Shure SC WIRELESS User Guide

SC Wireless Systems

SC

WIRELESS SYSTEMS

User Guide

User Guide

2001, Shure Incorporated
27C8653 (AK)

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READ ME FIRST!

... A quick guide to operating your Shure wireless microphone system.

RECEIVER CONNECTIONS

1. Attach the antennas to the receiver antenna connectors.

2. Connect the re c e iver audio output to the sound system, using an audio
cable.

3. Connect the ac power adapter to the receiver power connector, then
plug into an ac outlet.

TRANSMITTER CONNECTIONS

1. Open the transmitter battery compartment and insert a fresh 9-volt
alkaline battery. Observe proper battery polarity ( “ +/–” ).

2. On a body-pack transmitter, connect the microphone or WA302
instrument cable to the 4-pin connector on the transmitter.

OPERATING THE SYSTEM

1. Press the receiver POWER switch. The green POWER indicator on the
receiver will illuminate.

2. Set the transmitter POWER switch to the ON position. The green
POWER indicator on the transmitter will illuminate.

3. Observe the RF level LEDs on the receiver. When the transmitter is in
use, one of the LEDs will illuminate, indicating received RF signal
strength (a stronger signal will illuminate a higher numbered LED). If
none of the RF LEDs are lit, the transmitter may be too far from the
receiver, reflective obstacles may be interfering with the signal, or the
transmitter/receiver frequency selector switch settings may not match.

4. Observe the AUDIO level LEDs on the receiver while someone talks,
sings, or plays a musical instrument. The green LEDs should light, with
the yellow LEDs flickering occasionally to indicate audio signal peaks.
Refer to the “Setting Audio Level” section if the yellow LED is always
on, or never turns on.

5. Adjust the receiver VOLUME control until the output level is compatible
with the mixer or amplifier input.

IMPORTANT: Every wireless microphone installation is a unique situation,
and can present a variety of problems. Never attempt a live performance
without first conducting a “walkthrough.” If major changes (intercoms,
furniture, scenery, etc.) have been made since the walkthrough, check the
wireless microphone operation again – as close to performance time as
possible.

FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION, CONSULT THE SETUP AND
INSTALLATION SECTION OF THIS GUIDE.

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

SYSTEM DESCRIPTION 3. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

SYSTEM COMPONENTS 3. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

SYSTEM FEATURES 3. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Frequency Agility 3. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Tone Key Squelch 3. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Transmitter Battery Fuel Gauge 3. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

SC4 RECEIVER FEATURES AND CONTROLS (FIGURE 1) 4. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

SC1 BODY-PACK TRANSMITTER FEATURES AND CONTROLS (FIGURE 2) 5. .
SC2 HANDHELD TRANSMITTER FEATURES AND CONTROLS (FIGURE 3) 6. .

SYSTEM SETUP AND INSTALLATION 6. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

RECEIVER CONNECTIONS 6. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

ADJUSTING RECEIVER SQUELCH CONTROL 7. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

SC1 TRANSMITTER BATTERY INSTALLATION 7. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

SC2 TRANSMITTER BATTERY INSTALLATION 7. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

CHECKING TRANSMITTER BATTERY POWER 8. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

CHANGING TRANSMITTER AUDIO LEVEL 8. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

SYSTEM FREQUENCY COMPATIBILITY 8. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

CHANGING SYSTEM FREQUENCY 9. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

INSTALLING THE WA555 GRIP/SWITCH COVER ACCESSORY ON THE SC2 10

RECEIVER MOUNTING 10. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Table Mounting a Receiver 10. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Rack Mounting a Single Receiver (Figure 4) 10. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Rack Mounting Two Receivers Side by Side (Figure 5) 10. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

TIPS FOR ACHIEVING MAXIMUM PERFORMANCE 11. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

TROUBLESHOOTING 12. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

SPECIFICATIONS 13. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

FURNISHED ACCESSORIES 14. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

OPTIONAL ACCESSORIES 14. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

REPLACEMENT PARTS 14. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

LICENSING INFORMATION 15. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

WARRANTY INFORMATION 15. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

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SYSTEM DESCRIPTION

The Shure SC Series wireless microphone system is a frequency­selectable, diversity system operating in the VHF band between 169 and
216 MHz. Each SC Series system is capable of operating on eight different
frequencies (four different frequencies for SC systems operating in the
traveling band). Digital frequency control enables the system to produce a
clean signal, which allows up to 12 SC Series wireless systems to be
operated simultaneously in a single installation.

