Sennheiser ew 300 IEM User manual

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INSTRUCTION MANUAL evolution wireless
In-Ear Monitoring System
ew 300 IEM

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1 Contents
Chap. Contents Page
1 Contents............................................................................................ 34
2 Short description .............................................................................. 35
3 System components .......................................................................... 35
4 Important notes ................................................................................ 35
5 Preparing the devices for use ........................................................... 37
SR 300 IEM stereo transmitter ................................................. 37
EK 300 IEM stereo pocket receiver .......................................... 40
6 Operation .......................................................................................... 43
7 Troubleshooting ............................................................................... 54
8 Care and maintenance ..................................................................... 55
9 Overview .......................................................................................... 56
Wireless transmission system .................................................... 56
HDX noise reduction.................................................................... 57
Technical data ............................................................................. 58
Accessories .................................................................................. 60
Thank you for choosing Sennheiser!
We have designed these products to give you reliable operation over many
years.
Please take a few moments to read these instructions carefully, as we want
you to enjoy your new Sennheiser products quickly and to the full.

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2 Short description
With the Sennheiser evolution wireless in-ear monitoring system ew 300 IEM
(suitable for both stage and broadcast use), musicians, video and sound
amateurs, reporters/broadcasters, etc. can directly monitor the received sound
signals without troublesome cables or monitor speakers being required. In
addition, the system can also be used for any application where talkback
signals are to be transmitted.
The evolution wireless in-ear monitoring system ew 300 IEM is a high-
quality state-of-the-art RF transmission system with a high level of operational
reliability and ease of use. Transmitter and receiver permit wireless
transmission with studio-quality sound. Due to further optimised PLL and
microprocessor technology and the HDX noise reduction system, this
transmission system ensure interference-free transmission and minimise
dropouts in the RF link.
The system can be supplied in five frequency ranges within the UHF band.
Please note: Frequency usage is different for each country. Your Sennheiser
agent will have all the necessary details on the available legal frequencies for
your area.
Range A: 518 – 550 MHz,
Range B: 630 – 662 MHz,
Range C: 740 – 772 MHz,
Range D: 790 – 822 MHz,
Range E: 838 – 870 MHz.
Transmitter and receiver of the Sennheiser ew 300 IEM system are 8-channel
switchable. Transmitter and receiver have 8 frequency memories to store up
to 8 transmission/receiving frequencies. The frequencies are selectable in
25-kHz steps, giving a selection of 1280 frequencies within the preset
32 MHz frequency range.
The system has 8 factory pre-programmed frequencies, so that
– the system is ready for immediate use after switch-on,
– several in-ear monitoring systems can be operated simultaneously on the
factory-preset transmission and receiving frequencies without causing
intermodulation interference. However, all frequency settings can be
changed to your individual needs, if required.
3 System components
The system consits of: EK 300 IEM stereo receiver, SR 300 IEM stereo
transmitter, 9 V PP3 alkaline battery, transmitting antenna and receiving
antenna, NT 2 mains unit, IE 1 in-ear headphones, user manual.
4 Important notes
Never open electronic devices! This must only be done by authorised
personnel and is all the more important for units connected to AC outlets. If
devices are opened by customers in breach of this instruction, the warranty
becomes null and void.
Always disconnect the devices from the mains by removing the plug when
you wish to change connections or move the devices to a different place.

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Keep the devices away from central heating radiators and electric heaters.
Never expose them to direct sunlight.
Use the devices in dry rooms only.
Use a damp cloth for cleaning the devices. Do not use any cleansing agents
or solvents.
Attention! High Volume!
This is a professional transmission system. Commercial use is subject to the
rules and regulations of the trade association responsible. Sennheiser, as the
manufacturer, is therefore obliged to expressly point out possible health risks
arising from use.
This system is capable of producing sound pressure exceeding 85 dB(A).
85 dB(A) is the sound pressure corresponding to the maximum permissible
volume which is by law (in some countries) allowed to affect your hearing
for the duration of a working day. It is used as a basis according to the
specifications of industrial medicine. Higher volumes or longer durations
can damage your hearing.
At higher volumes, the duration must be shortened in order to prevent
damage. The following simple formula applies:
Double the volume = half the duration
An increase of 3 dB corresponds to doubling the volume; you can thus go by
the following table:
Maximum duration at a sound pressure of:
8 hours 85 dB
4 hours 88 dB
2 hours 91 dB
1 hour 94 dB
30 minutes 97 dB
15 minutes 100 dB
8 minutes 103 dB
4 minutes 106 dB
2 minutes 109 dB
1 minute 112 dB
Pain threshold 120 dB
The following are sure signs that you have been subjected to excessive noise
for too long a time:
You can hear ringing or whistling sounds in your ears.
You have the impression (even for a short time only) that you can no
longer hear high notes.
After using this system, your hearing is impaired for a short time.
In all of the above cases, you should consult a specialist or at least have your
hearing tested. Ear damage builds up gradually. Once the initial symptoms
have died down, you no longer perceive acute changes. In the long term,
however, the repeated effects of loud noises can cause severe hearing
impairment or even deafness.

