SAMSON UR-4, UT-4, UH-4, UA-5H User Manual

SAMSON

®

•dbx® Noise Reduction

TRUE
DIVERSITY
WIRELESS
SYSTEM

UR-4 RECEIVER

UT-4 BELT PACK TRANSMITTER

UH-4 HAND-HELD MICROPHONE TRANSMITTER

U H F

SERIES

DA-5H UHF ANTENNA DISTRIBUTION AMPLIFIER

Introduction 1
System Features 3
Guided Tours 5

UR-4 Front Panel 5
UR-4 Rear Panel 7
UT-4 9
UH-4 12

Setting Up and Using the
UHF Series System 15

About dbx

®

Noise Reduction 19
Trouble-shooting 20
UT-4 Multi-pin Lavalier Wiring Guide

and Chart 23
About The DA-5H UHF Antenna

Distribution Amplifier 26

Guided Tour - DA-5H Front Panel 27
Guided Tour - DA-5H Rear Panel 28
Setting Up and Using the DA-5H 29
DA-5H Grounding Techniques 31

Glossary of Terms 32
Specifications 34

Introduction

Congratulations on purchasing the Samson UHF Series True Diversity
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 receiver
and a transmitter, both of which must be tuned to the same channel (that
is, the same radio frequency) in order to operate correctly.* The UHF
Series System you have purchased contains a UR-4 receiver and either
our UT-4 belt-pack transmitter (for lavalier microphone, headset micro­phone, and guitar applications) or our UH-4 hand-held microphone trans­mitter. The illustration below shows an overview of our system design:

* Your receiver and transmitter have been factory preset to utilize the
same channel. A listing of the six available channels and their corre­sponding UHF frequencies can be found on page 34 of this manual.

1

VOLUME RF LEVEL AF LEVEL

5

4

Beltpack Transmitter

OPEN

UHF

UT-4

SAMSON

Synth Series

INPUT

OPEN

SAMSON

6

10

+ 6

A B

9

3

ANT- A 50 Ω

2

938 - 952 MHz

1

0

UHF

+ 3

7

8

7

6

8

5

4

3

9

2

1

10

Series

A-1 947.125MHz

Channel

AB

0

- 3

- 6

DIVERSITY

-10

dbx

-15

NOISE

-20

REDUCTION

Mute

-25

-30

Power

SAMSON

dB

MPL2242

MPL2242

ON

ANT- A 50 Ω

OFF

UHF Wireless Receiver

938 - 952 MHz

UR-4

UR-4

SAMSON

SERVO - 240

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 Series True Diversity System may also optionally include a
DA-5H UHF Antenna Distribution Amplifier. For more information on this
device, see pages 26 - 31.

In this manual, you’ll 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. You’ll
also find a warranty card enclosed—don’t 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 Series 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 Series True Diversity System utilizes state-of-the-art
technology in wireless communications. Here are some of its main
features:

• The use of the UHF (Ultra High Frequency) band as opposed to VHF
(Very High Frequency). This yields better signal-to-noise ratio and
improved frequency response—in 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.

• Six available channels that can be used in the same location
simultaneously. This maximizes the system’s effectiveness in UHF
multi-system venues and ensures noise-free performance when
used side by side with VHF systems in crowded RF environments.

• 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.

• The UR-4 receiver provides 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 UR-4 receiver offers both balanced and unbalanced audio out­puts, making it compatible with all types of external audio mixers and
amplifiers.

• Tuned coaxial receiver antennas are included, with options for rear­mounting or remoting if extended range is required.

• The UT-4 and UH-4 transmitters both accept standard 9-volt alkaline
batteries.

3

System Features

• The UT-4 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 microphones, headset microphones 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-4 hand-held microphone transmitter features an all-brass
housing painted with a durable epoxy base. The unit is finished in a
smooth, non-glare black neoprene covering to ensure a firm, com­fortable grip. 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

SM85 Condenser

Shure SM87 Condenser

• Both the UT-4 and UH-4 transmitters provide “popless” muting,
which turns off the audio signal while leaving the carrier signal on.

• Both the UT-4 and UH-4 transmitters offer Sensitivity controls that
adjust the transmitter input level for different user sound pressure
levels and different mic capsules or lavalier/headset microphones.

• All components have rugged construction that ensures reliable
operation in even the most demanding performance environments.

4

Guided Tour - UR-4 Front Panel

1: Power switch - Use this to turn the main power on and off. When
the receiver is on, both the “Power” and “Diversity” LEDs in the display
section (see #4d and #4f on the following page) will be lit.

2: Antenna A and B mountings - Connect the supplied antennas to
these mountings. Third-party receiver antennas should not be
substituted—use only the antennas provided with your receiver.

3: Volume control - This knob determines the level of the audio signal
being output through both the balanced and unbalanced output jacks on
the rear panel.

4: Display section - Shows information about the current status of the
receiver.

4a: RF (Radio Frequency) Level “A”/“B” display - This “ladder”
display (similar to the VU bar meter used on audio devices) continuously
indicates the strength of the UHF signal being received by antennas A
and B. When all ten segments are lit, the incoming signal is at maximum
strength; when only the lowest 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 is on and that the transmitter and
receiver are set to the same channel (see the “Trouble-shooting” section
on page 20 for more details).

