Sennheiser Freeport User manual

Instructions for use

1
Contents
Important safety instructions ......................................................... 2
The freePORT systems ...................................................................... 3
Delivery includes .......................................................................... 4
EM 1 receiver ...................................................................................... 4
SK 2 bodypack transmitter .............................................................. 6
SKM 3 radio microphone .................................................................. 8
Setting up the system ...................................................................... 9
Care and maintenance ....................................................................10
If problems occur... ..................................................................... 11
Accessories and variants ................................................................11
Specifications of the freePORT systems ......................................12
Connector assignment ..............................................................13
Manufacturer declarations .............................................................14
Warranty .....................................................................................14
CE Declaration of Conformity ..................................................14
Batteries or rechargeable batteries .......................................14
WEEE Declaration .......................................................................14
Statements regarding the FCC and Industry Canada rules 14
Thank you for choosing Sennheiser!
We have designed this product to give you reliable operation over many
years. Over half a century of accumulated expertise in the design and
manufacture of high-quality electro-acoustic equipment have made
Sennheiser a world-leading company in this field.
Please take a few moments to read these instructions carefully, as we
want you to enjoy your new Sennheiser products quickly and to the
fullest.

2
Important safety instructions
yRead this instruction manual.
yKeep this instruction manual in a safe place. Always include this
instruction manual when passing the device and the mains unit on to
third parties.
yHeed all warnings and follow all instructions.
yClean the device and the mains unit only with a dry cloth.
yRefer all servicing to qualified service personnel. Servicing is required
if the device or the mains unit has been damaged in any way, liquid
has been spilled, objects have fallen inside, the device or the mains
unit has been exposed to rain or moisture, does not operate properly
or has been dropped.
yWARNING: To reduce the risk of fire or electric shock, do not expose
the device and the mains unit to rain or moisture. Do not place objects
filled with liquids, such as vases or coffee cups, on the device.
yOnly use the supplied mains unit.
yDisconnect the mains connector from the wall socket
– to completely disconnect the device from the mains,
– during lightning storms or when unused for long periods of time.
yThe mains unit must be operated only from the type of power source
specified in the chapter “Specifications of the freePORT systems”
(page 12).
yEnsure that the mains unit is
– always readily operable and easily accessible,
– properly plugged into the wall socket,
– only operated within the permissible temperature range,
– not covered or exposed to direct sunlight for longer periods of time
in order to prevent heat accumulation (see “Specifications of the
freePORT systems” on page 12).
yDo not block any ventilation openings. Install the device and the
mains unit in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.
yDo not install the device and the mains unit near any heat sources.
yOnly use attachments/accessories specified by Sennheiser.

3
The freePORT systems
Designed for different areas of application, the freePORT systems are
available in three variants.
yPresentation Set:
This system is ideal for presentation applications. The unobtrusive
ME 2 clip-on microphone is virtually invisible.
yInstrument Set:
This system is for connecting musical instruments (e.g. guitar) which
have a ¼” (6.3 mm) jack socket directly to the bodypack transmitter.
yVocal Set:
This system is ideal for vocal and speech applications.
Transmitters and receivers of the freePORT systems have four factory-
preset frequencies for direct channel selection – ready for immediate
use after switch-on.
The freePORT systems are available in three UHF frequency ranges:
yFrequency range A: 719 to 721 MHz
yFrequency range B: 691 to 693 MHz
yFrequency range C: 742.5 to 744.5 MHz
yFrequency range E: 863 to 865 MHz
Notes:
Use of A, B and C frequency ranges must be licensed. Most EU
countries do not require licensing for use of frequency range E.
Frequency range B (691 to 693 MHz) is intended for use solely in
the USA and Canada.
Please be legal and observe the country-specific regulations of the
licensing authorities. Sennheiser are not responsible if you operate
illegally.
To avoid interfering with other users, the transmitter should be
switched off when not in use.
Features of the freePORT systems:
yUp to four transmission links per frequency range which can be
operated simultaneously
yReliable transmission technology
yDiversity technology for minimizing dropouts in the reception
yAdjustable squelch for eliminating RF interference
yRugged housings
yCrystal-clear reception due to dynamic processor

4
Delivery includes
EM 1 receiver
FreePORT systems
EM 1 receiver SK 2 bodypack transmitter SKM 3 radio microphone Mains unit (NTxy) ME 2 clip-on microphone ¼” (6.3 mm) jack cable
Stand mount Instructions for use
Presentation Set XX XX X
Instrument Set XXXXX
Vocal Set XXX XX

