Samson Technologies Corp.
45 Gilpin Ave
Hauppauge, NY 11788
www.samsontech.com
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Important Safety Information
ATTENTION
RISQUE D’ÉLECTROCUTION !
NE PAS OUVRIR !
CAUTION: TO REDUCE THE RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK, DO NOT
REMOVE COVER (OR BACK). NO USER-SERVICEABLE PARTS INSIDE. REFER SERVICING TO QUALIFIED SERVICE PERSONNEL.
This lightning flash with arrowhead symbol within an equilateral triangle
is intended to alert the user to the presence of non-insulated “dangerous voltage” within the product’s enclosure that may be of sufficient
magnitude to constitute a risk of electric shock.
The exclamation point within an equilateral triangle is intended to alert
the user to the presence of important operating and maintenance instructions in the literature accompanying the appliance.
TO PREVENT FIRE OR SHOCK HAZARD. DO NOT USE THIS PLUG WITH AN EXTENSION
WARNING
CORD, RECEPTACLE OR OTHER OUTLET UNLESS THE BLADES CAN BE FULLY INSERTED TO PREVENT BLADE EXPOSURE. TO PREVENT FIRE OR SHOCK HAZARD. DO NOT
EXPOSE THIS APPLIANCE TO RAIN OR MOISTURE. TO PREVENT ELECTRICAL SHOCK,
MATCH WIDE BLADE PLUG TO WIDE SLOT AND FULLY INSERT.
If you want to dispose this product, do not mix it with general household waste. There is a
separate collection system for used electronic products in accordance with legislation that
requires proper treatment, recovery and recycling.
Private household in the 25 member states of the EU, in Switzerland and Norway may return their used
electronic products free of charge to designated collection facilities or to a retailer (if you purchase a similar
new one).
For Countries not mentioned above, please contact your local authorities for a correct method of disposal.
By doing so you will ensure that your disposed product undergoes the necessary treatment, recovery and
recycling and thus prevent potential negative effects on the environment and human health.
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Important Safety Information
1. Read these instructions.
2. Keep these instructions.
3. Heed all warnings.
4. Follow all instructions.
5. Do not use this apparatus near
water.
6. Clean only with dry cloth.
7. Do not block any ventilation openings. Install in accordance with the
manufacturer’s instructions.
8. Do not install near any heat sources such as radiators, heat registers,
stoves, or other apparatus (including amplifiers) that produce heat.
9. Do not defeat the safety purpose
of the polarized or grounding type
plug. A polarized plug has two
blades with one wider than the
other. A grounding type plug has
two blades and a third grounding prong. The wide blade or the
third prong are provided for your
safety. If the provided plug does
not fit into your outlet, consult an
electrician for replacement of the
obsolete outlet.
10. Protect the power cord from being
walked on or pinched particularly
at the plugs, convenience receptacles, and at the point where they
exit from the apparatus.
11. Only use attachments/accessories
specified by the manufacturer.
12. Use only with the cart, stand,
tripod, bracket, or table specified
by the manufacturer, or sold with
the apparatus. When a cart is
used, use caution when moving
the cart/apparatus combination
to avoid injury from tip-over.
13. Unplug the apparatus during lightening storms, or when unused for
long periods of time.
14. Refer all servicing to qualified personnel. Service is required when
the apparatus has been damaged
in any way, such as power supply
cord or plug is damaged, liquid
has been spilled or objects have
fallen into the apparatus has been
exposed to rain or moisture, does
not operate normally, or has been
dropped.
15. This appliance shall not be
exposed to dripping or splashing
water and that no object filled
with liquid such as vases shall be
placed on the apparatus.
Congratulations on purchasing the Samson Concert 88 wireless system. The Concert
88 is the ideal solution for the active performer who needs a reliable, great sounding
system for wireless applications. Featuring simple operation, with 16 available channels and infrared set for the transmitter channel, the Concert 88 can quickly be up
and running out of the box. The Concert 88 system ensures clear, interruption-free
performance by combining tone-key with auto-mute. This configuration allows only
the transmitter’s audio to pass through the receiver, and mutes the output if there is
any interference.
The Concert 88 comes in four configurations. The vocal handheld system includes
the CH88 handheld transmitter and Q6 dynamic microphone capsule. The CB88
belt pack system can be configured with either the HS5 headset microphone, LM5
lavalier microphone, or a ¼" instrument cable. For travel or permanent installation,
the Concert 88 includes a standard 19" rackmount kit.
