Samson CONCERT 88X User manual

OWNER'S MANUAL
Frequency Agile Wireless System

Copyright 2019, Samson Technologies Corp.
v3
Samson Technologies Corp.
278-B Duffy Ave
Hicksville, NY 11801
www.samsontech.com

Concert 88x Wireless System 3
Important Safety Information
CAUTION: TO REDUCE THE RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK, DO NOT REMOVE COVER (OR
BACK). NO USER-SERVICEABLE PARTS INSIDE. 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 “dangerous 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 instructions 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 INSERTED
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.
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.

4
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 openings.
Install in accordance with the manufac-
turer’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 polar-
ized plug has two blades with one wider
than the other. A grounding 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 speci-
fied by the manufacturer.
12. Use only with the cart, stand, tripod,
bracket, or table specified by the
manufacturer, or sold with the ap-
paratus. When a cart is used, use
caution when moving the cart/ap-
paratus combination to avoid injury
from tip-over.
13. Unplug the apparatus during lightening
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 dam-
aged, 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 environ-
ment 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 in-
stalled) shall not be exposed to excessive
heat such as sunshine, fire or the like.

Concert 88x Wireless System 5
Important Safety Information
FCC Rules and Regulations
Samson wireless receivers are certified under FCC Rules part 15 and transmitters are certified
under FCC Rules part 74. Licensing of Samson equipment is the user’s responsibility and
licensability depends on the user’s classification, application and frequency selected.
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC rules Class B and RSS-210 of Industry & Science
Canada.
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.
NOTE: This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital
device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable
protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates,
uses and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with
the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However, there is
no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does
cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning
the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or
more of the following measures:
• Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
• Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.
• Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the
receiver is connected.
• Consult the dealer or an experienced Radio/TV technician for help.
WARNING: Changes or modifications not expressly approved by the party responsible for
compliance could void the user’s authority to operate the equipment.
This equipment is intended for use in wireless microphone applications.
Equipment is intended for sale in: AT, BE, CH, CY, CZ*, DK, EE, FI*, FR*, DE*, GR*, HU, IE, IS,
IT, LV, LT*, LU, MT*, NL, NO*, PL* PT, RO, SK, SI, ES, SE, UK
*Subject to license. Please contact your national frequency authority for information on
available legal use in your area. Any changes or modifications not expressly approved by
Samson Technologies Corp. could void your authority to operate the equipment.
Hereby, Samson Technologies Corp., declares that this CR88x, CH88 and CB88 are in
compliance with the essential requirements and other relevant provisions of Directive 2014/53/
EU. The declaration of conformity may be consulted at:
http://www.samsontech.com/site_media/support/manuals/Concert88x_DOC.pdf

6
Congratulations on purchasing the Samson Concert 88x wireless system. The Concert 88x
is the ideal solution for the active performer who needs a reliable, great sounding system for
wireless applications. Offering frequency-agile UHF operation, the CR88x receiver provides 100
available channels to secure reliable wireless performance. The receiver provides easy setup
with 1-touch scan that analyzes and selects the clearest operating channel and infrared set to
pair the transmitter with the receiver.
The Concert 88x 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 88x comes in four configurations. The vocal handheld system includes the CH88
handheld transmitter and dynamic microphone capsule. The CB88 beltpack system can be
configured with either a headset microphone, lavalier microphone, or a 1/4" instrument cable.
For travel or permanent installation, the Concert 88x includes a standard 19" rackmount kit.
In these pages, you’ll find a detailed description of the features of the Concert 88x 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 registration card enclosed—don’t forget to follow the instructions 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 complete 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: __________________________________________________
If you have any questions or comments regarding the Concert 88x Microphone System or any
other products from Samson, do no hesitate to contact us at [e-mail].
With proper care and maintenance, your Concert 88x System will operate trouble-free for many
years. Should your Concert 88x 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 visit www.samsontech.com/ra 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 88x System was purchased outside of the United States, contact
your local distributor for warranty details and service information.
Introduction

Concert 88x Wireless System 7
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 CR88x.
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 CR88x is receiving RF signal 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 two digit, 7-segment LED display shows the receiver’s current operating
channel.
6. IR Transmitter - During “IR SET” an infrared light is used to set the transmitter channel.
7. SCAN Button - Press this button for more than 2 seconds to enter scan mode, the display
will flash quickly. The receiver will scan through the 100 operating channels to find the
optimal channel for performance. Once the scan is complete, the CR88x will enter IR Set
mode and send the selected channel to the transmitter.
Press and hold the button for more than 10 seconds to enter IR set mode, the display will
flash slowly. This will send the receiver’s current selected channel to the transmitter.
8. POWER Switch - Use this to turn the CR88x power on and off.
CR88x Receiver Features - Front Panel

8
CR88x Receiver Features - Rear Panel
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 CR88x and will void your warranty.
2. BALANCED OUTPUT - Use this electronically balanced low impedance (600 Ohm) XLR jack
when connecting the CR88x 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) 1/4" jack when
connecting the CR88x to consumer (-10dBV) audio equipment. Wiring is as follows: tip hot,
sleeve ground.
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.

Concert 88x Wireless System 9
1. Input Connector - Connect the input device via the mini-XLR connector. The CB88 is
supplied with either a lavalier, headset microphone or 1/4" 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 battery cover.
6. Antenna - This permanently attached transmitter antenna should be fully extended during
normal operation.
CB88 Beltpack Transmitter - Features

10
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 CR88x 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 CB88 and will
void your warranty.
9. IR Lens - This window is used to capture the infrared signal sent from the CR88x during the
IR SET to channelize the transmitter.
10. Screwdriver - Designed for use in adjusting the CB88 input GAIN control.
CB88 Beltpack Transmitter - Features