Samson UH-5, UR-5D, UR-5, DA-5L, UT-5 User Manual

SAMSON
®
•dbx® Noise Reduction
SYNTHESIZED TRUE DIVERSITY WIRELESS SYSTEM
UR-5D RECEIVER
UH-5 HAND-HELD MICROPHONE TRANSMITTER
U H F
DA-5L UHF ANTENNA DISTRIBUTION AMPLIFIER
UR-5 RECEIVER
Introduction 1 System Features 3 Guided Tours 5
UR-5/UR-5D Front Panel 5 UR-5/UR-5D Rear Panel 8 UT-5 10 UH-5 13
Setting Up and Using the UHF Synth System 16
About dbx
®
Noise Reduction and
Tone Squelch 20 Trouble-shooting 21 UHF Synthesized Frequency Chart 24 UT-5 Multi-pin Lavalier Wiring Guide
and Chart 25 About The DA-5L UHF Antenna
Distribution Amplifier 28
Guided Tour - DA-5L Front Panel 29 Guided Tour - DA-5L Rear Panel 30 Setting Up and Using the DA-5L 31 DA-5L Grounding Techniques 33
Glossary of Terms 34 Specifications 36

Introduction

Congratulations on purchasing the Samson UHF Synthesized True Diversity Wireless System! Although this product is designed for easy operation, we suggest you take some time out first to go through these pages so you can fully understand how we’ve implemented a number of unique features.
Every wireless system consists of at least two components—a transmit­ter and a receiver. The Samson UHF Synth System you have purchased contains either our UT-5 belt-pack transmitter (for lavalier microphone, headset microphone, and guitar applications) or our UH-5 hand-held microphone transmitter. The matching receiver is either our UR-5 single diversity model (for reception of a single monophonic signal), or our UR-5D dual diversity model (for reception of two mono­phonic signals or a stereo signal). Here’s an illustration that shows an overview of our system design:
1
Beltpack Transmitter
OPEN
UHF
UT-5
SAMSON
Synth Series
AF LEVEL
GROUP
CHANNEL
INPUT
OPEN
SAMSON
SERVO - 240
SAMSON
4
3
ANTENNA - A
2
1
dbx
NOISE REDUCTION
Synth Series
UHF
5
4
RF LEVEL
6
B
A
5
5
4
6
6
3
7
12
5
34
7
7
3
8
8
2
9
9
1
0
0
POWER
2
8
AVAILABLE / MUTE 12
5
34
1
9
0
10
AF LEVEL
MPL2242
MPL2242
SAMSON
UHF SYNTHESIZED DIVERSITY RECEIVER
ANTENNA - B
UR-5
UR-5
Introduction
The concept behind a true diversity wireless system is that a single chassis houses two discrete receivers (called channel A and channel B) instead of one, with both tuned to the same frequency but with each using an independent antenna. A built-in computer chip then continu­ously scans the two receivers and determines which one has the clear­est and strongest reception, automatically (and silently) switching to that channel. This allows you to maintain the wireless communication link over a much broader area range than would be allowed by a single receiver and also virtually eliminates interference and phase cancella­tion problems. In addition, our special circuitry, which utilizes the UHF (Ultra High Frequency) band, delivers the highest-quality sound available in any wireless system. Finally, the provision of dbx® noise reduction* produces crystal-clear sound with minimized background noise and hiss. Your UHF Synthesized True Diversity System may also optionally include a DA-5L UHF Antenna Distribution Amplifier. For more information on this device, see pages 28 - 33.
In this manual, youll find a more detailed description of the features of this system, as well as a guided tour through all components, step-by­step instructions for setting up your system, trouble-shooting tips, wiring diagrams and tables, a glossary of terms, and full specifications. Youll also find a warranty card encloseddont forget to fill it out and mail it! This will enable you to receive online technical support and will allow us to send you updated information about these and other Samson prod­ucts in the future.
SPECIAL NOTE: Should any component of your UHF Synthesized True Diversity Wireless System ever require servicing, a
Return Authorization
number (RA) is necessary. Without this number, the unit will not be accepted. Please call Samson at 1-800-372-6766 for a Return Authorization number prior to shipping your unit. Please retain the origi­nal packing material and, if possible, return the unit in its original carton and packing materials.
* dbx is a registered trademark of Carillon Industries.
2