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Headphone output, 1/4” (6.3 mm) jack socket (PHONES)
Headphone volume control (VOL)
LC display
button (UP)
button (DOWN)
SET button
POWER (ON/OFF) button
Cable grip for power supply DC cable
DC socket for connection of mains unit (DC-IN)
Audio input, 1/4” (6.3 mm) jack socket (left and MONO)
(AF IN BAL/UNBAL)
Audio input, 1/4” (6.3 mm) jack socket (right)
(AF IN BAL/UNBAL)
BNC socket, antenna output (ANT)
5 Preparing the devices for use
SR 300 IEM stereo transmitter

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Mounting the rubber feet
To ensure that the transmitter cannot slip on the surface on which it is placed,
four self-adhesive soft rubber feet are supplied. These feet are stuck into the
recesses on the bottom side of the receiver. (N.B.: Do not use these feet if
rackmounting the transmitter).
씰Ensure that the recesses are clean and free from grease before fixing
the feet.
Attention!
Some furniture surfaces have been treated with varnish, polish or
synthetics which might cause stains when they come into contact with
other synthetics. Despite a thorough testing of the synthetics used by
us, we cannot rule out the possibility of discolouration, since we don’t
know your furniture.
Connecting the antenna
The SR 300 IEM transmitter can be used with either a telescopic antenna
(supplied) or a remote antenna (available as an accessory).
The supplied telescopic antenna can be mounted quickly and easily to the
rear of the transmitter and is suitable for all applications where – good
transmission conditions provided – a wireless transmission system is to be
used without a large amount of installation work.
씰Connect the telescopic antenna to BNC socket at the rear of the
transmitter and pull the end cap to extend the antenna.
If the transmitter position is not the best antenna position for optimum
transmission, you can use a remote antenna (available as an accessory).
Connecting the mains unit
씰Insert the DC connector on the power supply output cable into socket
at the rear of the transmitter.
씰Pass the cable through the cable grip , as illustrated.

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Connecting the pre-amplifier/mixing console
씰Connect the outputs from the pre-amplifier/mixing console/etc. to the
1/4” (6.3 mm) jack sockets (left or MONO) and (right).
Both balanced and unbalanced connection is possible.
Note:
Any device that is only suitable for mono operation must be connected
to jack socket . In this case, the stereo operation must be switched
off via the menu.
Switching the transmitter on/off
씰Press the POWER button to switch the transmitter on.
씰To switch the transmitter off, press the POWER button until “OFF”
appears on the display. You can then release the button.
After a power failure, the device returns to the previous setting (ON/OFF).
Connecting the headphones/monitoring the audio signal
씰Connect the headphones to the headphone output (PHONES) 
for monitoring the audio signal. Only connect headphones with a
1/4” (6.3 mm) stereo jack plug.
씰Use the headphone volume control to adjust the volume.
Attention: First set the volume control to the lowest volume by turning
it to the left as far as possible!
Volume up? – NO!
When people use headphones, they tend to choose a higher volume
than with loudspeakers. Listening at high volume levels for long
periods can lead to permanent hearing defects. Please protect your
hearing, Sennheiser headphones have an excellent sound quality even
at low volumes.
1/4” (6.3 mm) jack plug
balanced unbalanced
1/4” (6.3 mm) stereo jack plug
for headphone connection

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EK 300 IEM stereo pocket receiver
Antenna
Red LED for operation and battery status indication (ON/LOW BAT)
Green LED for RF signal indication (RF)
Cover plate for battery compartment
Cover plate for display and operating controls
Headphone output (EARPHONES), 3.5 mm stereo jack socket
On/off/volume control
Balance control
SET button
LC display
button (DOWN)
button (UP)

