SR3254_56.book Seite 31 Samstag, 10. September 2005 2:53 14
SR 3254
SR 3256
Instructions for use
SR 3254
SR 3256
4
31
Page 4
SR3254_56.book Seite 32 Samstag, 10. September 2005 2:53 14
32
Thank you for choosing Sennheiser!
We have designed this product to give you reliable operation
over many years. Over sixty years 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.
Page 5
SR3254_56.book Seite 33 Samstag, 10. September 2005 2:53 14
SR 3254/SR 3256 transmitters ....................................................36
Delivery includes ..............................................................................37
Overview of operating controls ....................................................38
Indications and displays .........................................................................39
Preparing the transmitter for use ................................................40
Using the transmitter as a stand-alone unit ......................................40
Rack-mounting several transmitters ...................................................41
Connecting the transmitter to the mains ............................................43
Using transmitters in a multi-channel system ...................................44
Using the transmitter .....................................................................46
Switching the transmitter on/off .........................................................46
The operating menu of the transmitter ......................................48
Overview of the operating menu ..........................................................49
Selecting the frequencies to be stored in the channel
bank “U” –
Selecting a channel from the channel bank “U” or
“F” –
Switching between mono and stereo
operation –
SR3254_56.book Seite 34 Samstag, 10. September 2005 2:53 14
Safety instructions
y Please read these instructions carefully and completely
before using the transmitter.
y Make these instructions easily accessible to all users at all
times. Always include these instructions when passing the
transmitter on to third parties.
y Never open the transmitter, otherwise you can receive an
electric shock. If units are opened by customers in breach of
this instruction, the warranty becomes null and void.
y Keep the transmitter away from direct sunlight, central
heating radiators, electric heaters and similar sources of
heat. Ensure sufficient ventilation, especially when it is
mounted into a 19" rack.
y Water entering the housing of the transmitter can cause a
short-circuit and damage the electronics. Protect the
transmitter from damp and wet.
y Do not place any objects containing liquids on the top of
the transmitter.
y Use the transmitter in dry rooms only. Never expose it to
water (e.g. never place it in a position where it could be
subjected to water splashes).
y Only use a slightly damp cloth to clean the transmitter.
Attention! High volume!
This is a professional transmission system.
Commercial use is subject to the safety-at-work
regulations. Sennheiser, as the manufacturer, is
therefore obliged to expressly point out possible
health risks arising from use.
This system is capable of producing sound pressure exceeding
85 dB(A). 85 dB(A) is the sound pressure corresponding to the
maximum permissible volume which is by law (in some
countries) allowed to affect your hearing for the duration of a
working day. It is used as a basis according to the specifications
of industrial medicine. Higher volumes or longer durations can
damage your hearing. At higher volumes, the duration must be
shortened in order to prevent damage. The following are sure
34
Page 7
SR3254_56.book Seite 35 Samstag, 10. September 2005 2:53 14
signs that you have been subjected to excessive noise for too
long a time:
y You can hear ringing or whistling sounds in your ears.
y You have the impression (even for a short time only) that
you can no longer hear high notes.
Intended use of the transmitter
Intended use includes
y having read these instructions especially the chapter “Safety
instructions”.
y using the transmitter within the operating conditions as
described in these instructions.
Improper use
Improper use is when you use the transmitter other than
described in these instructions or when you use the transmitter
under operating conditions different from those described in
these instructions.
35
Page 8
SR3254_56.book Seite 36 Samstag, 10. September 2005 2:53 14
SR 3254/SR 3256 transmitters
With the wireless in-ear monitoring system, consisting of the
SR 3254 or SR 3256 stereo transmitter and the EK 3253
bodypack receiver, musicians, video and sound amateurs,
reporters/broadcasters, etc. can directly monitor the received
sound signals without troublesome cables or monitor speakers
being required. In addition, the system can also be used for any
application where talkback signals are to be transmitted.
The system has superb audio quality with an increased signalto-noise ratio and dynamic range due to the inclusion of
Sennheiser’s HDX noise reduction system.
SR 3254
SR 3256
4
The SR 3254 is a single stereo transmitter in a 19" 1 U housing.