Operating controls
Antenna A
Operation indication, green LED (POWER)
쐋RF level indication, four green LEDs
(RF LEVEL)
Channel selector switch CHANNEL (1 to 4)
Diversity indication, yellow LED A
(lights up if antenna is active)
Diversity indication, yellow LED B
(lights up if antenna is active)
AF PEAK, red LED (lights up if the audio
level is too high)
Antenna B
Audio output, XLR-3M socket, balanced
(AUDIO OUTPUT XLR BAL)
Audio output, ¼” (6.3 mm) jack socket,
unbalanced (AUDIO OUTPUT UNBAL)
Audio output level control (GAIN)
Squelch threshold control (SQUELCH)
DC socket for connection of mains unit
(DC 11–18 V IN, 100 mA)
Type plate
Serial number

5
Connecting the receiver
왘Insert the DC connector on the mains cable into the DC socket  and
connect it to the mains. The green LED for operation indication
(POWER) lights up and the receiver is ready for operation.
왘To deactivate the receiver, remove the mains plug from the mains
outlet.
Aligning the antennas
왘Set up the antennas and align them upwards in a V-shape.
The LEDs Aand Bindicate which diversity section (i.e. which
antenna) is active.
Connecting the amplifier/mixing console
왘Connect the amplifier/mixing console to the XLR-3M socket or
the ¼” (6.3 mm) jack socket .
왘Use the GAIN control  to adapt the level of the audio output to the
input of the amplifier or mixing console. The adjusted audio output
level is common for both sockets. If the level is adjusted too high,
the audio signal will be distorted. If, on the other hand, the level is
adjusted too low, this will result in an audio signal with high
background noise.
Selecting and changing a channel
You can change the channel on the receiver during running operation.
The receiver then immediately receives on the new channel.
왘Use a small screwdriver to set the channel selector switch to the
desired channel. You can switch between four different channels
(“Selecting a channel”).

6
SK 2 bodypack transmitter
Inserting/replacing the battery
We recommend powering the bodypack transmitter by a 9 V PP3
alkaline battery (IEC 6 LR 61). If powered by a rechargeable 9 V battery,
the operating time will be drastically reduced.
왘Open the battery compartment by first sliding the battery
compartment cover in the direction of the arrow. Then flip the
battery compartment cover open.
왘Insert the battery as shown. Please observe correct polarity when
inserting the battery.
왘Close the battery compartment.
Note:
When the red LED goes off during operation, you must replace
the battery as soon as possible.
Operating controls
ON/OFF button
Operation and battery status indication, red LED
쐋Microphone/instrument input,
3.5 mm jack socket (lockable)
Antenna (can be screwed off)
Battery compartment cover
MIC/INST slide switch
Serial number
Channel selector switch CH (1 to 4)
Sensitivity control GAIN
Type plate
Belt clip


7
Connecting the microphone/instrument cable
The audio input is designed for the connection of both the ME 2 clip-on
microphone and instruments (e.g. guitars).
왘Connect the 3.5 mm jack plug from the microphone/instrument
cable to the 3.5 mm jack socket 쐋.
왘Check the setting of the MIC/INST slide switch which allows you
to switch between microphone and instrument operation. If
necessary, readjust the setting.
왘Use the GAIN control  to adjust the transmitter sensitivity so that
the receiver receives a good audio signal (no distortion and no
background noise).
Attaching and positioning the microphone
Use the microphone clip to attach the ME 2 clip-on microphone to
clothing (e.g. tie, lapel). Conduct the microphone cable so that noise due
to friction is avoided and make sure that the antenna and the cable do
not cross. The omni-directional microphone picks up sound equally from
all directions. However, it should be attached as close as possible to the
sound source.
Attaching the bodypack transmitter to clothing
왘Use the supplied belt clip to attach the bodypack transmitter to
clothing. Make sure that the antenna is at least 1 cm away from the
body and is not kinked.
Switching the bodypack transmitter on/off
왘Press the ON/OFF button to switch the bodypack transmitter on
or off. If the bodypack transmitter is switched on, the red LED 
lights up.
Note:
Remove the battery when the transmitter will not be used for
extended periods of time.
Selecting and changing a channel
왘Switch off the transmitter before you change the channel.
왘Use a small screwdriver to set the channel selector switch to the
desired channel. You can switch between four different channels.
When you switch on the bodypack transmitter again, it will transmit
on the new channel (“Selecting a channel”).

