Nady Systems 401X Quad User Manual

Introduction ..........................................................................................................................3

System Features ....................................................................................................................4

Operation ..............................................................................................................................5

• 401X Quad Receiver ........................................................................................................5

• WHT Handheld Microphone Transmitter ........................................................................8

• WLT Lavalier/Lapel or Headworn Microphone ..............................................................10

• WGT Instrument Bodypack Transmitter ..........................................................................12

• LINK 2™ Plug-In Transmitter ........................................................................................14

Specifications ........................................................................................................................17

Service ..................................................................................................................................18

CONTENTS

2

3

T

hank you for purchasing a Nady 401X Quad VHF Wireless Microphone System and
congratulations on your choice. The 401X Quad VHF is by far the best price/performance
value available in multiple channel wireless systems. Please read the instructions in this
manual completely before operating your unit.

Using This Manual

This booklet provides instructions for the operation of the Nady 401X Quad four-channel
VHF wireless, including handheld, instrument, lavalier, headmic and plug-in transmitter
systems. Features of the 401X Quad are listed, followed by step-by-step instructions
explaining how to operate your new system. After reading the receiver instructions, turn to
the section of the booklet that covers the type of transmitter used with the system you have
purchased. Each section will give you detailed operating instructions. Also included in this
manual are system specifications and servicing information.

INTRODUCTION

401X Quad Receiver

• Four independent VHF receivers in one convenient, rugged, all-metal single rack space
housing – makes operating 4 wireless systems at the same time easier than ever

• Front-mount dual antenna jacks for either onboard or remote antennas

• Front panel Power ON/OFF switch, plus Power ON LED, TX ON and AF signal level
LED displays

• Rear panel individual XLR AF Output jacks, volume and RF mute controls for each of
the 4-channels, and 4-Channels-Mixed AF Out 1/4” phone jack

• Noise-free transmitter ON/OFF operation

• High performance – unmatched transparent audio with 120 dB dynamic range and up to
250+ feet optimum line-of-sight operation

WHT Handheld Microphone Transmitter

• Features the Nady DM -10D unidirectional neodymium dynamic cartridge for optimum
true sound, maximum feedback rejection and minimal handling noise

• OFF/STANDBY/ON switch allows convenient audio muting with the transmitter “ON”

• Low battery LED indicator flashes once for unit “ON”; lights steady for low battery alert

• Rubber, “easy-mount” mic clip included

WGT & WLT Bodypack Transmitters

• Choice of instrument (WGT-15) or headworn/lavalier microphone (WLT-15) bodypack
transmitter

• OFF/STANDBY/ON switch allows convenient audio muting with the transmitter “ON”

• Low battery LED indicator flashes once for unit “ON”; lights steady for low battery alert

• Locking 3.5mm mini-jack provides secure connection for removable microphone or
instrument cable

• Easily accessible input level adjust control for optimum sound

LINK 2™ Plug-In Transmitter

• Plug-in transmitter conver

ts your favorite XLR handheld or lavalier microphone to

wireless instantly

• Rugged construction and positive locking connector for reliable performance

• Selectable phantom power and LO/HI audio input level

• Optional lea

therette pouch with clip available for use as bodypack

SYSTEM FEATURES

4

5

401X Quad Receiver

1. Powering the Receiver

Plug the 16V AC/DC ADAPTER (1) provided into the DC INPUT JACK (11) on the back
of the receiver. Then plug the power supply into an AC outlet.

(Note: Any 16V DC source with 800mA capability can also be used.)

Turn VOLUME CONTROL (6) for all four channels counterclockwise to mimimum located
on the front of the receiver. Once the receiver is connected to a power source, press the
POWER SWITCH (3) to ON position. The POWER ON LED (4) indicator will light up.
The

TX LED INDICATOR (7) on the front panel of the receiver will not light up until one

or more of the four channels is receiving a signal from your system’s transmitter.

