Lectrosonics SMWBC1 Users Manual
INSTRUCTION MANUAL
SMWB Series
Wireless Microphone Transmitters and Recorders
Fill in for your records:
Serial Number:
Purchase Date:
Featuring
Digital Hybrid Wireless
Technology
US Patent 7,225,135
Rio Rancho, NM, USA
www.lectrosonics.com
®
SMWB Series
FCC Notices:
For body worn operation, this transmitter model has been tested and meets the FCC RF exposure
guidelines when used with the Lectrosonics accessories supplied or designated for this product.
Use of other accessories may not ensure compliance with FCC RF exposure guidelines. Contact
Lectrosonics if you have any questions or need more information about RF exposure using this
product..
This device complies with FCC radiation exposure limits as set forth for an uncontrolled environment.
This device should be installed and operated so that its antenna(s) are not co-located or operating in
conjunction with any other antenna or transmitter.
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LECTROSONICS, INC.
Table of Contents
Introduction ............................................................................ 5
About Digital Hybrid Wireless
Servo Bias Input and Wiring ................................................ 5
DSP-controlled Input Limiter ................................................ 5
Recorder function ................................................................. 5
Features .................................................................................. 6
Battery Status LED Indicator ............................................... 6
Battery Installation ................................................................ 7
Turning Power ON and OFF .................................................. 8
Selecting between Transmit and Record Modes................. 8
Transmitter Operating Instructions ..................................... 9
Record Mode Operating Instructions .................................. 9
Xmit (transmitter) Mode Main Menu ................................... 10
Xmit (transmitter) Mode Power Menu ................................ 11
Record Mode Main Menu .................................................... 12
Record Mode Power Menu .................................................. 13
Setup Screen Details on Xmit Menus ................................ 14
Locking/Unlocking Changes to Settings............................. 14
Main Window Indicators ..................................................... 14
Connecting the Signal Source ........................................... 14
Using Line Level and Instrument Inputs ............................ 14
Helpful Features on Receivers ........................................... 14
Adjusting the Input Gain ..................................................... 15
Selecting Frequency .......................................................... 15
Selecting Frequency Using Two Buttons ............................ 16
About Overlapping Frequency Bands ................................ 16
Selecting the Low Frequency Roll-off ................................ 16
Selecting the Compatibility (Compat) Mode ....................... 16
Selecting Step Size ............................................................ 16
Selecting Audio Polarity (Phase) ........................................ 17
Setting Transmitter Output Power ...................................... 17
Restoring Default Settings ................................................. 17
5-Pin Input Jack Wiring ....................................................... 18
Microphone Cable Termination
for Non-Lectrosonics Microphones ............................ 19
Input Jack Wiring for Different Sources ............................ 20
Compatible Wiring for Both Servo Bias Inputs
and Earlier Transmitters: .................................................... 20
Simple Wiring for Servo Bias Inputs ONLY: ........................ 20
Microphone RF Bypassing ................................................. 21
Line Level Signals .............................................................. 21
Firmware Update ................................................................. 22
Recovery Process ............................................................... 23
Troubleshooting ................................................................... 24
Specifications ...................................................................... 25
Service and Repair .............................................................. 26
Returning Units for Repair ................................................. 26
® ................................................................................5
Digital Hybrid Wireless Belt-Pack Transmitters
Consumer Alert for US Users - FCC Order DA 10-92
Most users do not need a license to operate this wireless microphone system. Nevertheless, operating this microphone system without a license is subject to certain restrictions: the system may not cause harmful interference; it
must operate at a low power level (not in excess of 50 milliwatts); and it has no protection from interference received
from any other device. Purchasers should also be aware that the FCC is currently evaluating use of wireless mi
crophone systems, and these rules are subject to change. For more information, call the FCC at 1-888- CALL-FCC
(TTY: 1-888-TELL-FCC) or visit the FCC’s wireless microphone website at www.fcc.gov/cgb/wirelessmicrophones.