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Inserting and changing the battery
씰Slide the cover of the battery compartment in the direction of the
embossed arrow until it clicks audibly.
씰Open the cover.
씰Insert the 9 V PP3 battery (IEC 6 LR 61). Please observe correct polarity
when inserting the battery.
씰Close the battery compartment.
씰To remove the battery, push the small red lever in the battery
compartment towards the bottom side of the receiver.
Note:
We recommend powering the receiver by a standard PP3 alkaline
battery. If powered by a rechargeable 9 V battery, the operating time
will be drastically reduced.
Connecting the antenna
씰Screw the antenna  onto the antenna socket (M3 connection).
Connecting the headphones
If you use the receiver as part of the monitoring system, connect the supplied
in-ear headphones to the 3.5 mm jack socket  on the receiver. If you use
the receiver for other applications, you can also connect any Sennheiser
stereo headphones.
씰Connect the headphones to the headphone output (EARPHONES)
via a 3.5 mm stereo jack plug.
Signal indication
The green LED at the top of the EK 300 IEM receiver indicates that an
RF signal is being received.
Battery status indication
The red LED provides information on the (remaining) battery capacity:
LED lit up:
The receiver is switched on and the battery capacity is sufficient.
LED flashing:
The battery is going flat! You should immediately replace the battery!
3.5 mm stereo jack plug
for headphone connection

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Switching the receiver on
Turn the volume control clockwise (the volume control has an integral
on/off switch – the receiver is switched off when the control is turned fully to
the left until it clicks).
Note:
The receiver has a switch-on delay of approx. 1.5 seconds to suppress
the switch-on surge and protect your ears.
Adjusting the volume
Use the volume control to adjust the volume to suit.
Volume up? – NO!
When people use headphones, they tend to choose a higher volume than
with loudspeakers. Listening at high volume levels for long periods can lead
to permanent hearing defects. Please protect your hearing, Sennheiser
headphones have an excellent sound quality even at low volumes.
Adjusting the balance
During stereo operation, the balance control serves to adjust the balance
between the left and right stereo signal.
During FOCUS operation, the balance control serves to adjust the relative
levels of the two separate channels in the mixed mono signal (for full
description of FOCUS operation see page 49).
Attachment of the receiver to clothing
The EK 300 IEM receiver is attached to e.g. the belt with the supplied clip
. This is reversable so that the receiver can also be attached with the antenna
pointing downwards, if required.

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6 Operation
The evolution wireless system ew 300 IEM has been factory-preset to allow
immediate use after switch-on ( “5 Preparing the devices for use”). Please
note, however, that the transmitter sensitivity is dependent on the application.
To avoid overmodulation and distortion, please first check whether the preset
sensitivity is suitable for your particular application ( “Adjusting the
sensitivity”).
Operating controls
Press the POWER button to switch the SR 300 IEM transmitter on or off.
The EK 300 IEM is switched on or off via the volume control with integral
on/off switch.
Press the SET button
– to select a menu,
– to change to the next menu,
– to change to the next segment when entering a name (SR 300 IEM only),
– to return to the top menu level.
Press the UP button
– to adjust the setting of a menu,
– to change a single character when entering a name (SR 300 IEM only).
Press the DOWN button
– to adjust the setting of a menu,
– to change a single character when entering a name (SR 300 IEM only).
POWER
SET



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
 
   
   
LC display panel
SR 300 IEM transmitter
8-step level display for audio signal, left or MONO
8-step level display for audio signal, right
6-segment alphanumeric main display
“MUTE” display. Lights up for a short moment when switching on
the transmitter or when changing the frequency.
Display for the “Frequency” menu. (This display can be the
transmitter’s standard display which always appears after
switch-on).
Display for the channel number “Channel”. (This display can be
the transmitter’s standard display which always appears after
switch-on).
Display for the “Name” menu. (This display can be the
transmitter’s standard display which always appears after
switch-on).
“MHZ” (MHz) display. Lights up when the frequency is displayed.
EK 300 IEM receiver
8-step level display for audio (AF) signal
Alphanumeric main display
8-step level display for incoming RF signal
Note:
If the operating steps for adjusting the settings via the menu are similar for
both devices, only the main display of the SR 300 IEM transmitter is shown.

