UHF-4 Single Channel UHF DigiTRU Diversity Wireless System OWNER'S MANUAL UHF4_man 1 2/15/05, 4:09 PM CONTENTS CONTENTS ...........................................................................................2 INTRODUCTION ....................................................................................2 USING THIS MANUAL............................................................................2 SYSTEM FEATURES ................................................................................3 UHF-4 RECEIVER ....................................................................................4 UH-4 HANDHELD MICROPHONE TRANSMITTER ......................................7 UB-4 BODYPACK MICROPHONE TRANSMITTER ......................................8 SPECIFICATIONS ................................................................................. 11 SERVICE ................................................................................. Back Cover INTRODUCTION Thank you for purchasing a Nady UHF-4 Diversity Wireless Microphone System and congratulations on your choice. The UHF-4 is loaded with top professional operating features and is the best performance and price value available in UHF diversity wireless systems. USING THIS MANUAL This booklet gives instructions for the operation of the UHF-4 wireless, including handheld, instrument, lavalier, headmic and plug-in transmitter systems. Please read the instructions for your system completely before operating unit. This manual will first list the features of the UHF-4 and then will take you step by step to show you how to operate your new system. After reading the receiver instructions, turn to the section of the booklet that covers the type of transmitter used with your new system. Each section will give you detailed operating instructions. Also included in this manual are system specifications and servicing information. 2 UHF4_man 2 2/15/05, 4:09 PM SYSTEM FEATURES UHF-4 RECEIVER Unprecedented value in a full-featured single-channel UHF wireless mic system with interference-free operation in any application or locale on select UHF frequencies within separate bands 902-928 and 944-952 MHz Half-rack receiver design with folding front panel dual antennas and unique snap-out panel locking tabs for single receiver or dual receiver (side-
by-side) optional rack mounting Nadys proprietary companding circuitry for an industry best 120dB Dynamic Range, and the clearest, most natural sound available Tone Squelch for locking out potential interference UHF-4 receiver with DigiTRU Diversity for maximum range and dropout protection, full LED indicators, both 1/4" unbalanced and XLR balanced outputs, and special circuitry for noiseless transmitter ON/OFF switching Mute (squelch) adjust control Externally powered by AC/DC power adapter UH-4 HANDHELD MIC TRANSMITTER Features the Nady DM -10D unidirectional neodymium dynamic cartridge for optimum true sound, maximum feedback rejection and minimal handling noise OFF / STANDBY / ON switch allows convenient audio muting with the Status LED indicator flashes once for unit "ON"; lights steady for transmitter ON low battery alert Easily accessible input level adjust control for optimum sound 9V alkaline or NiMH battery operation rubber mic clip available as option UB-4 BODYPACK TRANSMITTER Choice of instrument or headworn/lavalier microphone bodypack transmitter OFF / STANDBY / ON switch allows convenient audio muting with the in a single unit transmitter ON low battery alert Status LED indicator flashes once for unit "ON"; lights steady for Locking 3.5mm mini-jack provides secure connection for removable microphone or instrument cable Easily accessible input level adjust control for optimum sound 9V alkaline or NiMH battery operation UHF4_man 3 2/15/05, 4:09 PM 3 UHF-4 RECEIVER 1. Rackmounting the Receiver There are 2 options available for rackmounting the UHF-4 receiver: singly or side-by-
side with another UHF-4 Series receiver. a. Single mounting: Remove the receiver SIDE MOUNT CLIP (1) from each side of the receiver (as shown) and slide in the optional ERM-3 RACK EARS (2). b. Side-by-side double mounting: After removing the SIDE MOUNT CLIPS (1) from both UHF-4 receivers, join the two receivers with the EJC-3 JOINING CLIP
(3) and attach the ERM-33 RACK EARS (4) as shown. (Note: Do not mount the receiver in a rack directly above an amplifier or other source of high heat this could degrade the performance of the UHF-4. Always ensure adequate airflow and heat dissipation in any rack configuration.) 2. Powering the Receiver Plug the 15V/0.3A AC/DC ADAPTER (5) provided into the DC INPUT JACK (9) on the back of the receiver. Then plug the power supply into an AC outlet. Press the POWER SWITCH (11) once to turn on the receiver. The POWER ON LED (12) will now light and the receiver is operational. 3. Antennas The UHF-4 receiver is supplied with FOLDING ANTENNAS (15). These should be extended fully to obtain maximum range. Optimal antenna position is 45 degrees from the receiver (at 90 degrees from each other). For maximum range, it is always best to maintain a line of sight (no obstructions) between the receiver antennas and the transmitter at all times whenever possible. 4. Mute (Squelch) Adjustment In normal operation, the SQUELCH CONTROL (6) should be set fully clockwise to the factory preset RF level (Max. Sens.). However, in areas of high RF activity, the squelch
(or mute, as it is sometimes called) may need to be adjusted to compensate for the adverse conditions in a particular location. If, with the transmitter off, the receivers A and/or B DIVERSITY LED INDICATORS (13) flicker or stay on, the squelch control should be turned counterclockwise until the A and/or B LEDs extinguish. When the squelch is properly adjusted, the A or B LEDs will only light when the transmitter is turned on. Turning the squelch control too far counterclockwise will reduce the range, but yield a quieter squelch (mute) function. During operation, especially at ranges greater than 75 feet, one or the other of the A or B LEDs may alternate briefly. This is normalthe units DigiTRU Diversity reception ensures that the received audio will not be interrupted. When both LEDs extinguish, the transmitter is out of range for that given location, and the user should move closer to the receiver to re-establish the radio link. 4 UHF4_man 4 2/15/05, 4:09 PM 5. Connecting the Audio Output The UHF-4 receiver provides both a fixed mic level BALANCED MIC AUDIO OUTPUT XLR (7) and an adjustable line level AUX AUDIO OUTPUT 1/4" jack (10).