To operate wireless microphone systems at power greater than 50mW, you must qualify as a Part 74 user and be
licensed. If you qualify and wish to apply for a license go to: http://www.fcc.gov/Forms/Form601/601.html
Rio Rancho, NM
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SMWB Series
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LECTROSONICS, INC.
Introduction
The design of the SMWB transmitter delivers the advanced technology and features of Digital Hybrid Wireless® in a Lectrosonics belt-pack transmitter at a modest
cost. Digital Hybrid Wireless® combines a 24-bit digital
audio chain with an analog FM radio link to eliminate a
compandor and its artifacts, yet preserve the extended
operating range and noise rejection of the finest analog wireless systems. DSP “compatibility modes” allow
the transmitter to also be used with a variety of analog
receivers by emulating the compandors found in earlier
Lectrosonics analog wireless and IFB receivers, and
certain receivers from other manufacturers (contact the
factory for details).
The housing is a rugged, machined aluminum package.
The input jack is a standard Lectrosonics 5-pin type for
use with electret lavaliere mics, dynamic mics, musical instrument pickups and line level signals. The LEDs
on the keypad allow quick and accurate level settings
without having to view the receiver. The unit is powered
by two AA batteries. The antenna port uses a standard
50 ohm SMA connector.
The switching power supplies in the provide constant
voltages to the transmitter circuits from the beginning to
the end of battery life, with output power remaining constant over the life of the battery. The input amplifier uses
an ultra low noise op amp. Input gain is adjustable over
a 44 dB range, with a DSP-controlled dual envelope
input limiter providing a clean 30 dB range to prevent
overload from signal peaks.
About Digital Hybrid Wireless
All wireless links suffer from channel noise to some
degree, and all wireless microphone systems seek to
minimize the impact of that noise on the desired signal.
Conventional analog systems use compandors for
enhanced dynamic range, at the cost of subtle artifacts
(known as “pumping” and “breathing”). Wholly digital
systems defeat the noise by sending the audio information in digital form, at the cost of some combination of
power, bandwidth, operating range and resistance to
interference.
The Lectrosonics Digital Hybrid Wireless system overcomes channel noise in a dramatically new way, digitally
encoding the audio in the transmitter and decoding it
in the receiver, yet still sending the encoded information via an analog FM wireless link. This proprietary
algorithm is not a digital implementation of an analog
compandor but a technique which can be accomplished
only in the digital domain.
Since the RF link between transmitter and receiver is
FM, channel noise will increase gradually with increased operating range and weak signal conditions,
however, the Digital Hybrid Wireles system handles this
situation elegantly with rarely audible audio artifacts as
the receiver approaches its squelch threshold.
®
Digital Hybrid Wireless Belt-Pack Transmitters
In contrast, a purely digital system tends to drop the
audio suddenly during brief dropouts and weak signal
conditions. The Digital Hybrid Wireless
encodes the signal to use a noisy channel as efficiently
and robustly as possible, yielding audio performance
that rivals that of purely digital systems, without the
power, noise and bandwidth problems inherent in digital
transmission. Because it uses an analog FM link, Digital
Hybrid Wireless enjoys all the benefits of conventional
FM wireless systems, such as excellent range, efficient
use of RF spectrum, and long battery life.
system simply
Servo Bias Input and Wiring
The input preamp is a unique design that delivers
audible improvements over conventional transmitter
inputs. Two different microphone wiring schemes are
available to simplify and standardize the configuration.
Simplified 2-wire and 3-wire configurations provide several arrangements designed for use only with servo bias
inputs to take full advantage of the preamp circuitry.
A line level input wiring provides an extended frequency
response with an LF roll-off at 35 Hz for use with instruments and line level signal sources.
DSP-controlled Input Limiter
The transmitter employs a digitally-controlled analog
audio limiter prior to the analog-to-digital converter.