In these pages, you’ll find a detailed description of the features of the Concert 88
wireless system, as well as a guided tour through its control panel, step-by-step
instructions for its setup and use, and full specifications. If your wireless system
was purchased in the United States, you’ll also find a warranty card enclosed—don’t
forget to fill it out and mail it in so that you can receive online technical support and
so that we can send you updated information about this and other Samson products
in the future. Also, be sure to check out our website (www.samsontech.com) for complete information about our full product line.
We recommend you keep the following records for reference, as well as a copy of your
sales receipt.
Receiver Serial number: _________________________________________
Transmitter Serial number: ______________________________________
Date of purchase: ______________________________________________
With proper care and maintenance, your Concert 88 wireless system will operate
trouble-free for many years. Should your wireless system ever require servicing, a
Return Authorization (RA) number must be obtained before shipping your unit to
Samson. Without this number, the unit will not be accepted. Please call Samson
at 1-800-3SAMSON (1-800-372-6766) for an RA number prior to shipping your
unit. Please retain the original packing materials and, if possible, return the unit in
its original carton. If your Concert 88 system was purchased outside of the United
States, contact your local distributor for warranty details and service information.
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System Features
• Professional wireless system for use in both live sound and sound contracting
applications
• True diversity technology maximizes active range (up to 300 feet) and reduces
potential interference
• 16 available channels operating in the UHF band designed for maximum system
compatibility in the same location without interference
• The CR88 receiver is a half-rack unit that can be used freestanding or can be
mounted in any standard 19" rack using the included rack kit, making it easy to
integrate into any traveling or fixed installation audio system
• Tone-key and auto-mute ensures clear, interruption-free performance allowing
only the transmitter’s audio to pass through the receiver, and mutes the output if
there is any interference
• Up to 300-foot range (line-of-sight)
• Up to eight hours of battery life, using two standard AA batteries
System Components
All systems
CR88 receiver
Power Supply
¼" to ¼" audio cable
Rack Accessories Long rack ear, short rack ear, two receiver adaptor
Owner's Manual
Handheld system
CH88 handheld transmitter with Q6 dynamic microphone capsule
Headset system
CB88 belt pack transmitter
HS5 headset microphone with mini-XLR connector
Lavalier System
CB88 belt pack transmitter
LM5 lavalier microphone with mini-XLR connector
Tie clip
Instrument System
CB88 belt pack transmitter
¼" to mini-XLR instrument cable
Concert 88 Wireless System
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Guided Tour - CR88 Receiver
1. Antennas - The antenna mountings allow full rotation for optimum placement. In
normal operation, both antennas should be placed in a vertical position. Both
antennas can be folded inward for convenience when transporting the CR88.
2. VOLUME Control - This knob sets the level of the audio signal being output
through both the balanced and unbalanced output jacks on the rear panel.
Reference level is obtained when the knob is turned fully clockwise (to its “10”
setting).
3. READY Indicator - This indicator lights green when the CR88 is receiving RF sig-
nal and the system is ready to use.
4. PEAK Indicator - This indicator lights red when the transmitted audio signal is
overloaded.
5. LED Display - The 7-segment LED display shows the receiver's current operating
channel. The CR88 channels are indicated by 0-9 and A-F.
6. IR Transmitter - During “IR SET” an infrared light is used to set the transmitter
channel.
7. SELECT Button - Press this button to cycle through the receiver's operating chan-
nels. Press and hold this button to send the channel information to the transmitter via infrared transmission.
8. POWER Switch - Use this to turn the CR88 power on and off.
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This device complies with Part 15 of the
FCC Rules. 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.
FREQ:
542-566MHz
Guided Tour - CR88 Receiver
1. DC Input - Connect the supplied power adapter here, using the strain relief as
shown in the illustration below. WARNING: Do not substitute any other kind of
power adapter. Doing so can cause severe damage to the CR88 and will void your
warranty.
2. BALANCED OUTPUT - Use this electronically balanced low impedance (600 Ohm)
XLR jack when connecting the CR88 to professional (+4dBu) audio equipment.
Pin wiring is as follows: Pin 1 ground, Pin 2 high (hot), and Pin 3 low (cold).
3. UNBALANCED OUTPUT - Use this unbalanced high impedance (5K Ohm) ¼" jack
when connecting the CR88 to consumer (-10dBV) audio equipment. Wiring is as
follows: tip hot, sleeve ground.
Concert 88 Wireless System
Using the strain relief: Gather up a loop of wire and pass
it through the strain relief, then pass the adapter plug
through the loop in order to create a knot.
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Guided Tour - CB88 Belt Pack Transmitter
1. Input Connector - Connect the input device via the mini-XLR connector. The CB88
is supplied with either a lavalier, headset microphone or ¼" instrument cable.