(Note: As when making any connection, make sure the amplifier or mixing board volume is at the minimum level before plugging in the receiver to avoid possible sound system damage.) Microphone Connection
(using the UB-4 transmitter with either a headworn or lavalier microphone or the UH-4 handheld microphone transmitter) For microphone use, either the BALANCED MIC AUDIO OUTPUT XLR (7) or the 1/4" line level AUX AUDIO OUTPUT (10) can be used. The XLR output is set at a non-adjustable microphone level, similar to hardwired mic levels. Plug an XLR connector into the XLR output socket on the rear of the unit and plug the other end into your amplifier or mixing board. Make sure the phantom power on your mixing board is turned off and the volume is turned down when making connections. For your convenience, the XLR output level is preset at the factory and is not adjustable with the receiver volume control. To use the 1/4" AUX AUDIO OUTPUT socket, follow the instructions for the Instrument Connection (above), except start the receiver volume at 1/2 MAX and adjust until the volume level is optimal. If the volume control is set too high, you may overload your mixer or amp. The UHF-4 receiver is equipped with a 5 segment LED AF LEVEL DISPLAY (14). Occasional flickering of the top AF Peak LED indicator on loud inputs to the transmitter is normal. If this LED lights continuously, decrease the volume to the transmitter or overload distortion may result. UHF4_man 5 2/15/05, 4:10 PM 5 15 15 12 11 13 14 10 9 8 7 6 2 4 6 3 4 1 2 5 1 UHF4_man 6 2/15/05, 4:10 PM UH-4 HANDHELD MICROPHONE TRANSMITTER 1. Unscrew the BATTERY COMPARTMENT COVER (16) and remove, exposing the BATTERY HOLDER (17). Insert a fresh 9V ALKALINE BATTERY (18), observing the correct polarity as marked, and screw the cover back on to the microphone. Make sure the cover is screwed on completely. Fresh alkaline batteries can last up to 10 hours in use, but in order to ensure optimum performance, it is recommended that you replace the battery after every 6-8 hours of use. 2. Turn on the UH-4 by sliding the OFF/STANDBY/ON SWITCH (19) to the STANDBY position first (transmitter on, audio muted) or the ON position (transmitter and audio both on). The BATTERY INDICATOR LED (20) will give a single quick flash, indicating usable battery strength. In the case of a dead or low battery, the LED will either not go on at all or will stay on continuously, indicating that the battery should be replaced with a fresh one. To preserve battery life, turn the transmitter off when not in use. 3. The microphone is now ready to use. The A or B DIVERSITY LED INDICATORS (13) on the UHF-4 receiver should now be lit, indicating a received signal from the transmitter. When ready to speak, slide the OFF/STANDBY/ON SWITCH (19) to the ON position. Adjust the volume of the receiver as per the Audio Output Microphone Connection section of the above UHF-4 receiver instructions.
[Note: Observe care in selecting P.A. volume, transmitter location and speaker placement so that acoustic feedback (howling or screeching) will be avoided.]