The SR 3256 consists of two complete stereo transmitters in a
19" 1 U housing.
The stereo transmitters have the following features:
y Easy to use
y Stereo/mono selector switch
y Switching bandwidth of 36 MHZ per transmitter
y Transmission frequencies tunable in steps of 5 kHz
y HDX noise reduction system with more than 90 dB signal-to-
noise ratio
y LC display for frequency, RF output power and deviation
y Rugged 19" housing with built-in mains unit; supplied with
rack-mounting kit
y Suitable for multi-channel applications
y RF output power of up to 100 mW
36
Page 9
SR3254_56.book Seite 37 Samstag, 10. September 2005 2:53 14
The channel bank system
The SR 3254/SR 3256 transmitter is available in five
UHF frequency ranges:
Range A:518 to 554 MHz
Range B:626 to 662 MHz
Range C:740 to 776 MHz
Range D:786 to 822 MHz
Range E:830 to 866 MHz
The transmitter has two channel banks with up to 16
switchable channels each. The channels of the channel
bank “F“ (fixed bank) have been factory-preset to
customer-specific transmission frequencies. These
frequencies cannot be changed.
The channel bank “U” (user bank) allows you to freely
select and store frequencies.
Recommended receiver
y EK 3253
Delivery includes
y 1 SR 3254 transmitter or
1 SR 3256 twin transmitter
y 1 rack-mounting kit
y 1 mains cable
y 1 telescopic antenna (with the SR 3254)
or
2 telescopic antennas (with the SR 3256)
y Instructions for use
37
Page 10
SR3254_56.book Seite 38 Samstag, 10. September 2005 2:53 14
Overview of operating controls
Headphone output,
¼” (6.3 mm) jack socket
Headphone volume control
LCD bargraph for deviation of the left
channel (DEV L), with overmodulation
display (“PEAK”)
LCD bargraph for deviation of the
right channel and “MONO” (DEV R), with
overmodulation display (“PEAK”)
LCD bargraph for RF output power (RF)
Alphanumeric LC display
SET button
button (UP)
button (DOWN)
POWER button
Audio input, left (AF IN (L))
Audio input, right
(AF IN (R) + MONO)
Type plate
Antenna output
Connections and operating controls marked with a star () in the above illustration
are those for the second transmitter of the SR 3256 twin transmitter.
38
Page 11
SR3254_56.book Seite 39 Samstag, 10. September 2005 2:53 14
LC dot CHANNEL
LC dot TUNE
LC dot MONO/STEREO
LC dot STEREO (transmitter is set to stereo operation)
LC dot MONO (transmitter is set to mono operation)
MUTE display (transmitter is muted)
6-step bargraph for RF output power
11-step deviation bargraph
(two separate bargraphs for the left and right channel)
Deviation display
The two bargraphs indicate the deviation of the audio signal
of the left and right channel. When the transmitter’s audio
input level is excessively high, “PEAK” lights up.
Display of the RF output power
The bargraph indicates the RF output power. During normal
operation, an RF output power of 100 % is indicated.
39
Page 12
SR3254_56.book Seite 40 Samstag, 10. September 2005 2:53 14
Preparing the transmitter for use
Using the transmitter as a stand-alone unit
Mounting the transmitter feet
To ensure that the transmitter cannot slip on the surface on
which it is placed, four self-adhesive soft rubber feet are
supplied.
Ensure that the base of the transmitter is clean and free from
grease before mounting the rubber feet.
Fix the rubber feet to the base of the transmitter by peeling
of the safety paper and fitting them as shown in the diagram
on the left.
Attention!
Some furniture surfaces have been treated with varnish,
polish or synthetics which might cause stains when they
come into contact with other synthetics. Despite a thorough
testing of the synthetics used by us, we cannot rule out the
possibility of staining.
Connecting the telescopic antenna
When using the transmitter as a stand-alone unit, connect the
supplied telescopic antenna . The telescopic antenna can be
mounted quickly and easily and is suitable for all applications
where – good transmission conditions provided – a wireless
transmission system is to be used without a large amount of
installation work.
