Sennheiser Freeport User Manual

Instructions for use

Notice d‘emploi

Istruzioni per l’uso

Instrucciones de uso

Contents

Important safety instructions ......................................................... 2

The freePORT systems ...................................................................... 3

Delivery includes .......................................................................... 4

EM 1 receiver ......................................................................................4

SK 2 bodypack transmitter .............................................................. 6

SKM 3 radio microphone .................................................................. 8

Setting up the system ......................................................................9

Care and maintenance ....................................................................10

If problems occur... ..................................................................... 11

Accessories and variants ................................................................11

Specifications of the freePORT systems ......................................12

Connector assignment ..............................................................13

Manufacturer declarations .............................................................14

Warranty .....................................................................................14

CE Declaration of Conformity ..................................................14

Batteries or rechargeable batteries .......................................14

WEEE Declaration .......................................................................14

Statements regarding the FCC and Industry Canada rules 14

Thank you for choosing Sennheiser!

We have designed this product to give you reliable operation over many
years. Over half a century of accumulated expertise in the design and
manufacture of high-quality electro-acoustic equipment have made
Sennheiser a world-leading company in this field.

Please take a few moments to read these instructions carefully, as we
want you to enjoy your new Sennheiser products quickly and to the
fullest.

1

Important safety instructions

y Read this instruction manual.
y Keep this instruction manual in a safe place. Always include this

instruction manual when passing the device and the mains unit on to
third parties.

y Heed all warnings and follow all instructions.
y Clean the device and the mains unit only with a dry cloth.
y Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel. Servicing is required

if the device or the mains unit has been damaged in any way, liquid
has been spilled, objects have fallen inside, the device or the mains
unit has been exposed to rain or moisture, does not operate properly
or has been dropped.

y WARNING: To reduce the risk of fire or electric shock, do not expose

the device and the mains unit to rain or moisture. Do not place objects
filled with liquids, such as vases or coffee cups, on the device.

y Only use the supplied mains unit.
y Disconnect the mains connector from the wall socket

– to completely disconnect the device from the mains,
– during lightning storms or when unused for long periods of time.

y The mains unit must be operated only from the type of power source

specified in the chapter “Specifications of the freePORT systems”
(page 12).

y Ensure that the mains unit is

– always readily operable and easily accessible,
– properly plugged into the wall socket,
– only operated within the permissible temperature range,
– not covered or exposed to direct sunlight for longer periods of time

in order to prevent heat accumulation (see “Specifications of the
freePORT systems” on page 12).

y Do not block any ventilation openings. Install the device and the

mains unit in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.

y Do not install the device and the mains unit near any heat sources.
y Only use attachments/accessories specified by Sennheiser.

2

The freePORT systems

Designed for different areas of application, the freePORT systems are
available in three variants.

y Presentation Set:

This system is ideal for presentation applications. The unobtrusive
ME 2 clip-on microphone is virtually invisible.

y Instrument Set:

This system is for connecting musical instruments (e.g. guitar) which
have a ¼” (6.3 mm) ja ck socke t directly to the bodypack transmitter.

y Vocal Set:

This system is ideal for vocal and speech applications.

Transmitters and receivers of the freePORT systems have four factory­preset frequencies for direct channel selection – ready for immediate
use after switch-on.

The freePORT systems are available in three UHF frequency ranges:

y Frequency range A: 719 to 721 MHz
y Frequency range B: 691 to 693 MHz
y Frequency range C: 742.5 to 744.5 MHz
y Frequency range E: 863 to 865 MHz

Notes:

Use of A, B and C frequency ranges must be licensed. Most EU
countries do not require licensing for use of frequency range E.
Frequency range B (691 to 693 MHz) is intended for use solely in
the USA and Canada.

Please be legal and observe the country-specific regulations of the
licensing authorities. Sennheiser are not responsible if you operate
illegally.

To avoid interfering with other users, the transmitter should be
switched off when not in use.