System Features

The Samson UHF Synthesized True Diversity System utilizes state-of­the-art technology in wireless communications. Here are some of its main features:
74 available channels organized in 10 different groups in both the receiver and transmitter, with up to 11 channels available for simulta­neous use. This makes our UHF Synth System the ideal choice in multi-user environments such as stage productions and live band performance. It is also specifically suited for systems that travel into hostile RF environments (such as highly populated urban areas, where large numbers of radio transmissions occur simultaneously over broad bandwidth areas).
The use of the UHF (Ultra High Frequency) band as opposed to VHF (Very High Frequency), which yields better signal-to-noise ratio and improved frequency responsein plain English, superior sound quality. The UHF band is also considerably less crowded than VHF, thus minimizing potential interference problems. In addition, our special
dielectric filtering circuitry (which, incidentally, is based upon cellular phone technology) provides extra narrow bandwidths, thus further reducing interference.
True Diversity technology, which greatly extends the effective range of the system and also virtually eliminates interference and phase cancellation problems.
Built-in dbx® noise reduction circuitry in both the transmitter and receiver. This ensures clear, transparent sound with an absolute minimum of background noise and hiss.
A clear, easy-to-read visual display that shows continuous RF (Radio Frequency) level (indicating the strength of the received sig­nal) as well as AF (Audio Frequency) level. The RF level display also shows the clearest frequency to use in crowded wireless environ­ments.
Balanced and unbalanced audio outputs on both the UR-5 and UR-5D receivers, making them compatible with all types of external audio mixers and amplifiers.
3
System Features
The UT-5 and UH-5 transmitters both accept standard 9-volt alkaline batteries, and the UR-5 and UR-5D receivers can accept any AC power voltage from 100 - 250 volts, without the need to change a voltage selector switch (our special current and voltage sensing circuitry does the job automatically for you).
Tuned coaxial antennas are included, with options for rear-mounting or remoting if extended range is required.
The UR-5D dual receiver actually contains
two separate true diversity receivers in a single chassis for the reception of two dis­crete monophonic signals or a stereo signal. It also provides an option for output mixing, which combines the received signals from both inputs into a single monophonic outputcritical when using audio mixers with limited numbers of channels.
All components utilize an automatic
tone squelch feature that
prevents the reception of unwanted signals.
The UT-5 belt-pack transmitter is extremely light-weight (less than 4 ounces with a 9-volt battery installed) and is suited for a wide range of lavalier and headset mics and instruments such as electric guitar and bass. It also provides phantom powering, making it compatible with professional condenser lavalier and headset microphones.
The UH-5 hand-held microphone transmitter features an all-brass housing painted with a durable epoxy base. A selection of mic capsules are available, including:
Electro Voice
757 N/DYM Dynamic
Electro Voice
857 N/DYM Dynamic Sennheiser MKE-4032 Condenser Shure SM58 Dynamic Shure SM87 Condenser Shure
SM85 Condenser
Both the UT-5 and UH-5 transmitters provide popless muting, which turns off the audio signal while leaving the carrier signal on.