8
SKM 3 radio microphone
Note:
The microphone head of the radio microphone cannot be changed.
Inserting/replacing the battery
We recommend powering the radio microphone by a 9 V PP3 alkaline
battery (IEC 6 LR 61). If powered by a rechargeable 9 V battery, the
operating time will be drastically reduced.
왘Turn the locking ring of the battery compartment in the direction
of the arrow.
왘Pull the body of the radio microphone 쐋in the direction of the
arrow as far as it will go.
왘Insert the battery as shown. Please observe correct polarity when
inserting the battery.
왘Close and lock the radio microphone.
Note:
When the red LED goes off during operation, you must replace
the battery as soon as possible.
Operating control
Sound inlet basket
Locking ring of battery compartment
쐋Body of radio microphone
Battery compartment (not visible from
outside)
Antenna (can be screwed off)
Operation and battery status indication,
red LED (POWER)
ON/OFF switch
Channel selector switch CH (1 to 4)
Type plate
Serial number

9
Switching the radio microphone on/off
왘Use the ON/OFF switch to switch the radio microphone on or off.
If the radio microphone is switched on, the red LED  lights up.
Note:
Remove the battery when the transmitter will not be used for
extended periods of time.
Selecting and changing a channel
왘Switch off the radio microphone.
왘Open the radio microphone (“Inserting/replacing the battery”).
왘Use a small screwdriver to set the channel selector switch to the
desired channel. You can switch between four different channels
(“Selecting a channel”).
왘Close and lock the radio microphone.
왘Switch on the radio microphone again.
Sensitivity of the radio microphone
You can vary the bass reproduction by increasing/decreasing the
talking distance.
Setting up the system
Before starting transmission, do a soundcheck and set up the system as
follows:
Setting up the reception
The receiver’s four LEDs (RF LEVEL) 쐋indicate the level of the received
RF signal. With the transmitter, walk up and down the transmission
area and check if the received RF signal is sufficient everywhere.
Reception is good if all four LEDs light up. Please observe the following:
yTransmission range depends to a large extent on location and can be
up to 100 m. Observe a minimum distance of 3 m between
transmitter and receiver. There should be a “free line of sight”
between transmitting and receiving antennas.
yDo not operate the system close to metal objects such as cross
members or reinforced-concrete walls. Computers or mobile phones
in direct proximity to the antenna will interfere with the reception.
yEach transmitter requires a receiver. When using several trans-
mission links simultaneously, make sure that all transmission links
operate on different channels.


10
Adjusting the squelch threshold
Interference due to other transmission links can be eliminated as
follows:
왘Switch off the transmitter. The receiver should no longer receive a
signal.
왘If the receiver still receives a signal, use the SQUELCH control to
increase the squelch threshold so that the signal will no longer be
received. If the signal cannot be eliminated in this way, set the
transmitter and the receiver to a different channel.
왘Switch on the transmitter again and check if the receiver receives
the transmitter signal.
Note:
If the squelch threshold is adjusted too high, the transmission range
will be reduced. Therefore, always adjust the squelch treshold to the
lowest possible setting.
Selecting a channel
Transmitters and receivers have four channels respectively with
intermodulation-free frequencies.
Note:
These frequencies are different to those in evolution systems and
freePORT systems should not be used together with evolution sys-
tems without great care.
왘Always set the transmitter and the receiver to the same channel.
Adjusting the transmitter sensitivity
왘Use the GAIN control on the SK 2 bodypack transmitter to adjust
the sensitivity so that even during the loudest passages the
AF PEAK LED on the EM 1 receiver does not light up.
Care and maintenance
Use a slightly damp cloth to clean the units from time to time.
Note:
Do not use any cleansing agents or solvents.
To clean the SKM 3’s sound inlet basket:
왘Unscrew the sound inlet basket (turn counterclockwise) and
remove it.
왘Remove the foam insert and use a slightly damp cloth to clean the
sound inlet basket.
왘Reinsert the dry foam insert, replace the sound inlet basket on the
SKM 3 and screw it tight.




11
If problems occur...
Accessories and variants
Problem Possible cause Possible solution
No operation indication Battery is flat Replace the battery
No mains connection (receiver) Check the connections of the mains
unit
No RF signal Transmitter and receiver are not on
the same channel
Set transmitter and receiver to
the same channel
Transmitter is out of range Reduce the distance between
transmitter and receiver
RF signal available,
no audio signal
Receiver’s squelch threshold is
adjusted too high
See “Adjusting the squelch
threshold” on page 10
Audio signal has a high
level of background
noise or is distorted
Transmitter sensitivity is adjusted
too low or too high
See “Connecting the microphone/
instrument cable” on page 7
The MIC/INST slide switch on
the SK 2 transmitter is not set
correctly
Receiver’s audio output level is
adjusted too low or too high
See “Connecting the amplifier/
mixing console” on page 5
Annoying noises When the battery is almost flat,
the transmitter may produce
annoying noises which can
damage the PA system.
After the LED has gone off,
replace the battery as soon as
possible or switch the transmitter
off.
04839 MZW 1 Wind- and popshield for SKM 3
76670 MZQ 1 Microphone clamp for SKM 3
05018 ME 2 Clip-on microphone for SK 2, pre-polarized condenser microphone, omni-
directional
05019 ME 3 Headmic for SK 2, pre-polarized condenser microphone, super-cardioid
05020 ME 4 Clip-on microphone for SK 2, pre-polarized condenser microphone, cardioid
512889 CI1-fp Guitar cable

