning for easy set-up. 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 an 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-T310 UniPak™ body-pack transmitter has
both low- and high-impedance inputs plus a bias connection,
for use with dynamic and 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
no controls, as appropriate for the application and user.

The ATW-T341 handheld dynamic microphone/transmitter
features the same element used in the Artist Elite

®

AE4100
dynamic handheld microphone created for professional live­sound venues.

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-R3100 receiver opens only when a 3000 Series transmit­ter 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.

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. System operating frequencies will
be found on page 13.

Introduction

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 difficulty, 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.

Thank you for choosing an Audio-Technica professional wireless
system. You have joined thousands of other satisfied customers
who have chosen our products because of their quality, perfor­mance and reliability. This Audio-Technica wireless microphone
system is the successful result of years of design and manufac­turing experience.

3000 Series systems and components operate on 200 PLL­synthesized frequencies in one or two 25 MHz-wide UHF
frequency ranges:

• Band C 541.500–566.375 MHz (TV Channels 25–30)

• Band D 655.500–680.375 MHz (TV Channels 44–49)

Receiver Installation

3

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 reflections. 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.

Output Connections

There are two audio outputs on the back panel: balanced
(32 mV) and unbalanced (50 mV). 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 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; see the
Optional System Accessories section on page 12.

Power Connections

Connect the included AD1205AA in-line 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 larger cord from the in-line adapter into a
standard 120 Volt 60 Hz AC power outlet. Operation of the
receiver is controlled by the front-panel Power switch.

(Note: Units supplied to countries with 230V mains should
include an in-line AC adapter appropriate for that country.

Use the AD1205AA adapter only with 120V 60 Hz AC
power sources.)

See pages 18-19 for illustrations.

Figure A

4

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.)

Up/Down Arrow Buttons

In conjunction with the Mode/Set button, the arrow buttons
permit moving through the menu of functions, and 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 flash,
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
confirm 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 finished 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.)

How to Restore Default Settings

To return

all

the receiver functions to their original factory-

default settings, first turn the receiver off. Then

hold in the

Mode/Set button

while pressing the Power switch. The LCD

will briefly show

“RESET”

, followed by

“WAIT”

(release the
Mode/Set button), before commencing normal-mode operation
at the default settings.

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: Liquid Crystal Display indicates control
settings and operational readings. See Figure D on page 18
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 confirmation 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-R3100
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. See the “Antennas” section on
page 3 for more details.

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 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 amplifier.

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.

Receiver Controls and Functions

5

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.

Receiver Functions

Function Menu

Default Setting* Choices (Edit) ▲▼ Wrap-around**

(Receiver powers-up at Frequency)

▲▼ Frequency Lowest in band

†

200 discrete frequencies Yes

▲▼ High-pass Filter

HP OFF HP OFF HP –6 HP –12 HP –18

No

▲▼ Meter Hold

MH OFF MH OFF MH ON

Yes

▲▼ Squelch

SQ 15 dB SQ 15 dB

to

SQ 39 dB

in 6 dB steps No

▲ Scan 1 Lowest in frequency group All frequencies in Scan 1 group No
▲ Scan 2 Lowest in frequency group All frequencies in Scan 2 group No
▲ Scan 3 Lowest in frequency group All frequencies in Scan 3 group No
▲▼ 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 C: 541.500 – 566.375 MHz; Band D: 655.500 – 680.375 MHz.

Table 1. Receiver Functions

Receiver Controls and Functions

(Continued)

High-pass Filter

Internal high-pass filter circuitry may be set to four positions:
High-pass 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 filter 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 flashing 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 updating­and-confirming 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.

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, first consider trying a different frequency.)

See pages 18-19 for illustrations.

6

PWR.LOC

Power is locked On as of the time

“PWR.LOC”

is applied. The Mute functioning is unaffected.
Note: When in the

PWR.LOC

mode, the
transmitter may be turned off by: (1) Re-accessing
the .