The limiter has a range greater than 30 dB for excellent
overload protection. A dual release envelope makes the
limiter acoustically transparent while maintaining low
distortion. It can be thought of as two limiters in series,
connected as a fast attack and release limiter followed
by a slow attack and release limiter. The limiter recovers
quickly from brief transients, so that its action is hidden
from the listener, but recovers slowly from sustained
high levels to keep audio distortion low and preserve
short term dynamic changes in the audio.
Recorder function
The SMWB has a built in recording function for use in
situations where RF may not be possible or to work as
a stand alone recorder. The record function and transmit functions are exclusive of each other - you cannot
record AND transmit at the same time. The recorder
samples at 44.1kHz rate with a 24 bit sample depth.
(the rate was selected due to the required 44.1kHz rate
used for the digital hybrid algorithm). The micro SD card
also offers easy firmware update capabilities without
the need for a USB cable or driver issues.
Rio Rancho, NM
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SMWB Series
Features
Antenna
Port
Modulation
Indicators
microSDHC
memory card
port
Audio
Input
Jack
REC
Battery
-40
-20
0
Status LED
Antenna
Port
microSDHC
memory card
port
Audio
Input
Jack
Battery Status LED Indicator
AA batteries can be used to power the transmitter.
The LED labeled BATT on the keypad glows green
when the batteries are good. The color changes to red
when the battery voltage drops down and stays red
through most of the battery life. When the LED begins
to blink red, there will be only a few minutes remaining.
The exact point at which the LEDs turn red will vary
with battery brand and condition, temperature and
power consumption. The LEDs are intended to simply
catch your attention, not to be an exact indicator of
remaining time.
A weak battery will sometimes cause the LED to glow
green immediately after the transmitter is turned on, but
it will soon discharge to the point where the LED will
turn red or the unit will turn off completely.
Some batteries give little or no warning when they
are depleted. If you wish to use these batteries in the
transmitter, you will need to manually keep track of the
operating time to prevent interruptions caused by dead
batteries.
Start with a fully charged battery, then measure the time
it takes for the Power LED to go out completely.
NOTE: The battery timer feature in many
Lectrosonics receivers is very helpful in measuring
battery runtime. Refer to the receiver instructions
for details on using the timer.
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LECTROSONICS, INC.
Battery Installation
The transmitter is powered by two AA batteries. We
recommend using lithium for longest life.
Because some batteries run down quite abruptly, using
the Power LED to verify battery status will not be reliable. However, it is possible to track battery status using
the battery timer function available in Lectrosonics
Digital Hybrid Wireless receivers.
The battery door opens by simply unscrewing the
knurled knob part way until the door will rotate. The
door is also easily removed by unscrewing the knob
completely, which is helpful when cleaning the battery
contacts. The battery contacts can be cleaned with
alcohol and a cotton swab, or a clean pencil eraser. Be
sure not to leave any remnants of the cotton swab or
eraser crumbs inside the compartment.
A small pinpoint dab of silver conductive grease* on the
thumbscrew threads can improve battery performance
and operation. Do this if you experience a drop in battery life or an increase in operating temperature.
Insert the batteries according to the markings on the
back of the housing. If the batteries are inserted incorrectly, the door may close but the unit will not operate.
Digital Hybrid Wireless Belt-Pack Transmitters
*if you are unable to locate a supplier of this type of
grease - a local electronics shop for example - contact
the factory for a small maintenance vial.
Rio Rancho, NM
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SMWB Series
Turning Power ON and OFF
Turning the Power ON
The power button turns the unit on and off, and provides access to a secondary menu. When the button is
pressed, several different startup screens may appear
depending upon the selected operating mode.
