Sony MB-8N Installation and operation manual

Tuner Base Unit
MB-8N
UHF Synthesized Tuner Unit
WRU-8N

Wide Dynamic Range
The MB-8N/WRU-8N provide a wide dynamic range,
thanks to advanced sound processing technology
developed by Sony. This wide dynamic range ensures that
the WRU-8N can provide optimum reception of signals
from current and future Sony wireless microphones and
transmitters.
Stable RF Reception
Three key technologies used in the WRU-8N UHF
Synthesized Tuner Unit result in extremely stable RF
reception, a vital factor for any wireless microphone system.
Firstly, the Phase Locked Loop (PLL) frequency
synthesized system employed in the WRU-8N provides
highly stable, selectable frequencies that permit reception
in increments of 125 kHz. Secondly, optimum combinations
of precisely calculated and practically tested frequencies
are stored in the tuner to help in choosing the correct
frequencies for simultaneous multi-channel operation.
These frequencies are arranged in groups, with each
group pre-programmed to allow intermodulation-free
operation. Finally, a Space Diversity Reception System is
incorporated to effectively eliminate signal dropout and
provide stable reception. This is achieved by using dual
antenna input/reception circuits that receive signals over
two different paths and select the stronger RF signal as
the output.
Modular Design
The MB-8N Tuner Base Unit houses up to four WRU-8N
UHF synthesized tuner units in its 1U high, 19-inch rack
mountable design. This allows users to flexibly expand the
number of wireless channels in a system according to
their budgetary and operational needs. The compact
design of the base unit makes it easy to install in both
fixed and mobile applications.
The designs of the MB-8N and WRU-8N pay maximum
attention to operational convenience. Controlled items
can be adjusted from the main control area of the MB-8N
Tuner Base Unit, and the controls on individual WRU-8N
Tuner Unit.
Advanced control settings from the
MB-8N front panel
Using the controls and LCD panel built-in to the front of
the MB-8N Tuner Base Unit, users can quickly generate
and store channel names for each WRU-8N Tuner Unit
installed. Since the stored names can be recalled to the
base unit’s LCD panel, operators can immediately verify
the sound source assigned to a given unit.
The output level (selectable to Mic or Line) and the
variable RF squelch level for each tuner unit are also
controlled from this main control area. Antenna
attenuator value and power supply ON/OFF to Sony AN-
820A UHF Antennas connected to the MB-8N Tuner
Base Unit are also selected here.
Main Features
Operational Convenience
MB-8N/WRU-8N Front panel

Multi-channel Operation
The MB-8N and WRU-8N have been designed to
facilitate the setup of multi-channel wireless systems.
The MB-8N Tuner Base Unit is designed with a built-in
antenna divider, allowing four units to be daisy-chained
without the need of an external divider. Since each
tuner base unit accommodates up to four tuners, a 16-
channel system is easy to configure. With the use of an
optional Sony WD-880A Antenna Divider Unit,
simultaneous operation on up to 42 channels becomes
possible.
In combination with the pre-programmed channel
plans, building a high-quality, sophisticated, multi-
channel wireless system becomes a simple task.
For added operational convenience, the MB-8N/WRU-8N
system allows computer-based remote control. To provide
straightforward and intuitive operation, the MB-8N and installed
WRU-8N units can be set up, controlled and monitored from a
PC interfaced via a simple Ethernet connection and running
the supplied software.
Full monitoring of operating status in
one window
The GUI simultaneously displays the status of up to 16-
channels in one window, which can be switched to a 25-
channel or 49-channel display. Both a quick reference to
each tuner’s reception status and that of the entire
configuration are displayed on left side, while details of
the channel status are displayed on the right side.
Extensive range of operating controls
and information
Through a simple drag-and-drop operation, the operator
can designate the channels to appear on the right side for
access to an extensive range of operating controls and
information which includes the channel name, selected
channel group/frequency, tone squelch status, noise
squelch status, RF squelch level, AF/RF input levels and
transmitters battery alarm. The AF level is indicated in
steps of approximately 2.5 dB, while the RF level is
indicated in steps of approximately 5 dB.
The GUI also allows the control of all other settings
available on the MB-8N Base Unit.
Sophisticated jog dial control and
LCD/LED indicators
The controls on each WRU-8N UHF Synthesized Tuner
Unit specifically focus on channel/group number
selection, with a jog dial allowing operators to quickly
choose the desired setting. An LCD panel and LED
indicators provide extensive information on the tuner’s
operating conditions. The LCD indicates the operating
channel group and frequency, and has four-segment
displays of AF output level and RF input level, while the
LEDs indicate RF input status and AF output status and
the battery reserve of the transmitter. A red LED starts
flashing one hour before the transmitter’s battery will
become exhausted, helping to avoid the chance of a
battery failure at a critical moment.
Selectable monitor output modes with
level control
The headphone monitor jack and level control are located
on the front panel of the MB-8N Tuner Base Unit. This output
can be selected to monitor the sound from individual
WRU-8N tuner units or the mixed sound from all installed
units.
Computer-based Control
System Configuration
MB-8N Rear panel

Quick frequency settings and
file-based store function
The pre-programmed channel frequencies can also be
selected from this GUI. This is especially useful for
complex multi-channel operations, since operators can
adjust frequencies while simultaneously viewing all
channels. Once the appropriate frequencies are
selected, the setup can be stored as a file. This is
extremely useful, since the setup for a particular multi-
channel system can be easily re-established by
loading the appropriate file.