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Basic functions of the Sennheiser operating menu
A special feature of the Sennheiser evolution wireless system ew 300 IEM is
the similarity of the operating controls of both transmitter and receiver. In
stressfull situations, for example on stage or during a live show or presentation,
it is important that the devices are easy to operate and that adjustments to
the settings can be made quickly and instinctively. Therefore, the necessary
operating steps for each device are similar.
Important:
With the / buttons you can directly switch between the factory-
presetfrequencies (channelpresets).The displaystartsflashing. Your
selection becomes effective immediately.
Press the SET button to enter the top menu level:
By briefly pressing SET again, you can change to the next menu.
After approx. one second, the selected menu appears on the display
and then the current setting of the menu is indicated.
Press the /buttons to adjust the settings of the selected menu:
The new setting starts flashing on the display. If you return to the
previous setting, the flashing stops.
Important:
New settings become effective immediately and will be
retained in memory on switch-off!
N.B.: When changing transmitter frequencies, care should be
taken to avoid causing interference to other channels/users.
In the “TUNE” and “NAME” menu, the /buttons feature a “fast
search” function. By briefly pressing the /buttons, the display
jumps either forwards or backwards to the next setting. If you hold
down a button, the cycling of the display is continously accelerted. If
you release the button and start over again, the cycling of the display
restarts at normal speed. The “fast search” function allows you to get
fast and easily to your desired setting.
Press the SET button to return to the top menu level:
Have you finished your entries? Press the SET button to return to the
top menu level. The display then switches back to the standard setting.

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Overview of menus
To ensure that transmitter and receiver of the Sennheiser evolution wireless
system ew 300 IEM are easy to operate, the operating menus have been
largely standardised:
Display SR 300 IEM Transmitter EK 300 IEM Receiver
SENSIT Adjusting the sensitivity –
(page 47)
SqELCH – Adjusting the squelch threshold
( page 48)
STEREO Stereo/Mono selection ( page 49) –
FocuS – Stereo/FOCUS selection ( page 49)
Ltd – Limiting the volume at the
headphone output ( page 49)
DISPL Selecting the content of Selecting the content of
DiSPL the standard display ( page 50) the standard display ( page 50)
TUNE Setting the Setting the
tune transmission frequency ( page 51) receiving frequency ( page 51)
NAME Assigning a name ( page 52) –
LOCK Activating the lock-mode function Activating the lock-mode function
Loc to prevent accidental adjustment to prevent accidental adjustment
( page 53) ( page 53)

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SENSIT
Selecting the frequency, channel number
씰With the / buttons you can directly switch between the factory-
preset frequencies (channel presets). The display starts flashing. Your
selection becomes effective immediately.
씰Press the SET button to acknowledge your selection. The display stops
flashing.
Note:
You can choose the content of the standard display i.e. whether the
frequency, the channel number or – with the SR 300 IEM – a name is
displayed (“Selecting the content of the standard display”). The
devices are factory-preset to show the frequency setting as standard.
Adjusting the sensitvity (SR 300 IEM only)
To match the transmitter to the output level of the connected device (e.g.
mixing console), you can adjust the input sensitivity in 4 steps of 5 dB from
0 to -15 dB.
씰Select the “SENSIT” menu by pressing the SET button until “SENSIT”
appears on the display; after a short pause the current input sensitivity
setting is displayed.
씰With the /buttons you can now select a different setting. The
input sensitivity can be adjusted in 5-dB steps from 0 to -15 dB. The
new setting starts flashing on the display and becomes effective
immediately.
씰Press the SET button to return to the top menu level. The display then
switches back to the standard display.

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SqELCH Adjusting the squelch threshold (EK 300 IEM)
The EK 300 IEM receiver is equipped with an adjustable squelch which
eliminates annoying noise when the transmitter is switched off. It also
suppresses sudden noise when the receiver leaves the transmission area and
there is no longer sufficient transmitter power received by the receiver.
씰Select the “SqELCH” menu by pressing the SET button until “SqELCH”
appears on the display; after a short pause the current squelch setting
is displayed.
씰With the /buttons you can now select a different setting. The
squelch can be switched off (0 dB) or adjusted in 5-dB steps from
5 dB to 40 dB. Selecting a smaller value reduces the squelch threshold,
selecting a higher value increases the squelch threshold. The new
setting starts flashing on the display. Set the squelch threshold – with
the transmitter switched off – to the lowest possible value that
suppresses hissing noise. If the squelch threshold is set too high, the
transmission range will be reduced.
Note:
With the transmitter switched off and the squelch threshold set to
“0 dB”, hissing noise will occur. With the EK 300 IEM receiver, the
AF level bargraph will completely light up.
씰Press the SET button to return to the top menu level. The display
then switches back to the standard display.
Stereo/Mono selection (SR 300 IEM)
To set the SR 300 IEM transmitter to mono operation, you need to switch
off the stereo operation.
씰Select the “STEREO” menu by pressing the SET button until “STEREO”
appears on the display; after a short pause the current setting is
displayed.
씰Press the button to switch the stereo operation on – if you press the
button, the stereo operation is switched off. The new setting – i.e.
“ST ON” or “ST OFF” – starts flashing on the display.
씰Press the SET button to return to the top menu level. The display
then switches back to the standard display.
Note:
Please note that a device that only delivers a mono signal (see page
39) must be connected to jack socket (left input).
The EK 300 IEM does not need to be set to mono operation. The
receiver automatically “identifies” the transmitted audio signal.
STEREO