Connect the telescopic antenna to the BNC socket at the
rear of the transmitter.
Pull the end cap to extend the telescopic antenna.
40
Optimum transmission and reception conditions can be
obtained by using remote antennas (see “Mounting and
connecting remote antennas” on page 45).
Page 13
SR3254_56.book Seite 41 Samstag, 10. September 2005 2:53 14
Rack-mounting several transmitters
You can use the supplied rack mount “ears” to mount the
transmitter into a 19" rack (1 U). If you wish to mount the
antennas to the front of the rack, use the GA 3030-AM antenna
mount (see “Accessories” on page 58).
Setting up the transmitters
The SR 3254 and SR 3256 transmitters heat up during
operation.
y Ventilation in fixed installations
Ensure sufficient ventilation, especially when the transmitters
are mounted into a desk or chassis. Provide for a duct of
sufficient size to ensure a free air flow between the transmitters.
y Sufficient ventilation in a rack
When operating several transmitters in a rack, ensure
sufficient ventilation or cooling. We recommend not stacking
more than two transmitter directly one above the other, and
then providing for a duct of sufficient size to ensure a free air
flow between the transmitters.
Rack-mounting the transmitter without mounting the
antennas to the front of the rack
Hook the two rack mount “ears” ! to the rear of the
transmitter.
Secure the rack mount “ears” to the left and right of the
transmitter using four recessed head screws respectively.
Slide the transmitter into the 19" rack.
Secure the rack mount “ears” ! to the rack.
41
Page 14
SR3254_56.book Seite 42 Samstag, 10. September 2005 2:53 14
Rack-mounting the transmitter and mounting the antennas
to the front of the rack
Mount the antenna holders to the handles of the
transmitter as shown in the diagram on the left.
Hook the two rack mount “ears” ! to the rear of the
transmitter.
Pull the cables of the antenna holders through the holes
in the rack mount “ears”.
Secure the rack mount “ears” to the left and right of the
transmitter using four recessed head screws respectively.
Connect the cables of the antenna holders to the antenna
sockets at the rear of the transmitter.
Slide the transmitter into the 19" rack.
Connect the telescopic antennas to the BNC sockets of the
antenna holders .
42
Page 15
SR3254_56.book Seite 43 Samstag, 10. September 2005 2:53 14
Connecting the transmitter to the mains
The transmitter can be connected to 230 V or 115 V AC. Before
you plug the mains connector into the wall socket, please first
check that the transmitter is set to the correct mains voltage!
The set voltage is shown at the top of the fuse holder .
Selecting the mains voltage
WARNING!
Electric shock hazard!
In case of improper handling, you may come
into contact with electrically conducting parts
and receive an electric shock when removing
the fuse holder.
Before removing the fuse holder, pull out the
mains connector from the wall socket.
To select the mains voltage, proceed as follows:
Disconnect the transmitter completely from the mains by
pulling out the mains connector from the wall socket.
Use a screwdriver to loosen the fuse holder .
Remove the fuse holder with the inserted fuse.
Turn the fuse holder by 180° and reinsert it.
The set voltage is shown at the top of the fuse holder.
43
Page 16
SR3254_56.book Seite 44 Samstag, 10. September 2005 2:53 14
Connecting the mains cable
Insert the supplied mains cable into the socket on the
transmitter and pass the cable through the cable grip.
Note
A cable grip is particularly important when the transmitter is
permanently rack-mounted. Inside the rack there are often a
large number of cables – a cable grip prevents the cables
from pulling each other out.
Using transmitters in a multi-channel system
You can combine several transmitters to make a multi-channel
system. To do so, you require an antenna combiner (e.g. the
AC 3000, see “Accessories” on page 58) which allows you to
combine the signals of up to four twin receivers onto a single
antenna (see diagram below). For detailed information on
setting up a multi-channel system and on connecting the
transmitters, please refer to the operating manual of the
antenna combiner.