All components have rugged construction that ensures reliable operation in even the most demanding performance environments.
4
Guided Tour - UR-5/UR-5D
Front Panel
1: Power switch - Use this to turn the main power on and off. When the receiver is on, the display section (see #5 on the next page) is lit.
2: Antenna A and B mountings - Connect the supplied antennas to these mountings. Third-party receiver antennas should not be substitut­eduse only the antennas provided with your receiver.
3: Group knob - Allows you to select any of ten frequency Groups (numbered from 0 - 9). When using the Samson UHF Synth System in a multiuser environment (that is, when there are two or more transmitters and receivers in use at one location), all receivers
must be set to the same Group in order to avoid intermodulation distortion. Each individual performer is then assigned an individual Channel within that Group (up to eleven channels are available simultaneously*).
4: Channel knob - Allows you to select any of ten frequency Channels (numbered 0 - 9) within the selected Group.* When a new channel is selected, it takes approximately five seconds for audio signal to be passed through to the receiver outputs.
* Only group 9 has more than seven available channels; all other groups use channels 0 - 6. Refer to the UHF Frequency Chart on page 24 for more details.
5
ANTENNA - A
2
dbx
NOISE
REDUCTION
4
3
GROUP
5
4
6
7
3
3
8
2
2
9
1
0
Synth Series
UHF
5
6
CHANNEL
A
5
6
7
AVAILABLE / MUTE
8
9
1
0
AF LEVEL
5
4
RF LEVEL
B
3
12
5
34
2
12
5
34
1
0
AF LEVEL
1
6
7
POWER
8 9
10
SAMSON
UHF SYNTHESIZED DIVERSITY RECEIVER
UR-5
UR-5
2
ANTENNA - B
5a
RF LEVEL
A
12
AVAILABLE / MUTE
12
AF LEVEL
5d 5e 5c
5b
34
34
B
5
5
Guided Tour - UR-5/UR-5D Front Panel
5: Display section - Shows you information about the current status of your receiver.
5a: “A”/“B” LEDs - When signal is being received, one of these LEDs (which shows you whether the “A” or “B” channel is currently being used) will be lit. A computer chip inside the receiver constantly scans the two and automatically selects whichever is receiving the strongest, clearest signal. This true diversity switching is completely inaudible, but it effectively increases overall range while virtually eliminating potential interference and phase cancellation problems.
5b: Available LED - When lit, the selected Group and Channel (as determined by the Group and Channel knobs) is available for use. When off, the selected Group and Channel is unavailable and cannot be used. See the reference chart on page 24 for more information.
5c: Mute LED - Lights to indicate the absence of carrier signal. As described on page 20 of this manual, setting the UT-5 or UH-5 Audio switch to the on position operates a tone squelch feature by causing a 38.4 kHz signal to be added to the carrier. The illuminated word MUTE in the UR-5 and UR-5D display is a visual representation of the absence of this 38.4 kHz signal. When MUTE is lit, either the transmit­ter Audio switch is in the off position or the currently selected Group and Channel do not match that of the transmitter.
5d: RF (Radio Frequency) Level display - This ladder display (simi- lar to the VU bar meter used on audio devices) indicates the strength of the UHF signal being received. When all five segments are lit, the incoming signal is at maximum strength; when only the left-most seg­ment is lit, the incoming signal is at minimum strength. If no segments are lit, no signal is being received; check to ensure that the transmitter and receiver are set to the same Group and Channel (see the Trouble­shooting section on page 21 for more details).
6
Guided Tour - UR-5/UR-5D
Front Panel