2. Antennas

The ANTENNAS (2) assembly consists of two antennas. Connect antennas into the
ANTENNA JACKS (5) on the front of the receiver. Extend the antennas fully to obtain

maximum range. Position

ANTENNAS (2) at 45 degrees from the horizontal; 90 degrees

from each other. For maximum range, it is always best to maintain a line of sight (no
obstructions) between the receiver antennas and the transmitter whenever possible.

3. Mute (Squelch) Adjustment

In normal operation, the MUTE CONTROL (9) should be set fully counterclockwise to the
factory preset minimum RF level of 1µV for maximum sensitivity. Doing so sets each
receiver for maximum range. However, in areas of high RF activity, the mute (or squelch, as
it is sometimes called) may need to be adjusted to compensate for the adverse conditions in a
particular location. If, with the transmitter off, its corresponding LED on the receiver front
panel flickers or stays on, the

MUTE CONTROL (9) should be turned clockwise until the

LED e

xtinguishes. For each of the four channels, when the Mute is properly adjusted, the

corresponding LED will light only when the system’s transmitter is turned on. Turning the
MUTE CONTROL (9) too far clockwise will result in reduced range, but yield a quieter
signal during dr

opouts or at the end of the operating distance range.

OPERATION

6

5. Connecting the Audio Output

The output stage of each channel and the separate four channels mixed output of the 401X
Quad are all configured for adjustable unbalanced LINE and fixed balanced XLR line or
microphone audio outputs. The adjustable unbalanced 1/4" mix out is a low level LINE with
an output impedance of 600 ohms. The individual fixed level balanced XLR out can be
configured as high level line out with 11k ohms output impedance or microphone level out
with a 600 ohms load impedance.

For each channel you wish to use, insert an audio cord with a balanced female XLR plug into
its

AF OUTPUT (10) jack on back of the receiver. Plug the other end of each cord into your

amplifier, effect or mixing board. Adjust volume on your mixing board so that no audio
distortion in present when amp or mixer is set at its usual level.

[Note: To prevent possible undesired noises during use, leave the volume controls of unused
channels, (which the corresponding transmitter off) turned off in the amp or mixer. The audio
should only be "live" if the transmitter is on.]

If you want to use the 401X Quad as it own mixer (your amplifier, effect or mixing board
should have 12dB or more gain select on), you can connect to the

MIX AF OUTPUT (8)

which provides a mixed line output of up to all four channels, with the relative volume of
each channel in the mix determined by that channel's

VOLUME CONTROL (6).

a. Instrument Connection (using the WGT instrument transmitter)

Insert an audio cord with a 1/4" mono phone plug in the AF OUTPUT JACK (8) on the
rear panel of the receiver. Plug the other end of the cord into amplifier, effect or mixing
board. Adjust the

VOLUME CONTROL (6) on the 401X Quad clockwise to about 3/4

rotation until the volume level is comfortable for your application. This setting is roughly
equivalent to direct instrument cord connection. Turning the volume up to maximum will
provide 4dB gain over a cord.

b. Microphone Connection (using the WLT transmitter with either a headset or
lavalier microphone or the WHT handheld microphone transmitter)

Insert an audio cord with a 1/4" mono phone plug in the AF OUTPUT JACK (8) on the
rear panel of the receiver. Plug the other end of the cord into amplifier, effect or mixing
board. Adjust the

VOLUME CONTR

OL (6)

on the 401X Quad cloc

kwise to about 1/2
MAX and adjust the volume control until the volume level is optimal. If the volume
control is set too high, you may overload your mixer or amp.

Since your 401X Quad is comprised of four se

parate and independent XLR output channels,
it can be used with either one, two, three or four channels operating. Simply turn your mixer
volume contr

ol of any channel which you are not using to minimum. If the mix line out is

used, just turn down the 401X Quad receiver's volume controls.

OPERATION

6

7

5

401X Quad Front

16V AC/DC Adapter

1

401X Quad Back

Antennas

2

9

11

7

10

8

OPERATION

3

4

6

WHT Handheld Microphone Transmitter

1. Unscrew the BATTERY COMPARTMENT COVER (12) and remove, exposing the
BATTERY HOLDER (13). Insert a fresh 9V ALKALINE BATTERY (14), observing the

correct polarity as marked, and screw the cover back on to the microphone. Make sure the
cover is screwed on completely. A fresh alkaline battery can last up to 15 hours in use, but in
order to ensure optimum performance, it is recommended that you replace the battery after
every 10 hours of use.