Features of the freePORT systems:

y Up to four transmission links per frequency range which can be

operated simultaneously

y Reliable transmission technology
y Diversity technology for minimizing dropouts in the reception
y Adjustable squelch for eliminating RF interference
y Rugged housings
y Crystal-clear reception due to dynamic processor

3

Delivery includes

FreePORT systems

Stand mount

EM 1 receiver

SK 2

bodypack transmitter

SKM 3

radio microphone

Mains unit (NTxy)

ME 2

clip-on microphone

¼” (6.3 mm) jack cable

Instructions for use

Presentation Set XX XX X
Instrument Set XXXXX
Vocal Set XXX XX

EM 1 receiver



Operating controls

 Antenna A
 Operation indication, green LED (POWER)

쐋 RF level indication, four green LEDs

(RF LEVEL)

 Channel selector switch CHANNEL (1 to 4)
 Diversity indication, yellow LED A

(lights up if antenna  is active)

 Diversity indication, yellow LED B

(lights up if antenna  is active)

 AF PEAK, red LED (lights up if the audio

level is too high)

4

 Antenna B
 Audio output, XLR-3M socket, balanced

(AUDIO OUTPUT XLR BAL)

 Audio output, ¼” (6.3 mm) jack socket,

unbalanced (AUDIO OUTPUT UNBAL)

 Audio output level control (GAIN)
 Squelch threshold control (SQUELCH)
 DC socket for connection of mains unit

(DC 11–18 V IN, 100 mA)

 Type plate
 Serial number

Connecting the receiver

왘 Insert the DC connector on the mains cable into the DC socket  and

connect it to the mains. The green LED for operation indication
(POWER)  lights up and the receiver is ready for operation.

왘 To deactivate the receiver, remove the mains plug from the mains

outlet.

Aligning the antennas

왘 Set up the antennas and align them upwards in a V-shape.

The LEDs A and B indicate which diversity section (i.e. which
antenna) is active.

Connecting the amplifier/mixing console

왘 Connect the amplifier/mixing console to the XLR-3M socket  or

the ¼” (6.3 mm) jack socket .

왘 Use the GAIN control  to adapt the level of the audio output to the

input of the amplifier or mixing console. The adjusted audio output
level is common for both sockets. If the level is adjusted too high,
the audio signal will be distorted. If, on the other hand, the level is
adjusted too low, this will result in an audio signal with high
background noise.

Selecting and changing a channel

You can change the channel on the receiver during running operation.
The receiver then immediately receives on the new channel.

왘 Use a small screwdriver to set the channel selector switch  to the

desired channel. You can switch between four different channels
(“Selecting a channel”).

5

SK 2 bodypack transmitter

Operating controls

 ON/OFF button
 Operation and battery status indication, red LED

쐋 Microphone/instrument input,

3.5 mm jack socket (lockable)

 Antenna (can be screwed off)
 Battery compartment cover

 MIC/INST slide switch
 Serial number
 Channel selector switch CH (1 to 4)
 Sensitivity control GAIN
 Type plate
 Belt clip



Inserting/replacing the battery

We recommend powering the bodypack transmitter by a 9 V PP3
alkaline battery (IEC 6 LR 61). If powered by a rechargeable 9 V battery,
the operating time will be drastically reduced.

왘 Open the battery compartment by first sliding the battery

compartment cover in the direction of the arrow. Then flip the
battery compartment cover open.

왘 Insert the battery as shown. Please observe correct polarity when

inserting the battery.

왘 Close the battery compartment.

Note:

When the red LED  goes off during operation, you must replace
the battery as soon as possible.

6

Connecting the microphone/instrument cable

The audio input is designed for the connection of both the ME 2 clip-on
microphone and instruments (e.g. guitars).

왘 Connect the 3.5 mm jack plug from the microphone/instrument

cable to the 3.5 mm jack socket 쐋.

왘 Check the setting of the MIC/INST slide switch  which allows you

to switch between microphone and instrument operation. If
necessary, readjust the setting.

왘 Use the GAIN control  to adjust the transmitter sensitivity so that

the receiver receives a good audio signal (no distortion and no
background noise).

Attaching and positioning the microphone

Use the microphone clip to attach the ME 2 clip-on microphone to
clothing (e.g. tie, lapel). Conduct the microphone cable so that noise due
to friction is avoided and make sure that the antenna and the cable do
not cross. The omni-directional microphone picks up sound equally from
all directions. However, it should be attached as close as possible to the
sound source.