12
Specifications of the freePORT systems
System characteristics
Individual components
ME 2 clip-on microphone
Transmission/receiving
frequencies
4 UHF transmission/receiving frequencies
Range A: 719 to 721 MHz
(719.15 – 719.75 – 720.15 – 720.85 MHz)
Range B: 691 to 693 MHz
(691.00 – 691.40 – 692.35 – 692.90 MHz)
Range C : 742.5 to 744.5 MHz
(742.65 – 743.35 – 743.85 – 744.45 MHz)
Range E: 863 to 865 MHz (863.10 – 863.70 – 864.10 – 864.90 MHz)
Switching bandwidth 2 MHz
Signal-to-noise ratio
> 95 dB(A)
THD (1 kHz)
< 1 %
Temperature range –10 bis +45 °C / 95 relative humidity
EM 1
receiver
SK 2
bodypack transmitter
SKM 3
radio microphone
Power supply 12V DCNOM/100 mA 9 V PP3 battery 9 V PP3 battery
Operating time
(with alkaline battery)
– approx. 10 hrs approx. 10 hrs
Frequency response – 60...16,000 Hz ±3 dB 80...16,000 Hz ±3 dB
RF output power (-3 dB) – 10 mW 10 mW
AF output voltage
¼’’ (6.3 mm) jack socket (unbal.):
XLR socket (balanced):
max. +10 dBu
max. +16 dBu
––
Dimensions in mm approx. 35 x 213 x 98 approx. 60 x 100 x 30
(with belt clip)
approx. 285;
∅approx. 35 x 50
Weight approx. 570 g approx. 90 g approx. 210 g
Transducer principle – – dynamic
Pick-uppattern––cardioid
Transducer principle
Pick-up pattern
pre-polarized condenser
omni-directional

13
Type approvals
Also approved by
Transmitters that operate in the frequency range E (863 – 865 MHz) can be used licence-free in the
following countries:
AT, BA, BE, CH, CY, CZ, DE, DK, EE, ES, FI, FR, GB, GR, HU, IE, IS, IT, LI, LT, LU, ME, MK, MT, NL, NO, PL, PT, RO,
RS, RU, SE, SI, SK, TR, UA.
Transmitters that operate in frequency range A (719 – 721 MHz), B (691–693 MHz) or frequency range
C (742.5 – 744.5 MHz)
must only be used with an appropriate radio transmission licence. Frequency
range B is intended for use solely in the USA and Canada.
Connector assignment
In compliance with EMC EN 301489-1/-9
Radio EN 301357-1/-2
Safety EN 60065
Industry Canada RSS 210, IC: 2099A
SKM3/EM1-A/-C IC: 2099A-FPSKMEM
SKM3/EM1-B IC: 2099A-FPSKMEMB
SK2-A/-C IC: 2099A-FPSK
SK2-B IC: 2099A-FPSKB
FCC-Part 74 SK2-A/-C FCC ID: DMOB1FPXD
SK2-B FCC ID: DMOB2FPSK
SKM3-A/-C FCC ID: DMOH1FPXD
SKM3-B FCC ID: DMOH2FPSKM
Frequency range Presentation Set Instrument Set Vocal Set
691 – 693 MHz:
with US mains unit freePort fp 12-B-US freePort fp 72-B-US freePort fp 35-B-US
719 – 721 MHz:
with US mains unit freePort fp 12-A-US freePort fp 72-A-US freePort fp 35-A-US
742.5 – 744.5 MHz:
with EU mains unit freePort fp 12-C-EU freePort fp 72-C-EU freePort fp 35-C-EU
with US mains unit freePort fp 12-C-US freePort fp 72-C-US freePort fp 35-C-US
863 – 865 MHz:
with EU mains unit freePort fp 12-E-EU freePort fp 72-E-EU freePort fp 35-E-EU
with UK mains unit freePort fp 12-E-UK freePort fp 72-E-UK freePort fp 35-E-UK
EM 1:
¼’’ (6.3 mm) stereo
jack plug,unbalanced
EM 1:
¼’’ (6.3 mm) mono
jack plug,unbalanced
EM 1:
XLR-3F connector,
balanced
EM 1:
DC connector for
power supply
SK 2:
3.5 mm jack plug
N C / G ND
21
3
+
Instr./MIC
NC/GND