5e: AF (Audio Frequency) Level display - This ladder display (simi- lar to the VU bar meter used on audio devices) indicates the presence of audio signal. When all five segments are lit, the outgoing signal is at maximum strength; when only the left-most segment is lit, the outgoing signal is at minimum strength. If no segments are lit, little or no signal is being output; see the Trouble-shooting section on page 21 for more details.
6: AF (Audio Frequency) Level - This knob determines the level of the audio signal being output through both the balanced and unbalanced output jacks on the rear panel.
NOTE: The UR-5D front panel (as shown below) is identical to that of the UR-5 except that it provides two display sections and two group, chan­nel, and AF level knobsone for each of its two True Diversity receivers.
7
ANTENNA - A
2
4
3
6
5
1
4
3
6
5
2
5a
GROUP
CHANNEL
5
4
6
3
2
9
1
dbx
NOISE
REDUCTION
0
Synth Series
UHF
A
5
4
6
7
7
3
AVAILABLE / MUTE
8
8
2
9
1
0
AF LEVEL
SAMSON
5
DUAL UHF SYNTHESIZED
4
RF LEVEL
12
12
AF LEVEL
6
B
5
34
5
34
DIVERSITY RECEIVER
3
7
2
8
1
0
POWER
9
10
UR-5DUR-5D
CHANNEL
GROUP
5
4
6
3
2
9
1
0
A
5
4
6
7
7
3
AVAILABLE / MUTE
8
8
2
9
1
0
AF LEVEL
5
4
RF LEVEL
12
12
AF LEVEL
6
B
3
7
5
34
34
8
2
5
1
0
ANTENNA - B
9
10
5a
5d 5e 5c
RF LEVEL
A
12
12
34
34
AVAILABLE / MUTE
B
5
5
5b
AF LEVEL
5d 5e 5c
5b
8
Guided Tour - UR-5/UR-5D Rear Panel
1: AC input - Connect the supplied standard 3-pin EEC plug here. The UR-5 and UR-5D both contain automatic current and voltage sensing circuitry and so can accept any mains current from 100 - 250 volts without the need to set a selector switch.
2: Balanced output* - Use this electronically balanced low impedance (600 Ohm) XLR jack when connecting the UR-5 or UR-5D to profession­al (+4) audio equipment. Pin wiring is as follows:
* If required, both the balanced and unbalanced outputs can be used simultaneously.
BALANCED OUTPUT
-10dBm.600
3
UNBALANCED OUTPUT
-10dBv.5K
5
5
SAMSON
UHF SYNTHESIZED DIVERSITY RECEIVER
SAMSON TECHNOLOGIES CORP. HICKSVILLE, NEW YORK, U.S.A.
MODEL No.UR-5
1
AC INPUT
POWER RATING
120V~ 50 / 60Hz 11W
(120V-240V VOLTAGE SENSING)
2
3 - SIGNAL 1 GROUND
+
2 + SIGNAL
9
Guided Tour - UR-5/UR-5D
Rear Panel
3: Unbalanced output* - Use this unbalanced high impedance (5K Ohm) 1/4 jack when connecting the UR-5 or UR-5D to consumer (-10) audio equipment. Wiring is as follows:
4: Output Mixing switch (UR-5D receiver only) - When on, the outputs from both receivers are mixed together equally into a single monophonic signal which appears at both sets of balanced and unbalanced outputs.
5: Rear-mount antenna knockouts - The receiver antennas can optionally be mounted at these areas of the rear panel. Contact Samson Technologies for information about our rear-panel antenna mounting kit.
* If required, both the balanced and unbalanced outputs can be used simultaneously.
+ SIGNAL
+ SIGNAL
GROUND
GROUND
5
SAMSON
UHF SYNTHESIZED DIVERSITY RECEIVER
SAMSON TECHNOLOGIES CORP. HICKSVILLE, NEW YORK, U.S.A.
2
MODEL No.UR-5D
RECEIVER 2
3 4
UNBALANCED
BALANCED
OUTPUT
OUTPUT
-10dBv.5K
-10dBm.600
AC INPUT
BALANCED OUTPUT
-10dBm.600
3
UNBALANCED OUTPUT
-10dBv.5K
5
1
POWER
120V~ 50 / 60Hz 17W
RATING
(120V-240V VOLTAGE SENSING)
OUTPUT MIXING
ON OFF
2
RECEIVER 1
10
Guided Tour - UT-5
2 3 4 5
BATT
INPUT
5
AUDIO
OFF ON
POWER
ON
OFF
1
ANT
INPUT
Beltpack Transmitter

UT-5

SAMSON
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6
2
1
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1
9
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10
9
11
12
SAMSON
INST LEVEL
UNAVAILABLE
CHANNELGROUP
MIC LEVEL
INPUT
5
5
4
4
6
6
7
7
3
3
8
8
2
2
1
1
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