Attaching the bodypack transmitter to clothing

왘 Use the supplied belt clip  to attach the bodypack transmitter to

clothing. Make sure that the antenna is at least 1 cm away from the
body and is not kinked.

Switching the bodypack transmitter on/off

왘 Press the ON/OFF button  to switch the bodypack transmitter on

or off. If the bodypack transmitter is switched on, the red LED 
lights up.

Note:

Remove the battery when the transmitter will not be used for
extended periods of time.

Selecting and changing a channel

왘 Switch off the transmitter before you change the channel.
왘 Use a small screwdriver to set the channel selector switch  to the

desired channel. You can switch between four different channels.
When you switch on the bodypack transmitter again, it will transmit
on the new channel (“Selecting a channel”).

7

SKM 3 radio microphone

Operating control

 Sound inlet basket
 Locking ring of battery compartment

쐋 Body of radio microphone

 Battery compartment (not visible from

outside)

 Antenna (can be screwed off)

 Operation and battery status indication,

red LED (POWER)

 ON/OFF switch
 Channel selector switch CH (1 to 4)
 Type plate
 Serial number

Note:

The microphone head of the radio microphone cannot be changed.

Inserting/replacing the battery

We recommend powering the radio microphone by a 9 V PP3 alkaline
battery (IEC 6 LR 61). If powered by a rechargeable 9 V battery, the
operating time will be drastically reduced.

왘 Turn the locking ring of the battery compartment  in the direction

of the arrow.

왘 Pull the body of the radio microphone 쐋 in the direction of the

arrow as far as it will go.

왘 Insert the battery as shown. Please observe correct polarity when

inserting the battery.

왘 Close and lock the radio microphone.

Note:

When the red LED  goes off during operation, you must replace
the battery as soon as possible.

8

Switching the radio microphone on/off



왘 Use the ON/OFF switch  to switch the radio microphone on or off.

If the radio microphone is switched on, the red LED  lights up.

Note:

Remove the battery when the transmitter will not be used for
extended periods of time.

Selecting and changing a channel

왘 Switch off the radio microphone.
왘 Open the radio microphone (“Inserting/replacing the battery”).
왘 Use a small screwdriver to set the channel selector switch  to the

desired channel. You can switch between four different channels
(“Selecting a channel”).

왘 Close and lock the radio microphone.
왘 Switch on the radio microphone again.

Sensitivity of the radio microphone

You can vary the bass reproduction by increasing/decreasing the
talking distance.

Setting up the system

Before starting transmission, do a soundcheck and set up the system as
follows:

Setting up the reception

The receiver’s four LEDs (RF LEVEL) 쐋 indicate the level of the received
RF signal. With the transmitter, walk up and down the transmission
area and check if the received RF signal is sufficient everywhere.
Reception is good if all four LEDs light up. Please observe the following:

y Transmission range depends to a large extent on location and can be

up to 100 m. Observe a minimum distance of 3 m between
transmitter and receiver. There should be a “free line of sight”
between transmitting and receiving antennas.

y Do not operate the system close to metal objects such as cross

members or reinforced-concrete walls. Computers or mobile phones
in direct proximity to the antenna will interfere with the reception.

y Each transmitter requires a receiver. When using several trans-

mission links simultaneously, make sure that all transmission links
operate on different channels.

9

Adjusting the squelch threshold







Interference due to other transmission links can be eliminated as
follows:

왘 Switch off the transmitter. The receiver should no longer receive a

signal.

왘 If the receiver still receives a signal, use the SQUELCH control  to

increase the squelch threshold so that the signal will no longer be
received. If the signal cannot be eliminated in this way, set the
transmitter and the receiver to a different channel.

왘 Switch on the transmitter again and check if the receiver receives

the transmitter signal.

Note:

If the squelch threshold is adjusted too high, the transmission range
will be reduced. Therefore, always adjust the squelch treshold to the
lowest possible setting.

Selecting a channel

Transmitters and receivers have four channels respectively with
intermodulation-free frequencies.

Note:

These frequencies are different to those in evolution systems and
freePORT systems should not be used together with evolution sys­tems without great care.

