Samson Concert 288 User manual

OWNER'S MANUAL
Dual Channel Wireless Systems

Copyright 2015, Samson Technologies Corp.
v3
Samson Technologies Corp.
45 Gilpin Ave
Hauppauge, NY 11788
www.samsontech.com

4
Important Safety Information
CAUTION: TO REDUCE THE RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK, DO NOT
REMOVE COVER (OR BACK). NO USER-SERVICEABLE PARTS IN-
SIDE. REFER SERVICING TO QUALIFIED SERVICE PERSONNEL.
This lightning flash with arrowhead symbol within an equilateral triangle
is intended to alert the user to the presence of non-insulated “danger-
ous voltage” within the product’s enclosure that may be of sufficient
magnitude to constitute a risk of electric shock.
The exclamation point within an equilateral triangle is intended to alert
the user to the presence of important operating and maintenance in-
structions in the literature accompanying the appliance.
ATTENTION
RISQUE D’ÉLECTROCUTION !
NE PAS OUVRIR !
WARNING
TO PREVENT FIRE OR SHOCK HAZARD. DO NOT USE THIS PLUG WITH AN EXTENSION
CORD, RECEPTACLE OR OTHER OUTLET UNLESS THE BLADES CAN BE FULLY INSERT-
ED TO PREVENT BLADE EXPOSURE. TO PREVENT FIRE OR SHOCK HAZARD. DO NOT
EXPOSE THIS APPLIANCE TO RAIN OR MOISTURE. TO PREVENT ELECTRICAL SHOCK,
MATCH WIDE BLADE PLUG TO WIDE SLOT AND FULLY INSERT.
THIS DEVICE COMPLIES WITH PART 15 OF THE FCC RULES
CLASS B. OPERATION IS SUBJECT TO THE FOLLOWING
TWO CONDITIONS:
(1) THIS DEVICE MUST NOT CAUSE HARMFUL
INTERFERENCE, AND
(2) THIS DEVICE MUST ACCEPT ANY INTERFERENCE
RECEIVED INCLUDING INTERFERENCE THAT MAY CAUSE
UNDESIRED OPERATION. SUITABLE FOR HOME OR OFFICE
USE.
If you want to dispose this product, do not mix it with general household waste. There is a separate
collection system for used electronic products in accordance with legislation that requires proper
treatment, recovery and recycling.
Private household in the 28 member states of the EU, in Switzerland and Norway may return their
used electronic products free of charge to designated collection facilities or to a retailer (if you purchase a
similar new one).
For Countries not mentioned above, please contact your local authorities for a correct method of disposal.
By doing so you will ensure that your disposed product undergoes the necessary treatment, recovery and
recycling and thus prevent potential negative effects on the environment and human health.

5
Concert 288 Dual Channel Wireless System
ENGLISH
FRANÇAISDEUTSCHEESPAÑOLITALIANO
Important Safety Information
1. Read these instructions.
2. Keep these instructions.
3. Heed all warnings.
4. Follow all instructions.
5. Do not use this apparatus near
water.
6. Clean only with dry cloth.
7. Do not block any ventilation open-
ings. Install in accordance with the
manufacturer’s instructions.
8. Do not install near any heat sources
such as radiators, heat registers,
stoves, or other apparatus (including
amplifiers) that produce heat.
9. Do not defeat the safety purpose of
the polarized or grounding type plug.
A polarized plug has two blades with
one wider than the other. A ground-
ing type plug has two blades and
a third grounding prong. The wide
blade or the third prong are provided
for your safety. If the provided plug
does not fit into your outlet, consult
an electrician for replacement of the
obsolete outlet.
10. Protect the power cord from being
walked on or pinched particularly at
the plugs, convenience receptacles,
and at the point where they exit from
the apparatus.
11. Only use attachments/accessories
specified by the manufacturer.
12. Use only with the cart, stand, tripod,
bracket, or table specified by the
manufacturer, or sold with the
apparatus. When a cart is used,
use caution when moving the
cart/apparatus combination to
avoid injury from tip-over.
13. Unplug the apparatus during lighten-
ing storms, or when unused for long
periods of time.
14. Refer all servicing to qualified
personnel. Service is required when
the apparatus has been damaged in
any way, such as power supply cord
or plug is damaged, liquid has been
spilled or objects have fallen into
the apparatus has been exposed to
rain or moisture, does not operate
normally, or has been dropped.
15. This appliance shall not be exposed
to dripping or splashing water and
that no object filled with liquid such
as vases shall be placed on the ap-
paratus.
16. Caution-to prevent electrical shock,
match wide blade plug wide slot
fully insert.
17. Please keep a good ventilation envi-
ronment around the entire unit.
18. The direct plug-in adapter is used as
disconnect device, the disconnect
device shall remain readily operable.
19. Batteries (battery pack or batteries
installed) shall not be exposed to
excessive heat such as sunshine, fire
or the like.