2. Status Indicator - This LED displays the operation mode:
GREENNormal Operation
REDMute
Flashing GREENLow Battery
3. Power/Mute Switch - Press and hold to turn the unit on or off. Press and release
to mute or unmute the transmitter.
4. Belt Clip - Use this clip to fasten the CB88 transmitter to a belt or guitar strap.
5. Battery Cover Release - Push in both sides and pull back to open the CB88 bat-
tery cover.
6. Antenna - This permanently attached transmitter antenna should be fully extend-
ed during normal operation.
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Guided Tour - CB88 Belt Pack Transmitter
7. Input GAIN Control - This control adjusts the transmitter input sensitivity to work
with microphone and instruments inputs. For optimal performance, using the
included screwdriver, set the input GAIN control to where you see the CR88
PEAK indicator start to light under high levels, then turn down slowly until the
PEAK light stops lighting.
8. Battery Holder - Insert two standard AA (LR6) batteries here, being sure to
observe the plus and minus polarity markings shown. Although rechargeable
Ni-Cad batteries can be used, they do not supply adequate current for more than
four hours. WARNING: Do not insert the batteries backwards; doing so can cause
severe damage to the CB88 and will void your warranty.
9. IR Lens - This window is used to capture the infrared signal sent from the CR88
during the IR SET to channelize the transmitter.
10. Plastic Screwdriver - Designed for use in adjusting the CB88 input GAIN control
(See #7 Input GAIN Control).
Concert 88 Wireless System
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Guided Tour - CH88 Handheld Transmitter
1. Status Indicator - This LED displays the
operation mode:
GREENNormal Operation
REDMute
Flashing GREEN Low Battery
2. Power/Mute Switch - Press and hold to
turn the unit on or off. Press and release
to mute or unmute the transmitter.
3. Battery Cover - Unscrew the battery cover
and slide down to open the CH88 battery
compartment.
4. Battery Holder - Open the battery holder
by pressing the tab and lifting the cover.
Insert two standard AA (LR6) batteries
here, being sure to observe the plus and
minus polarity markings shown. Although
rechargeable Ni-Cad batteries can be
used, they do not supply adequate current for more than four hours. WARNING:
Do not insert the batteries backwards;
doing so can cause severe damage to the
CH88 and will void your warranty.
5. Input GAIN Control - This control adjusts
the transmitter input sensitivity. For
optimal performance, using the included
screwdriver, set the input GAIN control to where you see the CR88 PEAK indicator start to light under high levels, then turn down until the PEAK light stops
lighting.
6. IR Lens - This window is used to capture the infrared signal sent from the CR88
during the IR SET to channelize the transmitter. The battery cover must be open
and the IR Lens facing towards the receiver to load the selected channel.
7. Plastic Screwdriver - Designed for use in adjusting the CB88 input GAIN control
(See #5 Input GAIN Control HH).
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Quick Start - Single System Setup
In order for your wireless system to work correctly, both the receiver and transmitter
must be set to the same channel.
Follow this basic procedure for setting up and using your Concert 88 wireless
system:
Physically place the CR88 receiver where it will be used, and extend the antennas vertically. The general rule of thumb is to maintain “line of sight” between the
receiver and transmitter so that the person using or wearing the transmitter can see
the receiver.
With the Power switch on and the CR88 power off, connect the included power
adapter. Turn the CR88 on momentarily to confirm that the unit is receiving power.
You’ll see the LED display light up. Then turn the CR88 power off.
This device complies with Part 15 of the
FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the
following two conditions:
(1) This device may not cause harmful
FREQ:
542-566MHz
With your amplifier or mixer off and volume control all the way down, connect the
CR88 receiver output jack to the mic or line level input of a mixer or amplifier using
the balanced XLR output or unbalanced ¼" line level output. Turn the Level knob on
the CR88 completely counterclockwise, then turn its power on.
interference, and
(2) this device must accept any
interference received, including
interference that may cause
undesired operation.
Concert 88 Wireless System
This device complies with Part 15 of the
FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the
following two conditions:
(1) This device may not cause harmful
FREQ:
542-566MHz
interference, and
(2) this device must accept any
interference received, including
interference that may cause
undesired operation.
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Quick Start - Single System Setup
With the transmitter powered off, install two fresh AA batteries into the CB88 belt
pack or CH88 handheld transmitter. Leave the battery compartment open.
Turn on the power to the transmitter by pressing and holding Power switch; the indicator LED will light green.