SYSTEM COMPONENTS

• SC4 MARCAD Diversity Receiver (half-rack size), with rack mounting
hardware and antennas

• PS40 Power Supply (120 Vac), or PS40E Power Supply (230 Vac)

• SC1 Body-Pack transmitter with detachable lavalier microphone

or

• SC2 hand-held transmitter with interchangeable microphone element.

SYSTEM FEATURES

Frequency Agility

An eight position switch in both the transmitter and receiver allows the
system operating frequency to be changed should interference occur,
preventing the need to exchange units or re-crystal existing systems in
order to change frequencies.

Tone Key Squelch

A separate, inaudible signal is sent along with the transmitter carrier
frequency. When this tone is not present (e.g., the transmitter is either
turned off or out of range) and the tone key squelch switch on the receiver
is enabled, the receiver remains muted, and unwanted noise is prevented
from entering the system. In addition, by eliminating the popping sound
often heard when a wireless system is turned on or off, tone key squelch
allows the ON/OFF power switch on an SC transmitter to also function as
a system “mute” switch.

Transmitter Battery Fuel Gauge

When activated, a multicolor, five LED array illuminates to show how
much life remains in the transmitter battery. This allows the user to know,
rather than guess, when to change the battery.

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SC4 RECEIVER FEATURES AND CONTROLS (FIGURE 1)

1. Control Panel Door: Helps prevent tampering. Open by pushing down
on the door and pivoting it outward. A label on the inside of the door
lists the available system operating frequencies.

2. Frequency Selector Switch: Provides system frequency agility by
allowing user to select from eight different operating frequencies at 200
kHz intervals. It is factory pre–set to position #4 and is identical to the
frequency selector switch on the transmitters.

3. Tone Key Squelch Switch: Turns the tone key squelch on and off.
During installation, set tone key squelch in the OFF (right) position in
order to identify and adjust for potential interference problems. During
normal operation, set this switch in the ON (left) position.

4. Squelch Control: Automatically quiets or “mutes” the receiver when
the transmitter signal becomes weak or fails. This control is
factory–preset for optimal operation in most installations. However, it
can be adjusted to compensate for unusual conditions.

5. Volume control: Determines signal level at both receiver output
connectors and lets the user adjust the receiver output level to match
the input level requirements of a mixer or amplifier.

6. Screwdriver: Used to adjust the frequency, squelch, and volume
controls. Also used to adjust transmitter frequency and audio gain.
Snaps into place behind the control panel door for storage.

7. Diversity Signal LEDs: Illuminate to show RF signals received by
antenna A, antenna B, or both. Normal operation is indicated by the
steady illumination of either or both LEDs. Note that these LEDs
indicate diversity mix, not signal strength.

8. RF Level Indicators: “Floating point” LEDs illuminate one at a time
to show strength of received RF signal. A stronger signal will illuminate
a higher numbered LED. The green LEDs indicate a signal of usable
strength. The yellow LED indicates a signal of marginal strength. The
red LED indicates an unusable signal.

9. Audio Level Indicators: A series of five LEDs illuminates to indicate
audio level. Normal operation causes steady illumination of the green
LEDs, with occasional flickering yellow LEDs. A red LED indicates
approaching audio overload condition and should occur rarely (only
during the loudest signals). Frequent and/or constant illumination of the
red LED indicates excessive audio level and the need to lower the
transmitter audio gain level.

10. Power ON LED: Green LED illuminates to indicate the receiver is on.

11. Power ON/OFF rocker switch: Applies power from the external ac
adapter to the receiver.

12. Antenna Connectors: UHF-type connectors provide connection to
1/4-wave antennas supplied with the SC4, or to the coaxial cable in the
optional WA420 Antenna cable kit for remote location of antennas, or
to optional WA380 1/2-wave high-gain antennas.

13. Output Connectors: XLR connector provides balanced l ow-impedance
(150 Ω) microphone or line level output; 1/4-inch phone jack provides

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unbalanced auxiliary level [ high- i mpedance (1 k Ω)] output to audio m i xer
or amplifier.

14. Power jack: Accepts power from the supplied PS40/PS40E AC adapter

or from a well-filtered 12.5 – 18 Vdc (300 mA, minimum) supply. Also
accepts power cord f rom t he WA405 Antenna P ower/Distribution s ystem.

