Samson Concert 88 User manual

OWNER'S MANUAL
16-CHANNEL TRUE DIVERSITY
UHF WIRELESS SYSTEM

Copyright 2013, Samson Technologies Corp.
v2
Samson Technologies Corp.
45 Gilpin Ave
Hauppauge, NY 11788
www.samsontech.com

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.
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 25 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.
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.

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 sourc-
es such as radiators, heat registers,
stoves, or other apparatus (includ-
ing 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 grounding type plug has
two blades and a third ground-
ing 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 recep-
tacles, 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 light-
ening storms, or when unused for
long periods of time.
14. Refer all servicing to qualified per-
sonnel. 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 apparatus.
16. Caution-to prevent electrical shock,
match wide blade plug wide slot
fully insert.
17. Please keep a good ventilation en-
vironment around the entire unit.
18. The direct plug-in adapter is used
as disconnect device, the discon-
nect 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.

5
Concert 88 Wireless System
Table of Contents
Introduction. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
System Features. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
System Components . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Guided Tour - CR88 Receiver . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Guided Tour - CB88 Belt Pack Transmitter . . . . . . . . . . . .10
Guided Tour - CH88 Handheld Transmitter . . . . . . . . . . . .12
Quick Start - Single System Setup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13
Quick Start - Multiple System Setup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17
Rack Mounting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19
Concert 88 Channel Plans . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20
Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21
Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22

6
Congratulations on purchasing the Samson Concert 88 wireless system. The Concert
88 is the ideal solution for the active performer who needs a reliable, great sounding
system for wireless applications. Featuring simple operation, with 16 available chan-
nels and infrared set for the transmitter channel, the Concert 88 can quickly be up
and running out of the box. The Concert 88 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 88 comes in four configurations. The vocal handheld system includes
the CH88 handheld transmitter and Q6 dynamic microphone capsule. The CB88
belt pack system can be configured with either the HS5 headset microphone, LM5
lavalier microphone, or a ¼" instrument cable. For travel or permanent installation,
the Concert 88 includes a standard 19" rackmount kit.
In these pages, you’ll find a detailed description of the features of the Concert 88
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 88 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 88 system was purchased outside of the United
States, contact your local distributor for warranty details and service information.
Introduction

7
Concert 88 Wireless System
System Components
System Features
All systems
CR88 receiver
Power Supply
¼" to ¼" audio cable
Rack Accessories Long rack ear, short rack ear, two receiver adaptor
Owner's Manual
Handheld system
CH88 handheld transmitter with Q6 dynamic microphone capsule
Headset system
CB88 belt pack transmitter
HS5 headset microphone with mini-XLR connector
Lavalier System
CB88 belt pack transmitter
LM5 lavalier microphone with mini-XLR connector
Tie clip
Instrument System
CB88 belt pack transmitter
¼" to mini-XLR instrument cable
• 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 operating in the UHF band designed for maximum system
compatibility in the same location without interference
• The CR88 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

8
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 CR88.
2. VOLUME Control - This knob sets the level of the audio signal being output
through both the balanced and unbalanced output jacks on the rear panel.
Reference level is obtained when the knob is turned fully clockwise (to its “10”
setting).
3. READY Indicator - This indicator lights green when the CR88 is receiving RF sig-
nal and the system is ready to use.
4. PEAK Indicator - This indicator lights red when the transmitted audio signal is
overloaded.
5. LED Display - The 7-segment LED display shows the receiver's current operating
channel. The CR88 channels are indicated by 0-9 and A-F.
6. IR Transmitter - During “IR SET” an infrared light is used to set the transmitter
channel.
7. SELECT Button - Press this button to cycle through the receiver's operating chan-
nels. Press and hold this button to send the channel information to the transmit-
ter via infrared transmission.
8. POWER Switch - Use this to turn the CR88 power on and off.
Guided Tour - CR88 Receiver

9
Concert 88 Wireless System
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
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.
Guided Tour - CR88 Receiver
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 CR88 and will void your
warranty.
2. BALANCED OUTPUT - Use this electronically balanced low impedance (600 Ohm)
XLR jack when connecting the CR88 to professional (+4dBu) audio equipment.
Pin wiring is as follows: Pin 1 ground, Pin 2 high (hot), and Pin 3 low (cold).
3. UNBALANCED OUTPUT - Use this unbalanced high impedance (5K Ohm) ¼" jack
when connecting the CR88 to consumer (-10dBV) audio equipment. Wiring is as
follows: tip hot, sleeve ground.

10
1. Input Connector - Connect the input device via the mini-XLR connector. The CB88
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 CB88 transmitter to a belt or guitar strap.
5. Battery Cover Release - Push in both sides and pull back to open the CB88 bat-
tery cover.
6. Antenna - This permanently attached transmitter antenna should be fully extend-
ed during normal operation.
Guided Tour - CB88 Belt Pack Transmitter