ANT
8:1
RF OUTPUT
44
Page 17
SR3254_56.book Seite 45 Samstag, 10. September 2005 2:53 14
Mounting and connecting remote antennas
Use a remote antenna when the transmitter position is not the
best antenna position for optimum transmission. You can
choose between two antennas (see “Accessories” on page 58):
y A 2003 UHF passive directional antenna
y A 1031 passive omni-directional antenna
A 2003
Use a low-attenuation 50-Ω cable to connect the antenna to the
transmitter. Ready-made antenna cables from Sennheiser are
available as accessories with length of 5 m and 10 m. If possible,
use a short antenna cable and as little connections as possible,
A 1031
since long cables and many connectors lead to an attenuation
of the antenna signal. Position antennas in the same room in
which the transmission takes place! Maintain a minimum
distance of 1 m from metal objects (including reinforced
concrete walls)!
Connecting the mixing console
Connect the mixing console to the XLR-3 sockets AF IN (L)
and AF IN (R) + MONO .
Note
Any unit that is only suitable for mono operation must be
connected to the XLR-3 socket AF IN (R) + MONO . In this
case, set the transmitter to mono operation (see “Switching
between mono and stereo operation” on page 51).
45
Page 18
SR3254_56.book Seite 46 Samstag, 10. September 2005 2:53 14
Using the transmitter
Switching the transmitter on/off
Press the POWER button to switch the transmitter on or
off.
After switch-on, the LC display is backlit and the last
transmission frequency set is displayed.
Until the PLL has locked on the desired transmission frequency,
the transmitter is muted. “MUTE” appears on the display and
the LCD bargraph for RF output power (RF) indicates 0 %.
Note
The POWER button works in the secondary circuit of the
integrated mains transformer, and thus only switches the
low voltage side. For larger installations with several
transmitters, a complete mains disconnection can best be
achieved by a central ON/OFF switch.
Connecting the headphones/monitoring the audio signal
Attention! High volume!
Even short exposure to high volume levels can damage your
hearing! Set the volume for the connected headphones to the
minimum before putting the headphones on. Do not listen at
higher volume levels than with loudspeakers.
Connect headphones with a ¼“ (6.35 mm) stereo jack plug
to the headphone output to monitor the stereo audio
signal present at the audio inputs AF IN (L) and
AF IN (R) + MONO.
46
Note
Even during mono operation, the left and right channel are
reproduced separately via the headphones.
Page 19
SR3254_56.book Seite 47 Samstag, 10. September 2005 2:53 14
First, set the volume control " to the lowest volume by
turning it to the left as far as possible. Then gradually turn up
the volume.
47
Page 20
SR3254_56.book Seite 48 Samstag, 10. September 2005 2:53 14
The operating menu of the transmitter
Via the operating menu, you can quickly and easily change the following settings:
MenuFunction of the menu
TUNESetting a transmission frequency for the channel bank “U”
(user bank)
CHANNELSelecting a channel from the channel bank “U” or “F”
MONO/STEREOSwitching between mono and stereo operation
The buttons
In the operating menu, all settings can be made using the , and SET buttons:
ButtonsModeFunction of the button
/Display mode Selects a menu.
Setting mode y Briefly pressing the button:
The display jumps either forwards or backwards to the
next setting.
y Holding down the button (“TUNE” and ”CHANNEL”
menu):
The display cycles continuously (“fast search”
function). The “fast search” function allows you to get
fast and easily to your desired setting.
SETDisplay mode Changes to the setting mode of the selected menu.
Setting mode y Stores the setting and returns to the display mode.
y In the “TUNE” menu:
Confirms the selection of the channel for which you
want to set the frequency.
Canceling an entry
48
When in the setting mode of a menu, you can cancel your entry
at any time by pressing the and buttons simultaneously.
The cancellation is briefly confirmed on the display with “ESc.”.
The previous setting is kept and the transmitter returns to the
display mode.
Page 21
SR3254_56.book Seite 49 Samstag, 10. September 2005 2:53 14
Overview of the operating menu
Display mode
Press SET
for 1 sec.