LOC

Menu and changing the setting, or
(2) Removing and re-installing the batteries.
When the transmitter is turned on again, it will
power-up in the

NO.LOC

mode. (Only the

PWR. LOC

function will change when batteries
are removed; all other settings remain stored in
memory.)

If an attempt is made to take an action that currently is locked
out, the LCD will display

“LOC.KED”

briefly, then return to its

previously-displayed contents.

Audio Input Selector

The UniPak™ body-pack transmitter provides input connections
for both low-impedance (Lo-Z) microphones and high­impedance (Hi-Z) instruments. A wide range of Audio-Technica
Wireless Essentials™ microphones and cables is available
pre-terminated with the appropriate professional latching
connector. (See page 12.)

Selection of the desired input – microphone or instrument – is
made through the function menu. Depending upon the input
selected, a small

“MIC”

or

“INST”

will show in the LCD
window, just below the frequency. (In the handheld transmitter,
only

“MIC”

will show in the LCD window.)

Setting Audio Input Level

A 4-position audio input gain setting, selected through the
function menu, serves to match the audio input level to the
transmitter for best modulation with minimum distortion.

Available choices are +12 dB, +6 dB, 0 dB and –6 dB. The
default value is +6 dB. Select the highest setting that does
not result in over-modulation with the highest audio/instrument
input levels (an AF indication on the receiver no higher than

“0”

); watch the receiver’s

“AF”

meter

“+3/+6”

indications and
the Alert light to make certain they are not triggered by the
highest audio levels.

The transmitter’s normally-on red LED power indicator will blink

off

if the peak audio input exceeds the maximum desirable

level.

Restore Default Settings

A

“PRESET”

selection in the menu permits resetting of all

transmitter functions to their factory-default values.

1. Press the Set button once to move to Menu mode.

2. Press the Up arrow twice to move to

“PRESET”

in the

LCD window.

3. Press the Set button once and

“LOAD”

will appear in the

LCD.

4.

Press and hold

the Set button until

“DEF”

appears in the

LCD.

5.

Press and hold

the Set button until

“LOADED”

appears

briefly in the LCD. The window will then revert to

“PRESET”

.

6. Press the Down arrow once to move to

“QUIT”

.

7. Press the Set button once to exit the Menu mode and

return to normal operation, with all factory-default settings
restored.

Refer to Figures E, F, G and H on pages 18 and 19 for an
overview of transmitter features and controls.

LCD Window

The 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.

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 fit personal preferences
or particular situations of use.

Power On/Off

To turn the transmitter on,

press and hold

the Power/Mute
button until the red 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 red 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 modulation. When the transmitter is un-muted, it
produces both RF and audio.

To mute the transmitter (cut off the audio, but continue the RF
output),

press and release

the Power/Mute button

once

. A

small

“MUTE”

will appear in the LCD window, just below the

frequency (Fig. J-2).

To un-mute the transmitter (restore the audio),

press and

release

the Power/Mute button

once

again. The

“MUTE”

will

disappear from the LCD window.

Power/Mute Locks

Programmable Power/Mute Locks limit the functioning of the
Power/Mute button as desired for particular users and/or appli­cations. Power can be locked On; Mute can be locked Off.
Selection of the desired locks, if any, is made through the
function menu:

Setting

Description

NO.LOC

The normal Power and Mute functions are fully
operational.

ALL.LOC

Both the Power and Mute functions are locked
into their status as of the time

“ALL.LOC”

is
applied. (Power On, and Mute either On or Off.)
Note:

ALL.LOC

must be re-accessed and the

setting changed to turn the transmitter off.

MUT.LOC

In this mode, the audio cannot be muted. The
Power functioning is unaffected. (If

MUT.LOC

is
applied while the transmitter is muted, pressing
the Power/Mute button once will return to
un-muted operation; thereafter the Mute function
is disabled until the setting is changed again.)

Transmitter Controls And Functions