Audio Technica R3100D 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

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 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.

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.

Introduction

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)

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 lowand 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.

2

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 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.)

Figure A

See pages 18-19 for illustrations.

3

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: 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.

415. 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.)

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 factorydefault 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.

Receiver Controls and Functions (Continued)

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 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 updating- and-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.)

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

See pages 18-19 for illustrations.

5

Transmitter Controls And Functions

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.)

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.