SET
SET
Setting mode
Current channel
: Transmission
frequency in steps of 5 kHz
SET
: U 1... U 16, F 1... F16
SET: Selects the channel
SET
Current frequency
Changing the channel
Switching between mono
and stereo operation
Current channel or current
frequency
SET
Current setting
: U 1... U 16, F 1... F16
SET
: Mono, Stereo
SET
49
Page 22
SR3254_56.book Seite 50 Samstag, 10. September 2005 2:53 14
TUNESelecting the frequencies to be stored in the
channel bank “U”
Via the “TUNE” menu, you can freely select the frequencies to
be stored in the channel bank “U” (user bank).
Press the / buttons to select the “TUNE” menu. The LC
dot “TUNE” lights up.
Press the SET button to get into the setting mode of the
“TUNE” menu.
The LC dot “TUNE” and the “FREQUENCY MHZ” display
start flashing.
Note
When pressing the SET button for one second, you can use
the / buttons to select a different channel for which you
can then change the frequency.
When you have selected the channel bank “F” and then select
the “TUNE” menu, the transmitter automatically switches to
channel 01 of the channel bank “U” and “U.01” appears on the
display. Otherwise, the current channel of the channel bank “U”
is displayed.
Press the / buttons to select the desired transmission
frequency. Transmission frequencies are tunable in 5-kHz
steps within a switching bandwidth of 36 MHz max.
50
Press the SET button to store your selection. “Sto.” briefly
appears on the display. While the transmitter changes to the
new frequency, it is muted.
Page 23
SR3254_56.book Seite 51 Samstag, 10. September 2005 2:53 14
CHANNELSelecting a channel from the channel bank “U”
or “F”
Press the / buttons to select the “CHANNEL” menu.
1 Sek.
The LC dot “CHANNEL” and the “CHANNEL” display light
up.
Press the SET button to get into the setting mode.
Press the / buttons to select the desired channel.
Press the SET button to store your selection. “Sto.” briefly
appears on the display.
MONO/STEREOSwitching between mono and stereo operation
Press the / buttons to select the “MONO/STEREO” menu.
The LC dot “MONO/STEREO” lights up.
Press the SET button to get into the setting mode.
Press the / buttons to select the desired operating mode.
Press the SET button to store your selection. “Sto.” briefly
appears on the display.
51
Page 24
SR3254_56.book Seite 52 Samstag, 10. September 2005 2:53 14
Care and maintenance
Cleaning the transmitter
CAUTION!
Before cleaning, disconnect the transmitter from the mains.
If necessary, you can clean the transmitter with a slightly
damp cloth. Do not use any cleansing agents or solvents.
Water can damage the electronics of
the transmitter!
Water entering the housing of the transmitter
can cause a short-circuit and damage the
electronics.
Only use a slightly damp cloth to clean the
transmitter.
Replacing the fuse
WARNING!
Electric shock hazard!
In case of improper handling, you may come into
contact with electrically conducting parts and
receive an electric shock when removing the
fuse holder.
52
Before removing the fuse holder, pull out the
mains connector from the wall socket.
Disconnect the transmitter completely from the mains by
pulling out the mains connector from the wall socket.
Use a screwdriver to loosen the fuse holder .
Remove the fuse holder with the inserted fuse.
Replace the fuse by a new fuse with the same rating.
Reinsert the fuse holder. Make sure to insert the fuse holder
the correct way round.
The set voltage is shown at the top of the fuse holder.
Reconnect the transmitter to the mains and and switch it on
again.
Page 25
SR3254_56.book Seite 53 Samstag, 10. September 2005 2:53 14
If the replacement fuse also blows, please contact your local
Sennheiser agent or send the transmitter, with a precise
description of the trouble, to a Sennheiser service partner in
your area. You can find the address of your nearest service
partner in the enclosed service card or on the Internet at
SR3254_56.book Seite 54 Samstag, 10. September 2005 2:53 14
If problems occur ...
Error checklist
ProblemPossible causePossible solution
No operation indicationNo mains connectionCheck the connections of
the mains connector
Fuse is defectiveReplace the fuse
No RF signal Transmitter and receiver
are not on the same
channel
Transmitter is out of
range
RF signal available,
no audio signal
Audio signal has a high
level of background
noise or is distorted
Transmitter is set to
mono operation and the
pilot tone evaluation of
the receiver is activated
Receiver’s squelch
threshold is adjusted too
high
Transmitter sensitivity is
adjusted too low or too
high
Set transmitter and
receiver to the same
channel
Change the antenna
position
Deactivate the pilot tone
evaluation on the receiver
Reduce the squelch
threshold on the receiver
See “Connecting the
mixing console” on
page 45
If problems occur that are not listed in the above table or if the problems cannot be
solved with the proposed solutions, please contact your local Sennheiser agent for
assistance.