2. Turn on the WHT by sliding the

OFF/STANDBY/ON SWITCH (15) to the STANDBY

position (transmitter on, audio muted) or the ON position (transmitter and audio both on).
The

BATTERY INDICATOR LED (16) will give a single quick flash, indicating usable

battery strength. In the case of a dead or low battery, the LED will either not go on at all or
will stay on continuously, indicating that the battery should be replaced with a fresh one. To
preserve battery life, turn the transmitter off when not in use.

3. The microphone is now ready to use. The

TX LED INDICATOR (7) on the 401X Quad

receiver should now be lit, indicating a received signal from the transmitter. When ready to
speak, slide the transmitter switch to the ON position. Adjust the volume of the receiver as
per the Audio Output Microphone Connection section of the above 401X Quad receiver
instructions. The

AF LEVEL LED DISPLAY (7) on the 401X Quad receiver will light up as

if the input signals are getting stronger. Occasional flickering on and off during use of the
LED indicator is normal. However, if the LED stays on continuously, it means the signal is
too loud and there is the possibility of overload distortion. If this occurs, back off from the
microphone until the red LED indicator only flickers on peaks.

[Note: Observe care in selecting P.A. volume, transmitter location and speaker placement so
that acoustic feedback (howling or screeching) will be avoided.]

[Note: Microphone elements can easily be destroyed by the buildup of salts and minerals
from perspiration and saliva. It is good practice to put a windscreen on the mic element at all
times to protect it.]

OPERATION

8

9

OPERATION

12

14

13

15

16

WLT Lavalier/Lapel or Headworn Microphone
Bodypack Transmitter

1. Snap open the BATTERY COMPARTMENT (17) and insert a fresh 9V BATTERY
(18), observing the correct polarity. Close the compartment.

2. The WLT is provided with a 3.5 mm LOCKING JACK (19) for connecting the
microphone. Plug in either the

LAVALIER/LAPEL (20) or the HEADWORN

MICROPHONE (21), as supplied. To secure the connection, turn the metal slip ring on the

plug clockwise to thread it on to the jack. To unplug, reverse the process. Slip the
transmitter into a pocket or clip on to your clothes. To use the lavalier mic, attach it at chest
level. Do not place too close to the mouth – a distance of about six inches usually works
best. To use the headworn mic, place it on the head and adjust the mic boom so that the mic
is about one inch to the side of the front of the mouth.

(Note: The lavalier or headworn mic wire is also the transmit antenna, and rolling up or
shortening the wire may reduce the effective operating range. Extend the wire fully during
use and keep it as straight as possible.)

3. Turn on the WLT by sliding the OFF/STANDBY/ON SWITCH (22) to the STANDBY
position (transmitter on, audio muted) or the ON position (transmitter and audio both on).
The BATTERY INDICATOR LED (23) will give a single quick flash, indicating usable
battery strength. In the case of a dead or low battery, the LED either will not go on at all or
will stay on continuously, indicating that the battery should be replaced with a fresh one.

4. The microphone is now ready to use. The

TX LED INDICATOR (7) on the 401X Quad

recei

ver should now be lit, indicating a received signal from the transmitter. When ready to
speak, slide the transmitter switch to the ON position and adjust the volume of the receiver as
per the Audio Output Microphone Connection section of the above 401X Quad receiver
instructions.

The

AF LEVEL LED DISPLAY (7) on the 401X Quad recei

ver will light up
as if the input signals are getting stronger. Occasional flickering on and off during use of the
LED indica

tor in this display is normal, however if the LED stays on continuously, it means
the signal is too loud and there is the possibility of overload distortion. Re-position the
microphone farther from the source or adjust the

AUDIO INPUT LEVEL CONTROL (24)

until the red LED indica

tor flickers only on the loudest inputs.

