Sabine TRUE MOBILITY WIRELESS SYSTEM SWM3000 User Manual
OPERATING GUIDE
Version 4
Models:
SWM3000
SWM1600
WARNING : DON’T WORRY!
Every other wireless microphone manual has to warn
users about the perils of feedback with wireless mics.
Welcome to Sabine True Mobility Wireless Systems,
where the only feedback we get is how good it sounds!
Declaration of Conformity
DECLARATION OF CONFORMITY
Application of Council Directive: 73/23/EEC and 89/336/EEC
Standards to which conformity is declared:
EN 60065: 1993
EN 60950: 1992
EN 55103-1: 1997
EN 55022: 08:94 + a1:05:05
EN 55103-2: 1997
ETS 300445 (VHF)
ETS 300442 (UHF)
Manufacturer's Name: Sabine, Inc.
Manufacturer's Address: 13301 Highway 441
Alachua, FL 32615 USA
Type of Equipment: Wireless microphone/receiver
Model No.: True Mobility Wireless Systems
Serial No.:
Year of Manufacture: 1999 following
I, the undersigned, hereby declare that the equipment specified above conforms to the above
Directive and Standard.
Place: Alachua, Florida, USA Signature:
Date: January 4, 2002 Full Name: Doran Oster, Sabine President
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
SECTION ONE : INTRODUCTION ....................................................................... 6
1.1 Using this Operating Guide ........................................................................................... 6
1.2 System Description ........................................................................................................6
1.3 System Features............................................................................................................. 7
SECTION TWO : FRONT & BACK PANEL VIEWS............................................. 8
2.1 Back Panel View ............................................................................................................. 8
2.2 UHF Front Panel View .................................................................................................... 8
2.3 VHF Front Panel View .................................................................................................... 8
SECTION THREE : SYSTEM COMPONENTS ..................................................... 9
3.1 Handheld Microphone ................................................................................................... 9
3.2 Beltpack Transmitter ......................................................................................................9
3.3 Model Numbers and Accessory Part Numbers............................................................ 9
SECTION FOUR : QUICK SETUP ...................................................................... 10
4.1 Receiver & Transmitter Quick Setup ........................................................................... 10
4.2 FBX Quick Setup ........................................................................................................... 10
SECTION FIVE : RECEIVER & TRANSMITTER SETUP ...................................11
5.1 Multiple Units ................................................................................................................ 11
5.1.1 Number of Simultaneous Systems ..................................................................................................... 11
5.1.2 Antenna Dividers & Extension Antennas ........................................................................................... 11
5.2 Receiver Placement and Connections ....................................................................... 11
5.2.1 Power Cords & Antennas ........................................................................................................................... 11
5.2.2. Receiver Placement.................................................................................................................................... 11
5.2.3 Audio Output Connection........................................................................................................................... 12
5.2.4 Beltpack Headset/Lavalier Microphone connection .................................................................... 13
5.3 Transmitter & Receiver Operating Procedures .......................................................... 13
5.3.1. Start-up Procedures .................................................................................................................................... 13
5.3.2. Transmitter LED Indicators ....................................................................................................................... 14
5.4 Group & Channel Selection ......................................................................................... 15
5.4.1 Selecting Transmitter/Receiver Groups/Channels ....................................................................... 15
5.4.2 Group/Channel Selection (Multiple Receivers/Transmitters) ..................................................... 15
5.5 Audio Output Settings.................................................................................................. 16
5.5.1 Unbalanced Audio Output........................................................................................................................... 16
5.5.2 Balanced Audio Output ................................................................................................................................16
5.6 Transmitter Battery Installation ................................................................................... 16
5.6.1 Battery Usage ................................................................................................................................................ 16
5.6.2 Handheld Microphone (SW30-H, SW16-H) ....................................................................................... 17
5.6.2 Beltpack Transmitters (SW30-TX, SW16-TX) ................................................................................. 17
5.7 Dual Battery Charger ................................................................................................... 18
4
Table of Contents
SECTION SIX : FBX FEEDBACK EXTERMINATOR ......................................... 19
6.1 Introduction to FBX ...................................................................................................... 19