54
Page 27
SR3254_56.book Seite 55 Samstag, 10. September 2005 2:53 14
Additional information
HDX noise reduction
RF link
Inherent
noise of
the RF link
Transmitter
Receiver
Progress you can hear:
The product family is equipped with HDX, the Sennheiser noise
reduction system that reduces RF interference. It increases the
signal-to-noise ratio in wireless audio transmission to more
than 90 dB.
HDX is a wideband compander system which compresses the
audio signal in the transmitter in a 2:1 ratio (related to dB) to
lift it above the inherent noise floor of the RF link. In the receiver
the signal is expanded in an identical and opposite way in a 1:2
ratio to restore the original signal, at the same time reducing
the RF noise to below the noise floor of the receiver.
HDX has been specially developed for high quality radio
microphone systems.
Note:
Only transmitters and receivers that are equipped with HDX
can work correctly with each other. If non HDX equipment
was mixed with HDX, the dynamic range would be
drastically reduced and the transmission would sound blunt
and flat.
55
Page 28
SR3254_56.book Seite 56 Samstag, 10. September 2005 2:53 14
Specifications
RF characteristics
Frequency ranges518–554, 626–662, 740–776, 786–822,
830–866 MHz
Transmission frequencies1 channel bank with up to 16 factory-preset
channels
1 channel bank with up to 16 freely selectable
channels (frequencies tunable in steps of
5kHz)
Switching bandwidth36 MHz
Frequency stability±10 ppm (-10° C to +55°C)
Antenna outputBNC socket, 50 Ω
RF output powermax. 100 mW
AF characteristics
ModulationFM stereo working on the pilot tone principle
Noise reduction systemSennheiser HDX
Nominal/peak deviation±24 kHz / ±48 kHz
MPX pilot tone
(frequency/deviation)
AF frequency response40–15,000 Hz
Headphone output¼“ (6.35 mm) stereo jack socket,
Load impedance of
headphone output
AF input2 x XLR-3, electronically balanced
AF input voltage (at nom. deviation) +4 dBu at 1 kHz, internally adjustable
19 kHz / ±5 kHz
≥ 200 mW/32 Ω
≥ 16 Ω
Signal-to-noise ratio> 90 dB(A)
(refers to overall link with EK 3253)
THD
(at 1 kHz and nominal deviation)
Note:
The above data also apply to the second transmitter in the SR 3256.
56
< 0.9 %
rms
Page 29
SR3254_56.book Seite 57 Samstag, 10. September 2005 2:53 14
Overall unit
Power supply115/230 V AC +10% / –15%
Power consumption SR 3254 max. 13 W
Power consumption SR 3256max. 23 W
Dimensions
436 x 228 x 43 mm (19", 1 U)
(without rack mount “ears”)
Weight SR 3254 approx. 3,300 g
Weight SR 3256approx. 4,000 g
Type approvalUSA:FCC-Part 74.861
FCC ID: DMOSREK3K
Canada: RSS-123
IC: 2099A-SREK3K
EU: ETSI EN 300 454-1/-2
CE 0682!
Connector assignment
SR 3254/SR 3256
¼“ (6.35 mm) stereo jack plug
for headphone output
XLR-3 connector (male)
+
21
3
57
Page 30
SR3254_56.book Seite 58 Samstag, 10. September 2005 2:53 14
Accessories
AC 3000-EUActive Antenna combiner Cat. no. 009424
AC 3000-UKActive Antenna combiner Cat. no. 009410
AC 3000-USActive Antenna combiner Cat. no. 094409
A 1031-UPassive omni-directional antenna Cat. no. 004645
GA 3030-AMAntenna mount Cat. no. 004368
A 2003 UHFPassive directional antenna Cat. no. 003658