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Quick Start - Single System Setup
This device complies withPart 15 of theFCCRules. Operation is subject to thefollowingtwo conditions:(1)This device may not cause harmfulinterference, and(2)this device mustacceptanyinterference received, includinginterference that may causeundesired operation.
FREQ:
542-566MHz
5. Plug receiver into audio system6. Press Select button to change channel9. Press and hold SELECT button to IR set10. Adjust Volume control7. Install batteries8. Press button on transmitter to turn on
This device complies withPart 15 of theFCCRules. Operation is subject to thefollowingtwo conditions:(1)This device may not cause harmfulinterference, and(2)this device mustacceptanyinterference received, includinginterference that may causeundesired operation.
FREQ:
542-566MHz
3. Plug in receiver4.Turn on receiver
Press the SELECT button on the front of the CR88
receiver to choose an available channel. The channel
number will increase by one digit, from 0-9 then A-F.
Once the last channel has been reached, the count will
cycle back to 0.
Position the transmitter about 6-12" (15-30 cm) from the front of the CR88 with
the transmitter's IR window facing the IR transmitter on the front panel of the CR88
receiver.
Press and hold the CR88 SELECT button to set the
transmitter to the same channel as the receiver via
infrared transmission
Concert 88 Wireless System
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Quick Start - Single System Setup
When the transmission is complete, the CR88 will
receive RF signal and the tone key from the transmitter. The READY indicator will light on the front panel of
the CR88 receiver.
Turn on your connected amplifier or mixer, but keep
the volume all the way down. Set the Volume knob
on the CR88 fully clockwise (to its “10” setting).
This is unity gain.
Speak or sing into the microphone, or if you are using the transmitter with a connected instrument, play the instrument at normal performance level. Slowly raise the
volume of your amplifier or mixer until the desired level is reached.
If you find the system has noticeable dropouts, reduced overall working range, or
unexpected noise bursts, change the operating channel of the system using the steps
above.
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Quick Start - Multiple System Setup
When using multiple systems, each system must be set to a different operating channel.
Transmitter and receiver pairs must be on the same channel plan in order to work
together (See "Concert 88 Channel Plans" on page 20).
When setting an additional transmitter, make sure to close all other transmitter battery compartments to ensure that the IR Lens is covered.
To change the operating channel of a system, press
the SELECT button on the front of the CR88 receiver.
The channel number will increase by one digit, from
0-9 then A-F. Once the last channel has been reached,
the count will cycle back to 0.
Turn on the power to the transmitter by pressing and holding the Power switch; the
indicator LED will light green.
Concert 88 Wireless System
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This device complies withPart 15 of theFCCRules. Operation is subject to thefollowingtwo conditions:(1)This device may not cause harmfulinterference, and(2)this device mustacceptanyinterference received, includinginterference that may causeundesired operation.
FREQ:
542-566MHz
5. Plug receiver into audio system6. Press Select button to change channel9. Press and hold SELECT button to IR set10. Adjust Volume control7. Install batteries8. Press button on transmitter to turn on
This device complies withPart 15 of theFCCRules. Operation is subject to thefollowingtwo conditions:(1)This device may not cause harmfulinterference, and(2)this device mustacceptanyinterference received, includinginterference that may causeundesired operation.
FREQ:
542-566MHz
3. Plug in receiver4.Turn on receiver
Quick Start - Multiple System Setup
Position the transmitter about 6-12" (15-30 cm) from the front of the CR88 with the
transmitter's IR window facing the receiver's IR transmitter.
Press and hold the CR88 SELECT button to synch
the transmitter to the same channel as the receiver
via infrared transmission.
When the transmission is complete, and the CR88 is
receiving RF signal from the transmitter, the READY
indicator will light on the front panel of the CR88
receiver.
If you find the system has noticeable dropouts, reduced overall working range, or
unexpected noise bursts, change the operating channel of the system using the steps
above.
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Rack Mounting
The CR88 receiver can be installed into a standard 19” rack for transport or permanent installation using the included rack ears. Follow the simple steps below to
mount the CR88:
Attach the included rack ears by sliding each rack
ear into the groove on either side of the CR88 until
they lock into place, and the receiver flush with the
front panel.
Position the CR88 receiver into an
available rack space and slide in
until the rack ears are touching the
rails of the rack case and are aligned
with the rack rail holes.
Mount the receiver into the rack using the appropriate size rack screws (not included). To ensure equal tension and balance when installing the receiver, you should
secure screws in a crisscross pattern of opposite corners: top left -> bottom right ->
top right -> bottom left.
In order to mount two CR88 receivers in one rack space, the system
includes a center connection piece.