6.2 Two FBX Advantages................................................................................................... 20
6.2.1 Advantage #1 .................................................................................................................................................... 20
6.2.2. Advantage #2 ................................................................................................................................................... 20
6.3 Who Needs The FBX? .................................................................................................. 21
6.4 FBX Setup & Ready Mode ........................................................................................... 21
6.4.1 FBX Fixed & Dynamic filters ..................................................................................................................... 21
6.4.2 Default FBX filter settings .......................................................................................................................... 22
6.4.3 FBX filter width ................................................................................................................................................ 22
6.5 How To Set Up The FBX Section Of Your True MobilityTM System.......................... 22
6.6 Bypass Button.............................................................................................................. 23
SECTION SEVEN : DE-ESSER SET UP ............................................................ 24
7.1 The Essence of De-essing............................................................................................ 24
7.2 Using the De-esser........................................................................................................ 24
SECTION EIGHT : COMPRESSOR SET UP...................................................... 25
8.1 Basics of Compression ............................................................................................... 25
8.2 Using the Compressor................................................................................................. 25
8.3 Suggested Compressor Settings ............................................................................... 26
8.3.1 Vocal Compression ...................................................................................................................................... 26
8.3.2 Guitar Compression ..................................................................................................................................... 26
8.3.2 Additional Settings .......................................................................................................................................... 26
8.4 Possible Compression Trouble Areas ........................................................................ 27
SECTION NINE : TIPS AND TROUBLESHOOTING .......................................... 28
9.1 Tips for Maximum Performance of your True Mobility Wireless System ................. 28
9.2 Troubleshooting ...........................................................................................................28
SECTION TEN : MULTIPLE FREQUENCY & USE CHARTS............................. 29
10.1 UHF Frequency Code U922A [USA] ......................................................................... 29
10.2 UHF Frequency Code U808C [Export] .................................................................... 30
10.3 UHF Frequency Code U794A [Export] ..................................................................... 30
10.4 VHF Frequencies [USA] ............................................................................................. 31
10.5 VHF Frequencies [Export] ......................................................................................... 32
SECTION ELEVEN : APPENDICES ................................................................... 33
11.1 FBX Configuration DIP Switch .................................................................................. 33
11.2 Beltpack Transmitter Connector Wiring Diagrams .................................................. 34
11.3 XLR Connector ............................................................................................................ 35
11.4 Beltpack Transmitter Schematic ................................................................................ 35
11.5 Engineering Specifications........................................................................................ 36
SECTION TWELVE : CAUTIONS & WARRANTY.............................................. 38
INDEX ................................................................................................................... 40
Sabine True Mobility Wireless Operating Guide Version 4
Models: SWM3000 & SWM1600
© 2003 Sabine, Inc.
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5
Section One : Introduction
SECTION ONE : INTRODUCTION
Congratulations on purchasing a Sabine True Mobility™ Wireless System. True Mobility™ Wireless
Systems give you all the built-in processing you need on every microphone.
1.1 Using this Operating Guide
This operating guide covers all Sabine True Mobility™ Wireless Systems — model numbers SWM3000
and SWM1600 — and contains full explanations for everything you need to operate your True Mobility™ Wireless system.
Section 2 shows front and back panel views for your True Mobility Wireless receiver.
Section 3 lists system components.
Section 4 gives the Quick Setup procedures for Receiver & Transmitter Operation and using the
FBX Feedback Exterminator®. Note that there is also a quick-start label on top of your
True Mobility receiver for the Sabine FBX Feedback Exterminator®, Compressor/Limiter
and De-Esser functions.
Section 5 details receiver and transmitter installation and setup.
Section 6 explains the how and why of Sabine’s FBX technology, and gives a complete understand-
ing of how to set up your FBX filters.
Section 7 details the True Mobility’s De-Esser.
Section 8 explains the use of the Compressor.
Section 9 gives tips on how to get the best performance from your Sabine Wireless, and describes
some possible operating problems and their solutions.