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FocuS
Ltd
Stereo/FOCUS selection (EK 300 IEM)
With the EK 300 IEM you can switch between stereo and FOCUS operation.
During stereo operation (FOCUS “OFF”), the left-right signals are available
as usual (SR 300 IEM transmitter in stereo mode).
During FOCUS operation, the left-right signals are mixed and are available
as a mono signal in both headphone channels (SR 300 IEM transmitter in
stereo mode). You can, for example, set the receiver to FOCUS mode to:
• allow an individual mix of the signals for vocals and backing music,
or
• mix two signals with different volume levels (which are then heard as
a correctly mixed mono signal).
씰Select the “FocuS” menu by pressing the SET button until “FocuS”
appears on the display; after a short pause the current setting is
displayed.
씰Press the button to switch the FOCUS operation on – if you press
the button, the FOCUS operation is switched off. The new setting
– i.e. “Fo on” or “Fo OFF” – starts flashing on the display.
씰Press the SET button to return to the top menu level. The display
then switches back to the standard display.
Limiting the volume at the headphone output (EK 300 IEM)
The EK 300 IEM is equipped with a switchable limiter which limits the
volume at the headphone output. With the limiter switched on, the volume
at the headphone output will be reduced by approx. 18 dB.
씰Select the “Ltd” menu by pressing the SET button until “Ltd” appears
on the display; after a short pause the current setting is displayed.
씰Press the button to switch the limiter on – if you press the button,
the limiter is switched off. The new setting – i.e. “Ltd on” or “Ltd OFF”
– starts flashing on the display.
씰Press the SET button to return to the top menu level. The display
then switches back to the standard display.

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DISPL
DiSPL Selecting the contents of the standard display
With the SR 300 IEM you can choose the contents of the standard display
i.e. whether the frequency, the channel number or a name is displayed. With
the EK 300 IEM you can choose whether the frequency or the channel
number is displayed.
씰Select the “DISPL” menu by pressing the SET button until “DISPL”
appears on the display; after a short pause the current setting is
displayed.
씰With the /buttons you can now choose between:
Name (SR 300 IEM only): “NAME”
Frequency: “FREQU”
Channel number: “CHANNL”
The new setting for the standard display starts flashing on the display.
씰Press the SET button to return to the top menu level. The display
then switches to the new standard display.

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TUNE
tune
Configuring a channel preset
Transmitter and receiver of the evolution wireless system ew 300 IEM have
8 switchable frequencies (channel presets) respectively to store up to 8 trans-
mission/receiving frequencies. With the SR 300 IEM transmitter, you can
additionally assign a name.
You can switch directly between the channel presets (“Selecting the
frequency, channel number”).
Setting the transmission/receiving frequency
Transmission and receiving frequencies are tunable in 25-kHz steps within a
switching bandwidth of 32 MHz max.
Special notes on multi-channel operation:
Several devices of the Sennheiser evolution wireless system ew 300 IEM can be
used simultaneously on different frequencies. The factory-preset frequencies are
intermodulation-free. Before you program new frequency combinations, please
refer to the information on the correct frequency choice given in the planning
brochure “Practical Applications in RF Technology” available from your
local Sennheiser agent.
씰Select the channel preset for which you wish to set a frequency.
씰Select the “TUNE” menu by pressing the SET button until “TUNE”
appears on the display; after a short pause the currently set frequency
is displayed.
씰With the /buttons you can now select a different frequency. The
frequencies are tunable in 25-kHz steps. The new frequency starts
flashing on the display and becomes effective immediately.
씰Press the SET button to return to the top menu level. The display
then switches back to the standard display.

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NAME Assigning the SR 300 IEM a name
The SR 300 IEM transmitter can be assigned a name. The name can consist
of up to six characters such as:
−letters (without pronounciation marks),
−numbers from 1 to 0,
−special characters e.g. () - _ and spaces.
씰Select the “NAME” menu by pressing the SET button until “NAME”
appears on the display; after a short pause the name entered is
displayed.
씰Press the /buttons to start with your entry. The first segment starts
flashing on the display.
씰With the /buttons you can now choose a character.
씰Press the SET button to change to the next segment and choose the
next character.
씰Have you entered the name completely? Press the SET button to return
to the top menu level. The display then switches back to the standard
display.