Slide the center connection piece
into the groove of each receiver and
attach the short rack ears to each
receiver. Mount the receivers into
the rack using the crisscross pattern
described above.
Concert 88 Wireless System
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Concert 88 Channel Plans
Group C
638-662 MHz
ChFreqChFreqChFreqChFreq
0638.1250542.1250863.050 0606.125
1639.6251543.6251863.250 1607.625
2641.0502545.052863.550 2609.05
3642.4253546.4253863.750 3610.425
4642.9004546.9004864.050 4610.900
5645.5255549.5255864.250 5613.525
6647.1006551.1006864.550 6615.100
7648.4757552.4757864.750 7616.475
8650.0008554.0008864.950 8618.000
9652.0759556.0759620.075
A654.975A558.975A622.975
B655.975B559.975B623.975
C657.050C561.050C625.050
D658.975D562.975D626.975
E660.425E564.425E628.425
F661.975F565.975F629.975
Group D
542-566 MHz
Group F*
863-865 MHz
Group G*
606-630 MHz
* Not for use in the USA and Canada. For questions regarding available channels in
your area contact your local Samson distributor.
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Troubleshooting
IssueSolutions
Make sure that the transmitter and receiver are both
powered on.
Ensure the transmitter’s batteries are installed correctly.
Check that the transmitter is not muted.
Confirm that the CR88 adaptor is correctly connected and
plugged into an electrical outlet.
Turn on the CR88 receiver.
No Audio
Distorted Audio
Audio Dropout
Receiver will not
power on
Transmitter will not
power on (LED lights
RED)
Unwanted noise or
interference
Make sure the CR88 audio output connections are securely connected.
Ensure that the receiver and transmitter are in line of
sight with one another.
Check the receiver and audio input device level controls.
Ensure that the transmitter and receiver are set to the
same operating channel. If unsure, reset the channel by
performing an IR set.
The receiver output level or audio input device level may
be too high.
Check the transmitters batteries, and replace if low.
The input gain on the transmitter (CB88) or audio source
level may be too high.
The transmitter may be too far away from the receiver.
Move it closer to the receiver, or reposition the antennas.
Remove any sources that may cause RF interference such
as cell phones, cordless phones, lighting equipment, computers, metal structures, etc.
Check the adaptor to ensure it is properly connected and
plugged into an outlet providing power.
Replace the transmitter batteries.
If using multiple systems, make sure none of the systems
are operating on the same channel. If the problem persists, change one or all of the systems channels.
Concert 88 Wireless System
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Specifications
System
Working Range 300' (100m) line of sight
Audio Frequency Response 50 Hz - 15 kHz
T.H.D. (Overall) <1% (@AF 1 kHz, RF 46 dBu)
Dynamic Range >100 dB A-weighted
Signal to Noise >90 dB
Operating Temperature –10°C (14°F) to +60°C (+140°F)
Tone Key Frequency 32.768 kHz
CB88 Belt pack Transmitter
Input Connector Mini-XLR (P3)
Input Impedance 1MΩ
Input Gain Range 38 dB
RF Power 10 mW EIRP
Power Requirements Two AA (LR6) alkaline batteries
Battery Life 8 hours
Dimensions (HxLxD) 3.75" x 2.44" x 0.75"
96mm x 62mm x 18.5mm
Weight 0.2 lb / 93 g
CH88 Handheld Transmitter
Microphone Element Q6 Dynamic
Input Gain Range 28 dB
RF Power 10 mW EIRP
Power Requirements Two AA (LR6) alkaline batteries
Battery Life 8 hours
Dimensions (HxØ) 10.23" x 2.1"
At Samson, we are continually improving our products, therefore specifications and
images are subject to change without notice.
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FCC Rules and Regulations
Samson wireless receivers are certified under FCC Rules part 15 and transmitters are certified under FCC Rules part 74.
Licensing of Samson equipment is the user’s responsibility and licensability
depends on the user’s classification, application and frequency selected.
NOTE: This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits
for a Class B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These
limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses and can
radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance
with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a
particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to
radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by
one or more of the following measures:
• Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
• Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.
• Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to
which the receiver is connected.
• Consult the dealer or an experienced Radio/TV technician for help.
WARNING: Changes or modifications not expressly approved by the party
responsible for compliance could void the user’s authority to operate the
equipment.
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.
Hereby, Samson Technologies Corp., declares that this CR88, CH88, CB88 is
in compliance with the essential requirements and other relevant provisions
of Directive 1999/5/EC. The declaration of conformity may be consulted at