[Note: Observe care in selecting P.A. volume, transmitter location and speaker placement so
that acoustic feedbac

k (howling and screeching) will be avoided. Please also observe the
pickup patterns of the microphone selected: omnidirectional mics pick up sound equally from
all dir

ections and are prone to feedback if not used carefully. Unidirectional mics are more

resistant to f

eedbac

k, but pick up sound sources best that are directly in front of the mic.
Also, mics that are farther from the sound source, such as lavaliers, require more acoustic
gain and thus are also more prone to feedback than close-source mics such as handheld or
headworn mics that are used close to the mouth.]

(Note: Microphone elements can easily be destroyed by the buildup of salts and minerals
from perspiration and sali

va. It is good practice to put a windscreen on the mic element at

all times to protect it.)

OPERATION

10

11

17

18

OPERATION

Headworn

Microphone

21

Opening Battery Compartment

20

17

22

23

24

19

WGT Instrument Bodypack Transmitter

1. Snap open the BATTERY COMPARTMENT (25) and insert a fresh 9V BATTERY
(26)

, observing the correct polarity. Close the compartment. The WGT-15 is provided with

a 3.5 mm LOCKING JACK (27) for connecting the INSTRUMENT CABLE (28). To
secure the connection, turn the metal slip ring on the plug clockwise to thread it on to the
jack. To unplug, reverse the process. Slip the transmitter into a pocket or clip on to your
clothes or instrument strap.

(Note:

As the cord to the instrument also serves as the antenna, be sure to extend it fully for
maximum range. Rolling up or shortening the cord may reduce the effective operating
range.)

2. Turn on the WGT by sliding the OFF/STANDBY/ON SWITCH (29) to the STANDBY
position (transmitter on, audio muted) or the ON position (transmitter and audio both on).
The BATTERY INDICATOR LED (30) will give a single quick flash, indicating usable
battery strength. In the case of a dead or low battery, the LED either will not go on at all or
will stay on continuously, indicating that the battery should be replaced with a fresh one.

3. The WGT transmitter is now ready to use. The

TX DISPLAY LEDs (7) on the 401X

Quad receiver should now be lit, indicating a received signal from the transmitter. Adjust the
volume of the receiver as per the Audio Output Instrument Connections section of the
above 401X Quad receiver instructions. The

AF LEVEL LED DISPLAY (7) on the 401X

Quad receiver will light up as if the input signals are getting stronger. Occasional flickering
on and off during use of the LED indicator is normal. However, if the LED stays on
continuously, turn down the instrument volume control or noticeable distortion may result.
For ultra high-gain instrument sources such as active bass pickups or even extra hot guitar
pickups, an attenuation pad may be required to eliminate unwanted distortion.

(Note:

The

INPUT LEVEL

CONTROL (31)

is not oper

able because it is preset and
switched internally at the factory to instrument GT input mode. The control is only used for
Headworn Mic (HM) and Lavalier (LT) input modes).

(Note: Scratchy noises can sometimes occur when some electric guitars/basses with dirty
pots or connections ar

e used with any wireless system. For this reason, the supplied

INSTRUMENT CORD (28) has a factory installed ca

pacitor inside the 1/4” plug. This
capacitor provides first order filtering of the RF signal from the cord into the guitar and
eliminates virtually all scratchy noises. Should your equipment still produce scratchy noises,
we suggest these steps to eliminate them:

1) Make sur

e all guitar volume and tone pots are clean and all contacts are solid – this is

ver

y impor

tant.

2) Provide extra filtering with a 220 pF capacitor soldered across the hot to ground
terminals of the guitar’s volume and tone pots.)

OPERATION

12

25

29

30

31

27

28

13

26

25

OPERATION

Opening Battery Compartment

14

The LINK 2TMPlug-In Transmitter

1. Transmitter Set-Up

First, slide open the BATTERY COMPARTMENT DOOR (39) to expose compartment.
Insert a fresh 9V ALKALINE BATTERY (41), observing polarity. Close the battery
compartment door.