4. For optimum performance, an INPUT LEVEL CONTROL (21) is provided. Adjust the gain by turning the control with a small screw driver. Set for maximum possible gain without audible distortion on the high level peaks. (Note: Turning down the gain too much can compromise the signal-to-noise and is not recommended.) 17 16 20 19 21 18 7 UHF4_man 7 2/15/05, 4:10 PM UB-4 BODYPACK MICROPHONE TRANSMITTER 1. Snap open the BATTERY DOOR (22) and insert a fresh 9V alkaline battery into the BATTERY COMPARTMENT (23), observing the correct polarity. Fresh alkaline batteries can last up to 10 hours in use, but in order to ensure optimum performance, it is recommended that the battery be replaced after 6-8 hours of use. 2. The UB-4 is equipped with two INPUT SELECTOR SWITCHES (24) located under the cover on the circuit board for selecting the type of audio input you will be supplying to the transmitter. Select from the choice of three positions: INSTRUMENT (for guitar, bass, etc.)/ HEADWORN MIC/ LAVALIER MIC. (G/H/L). There are two switches, one with selectable position G, H, L and the other with G, HL. To select inputs: (see chart on page 10) A. Instrument both switches to G B. Headworn Mic set one switch to H and the other to H C. Lavalier Mic set one switch to L and the other to L 3. The UB-4 is provided with a 3.5 mm LOCKING JACK (25) for connecting the audio input selected. Connect either the INSTRUMENT CORD (30) or the HEADWORN MIC
(31) or LAVALIER MIC CORD (32) as desired, according to the input selected. (Note:
Use only the input audio source as per the input selected with the internal AUDIO INPUT SELECTOR SWITCHES (24) or the audio will not be optimala muddy or distorted sound may result.) To secure the connection, turn the slip ring on the plug clock wise to thread it on the jack. To unplug, reverse the process. Slip the transmitter into a pocket or CLIP (29) it on to your clothes or instrument strap (if using the UB-4 as an instrument transmitter). 4. Turn on the UB-4 by sliding the OFF/STANDBY/ON SWITCH (26) to the STANDBY position (transmitter on, audio muted) or the ON position (transmitter and audio both on). The BATTERY INDICATOR LED (27) will give a single quick flash, indicating usable battery strength. In the case of a dead or low battery, the LED either will not go on at all or will stay on continuously, indicating that the battery should be replaced with a fresh one. 5. The UB-4 transmitter is now ready to use. The A or B DIVERSITY LED INDICATORS
(13) on the UHF-4 receiver should now be lit, indicating a received signal from the transmitter. Adjust the volume of the receiver as per the Audio Output Instrument Connections section of the above UHF-4 receiver instructions. For optimum performance, an INPUT LEVEL CONTROL (28) is provided on the top panel of the UB-
4. Adjust the gain by turning the control with a small slot head screwdriver. It is recommended that this control be turned to maximum gain. However, for ultra high-gain instrument sources such as active bass pickups or even extra hot guitar pickups, turning the level down slightly will create a cleaner sound. (Note: Turning down the input gain too much can compromise the signal-to-noise ratio and is not recommended. Set for the maximum possible gain and headroom without noticeable distortion on the high level peaks). The AF LEVEL LED DISPLAY (13) on the UHF-4 receiver will light up to 5 LEDs (4 green and 1 red) for all input signals. Occasional flickering on and off during use of the top red LED indicator in this display is normal, however if the red LED stays on continuously, turn down the instrument volume or adjust the INPUT LEVEL CONTROL
(28) on the UB-4 transmitter, or noticeable distortion may result. 8 UHF4_man 8 2/15/05, 4:10 PM 6. Instrument Use Secure the connection from the GT CABLE (30) by turning the slip ring on the plug into the transmitter clockwise to thread it on the jack. To unplug, reverse the process. Plug the 1/4 phone plug into the instrument. When ready to play, slide the audio MUTE SWITCH (26) to ON position Adjust the volume of the receiver as per the Audio Output Instrument Connection section of the above UHF-4 receiver instruction.
(Note: The INPUT LEVEL CONTROL (28) is deactivated and not used when the UB-4 is in INSTRUMENT mode. Levels should be adjusted with the volume control of your instrument.)