5

ANT- A 50 Ω

938 - 952 MHz

2

3

VOLUME RF LEVEL AF LEVEL

5

4

6

3

7

2

8

9

1

10

0

Series

UHF

A B

4a

10

9
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1

10

A B

9
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1

4

+ 6
+ 3
0

AB

- 3

- 6

-10

-15

dbx

-20

NOISE

-25

REDUCTION

-30

dB

dbx

NOISE

REDUCTION

DIVERSITY

A-1 947.125MHz

Channel

Mute
Power

+ 6
+ 3
0

- 3

- 6

-10

-15

-20

-25

-30

dB

4b

UHF Wireless Receiver

SAMSON

Channel

AB

DIVERSITY

4d

Mute

Power

4e

4f

UR-4

UR-4

2

1

ON

ANT- A 50 Ω

OFF

938 - 952 MHz

4c

Guided Tour - UR-4 Front Panel

4b: AF (Audio Frequency) Level display - This “ladder” display
(similar to the VU bar meter used on audio devices) indicates the
strength of audio output signal. For optimum signal-to-noise ratio,
adjust the Volume knob (see #3 on the previous page) so that the “0”
segment (third from the top) lights frequently, with only occasional
excursions into the “+3” and “+6” segments. If none of these segments
are lit, little or no signal is being output; see the “Trouble-shooting”
section on page 20 for more details.

4c: “A”/“B” LEDs - These LEDs show you whether signal from the “A”
or “B” receiver is currently being used; when signal is being received,
one of them will be lit. A computer chip inside the UR-4 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 reducing poten­tial interference and phase cancellation problems.

4d: “Diversity” LED - Lights whenever the UR-4 is powered on.
4e: “Mute” LED - Lights to indicate the absence of carrier signal.

When “MUTE” is lit, either the transmitter Mute switch is in the “on”
position or the transmitter’s channel does not match that of the receiver.

4f: “Power” LED - Lights whenever the UR-4 is powered on.

6

7

Guided Tour - UR-4 Rear Panel

1: AC input - Connect the supplied standard 3-pin “EEC” plug here.
2: Balanced output* - Use this electronically balanced low impedance

(600 Ohm) XLR jack when connecting the UR-4 to professional (+4)
audio equipment. Pin wiring is as follows:

* If required, both the balanced and unbalanced outputs can be used
simultaneously.

-60dBm.600Ω

44

2

ANT - A

1

ANT - A

FCC ID 8GPUR - 4

MADE IN JAPAN

SAMSON

UHF RECEIVER MODEL No.UR-4

POWER

120V~60Hz 15W

RATING

SAMSON TECHNOLOGIES CORP.
HICKSVILLE, NEW YORK, U.S.A.

CAUTION

RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK

DO NOT OPEN

ATTENTION:

RISQUE DE CHOC

ELECTRIQUE NE PAS OUVRIR.

ATTENTION: ANTENNA CONNECTIONS ARE POWERED BY DC 9V

MANUFACTURED UTILIZING TECHNOLOGY, LICENSED FROM CARILLON TECHNOLOGY INC.

DBX IS A REGISTERED TRADEMARK OF CARILLON ELECTRONICS CORPORATION.

3

BALANCED OUTPUT

UNBALANCED

OUTPUT

-10dBv.5KΩ

!

DISTRIBUTOR A

1

GND
HOT

2

COLD

3

3 - SIGNAL
1 GROUND

+

2 + SIGNAL

8

Guided Tour - UR-4 Rear Panel

3: Unbalanced output* - Use this unbalanced high impedance (5K
Ohm) 1/4” jack when connecting the UR-4 to consumer (-10) audio
equipment. Wiring is as follows:

4: 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

9

Guided Tour - UT-4

2 3 4 5

MUTE

BATT

OFF ON

POWER

ON

OFF

1

5

ANT

INPUT

Beltpack Transmitter

UT-4

SAMSON

8
7

6

9

SAMSON

GTR

MIN

MIN

MAX

MIC LEVEL

MAX

MIC

GTR LEVEL

INPUT

10

10

Guided Tour - UT-4

1: Power On-Off switch* - Use this to turn the UT-4 on or off (to
conserve battery power, be sure to leave it off when not in use).

2: Six-pin input connector - Connect your input device (lavalier micro­phone, headset microphone or instrument cable) here, using the sup­plied six-pin connector. A wiring diagram and chart (showing connec­tions for many popular lavalier and headset mics) is presented on pages
23 - 25.

3: Battery LED - This LED is an indicator of battery strength. If the
battery is sufficiently strong, when the UT-4 is first powered on, this LED
will light for about two-tenths of a second and then go off. When battery
voltage is low, this LED lights steadily, indicating that the battery needs
to be replaced.

4: Mute Off-On switch - When set to the “Off” position, audio signal is
transmitted. When set to the “On” position, the audio signal is muted.
Because the carrier signal remains during muting, no “pop” or “thud” will
be heard. Note that turning this off does

not turn off the transmitter
power—it is simply a way to temporarily mute the transmission of audio
signal. If you don’t plan on using the transmitter for extended periods,
turn off the transmitter power by using the power on-off switch (see #1
above).

5: Antenna - Connect the supplied transmitter antenna to this mount­ing. Replacement antennas are available from Samson Technologies if
required.

* Be sure to mute the audio signal at your external mixer or amplifier
before turning transmitter power on or off, or an audible pop may result.