Section 10 has frequency charts for all currently available Sabine Wireless systems.
Section 11 contains information on how to modify your True Mobility’s FBX filters (NOTE: these
procedures are to be performed by qualified personnel only), transmitter wiring
schematics, and engineering specifications for your Sabine Wireless.
Section 12 states caution and warranty information for your True Mobility™ Wireless system.
1.2 System Description
Sabine True Mobility™ Wireless Systems come in UHF and VHF models, with many accessories to
complete your system packages. Both systems include state-of-the-art Phase Locked Loop (PLL)
synthesized transmitter and receivers, True Diversity reception, dual-squelch circuitry, excellent noise
rejection and superior dynamic range. Microphone transmitter configurations consist of handheld,
lavalier, or headset styles. Sabine True Mobility™ Wireless UHF and VHF systems offer optional
front or rear mount antennas, extension antennas, and antenna divider systems.
Sabine Wireless Systems are superior to conventional systems because we include the two most
comprehensive features found in any wireless system: True Mobility and Targeted Input Process-
ing.
We call our system True Mobility because it provides the freedom you should expect from a wireless
system. With a conventional wireless system, your range of movement is limited by the potential for
feedback in acoustical “hot spots.” Some areas are so feedback prone you cannot go near them at all.
Other areas allow only minimal gain before feedback occurs. Until now, freedom from mic cables
meant more likelihood for feedback.
Fortunately, that has changed. Sabine’s True Mobility system includes our patented, industry-standard FBX Feedback Exterminator®. Your microphones will sound loud and clear without feedback,
and with a greatly increased area of feedback-free movement. This is the freedom you were seeking
when you chose a wireless system.
Sabine’s True Mobility doesn’t stop with automatic feedback control. Conventional wireless systems
require the added cost of outboard equalizers, compressor/limiters, and de-essers to maximize performance.
6
Section One : Introduction
Sabine offers a different approach: on-board processing at no extra cost, all dedicated to one
microphone. We call this Targeted Input Processing. With Targeted Input Processing, no mic gets
more processing than it needs, and every mic gets precise, targeted control perfectly suited to provide
optimal performance.
1.3 System Features
All Digital Targeted Input Processing
• Patented FBX Feedback Exterminator®: The industry standard in automatic feedback control.
The True Mobility FBX function includes our fast Turbo Setup Mode, 10 FBX filters, and easy-to- use
controls.
• Auto De-Esser: Sabine’s new automatic de-essing algorithm senses, tracks, and removes sibi-
lance without affecting the rest of your program.
• Compressor: Our famous digital compressor offers the gain management you need to compensate
for all types of performers and speakers, from those who are shy around microphones, to the
boldest worship leader. You can adjust ratio, threshold and attack settings.
True Diversity Receiver
• Phase Locked Loop (PLL): Receiver and transmitter are synthesizer controlled via PLL circuitry.
• Dual-squelch Circuitry: Sabine 2-stage squelch utilizes Tone Key and Noise squelch systems
which eliminate interference and provide quiet, reliable and flexible service.
• Dual-NiMH 9-volt Battery Charger: on-board dual-NiMH 9-volt battery charger means you are
never out of power for handheld transmitters—saves you hundreds of dollars a year in 9-volt battery
costs! Transmitter low-battery warning light lets you know when to change. Sabine’s NiMH batter-
ies give you up to 5 hours of battery life and only MINIMAL MEMORY EFFECT! *
• Radio Frequency (RF) and Audio signal meters: Bright, easy-to-see-and-read level meters
keep you informed of signal strength and audio level.
• User-friendly Channel (and Group for UHF) Selection on Transmitters: The RF signal meter
helps you find a clear frequency.
• Options include: Rear-to-Front Antenna Converter Kit, Antenna Divider Systems, Extension An-
tennas and Extension Antenna Boosters (Extension Antenna Booster raises the signal +13 dB and
requires use of Antenna Divider).