6
Table of Contents
Introduction. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
System Features. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
System Components . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
CR288 Receiver Callouts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
CB288 Belt Pack Transmitter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11
CH288 Handheld Transmitter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13
Quick Start . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14
Rack Mounting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18
Concert 288 Channel Plans . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19
Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21
Specifications. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22

7
Concert 288 Dual Channel Wireless System
ENGLISH
FRANÇAISDEUTSCHEESPAÑOLITALIANO
Congratulations on purchasing the Samson Concert 288 dual channel wireless
system. The Concert 288 is the ideal solution for the any application requiring two
wireless microphones. Featuring simple operation, with 16 available channels per
receiver and infrared set for the transmitter channel, the Concert 288 can quickly be
up and running out of the box. The Concert 288 system ensures clear, interruption-
free performance by combining tone-key with auto-mute. This configuration allows
only the transmitter’s audio to pass through the receiver, and mutes the output if
there is any interference.
The Concert 288 comes in four configurations. The dual handheld system includes
two CH288 handheld transmitters with Q6 dynamic microphone capsule. The
Pro Combo system has one CH288 handheld transmitter plus a CB288 belt pack
transmitter and the Samson SE10 earset microphone. The All-In-One Combo system
includes one CH288 handheld transmitter, one CB288 beltpack transmitter, one
HS5 headset micirophone and one LM5 lavalier microphone. The Presentation Sys-
tem includes two CB288 belt pack transmitters, two HS5 headset microphones and
two LM5 lavelier microphones. For travel or permanent installation, the Concert 288
includes a standard 19" rackmount kit.
In these pages, you’ll find a detailed description of the features of the Concert 288
wireless system, as well as a guided tour through its control panel, step-by-step
instructions for its setup and use, and full specifications. If your wireless system
was purchased in the United States, you’ll also find a warranty card enclosed—don’t
forget to fill it out and mail it in so that you can receive online technical support and
so that we can send you updated information about this and other Samson products
in the future. Also, be sure to check out our website (www.samsontech.com) for com-
plete information about our full product line.
We recommend you keep the following records for reference, as well as a copy of your
sales receipt.
Receiver Serial number: _________________________________________
Transmitter Serial number: ______________________________________
Date of purchase: ______________________________________________
Dealer name: __________________________________________________
With proper care and maintenance, your Concert 288 wireless system will operate
trouble-free for many years. Should your wireless system ever require servicing, a
Return Authorization (RA) number must be obtained before shipping your unit to
Samson. Without this number, the unit will not be accepted. Please call Samson
at 1-800-3SAMSON (1-800-372-6766) for an RA number prior to shipping your
unit. Please retain the original packing materials and, if possible, return the unit in
its original carton. If your Concert 288 system was purchased outside of the United
States, contact your local distributor for warranty details and service information.
Introduction

8
System Components
System Features
All systems
CR288 receiver
Power Supply
¼" to ¼" audio cable
Rack mount accessories
Owner's Manual
Dual Handheld system
CH288 handheld transmitter with Q6 dynamic microphone capsule
Pro Combo System system
CH288 handheld transmitter with Q6 dynamic microphone capsule
CB288 belt pack transmitter
SE10 earset microphone with mini-XLR connector
All-In-One Combo System system
CH288 handheld transmitter with Q6 dynamic microphone capsule
CB288 belt pack transmitter
Two LM5 lavalier microphone with mini-XLR connector
Two HS5 headset microphone with mini-XLR connector
Presentation System
Two CB288 belt pack transmitters
Two LM5 lavalier microphone with mini-XLR connector
Two HS5 headset microphone with mini-XLR connector
• Professional wireless system for use in both live sound and sound contracting
applications
• True diversity technology maximizes active range (up to 300 feet) and reduces
potential interference
• 16 available channels per receiver operating in the UHF band designed for maxi-
mum system compatibility in the same location without interference
• The CR288 receiver is a half-rack unit that can be used freestanding or can be
mounted in any standard 19" rack using the included rack kit, making it easy to
integrate into any traveling or fixed installation audio system
• Tone-key and auto-mute ensures clear, interruption-free performance allowing
only the transmitter’s audio to pass through the receiver, and mutes the output if
there is any interference
• Up to 300-foot range (line-of-sight)
• Up to eight hours of battery life, using two standard AA batteries