2. Handheld Microphone Installation

• Step 1 - Rotate the transmitter’s threaded LOCKING RING (33) clockwise toward
the XLR CONNECTOR (32) until it stops.

• Step 2 - Hold your mic in one hand and The Link 2 in the other.

• Step 3 - Plug your mic into the

XLR CONNECTOR.

• Step 4 - Lock the mic into place with the adjustable threaded LOCKING RING by
rotating the ring, counterclockwise, to the top of the transmitter.

• Step 5 - To release the XLR CONNECTOR, turn the threaded LOCKING RING
clockwise and press the RELEASE BUTTON (40).

3. Lavalier Microphone Installation

The lavalier microphone you are using must terminate with an XLR connector and conform
to the pin assignments shown below. If they do not conf

or

m, you must use an appropriate
adapter or the lav mic may not work with the Link 2. If you have any questions, please
contact your Nady dealer or Nady Systems’ Customer Service Department.

Note: the pin assignments on The Link 2’s XLR connector are as shown:

Note: Select phantom power, as needed, with the PHANTOM POWER ON/OFF SWITCH (38)

OPERATION

14

15

4. Microphone Operation

a. Turn on The Link 2 by sliding the ON/STANDBY/OFF SWITCH (37) to the STANDBY
position (transmitter on, audio muted) or the ON position (transmitter and audio both on).
The

LOW BATTERY INDICATOR LED (36) will give a single quick flash, indicating

usable battery strength. In case of dead or low battery, the indicator will either not go on at all
or stay on continuously, indicating a battery voltage below 7V. If this occurs, replace with a
fresh 9V battery. Remember to turn the transmitter off when not in use.

b. The Link 2 is now ready to use. The

AF LEVEL LED DISPLAY (7) on the 401X Quad

receiver should now be lit, indicating a received signal from the transmitter. When ready to
speak, slide the transmitter switch to the ON position and adjust the volume of the receiver as
per the

Audio Output Microphone Connection section of the above 401X Quad receiver

instructions. The AF LEVEL LED DISPLAY (7) on the 401X Quad receiver will light up as
if the input signals are getting stronger. Occasional flickering on and off during use of the
LED indicator is normal. However, if the LED stays on continuously, it means the signal is
too loud and there is the possibility of overload distortion. Re-position the microphone farther
from the source or adjust the Link 2 transmitter gain with the VOLUME LO/HI GAIN

SWITCH (35)

. Set for the maximum possible level without noticeable distortion on the high

level peaks. Set the GAIN SWITCH to LO to decrease the audio level, and set the GAIN
SWITCH to HI to increase the audio level. The red LED indicator should flicker only on the
loudest inputs.

[Note: Observe care in selecting P.A. volume, transmitter location and speaker placement so
that acoustic feedback (howling and screeching) will be avoided. Please also observe the
pickup patterns of the microphone selected: omnidirectional mics pick up sound equally from
all directions and are prone to feedback if not used carefully. Unidirectional mics are more
resistant to feedback, but pick up sound sources best that are directly in front of the mic.
Also, mics that are farther from the sound source, such as lavaliers, require more acoustic
gain and thus are also more prone to feedback than close-source mics such as handheld or
headworn mics that are used close to the mouth.]

(Note: Microphone elements can easily be destroyed by the buildup of salts and minerals from
perspiration and saliva. It is good practice to put a windscreen on the mic element at all
times to protect it.)

OPERATION

39

37

40

38

36

35

41

32

33

32 XLR Connector – Connects microphone to the transmitter module for signal input

33 Loc

king Ring

– Loc

ks microphone to the transmitter

34 Optional Pouch – For lavalier bodypack operation (with beltclip and strap ring

for securing)

35 Gain Control Switch – Adjusts the input sensitivity (LO or HI)

36 Low Battery LED – Single flash (power on), lit steady (low battery)

37 Power Switch - Turns the power ON/STANDBY/OFF. In standby position, the

power is on and the audio is off.