(Note: Scratchy noises can sometimes occur when some electric guitars with dirty pots or connections are used with any wireless system. Therefore, the supplied INSTRUMENT CORD (30) has a factory installed capacitor inside the 1/4" plug. This capacitor provides first order filtering of the RF signal from the cord into the guitar and eliminates virtually all scratchy noises. Should your equipment still give you scratchy noises, we suggest these steps to eliminate them:
1) Make sure all guitar volume and tone pots are clean and all contacts are solidthis is very important. 2) A 47pf capacitor soldered across the hot to ground terminals of the guitars volume and tone pots will provide extra filtering.) 7. Microphone Use (with either a lavalier or headworn microphone) Secure the connection from the LAVALIER (32) or HEADWORN MIC CORD (31) by turning the slip ring on the plug into the transmitter clockwise to thread it on to the jack. To unplug, reverse the process. To use the lavalier mic, attach it at chest level. Do not place it too close to the moutha distance of about six inches usually works best. To use the headworn mic, place it on the head and adjust the boom so that the mic is about one inch to the side of the front of the mouth. As the microphone cord also serves as the antenna, be sure to extend it fully. Rolling up or shortening the cord may reduce the effective operating rangekeep it as straight as possible. When ready to speak, slide the OFF/STANDBY/ON SWITCH (26) to the ON position. Adjust the volume of the receiver as per the Audio Output Microphone Connection section of the above UHF-4 receiver instruction. [Note: Observe care in selecting P.A. volume, transmitter location and speaker placement so that acoustic feedback (howling and screeching) will be avoided. Please also note the pickup pattern characteristics of the microphone selected. Omnidirectional mics pick up sound equally from all directions, and are prone to feedback if not used carefully. Unidirectional mics are more resistant to feedback, but pick up sound sources best that are directly in front of the mic. Also, mics that are farther from the sound source, such as lavaliers, require more acoustic gain and thus are also more prone to feedback than close-source mics such as handheld or headworn models that are used close to the mouth]. For optimum performance, an INPUT LEVEL CONTROL (28) is provided. Adjust the gain by turning the control with a small screw driver. For lavalier mic use, it is recommended that the level be set at about 1/2 maximum. For headworn mic use, it may be advisable to turn the gain down somewhat, depending on the volume levels expected. In either application, experiment and set for maximum possible gain without audible distortion on the high level peaks. (Note: Turning down the gain too much can compromise the signal-to-noise and is not recommended.) UHF4_man 9 2/15/05, 4:10 PM 9 25 28 INPUT SELECTOR SWITCHES Instrument Headworn Lavalier HL G HL G HL G H L G H L G G H L 29 24 27 26 22 Opening Battery Compartment 23 30 31 32 10 UHF4_man 10 2/15/05, 4:10 PM SPECIFICATIONS UHF-4 OVERALL SYSTEM PERFORMANCE Frequency Response Dynamic Range Total Harmonic Distortion RF Carrier Frequency Range Frequency Stability Modulation Operating Range RECEIVER Reception Mode Squelch Controls Connectors LED Indicators Unwanted Signal Rejection Power Requirements Dimensions (Max.) Weight Antenna TRANSMITTERS Audio Inputs Controls LED Indicator RF Power Out Harmonic & Spurious Emissions Battery Battery Life Dimensions Weight 30 Hz - 18 KHz, +/ 3 dB 120 dB
< 0.6%
UHF, choice of single frequencies within separate bands 902-928 and 944-952 MHz
+/- 0.005%, crystal controlled FM (F3E), +/-20KHz normal Up to 250 ft. typical (depending on site conditions); up to 500+ feet optimum line-of-sight DigiTRU Diversity (Dual Antenna) External Control, Tone Key (30.768 KHz) Power ON/OFF, Volume Control, Squelch (Mute) Adjust DC in, 1/4(6.3 mm) unbalanced phone jack (360 mV/
no load), XLR balanced output (+/-24 mV/600 Ohm load) Power ON, Diversity A/B, Audio LED Bars + Peak 60dB image and spurious DC 15V @ 300 mA, AC/DC adapter included 1.75" x 7.5" x 8.1" (4.5 x 19 x 20.6 cm) 0.9 lbs (0.41 kg) 3.5" (9.0 cm), dual telescopic UB-4 Bodypack: 3.5mm locking mini-jack, switchable inputs: instrument, headworn mic, or lavalier mic UH-4 Handheld: Integral Nady DM-10D neodymium dynamic cartridge UB-4: POWER/STANDBY/OFF, INSTRUMENT/
HEADWORN MIC/LAV MIC, INPUT LEVEL UH-4: POWER/STANDBY/OFF/INPUT LEVEL Single color (red), Unit ON (single flash red), Low Battery Alert (steady red) 50mW nominal (maximum allowed by FCC)
< 50 dB UH-4: 9V Alkaline UB-4: 9V Alkaline 10 Hours UB-4 Bodypack: 4.25 x 2.5x 1.0
(10.8 cm x 6.4 cm x 2.5 cm) UH-4 Handheld: 9.5x 2.0
(24 cm x 5.1 cm) UB-4 Bodypack: 3.1 oz (88 g) without battery UH-4 Handheld: 6.6 oz (187 g) without battery 11 UHF4_man 11 2/15/05, 4:10 PM FCC NOTE The manufacturer is not responsible for any radio or TV interference caused by unauthorized modifications to this equipment. Such modifications could void the user's authority to operate the equipment.