9
Concert 288 Dual Channel Wireless System
ENGLISH
FRANÇAISDEUTSCHEESPAÑOLITALIANO
1 2 3 34 4
7 8 9
5 6 6 5
1. Antennas - The antenna mountings allow full rotation for optimum placement. In
normal operation, both antennas should be placed in a vertical position. Both
antennas can be folded inward for convenience when transporting the CR288.
2. VOLUME Control (CH A) - This knob sets the level of the audio signal being output
through the CH A output jacks on the rear panel. Reference level is obtained
when the knob is turned fully clockwise (to its “10” setting).
3. SELECT Button - Press this button to cycle through the each receiver's operating
channels. Press and hold this button to send the channel information to the
transmitter via infrared transmission.
4. PEAK Indicator - This indicator lights red when the corresponding transmitted
audio signal is overloaded.
5. READY Indicator - This indicator lights green when the corresponding receiver
channel is receiving RF signal and the system is ready to use.
6. LED Display - The 7-segment LED display shows each receiver's current operating
channel. The channels are indicated by 0-9 and A-F.
7. IR Transmitter - During “IR SET” an infrared light is used to set the transmitter
channel.
8. VOLUME Control (CH B) - This knob sets the level of the audio signal being output
through the CH B output jacks on the rear panel. Reference level is obtained
when the knob is turned fully clockwise (to its “10” setting).
9. POWER Switch - Use this to turn the CR288 power on and off.
CR288 Receiver Callouts

10
1 2 23
Using the strain relief: Gather up a loop of wire and pass
it through the strain relief, then pass the adapter plug
through the loop in order to create a knot.
CR288 Receiver Callouts
1. DC Input - Connect the supplied power adapter here, using the strain relief as
shown in the illustration below. WARNING: Do not substitute any other kind of
power adapter. Doing so can cause severe damage to the CR288 and will void
your warranty.
2. BALANCED OUTPUT - Use this electronically balanced low impedance (600 Ohm)
XLR jack when connecting the CR288 to professional (+4dBu) audio equipment.
Pin wiring is as follows: Pin 1 ground, Pin 2 high (hot), and Pin 3 low (cold).
3. MIX OUT UNBALANCED - Use this unbalanced high impedance (5K Ohm) ¼" jack
when connecting the CR288 to consumer (-10dBV) audio equipment. The jack
will carry the combined signal from receiver CH A and B. Wiring is as follows: tip
hot, sleeve ground.

11
Concert 288 Dual Channel Wireless System
ENGLISH
FRANÇAISDEUTSCHEESPAÑOLITALIANO
1. Input Connector - Connect the input device via the mini-XLR connector. The
CB288 is supplied with either a lavalier, headset microphone or ¼" instrument
cable.
2. Status Indicator - This LED displays the operation mode:
GREEN Normal Operation
RED Mute
Flashing GREEN Low Battery
3. Power/Mute Switch - Press and hold to turn the unit on or off. Press and release
to mute or unmute the transmitter.
4. Belt Clip - Use this clip to fasten the CB288 transmitter to a belt or guitar strap.
5. Battery Cover Release - Push in both sides and pull back to open the CB288
battery cover.
6. Antenna - This permanently attached transmitter antenna should be fully
extended during normal operation.
12 3
45 5
6
CB288 Belt Pack Transmitter

12
9
8
7
10
11
7. Input GAIN Control - This control adjusts the transmitter input sensitivity to work
with microphone and instruments inputs. For optimal performance, using the
included screwdriver, set the input GAIN control to where you see the CR288
PEAK indicator start to light under high levels, then turn down slowly until the
PEAK light stops lighting.
8. Battery Holder - Insert two standard AA (LR6) batteries here, being sure to
observe the plus and minus polarity markings shown. Although rechargeable
Ni-Cad batteries can be used, they do not supply adequate current for more than
four hours. WARNING: Do not insert the batteries backwards; doing so can cause
severe damage to the CB288 and will void your warranty.
9. IR Lens - This window is used to capture the infrared signal sent from the CR288
during the IR SET to channelize the transmitter.
10. Screwdriver - Designed for use in adjusting the CB288 input GAIN control (See
#7 Input GAIN Control).
11. Channel Designation - Identifies the receiver channel that the belt pack syncs and
transmits with.
CB288 Belt Pack Transmitter