• If no operating mode has been selected, the first
screen to appear will prompt you to select the desired mode
Choose
Function
Xmit
Record
• If the mode is set to Xmit (transmitter), the first
screen will be the Xmit Main Window
Hold
for
Rf On
...1
Use UP and DOWN
arrow buttonss to
select the function
Release Power
Button before
the counter
reaches 3 to
enter standby
mode (no
transmission)
RF indicator blinks
b 19
5
1
494.500
-40
-20
0
Selecting between
Transmit and Record
Modes
The SMWB can be configured as a transmitter or as a
recorder. To select the configuration, hold the UP arrow
button in then press the power button. Use the UP and
DOWN arrow buttons to select the desire mode.
Choose
Function
Xmit
Record
If the Xmit mode is selected, press the MENU/SEL
or power button to open the Xmit Main Window in the
standby mode.
If the Record mode is selected, press the MENU/SEL or
power button to open the Record Main Window.
Use UP and DOWN
arrow buttonss to
select the function
NOTE: A brief press of the power button will turn
the unit on in the Standby mode with the RF output
turned off. Press and hold the power button while
an on screen counter steps from 1 to 3 to turn the
unit on with the RF output turned on.
RF indicator not blinking
Hold
for
Rf On
Hold power
button until
the counter
reaches 3
b 19
5
1
494.500
...3
-40
-20
0
• If the mode is set to Record, the first screen to appear with be the Record Main Window.
REC
-40
-20
0
Turning the Power OFF
Press and hold the power button until the on screen
counter reaches 1 to turn the unit off. There is also an
item in the power menus to turn the unit off (see menu
maps in following sections).
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LECTROSONICS, INC.
Digital Hybrid Wireless Belt-Pack Transmitters
Transmitter Operating
Instructions
• Install battery(s)
• Set the configuration to the Xmit mode (see previous section)
• Turn power on in the Standby mode (see previous
section)
• Connect microphone and place it in the position
where it will be used.
• Have user talk or sing at the same level that will be
used in the production, and adjust the input gain so
that the -20 LED blinks red on louder peaks.
Gain
Gain
Freq
Rolloff
Compat
Signal Level -20 LED -10 LED
Less than -20 dB Off Off
-20 dB to -10 dB Green Off
-10 dB to +0 dB Green Green
+0 dB to +10 dB Red Green
Greater than +10 dB Red Red
• Set the frequency and compatibility mode to match
the receiver.
• Turn the RF output on with the Rf On? item in the
power menu, or by turning the power off and then
back on while holding the power button in and waiting for the counter to reach 3.
NOTE: The translucent “bubble” next to the
antenna connector is an IR port that can be
used to transfer settings from an IR enabled
Lectrosonics receiver. Refer to the receiver manual
for details.
-40
-20
Use the UP and DOWN
arrow buttons to adjust
25
the gain until the -20
LED blinks red on
louder peaks
0
Record Mode Operating
Instructions
• Install battery(s)
• Set the configuration to the Record mode (see previous section)
• Insert microSDHC memory card
• Turn power on
• Format memory card
• Connect microphone and place it in the position
where it will be used.
• Have user talk or sing at the same level that will be
used in the production, and adjust the input gain so
that the -20 LED blinks red on louder peaks
Gain
Gain
Rolloff
Naming
SD Info
Signal Level -20 LED -10 LED
Less than -20 dB Off Off
-20 dB to -10 dB Green Off
-10 dB to +0 dB Green Green
+0 dB to +10 dB Red Green
Greater than +10 dB Red Red
• To start recording, press the record button (UP arrow button)
• To stop recording, press and hold the record (UP
arrow button) until the word SAVED appears on the
screen
-40
-40
-20
REC
-20
0
Use the UP and DOWN
arrow buttons to adjust
25
the gain until the -20
LED blinks red on
louder peaks
0
MENU/SEL and UP
arrow buttons are
labeled by the on
screen icons
UP arrow button is
record start/stop
MENU/SEL opens
the menu
Rio Rancho, NM
To play back the recordings, remove the memory card
and copy the files onto a computer with video or audio
editing software installed.
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