NOTE: MEMORY EFFECT typically occurs when a NiCAD rechargeable battery is recharged
*
before reaching the end of its initial charge. The battery remembers the charge state prior
to being recharged and uses that as its “empty” charge state. Sabine NiMH batteries are
“memory resistant.” You can recharge your batteries any time you please; whether they
are 1/2, 3/4 or almost fully charged. You will always get consistent battery life from your
Sabine NiMH batteries (for up to 500 charges or more).
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7
Section Two : Front & Back Panel Views
SECTION TWO : FRONT & BACK PANEL VIEWS
2.1 Back Panel View
Balanced Out
Antenna B
Unbalanced
Output Level Switch
MIC
LEVEL
ONLY
Unbalanced Out
2.2 UHF Front Panel View
Charge
Indicator LEDs
FBX Feedback
Exterminator Control
DC Power IN
Squelch adjustment
Gain Reduction
Indicator Lights
Group & Channel
Selectors
AC Power IN
Antenna A
Power &
Power LED
Output Level
Control
Dual-Battery
Charger
Compartment
WARNING:
Do not attempt to recharge alkaline or other
non-rechargeable batteries. Non-rechargeable
batteries will explode if placed in a battery
charger. For best results, use Sabine 7.2-volt
rechargeable batteries (SWABAT).
De-Esser Compressor
2.3 VHF Front Panel View
Charge
Indicator LEDs
Dual-Battery
Charger
Compartment
FBX Feedback
Exterminator Control
De-Esser Compressor
Gain Reduction
Indicator Lights
RF Signal
Indicator
Lights
Channel
Selector
RF Signal
Indicator
Lights
Input Level
Indicator
Lights
Power &
Power LED
Output Level
Control
Input Level
Indicator
Lights
8
Section Three : System Components
SECTION THREE : SYSTEM COMPONENTS
3.1 Handheld Microphone
NOTE: Use only Sabine 7.2-volt
Rechargeable or 9-volt Alkaline battery
3.2 Beltpack Transmitter
LED
Group Selector*
Channel Selector
Indicates unused frequency
Gain
Power SwitchPower/Battery
Antenna
Group Selector
Channel Selector
SlotGuitar/Mic Switch
Mini XLR
Connector
Sliding Door
Indicates
frequency not
available
NOTE: SWM1600 VHF
microphones and transmitters do not have a
GROUP selector.
Low
Power
Switch
Battery
Indicator
*NOTE: SWM1600 VHF micro-
phones and transmitters do not
have a Group selector.
3.3 Model Numbers and Accessory Part Numbers
SWM3000 UHF System
SWM3000-H UHF Handheld Package (SW30-R, SW30-H)
SWM3000-LX UHF Lavalier Package (SW30-R, SW30-TX, SWT42L-4PX)
SWM3000-DX UHF Headset Package (SW30-R, SW30-TX, SWT25W-4PX)
SW30-R 30-Ch Diversity Receiver with Battery Charger
& NiMH rechargeable battery
SW30-H Condenser PLL Hand Held Microphone
SW30-TX PLL Belt Pack Transmitter, 4-pin Mini XLR
SWM1600 VHF System
SWM1600-H VHF Handheld Package (SW16-R, SW16-H)
SWM1600-LX VHF Lavalier Package (SW16-R, SW16-TX, SWT42L-4PX)
SWM1600-DX VHF Headset Package (SW16-R, SW16-TX, SWT25W-4PX)
SW16-R 16-Ch Diversity Receiver with Battery Charger
& NiMH rechargeable battery
SW16-H Condenser PLL Hand Held Microphone
SW16-TX PLL Belt Pack Transmitter, 4-pin Mini XLR
Microphones
SWT42L-4PX Unidirectional Lavalier Microphone, 4-pin Mini XLR
SWT25W-4PX Unidirectional Headset Microphone, 4-pin Mini XLR
SWT30G-4PX Guitar Plug and Cable, 4-pin Mini XLR
Batteries
SWBBAT Rechargeable 7.2-volt NiMH Battery for transmitters
Antenna Accessories
SWA100 TNC Rear to Front Antenna Converter Kit
SWA4V VHF 4-Channel Antenna Divider System
SWAVEXT VHF Extension Antenna (1 set of 2)
SWA4U UHF 4-Channel Antenna Divider System
SWAUEXT UHF Extension Antenna (1 set of 2)
SWAUB UHF Extension Antenna Booster *
SWAEXTM Mounting Bracket for Extension Antenna (1 set of 2)
Mic & Transmitter Accessories
SWC200 Condenser Microphone Capsule Module
SWCCLIP-H Handheld Microphone Holder
SWCTRI Desktop microphone tripod
SWC4P 4-pin connector
SWCCLIP-L Mic clip for SWT42L-4PX Lav Mic
SWCSCR2 Windscreen for Lav Microphones
Extension Antenna Booster requires use of Antenna
*
Divider.