13
Concert 288 Dual Channel Wireless System
ENGLISH
FRANÇAISDEUTSCHEESPAÑOLITALIANO
1. Status Indicator - This LED displays the
operation mode:
GREEN Normal Operation
RED Mute
Flashing GREEN Low Battery
2. Power/Mute Switch - Press and hold to
turn the unit on or off. Press and release
to mute or unmute the transmitter.
3. Battery Cover - Unscrew the battery cover
and slide down to open the CH288
battery compartment.
4. Battery Holder - Open the battery holder
by pressing the tab and lifting the cover.
Insert two standard AA (LR6) batteries
here, being sure to observe the plus
and minus polarity markings shown.
Although rechargeable Ni-Cad batteries
can be used, they do not supply adequate
current for more than four hours.
WARNING: Do not insert the batteries
backwards; doing so can cause severe
damage to the CH288 and will void your
warranty.
5. Input GAIN Control - This control adjusts
the transmitter input sensitivity. For
optimal performance, using the included screwdriver, set the input GAIN control
to where you see the CR288 PEAK indicator start to light under high levels, then
turn down until the PEAK light stops lighting.
6. IR Lens - This window is used to capture the infrared signal sent from the CR288
during the IR SET to channelize the transmitter. The battery cover must be open
and the IR Lens facing towards the receiver to load the selected channel.
7. Plastic Screwdriver - Designed for use in adjusting the CB288 input GAIN control
(See #5 Input GAIN Control HH).
1
2
56
7
3
4
CH288 Handheld Transmitter
Note: The CH288 antenna cover and grill band have been color coded to easily
identify its corresponding receiver channel:
CH A - Black antenna cover and black grill band
CH B - Silver antenna cover and silver grill band

14
Quick Start
In order for your wireless system to work correctly, both the receiver and transmitter
must be set to the same channel.
Follow this basic procedure for setting up and using your Concert 288 wireless
system:
Physically place the CR288 receiver where it will be used, and extend the antennas
vertically. The general rule of thumb is to maintain “line of sight” between the
receiver and transmitter so that the person using or wearing the transmitter can see
the receiver.
With the CR288 powered off, connect the included power adapter. Turn the CR288
on momentarily to confirm that the unit is receiving power. You’ll see the LED display
light up. Then turn the CR288 power off.
With your amplifier or mixer off and volume control all the way down, connect the
CR288 receiver mix output jack to the line level input of a mixer or amplifier. Turn
the Level knob on the CR288 completely counterclockwise, then turn its power on.

15
Concert 288 Dual Channel Wireless System
ENGLISH
FRANÇAISDEUTSCHEESPAÑOLITALIANO
Quick Start
With the transmitter powered off, install two fresh AA batteries into the CB288 belt
pack or CH288 handheld transmitter. Leave the battery compartment open.
Thisdevice complies with Part 15of the
FCCRules.Operation is subject to the
followingtwo conditions:
(1)This device may not cause harmful
interference,and
(2)this device must accept any
interferencereceived, including
interferencethat may cause
undesiredoperation.
FREQ:
542-566MHz
Thisdevice complies with Part 15of the
FCCRules.Operation is subject to the
followingtwo conditions:
(1)This device may not cause harmful
interference,and
(2)this device must accept any
interferencereceived, including
interferencethat may cause
undesiredoperation.
FREQ:
542-566MHz
3. Plug in receiver 4.Turn on receiver 5. Plug receiver into audio system 6. Press Select button to change channel 9. Press and hold SELECT button to IR set 10. Adjust Volume control7. Install batteries 8. Press button on transmitter to turn on
9. Press and hold Select button to IR set7. Install batteries 8.Turn on belt pack transmitter
This device complies with Part 15of the
FCC Rules.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.
FREQ:
542-566MHz
This device complies with Part 15of the
FCC Rules.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.
FREQ:
542-566MHz
3. Plug in receiver 4.Turn on receiver 5. Plug receiver into audio system 6. Press Select button to change channel 9. Press and hold SELECT button to IR set 10. Adjust Volume control7. Install batteries 8. Press button on transmitter to turn on
9. Press and hold Select button to IR set7. Install batteries 8.Turn on belt pack transmitter
Turn on the power to the transmitter by pressing and holding Power switch; the
indicator LED will light green.