10

왘 Always set the transmitter and the receiver to the same channel.

Adjusting the transmitter sensitivity

왘 Use the GAIN control  on the SK 2 bodypack transmitter to adjust

the sensitivity so that even during the loudest passages the

AF PEAK LED  on the EM 1 receiver does not light up.

Care and maintenance

Use a slightly damp cloth to clean the units from time to time.

Note:

Do not use any cleansing agents or solvents.

To clean the SKM 3’s sound inlet basket:

왘 Unscrew the sound inlet basket  (turn counterclockwise) and

remove it.

왘 Remove the foam insert and use a slightly damp cloth to clean the

sound inlet basket.

왘 Reinsert the dry foam insert, replace the sound inlet basket on the

SKM 3 and screw it tight.

If problems occur...

Problem Possible cause Possible solution

No operation indication Battery is flat Replace the battery

No mains connection (receiver) Check the connections of the mains

unit

No RF signal Transmitter and receiver are not on

the same channel
Transmitter is out of range Reduce the distance between

RF signal available,
no audio signal

Audio signal has a high
level of background
noise or is distorted

Receiver’s squelch threshold is
adjusted too high

Transmitter sensitivity is adjusted
too low or too high

The MIC/INST slide switch on
the SK 2 transmitter is not set
correctly

Receiver’s audio output level is
adjusted too low or too high

Annoying noises When the battery is almost flat,

the transmitter may produce
annoying noises which can
damage the PA system.

Set transmitter and receiver to
the same channel

transmitter and receiver
See “Adjusting the squelch

threshold” on page 10
See “Connecting the microphone/

instrument cable” on page 7

See “Connecting the amplifier/
mixing console” on page 5

After the LED has gone off,
replace the battery as soon as
possible or switch the transmitter
off.

Accessories and variants

04839 MZW 1 Wind- and popshield for SKM 3
76670 MZQ 1 Microphone clamp for SKM 3
05018 ME 2 Clip-on microphone for SK 2, pre-polarized condenser microphone, omni-

directional

05019 ME 3 Headmic for SK 2, pre-polarized condenser microphone, super-cardioid
05020 ME 4 Clip-on microphone for SK 2, pre-polarized condenser microphone, cardioid
512889 CI1-fp Guitar cable

11

Specifications of the freePORT systems

System characteristics

Transmission/receiving
frequencies

Switching bandwidth 2 MHz
Signal-to-noise ratio
THD (1 kHz)
Temperature range –10 bis +45 °C / 95 relative humidity

Individual components

Power supply 12V DC
Operating time

(with alkaline battery)
Frequency response – 60...16,000 Hz ± 3 dB 80...16,000 Hz ± 3 dB
RF output power (-3 dB) – 10 mW 10 mW

AF output voltage
¼’’ (6.3 mm) jack socket (unbal.):
XLR socket (balanced):

Dimensions in mm approx. 35 x 213 x 98 approx. 60 x 100 x 30

Weight approx. 570 g approx. 90 g approx. 210 g
Transducer principle – – dynamic
Pick-up pattern––cardioid

ME 2 clip-on microphone

Transducer principle
Pick-up pattern

4 UHF transmission/receiving frequencies
Range A: 719 to 721 MHz

(719.15 – 719.75 – 720.15 – 720.85 MHz)

Range B: 691 to 693 MHz

(691.00 – 691.40 – 692.35 – 692.90 MHz)

Range C : 742.5 to 744.5 MHz

(742.65 – 743.35 – 743.85 – 744.45 MHz)

Range E: 863 to 865 MHz (863.10 – 863.70 – 864.10 – 864.90 MHz)

>

95 dB(A)

<

1 %

EM 1
receiver

/100 mA 9 V PP3 battery 9 V PP3 battery

NOM

– approx. 10 hrs approx. 10 hrs

max. +10 dB
max. +16 dB

pre-polarized condenser
omni-directional

u

u

SK 2
bodypack transmitter

––

(with belt clip)