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Section Four: Quick Setup
SECTION FOUR : QUICK SETUP
4.1 Receiver & Transmitter Quick Setup
Please read Section Five Receiver & Transmitter
Setup for a complete understanding of how to set up your
True Mobility Receiver.
1. Place the receiver in an open area within visual range
of the intended microphone locations. Note that the
range of your microphones is about 100 meters, but
that structural objects can lessen that range.
2. Turn the Output Level of the receiver and mixer in use
to the minimum setting.
3. Connect the unbalanced output (1/4 inch jack) of your
True Mobility receiver to the unbalanced input of your
mixer or amplifier; or the balanced output (XLR connector) of your receiver to the balanced mic input of
your mixer or amplifier.
NOTE: when putting the unbalanced output of the receiver into the Line In input jack of a mixer or amplifier,
switch the receiver’s Level Switch to the High position
(see p.10, Fig. 5d). If you connect the unbalanced output of a receiver into the Mic-In input jack of a mixer or
amplifier; switch the receiver’s Level Switch to the Low
position.
4. Turn on Receiver. Set receiver and transmitter to
same Group and Channel. Make sure your transmitter is turned off.
5. Check that the RF Signal LEDs are not lighting up.
If RF Signal LEDs light up before transmitter is turned
on, choose another frequency.
6. Turn on wireless microphone or transmitter. Check that
the REF Signal LEDs are lit.
7. Adjust volume.
a. Speak into the microphone. Adjust the transmitter
Gain until Input Level LEDs (on receiver) light without clipping. NOTE: Step 7.a is for beltpack transmitters only—the Transmitter Gain is not adjustable on handheld microphones.
4.2 FBX Quick Setup
Please read Section 6.6 How to Set Up the FBX Section of your True Mobility System for a complete un-
derstanding of the FBX function and control.
1. Patch the Sabine receiver into your mixer or amp and
position the speakers; then turn on the receiver, transmitter, and microphone. Look for strong RF signal on
the front panel meter; check microphone and adjust
Output Level for strong input level on the mixer or
receiver’s amp.
2. Position the microphone in the primary area of use;
press and hold the Setup button on the receiver until
the Setup indicator flashes 4 times, then release. Do
not use microphone for performance in this mode.
Do not talk into microphone until setup is complete.
3. Slowly raise the gain on the mixer or amp channel
until FBX eliminates the first few feedback tones. Stop
raising gain.
4. Move the microphone to another area of use and slowly
raise gain until FBX eliminates a few more feedback
tones.
5. Repeat step 4 until the Setup indicator automatically
goes off and the Ready indicator comes on.
You may quit Setup mode at any time prior to its
automatic exit by simply pressing the Ready button.
NOTE : The Bypass button bypasses only the FBX filters, and not the additional signal processing (de-essing
and compression) available in the Targeted Input Processing section of the Sabine True Mobility
ceiver.
TM
Wireless Re-
b. Adjust the receiver Output Level to approximately
the 12 o’clock position (or loud enough to supply a
strong input level to the mixer or amplifier).
c. Adjust the volume control of the amplifier and/or
mixer to an appropriate sound level.