16
Quick Start
Position the transmitter about 6-12" (15-30 cm) from the front of the CR288 with
the transmitter's IR window facing the IR transmitter on the front panel of the
CR288 receiver.
Press and hold the CR288 CH A SELECT button
to set the transmitter to the same channel as the
receiver via infrared transmission
Press the CH A SELECT button on the front of the
CR288 to choose an available channel for the CH
A reciver. The channel number will increase by one
digit, from 0-9 then A-F. Once the last channel has
been reached, the count will cycle back to 0.

17
Concert 288 Dual Channel Wireless System
ENGLISH
FRANÇAISDEUTSCHEESPAÑOLITALIANO
Turn on your connected amplifier or mixer, but keep
the volume all the way down. Set the Volume knob
on the CR288 fully clockwise (to its “10” setting).
This is unity gain.
Speak or sing into the microphone. Slowly raise the volume of your amplifier or mixer
until the desired level is reached.
If you find the system has noticeable dropouts, reduced overall working range, or
unexpected noise bursts, change the operating channel of the system using the steps
above.
When using multiple systems in the same frequency band, each system must be set to a
different operating channel. (See "Concert 288 Channel Plans" on page 18).
Quick Start
When the transmission is complete, the CR288 will
receive RF signal and the tone key from the transmitter.
The CH A READY indicator will light on the front panel
of the CR288 receiver. Repeat these steps for the CH
B transmitter and receiver. CH A and CH B available
frequency channels do not overlap, so you can set the
two receivers to the same channel number or letter.

18
The CR288 receiver can be installed into a standard 19” rack for transport or
permanent installation using the included rack ears. Follow the simple steps below to
mount the CR288:
Attach the included rack ears by sliding each rack
ear into the groove on either side of the CR288
until they lock into place, and the receiver flush
with the front panel.
Position the CR288 receiver into
an available rack space and slide in
until the rack ears are touching the
rails of the rack case and are aligned
with the rack rail holes.
Mount the receiver into the rack using the appropriate size rack screws (not
included). To ensure equal tension and balance when installing the receiver, you
should secure screws in a crisscross pattern of opposite corners: top left -> bottom
right -> top right -> bottom left.
In order to mount two CR288
receivers in one rack space, the
system includes a center connection
piece. Slide the center connection
piece into the groove of each
receiver, secure using the included
screws, and attach the short rack
ears to each receiver. Mount the
receivers into the rack using the
crisscross pattern described above.
Rack Mounting

19
Concert 288 Dual Channel Wireless System
ENGLISH
FRANÇAISDEUTSCHEESPAÑOLITALIANO
Concert 288 Channel Plans
Group H
470–518 MHz
Group I
518 –566 MHz
CH A Freq CH B Freq CH A Freq CH B Freq
0 470.125 0 494.125 0 518.125 0 542.125
1 471.625 1 495.625 1 519.625 1 543.625
2 473.050 2 497.050 2 521.050 2 545.050
3 474.425 3 498.425 3 522.425 3 546.425
4 474.900 4 498.900 4 522.900 4 546.900
5 477.525 5 501.525 5 525.525 5 549.525
6 479.100 6 503.100 6 527.100 6 551.100
7 480.475 7 504.475 7 528.475 7 552.475
8 482.000 8 506.000 8 530.000 8 554.000
9 484.075 9 508.075 9 532.075 9 556.075
A 486.975 A 510.975 A 534.975 A 558.975
B 487.975 B 511.975 B 535.975 B 559.975
C 489.050 C 513.050 C 537.050 C 561.050
D 490.975 D 514.975 D 538.975 D 562.975
E 492.425 E 516.425 E 540.425 E 564.425
F 493.975 F 517.975 F 541.975 F 565.975

20
Concert 288 Channel Plans
Group J*
606–654 MHz
CH A Freq CH B Freq
0 606.125 0 630.125
1 607.625 1 631.625
2 609.050 2 633.050
3 610.425 3 634.425
4 610.900 4 634.900
5 613.525 5 637.525
6 615.100 6 639.100
7 616.475 7 640.475
8 618.000 8 642.000
9 620.075 9 644.075
A 622.975 A 646.975
B 623.975 B 647.975
C 625.050 C 649.050
D 626.975 D 650.975
E 628.425 E 652.425
F 629.975 F 653.975
* Not for use in the USA and Canada.
For questions regarding available
channels in your area contact your
local Samson distributor.