SKM 3
radio microphone

approx. 285;
∅ approx. 35 x 50

12

Type approvals

Instr./MIC

NC/GND

In compliance with EMC EN 301489-1/-9

Radio EN 301357-1/-2
Safety EN 60065

Also approved by

Industry Canada RSS 210, IC: 2099A

SKM3/EM1-A/-C IC: 2099A-FPSKMEM
SKM3/EM1-B IC: 2099A-FPSKMEMB
SK2-A/-C IC: 2099A-FPSK
SK2-B IC: 2099A-FPSKB

FCC-Part 74 SK2-A/-C FCC ID: DMOB1FPXD

SK2-B FCC ID: DMOB2FPSK
SKM3-A/-C FCC ID: DMOH1FPXD
SKM3-B FCC ID: DMOH2FPSKM

Transmitters that operate in the frequency range E (863 – 865 MHz) can be used licence-free in the
following countries:
AT, BA, BE, CH, CY, CZ, DE, DK, EE, ES, FI, FR, GB, GR, HU, IE, IS, IT, LI, LT, LU, ME, MK, MT, NL, NO, PL, PT, RO,
RS, RU, SE, SI, SK, TR, UA.

Transmitters that operate in frequency range A (719 – 721 MHz),
C (742.5 – 744.5 MHz)

must only be used with an appropriate radio transmission licence. Frequency

B (691–693 MHz)

or frequency range

range B is intended for use solely in the USA and Canada.

Frequency range Presentation Set Instrument Set Vocal Set
691 – 693 MHz:

with US mains unit freePort fp 12-B-US freePort fp 72-B-US freePort fp 35-B-US

– 721 MHz:

719

with US mains unit freePort fp 12-A-US freePort fp 72-A-US freePort fp 35-A-US

742.5

– 744.5 MHz:

with EU mains unit freePort fp 12-C-EU freePort fp 72-C-EU freePort fp 35-C-EU
with US mains unit freePort fp 12-C-US freePort fp 72-C-US freePort fp 35-C-US

863

– 865 MHz:

with EU mains unit freePort fp 12-E-EU freePort fp 72-E-EU freePort fp 35-E-EU
with UK mains unit freePort fp 12-E-UK freePort fp 72-E-UK freePort fp 35-E-UK

Connector assignment

EM 1:
¼’’ (6.3 mm) stereo
jack plug,unbalanced

NC/GND

EM 1:
¼’’ (6.3 mm) mono
jack plug,unbalanced

EM 1:
XLR-3F connector,
balanced

21

+

3

EM 1:
DC connector for
power supply

SK 2:

3.5 mm jack plug

13

Manufacturer declarations

0682

Warranty

Sennheiser electronic GmbH & Co. KG gives a warranty of 24 months on this product. For the current warranty con­ditions, please visit our web site at www.sennheiser.com or contact your Sennheiser partner.

CE Declaration of Conformity

This equipment is in compliance with the essential requirements and other relevant provisions of Directives 1999/
5/EC, 2004/108/EC or 2006/95/EC. The declaration is available on the internet site at www.sennheiser.com.

Before putting the device into operation, please observe the respective country-specific regulations!

Batteries or rechargeable batteries

The supplied batteries or rechargeable batteries can be recycled. Please dispose of them as special
waste or return them to your specialist dealer. In order to protect the environment, only dispose of
exhausted batteries.

WEEE Declaration

Your Sennheiser product was developed and manufactured with highquality materials and components
which can be recycled and/or reused. This symbol indicates that electrical and electronic equipment
must be disposed of separately from normal waste at the end of its operational lifetime.
Please dispose of this product by bringing it to your local collection point or recycling centre for such
equipment. This will help to protect the environment in which we all live.

Statements regarding the FCC and Industry Canada rules

This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules and with RSS-210 of Industry 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.

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:

y Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
y Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.
y Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is connected.
y Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.

This class B digital apparatus complies with the Canadian ICES-003 Cet appareil numérique de la classe B est
conforme à la norme NMB-003 du Canada.

Changes or modifications made to this equipment not expressly approved by Sennheiser electronic Corp.
may void the FCC authorization to operate this equipment.

Before putting the device into operation, please observe the respective country-specific regulations!

14

Sennheiser electronic GmbH & Co. KG
Am Labor 1
30900 Wedemark, Germany
www.sennheiser.com

Printed in Taiwan Publ. 08/08 514013/ A05