Sony wireless microphone systems have earned an enviable reputation for their
outstanding performance and reliability. In day-to-day use in the harsh
environment of location recording, and in theater and studio operations, they
continue to be the equipment of choice for artists and engineers. Sony
demonstrates its long-term commitment to the development of wireless
microphone technology with the introduction of the MB-8N Tuner Base Unit and
WRU-8N UHF Synthesized Tuner Unit, which together represent a breakthrough
in performance, flexibility and features.
Although only 1U high, the MB-8N accommodates up to four tuner units – a built-
in antenna divider making it easy to daisy-chain up to four of these base units to
form a 16-channel system. The WRU-8N Tuner Unit achieves exceptional
standards of RF performance. It features space diversity reception, and a wide
dynamic range with low levels of noise and distortion.
The ability to remotely control and monitor the status of complex wireless
systems is becoming increasingly important, and the MB-8N/WRU-8N
combination excels in the level of remote operation and
monitoring it provides. Over standard Ethernet
connections, a complete system can be
set up and controlled from a PC
running the supplied GUI software.
This includes the store and recall of
different channel configurations, a
feature that is particularly useful for
location use and equipment rental
organizations. A sepa-rate audio
monitoring feature is included to allow the individual outputs
of the tuner units to be checked.
The MB-8N and WRU-8N are at the cutting edge of wireless microphone
technology. They are bringing new standards of performance and functionality to
wireless microphone systems.
Tuner Base Unit
MB-8N UHF Synthesized Tuner Unit
WRU-8N
WRU-8N Tuner Unit

Optional Equipment
MB-8N Tuner Base Unit WRU-8N UHF Synthesized Tuner Unit
Receiving channel — 1 channel
Receiving frequencies — 758 MHz to 782 MHz (TV channels 62 to 65) or
782 MHz to 806 MHz (TV channels 66 to 69)
Users may choose from 188 frequencies on each model.
Type of reception — Space diversity
Circuit system — Dual convension superheterodyne
Local oscillators — PLL synthesizer
System dynamic range 116 dB (typical) —
Reference deviation — ±5 kHz deviation at 1 kHz modulation
(Maximum deviation: ±40 kHz at 1 kHz modulation)
Signal-to-noise ratio — 60 dB or more (65 dB typical) at 60 dBµ RF input
at reference deviation, A-weighted
Selectivity — 60 dB or more ±250 kHz
RF squelch level — 10 dBµ, 20 dBµ, 30 dBµ or off
De-emphasis — 50 µs
Frequency response 40 Hz to 20 kHz —
Distortion 1.0 % or less —
Audio output level -20 dBm (LINE)/-58 dBm (MIC) at reference deviation —
Audio output connector XLR-3-32 type (x 4), balanced —
Sub-audio output connector D-sub 15-pin female, unbalanced —
Antenna attenuator level 0 dB, 5 dB, 10 dB or 15 dB —
Antenna connector Inputs: BNC-R type (x 2), 50 Ω(nominal) —
Outputs (for cascade connection): BNC-R type (x 2), 50 Ω(nominal)
Monitor output connector 6.3 mm dia. stereo mini jack (x 1) —
Monitor output level 12 mW —
Network connector RJ-45 (x 1), 10BASE-T —
Power requirements AC 100 to 240 V, 50/60 Hz DC 5 V (supplied from MB-8N)
DC 10 to 24 V
Power available for connected 9 V, max. 100 mA —
AN-820A antennas
Power consumption 50 W when accommodating four WRU-8N tuner units —
Dimensions (W x H x D) 19 x 1 3/4 x 11 7/8 inches (482 x 44 x 300 mm) 2 1/4 x 1 1/4 x 5 7/8 inches (56.0 x 30.7 x 149.0 mm)
Weight 8 lb 6 oz (3.7 kg) 5.8 oz (165 g)
Supplied Accessories AC power code (x 1), —
CD-ROM (contains operation manual and MB-8N Supplied
software) (x 1)
MB-8N Supplied software for computer-based control
System requirements PC: IBM®PC/AT compatible
OS: Windows®98SE/Wi ndows 2000/ Windows Me/Windows NT®4.0
Memory capacity: 128 MB RAM or more
CPU: Intel Pentium®400 MHz or faster
Display: 1024 x 768 screen resolution or higher, 256 color display or higher
Network interface: 10/100 BASE-T Network interface card
Hard disk drive:
200 MB or more remaining, after MB-8N supplied software and
other applications are installed.
Use of Sony wireless devices in the United States of America is regulated by the Federal
Communications Commission as described in Parts 15 and 74 of the FCC regulations.
Users authorized thereby are required to obtain an appropriate license.
©2002 Sony Electronics Inc. All rights reserved.
Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission is prohibited.
Features, design and specifications are subject to change without notice.
All non-metric weights and measures are approximate.
Sony is a registered trademark of Sony Corporation.
IBM is a registered trademark of International Business Machines Corporation.
Pentium is a registered trademark of Intel Corporation.
Windows, Windows NT are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation.
All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.
A-1095
MK7781V1TC02MAR
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WRT-822A/822B
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ECM-77BC
Lavalier Microphone ECM-350BC Headset Microphone WD-880A UHF Antenna Divider AN-820A UHF Antenna
Printed in USA
Sony Electronics Inc.
One Sony Drive
Park Ridge, NJ 07656
www.sony.com/proaudio