38 Phantom Power ON/OFF Switch – Turns the phantom power ON/OFF

39 Battery Compartment

40 Release Button – Press to release XLR connector

41 9V Alkaline Battery

OPERATION

Optional Pouch

34

16

17

401X Quad OVERALL SYSTEM PERFORMANCE

Frequency Response 30-18KHz (-3dB)
Dynamic Range 120dB (20-20KHz)
Total Harmonic Distortion <0.5% (typical)
RF Carrier Frequency Range 170-230MHz (Factory installed Channels)
Frequency Stability +/- 0.005%, crystal controlled
Modulation FM (F3E), +/-15KHz nor,+/-30KHz max
Operating Range 250 feet typcial — up to 500+ feet optimum line-of-sight

401X Quad TRANSMITTERS

Audio Inputs

• WHT Nady DM-10D neodymium dynamic cartridge

• WLT/WGT 3.5mm mono locking jack for connecting to omni or

unidirectional lavalier mic or unidirectional headworn mic,
with phantom power (WLT); or connecting to instrument
cable (WGT)

• LINK 2™ Locking XLR jack for connecting to microphone or cable, with

selectable phantom power

Controls

• WHT OFF/STANDBY/ON switch

• WLT/WGT OFF/STANDBY/ON switch, input level adjust

• LINK 2™ OFF/STANDBY/ON, LO/HI Level, and ON/OFF Phantom

power switch

LED Indicator Unit "ON" (single flash), Low Battery Alert (steady)
RF Power Out 50mW (Max. allowed by FCC)
Harmonic & Spurious Emissions <-40dB
Battery 9V Alkaline
Battery Life Up to 20 hours
Dimensions

• WHT 9.5" X 1.4" Diam. (24.1 X 3.5 cm)

• WLT/WGT 4.1" X 2.4"X 0.8" (10.4 X 6.1 X 2.0 cm)

• LINK 2™ 4.5" X 1.5" X 1.25" (11.4 X 3.8 X 3.2 cm)

Weight (w/o battery)

• WHT 6.9 oz (193 g)

• WLT/WGT 3.6 oz (101 g)

• LINK 2™ 2.6 oz (71 g)

401X Quad RECEIVER

Controls Power ON/OFF, volume control, mute control
Connectors 1 unbalanced adjustable mixed (all four channel)

1/4” T-S audio output jack. Line level, 600 ohms.
4 balanced fixed level XLR. #1=GND, #2-3=signals
Line/Mic level, 11k/600 ohms

Receiver 2.1 mm barrel-type DC input jack (tip=positive)
LED Indicators 1 Power ON LED, 4 AF LED, 4 TX ON LED
Dimensions 1.75” x 7.5” x 16.5” (4.4 x 19 x 42 cm)
Weight 4.5 lbs (2 Kg)
Power Requirements 16V @ 800mA, nominal, AC/DC adapter supplied
Antenna Connectors Dual f

emale BNC connector

s

SPECIFICATIONS

18

(U.S.) Should your Nady 401X Quad Wireless Microphone System require servicing, please
contact the Nady Service Department via telephone at [phone] or e-mail to
[e-mail] for a Return Authorization (R/A) Number and a service quote (if out of
warranty). Make sure the R/A Number is clearly marked on the outside of the package when
you sent it in and enclose a cashier's check or money order (if not prepaid with a credit card).
Please ship the unit prepaid to: Nady Systems, Inc., Service Department, 6701 Shellmound
Street, Emeryville, CA 94608. Please include a brief description of the problem you are
experiencing.

The warranty card enclosed with this system contains additional valuable warranty and
service information. Keep it in a safe place for possible future reference. Do not
attempt to service this unit yourself as it will void the warranty.

(International)

For service, please contact the Nady distributor in your country through the

dealer from whom you purchased this product.

SERVICE

18

Nady wireless microphone systems are type accepted under

FCC rules parts 90, 74, and 15.

This device complies with RSS-210 of

Industry & Science Canada.

Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) this

device may not cause harmful interference and (2) this device

must accept any interference received, including interference

that may cause undesired operation.

NADY SYSTEMS, INC. • 6701 SHELLMOUND STREET, EMERYVILLE, CA 94608

Tel: [phone] • Fax: [phone] • www.nady.com