15. Mic/line Level switch: Controls output of balanced XLR output

connector; can be set for either microphone level (–18 dBV maximum)
or line level (+4 dBV maximum).

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SC1 BODY-PACK TRANSMITTER FEATURES AND CONTROLS
(FIGURE 2)

1. Antenna: A flexible antenna wire is permanently attached to the

bottom of the body-pack transmitter. For best operation, the antenna
must hang in the vertical position, and should not be coiled or bundled.

2. Battery Compartment: Hinged cover on front half of transmitter opens

to provide access to battery, audio gain control, and frequency selector
switch.

3. Frequency Selector Switch: Provides system frequency agility by

allowing user to select from eight different operating frequencies at 200
kHz intervals. It is factory pre–set to position #4 and is identical to the
frequency selector switch on the SC4 receiver.

4. Audio Gain Control: P rovides a udio l evel a djustment t o a ccommodate

different sound sources (e.g.: a person speaking or singing, or an
instrument being played). Use the small s crewdriver l ocated b ehind t he
SC4 control panel door to m ake a djustments t o t he A udio G ain C ontrol.

5. Input Jack: Miniature type connector which accepts microphone cable

from lavalier microphones or optional WA302 instrument cable.

6. Battery Fuel Gauge: An array of LEDs that light to indicate level of

battery life remaining when battery check switch is pressed. The
transmitter must be turned on in order for the fuel gauge to function.

7. Battery Check Switch: Activates the Battery Fuel Gauge. Allows user

to check amount of battery life remaining at any time while the
transmitter power is on.

8. Power ON/OFF Switch: Turns transmitter power on and off. When th e

receiver tone-key squelch feature is enabled, the power switch also
functions as a “mute” switch, allowing the receiver to reject unwanted
signals when the transmitter is turned off.

9. Power ON LED: Green LED lights when power on/off switch is turned

on and a good battery is installed. If this LED is not illuminated, the
transmitter is not operational.

10. Belt Clip (not shown): Allows the transmitter to be worn on a belt,

waistband or guitar strap. The clip can be removed or inverted.

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SC2 HANDHELD TRANSMITTER FEATURES AND CONTROLS
(FIGURE 3)

1. Grille: Protects the microphone element and helps minimize breath
and wind noise. Various models have different grille styles.

2. Battery Fuel Gauge: An array of LEDs that light to indicate level of
battery life remaining when battery check switch is pressed. The
transmitter must be turned on in order for the fuel gauge to function.

3. Battery Check Switch: Activates the battery fuel gauge. Allows user
to check amount of battery life remaining at any time while the
transmitter power is on.

4. Power ON/OFF Switch: Turns transmitter power on and off. When the
receiver tone key squelch feature is enabled, this switch also functions
as a system “mute” switch, allowing the receiver to reject unwanted
signals when the transmitter is turned off.

5. Power ON LED: Green indicator lights when power on/off switch is
turned on and a good battery is installed. If this LED is not illuminated,
the transmitter is not operational.

6. Audio Gain Control: P rovides a udio level adjustment t o a ccommodate
different sound sources. This control is accessed by removing the
battery cover. A small screwdriver located behind the SC4 control
compartment door is supplied to make adjustments.

7. Frequency Selector Switch: Provides system frequency agility by
allowing user to select from eight different operating frequencies at 200
kHz intervals. It is factory pre–set to position #4 and is identical to the
frequency selector switch on the SC4 receiver.

8. Battery Cover: Unscrews to provide access to the battery, audio gain
control and frequency selector switch.

SYSTEM SETUP AND INSTALLATION

RECEIVER CONNECTIONS

1. Connect the supplied AC adapter to the POWER jack on the rear panel.

2. Plug the adapter into a power source (120V, 60 Hz power for the PS40;
230V, 50 Hz power for the PS40E).

3. Attach the supplied 1/4–wave antennas to the antenna connectors on
the back panel. For best performance, point the tips away from each
other, a t a n angle 45°from vertical. If the receiver is rack-mounted, both
antennas must extend above the rack cabinet or be remotely located.

NOTE: For improved diversity performance, use 1/2–wave antennas and
WA420 Extension Cable Kits. Install one or both antennas at a remote
location within sight of the receiver.

4. Connect the SC4 output to the mixer or amplifier input, using a standard
audio cable with a female XLR connector or a 1/4-inch phone plug on
one end.

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