10
Section Five: Receiver & Transmitter Setup
SECTION FIVE : RECEIVER & TRANSMITTER SETUP
Each Sabine Wireless System consists of a transmitter and a receiver. Sabine’s True Mobility Wireless
receivers are True Diversity receivers—that means they have two fully redundant receivers listening for your
transmitter and trading off automatically to whichever receives the best signal.
5.1 Multiple Units
5.1.1 Number of Simultaneous Systems
UHF receivers/transmitters have 30 frequencies to choose from, but there is a maximum number that can
be used in one location (see Section Ten: Multiple Frequency & Use Charts for more information and
setup). VHF receivers/transmitters have 16 frequencies to choose from. These also have a maximum
number that can be used on one location. UHF and VHF systems can be used together to increase the
number of units. Refer to your receiver Frequency Code and the corresponding information in Section Ten:
Multiple Frequency & Use Charts for how to set up multiple receivers and transmitters.
5.1.2 Antenna Dividers & Extension Antennas
When multiple UHF or VHF systems are in use, a Sabine antenna divider (UHF systems: SWA- 4U; VHF
systems: SWA- 4V) can be used to minimize the number of antennas. Extension antennas can be added to
maintain good reception even when receivers are far from transmitters.
5.2 Receiver Placement and Connections
5.2.1 Power Cords & Antennas
Attach the power cord to the AC Power IN on the back panel and to a 120 - 240-volt AC power source
(alternatively, you may use a 12-15 VDC, 0.6A, 10W power adapter as in Figure 5b). Attach antennas or
antenna connectors to the antenna A & B TNCs on the True Mobility back panel.
5.2.2. Receiver Placement
The receiver should be placed in an open area within visual range of the intended microphone location. Note
that the range of your transmitter is about 100 meters, but that structural objects can lessen that range.
Extension antennas can be added to maintain good reception even when the receiver is located far from the
transmitter.
Antenna A
Figure 5b - DC Power Connections
AC Power IN
Figure 5a - AC Power and Antenna Connections
Antenna A TNC
Receiver-side AC
Power cord
CAUTION: Do not use third party receivers or transmitters as part of, or in conjunction with
your Sabine Wireless system. Some third party microphone and pickups can be configured
to work with the Sabine True Mobility. See Appendix 11.2 for wiring diagrams.
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11
Section Five: Receiver & Transmitter Setup
CAUTIONS
- Since the installation of the antennas influences the operating efficiency of the receiver,
the most important rule is to minimize the distance between receiving antenna and transmitter for better reception and performance.
- Keep the system away from electrical-noise
sources (electric motors, refrigerators, arc
welders, etc.). Place the receiver at least one
meter above floor level. Keep all transmitters
at least 3 meters away from a receiver antenna.
Your True Mobility receiver can be installed into an EIA standard rack-mount case using the rack-mount
brackets provided. A Rear-to-Front Antenna Converter Kit (SWA100) is available to improve reception on
rack-mounted receivers.
5.2.3 Audio Output Connection
Connect the unbalanced output (1/4 inch jack) of your True Mobility receiver to the unbalanced mic input
of your mixer or amplifier; or the balanced output (XLR connector) of your receiver to the balanced mic
input of your mixer or amplifier.
NOTE 1 : The Level Switch affects only the Unbalanced Output on the receiver. In the “Low”
position, the output is the same
as the Balanced (XLR) output.
In the “High” position, the output
is 10 dB higher than the XLR output.
*
See Section Ten for allowable
*
Figure 5c - Receiver &
Antenna Placement
MIC LEVEL
ONLY
Balanced Output (XLR)
Unbalanced Output (¼-inch)
Figure 5d - Audio Output Connection (mic level only)
distance between transmitter
and receiver.
Level Switch
Unbalanced Output
Cord (¼-inch)
Balanced
Output Cord
(XLR)
12
NOTE 2 : Guitar Output: Using ¼-inch jack cable, plug one end into
the receiver’s unbalanced output and the other end to the input of a
guitar amplifier. Switch the Level Switch to the High position.
Mixer or Amplifier
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