Samson Concert 277 Dual Channel Wireless Handheld System
Owner's Manual
Introduction / System Features
Congratulations on purchasing the Samson CR277 Dual Microphone Wireless System! The CR277 system is the perfect solution for any application requiring two, high quality, wireless microphones in a compact package. The system features the CR277 dual channel, diversity receiver including dual antennas, vivid RF meters and Peak indicators for each channel, plus individual and mixed balanced outputs jacks. Also included are two HT7 handheld microphone transmitters fitted with the Samson Q7 dynamic microphone element. The Q7 produces a robust and articulate sound thanks to its extended frequency response and its cardioid pick-up pattern greatly reduces the chance of feedback. With the CR277 system, you'll have great sound quality with clear reception and the ability to walk freely around your venue. For live sound, karaoke, school, conferences, and Houses of Worship the CR277 is an ideal solution for dual channel wireless microphones providing outstanding performance and reliably.
Although this product is designed for easy operation, it is suggested to take time to fully understand its features. The wireless system consists of three components: two microphone transmitters and a dual channel receiver, which must be tuned to the same channels (same radio frequency) to operate correctly.
The Samson Concert Series system operates in the HDTV free UHF frequency range and contains a CR277 dual channel receiver and two HT7 handheld microphone transmitters with the Samson Q7 dynamic capsule.
This manual provides a detailed description of the Concert Series Wireless system, a guided tour through all components, step-by-step instructions for setting up the system, wiring diagrams and tables, and full specifications. For U.S. purchasers, a warranty card is enclosed; filling it out enables online technical support and future product updates. Visit the website (www.samsontech.com) for complete product line information.
SPECIAL NOTE for U.S. purchasers: For servicing, a Return Authorization number (RA) is necessary. Without it, the unit will not be accepted. Contact Samson at 1-800-372-6766 for an RA number prior to shipping. Return the unit in its original carton if possible. For purchases outside the U.S., contact your local distributor for servicing information.
Note: Your receiver and transmitter have been factory preset to utilize the same channel. A listing of the six available channels and their corresponding UHF frequencies can be found on page 10.
System Features
Designed for live sound and sound contracting applications, the Samson Concert Series Wireless System offers high performance, cost-effectiveness, and state-of-the-art wireless communication technology. Key features include:
- Six different available channels in three pairs, operating in the less crowded UHF bandwidth, designed for simultaneous use. Multiple Concert Series systems can be used in the same location without interference.
- Dielectric filters for extremely precise and stable tuning.
- Diversity technology to maximize active range (up to 300 feet) and reduce potential interference.
- The CR277 receiver is a half-rack unit, usable freestanding or mountable in any standard 19" rack*, integrating easily into audio systems. It includes tuned antennas, balanced and unbalanced outputs, continuously adjustable Volume and Squelch controls, an Audio Peak LED, a six-segment Audio level meter, and a six-segment RF level meter.
- Built-in companding noise reduction for crystal-clear sound with minimized background noise and hiss.
- Transmitters provide "popless" muting (audio signal off, carrier signal on) and use standard 9-volt batteries with over 12 hours of battery life. A Battery Strength LED meter monitors remaining power.
- The HT7 handheld microphone transmitter is fitted with the Samson Q7 Neodymium dynamic microphone capsule.
- Rugged construction ensures reliable operation in demanding performance environments.
* Using an optional Samson RK55 rack adapter kit.
Guided Tour - CR277 Front Panel
The front panel of the CR277 receiver features several controls and indicators:
1: Antennas (Channels A and B)
Antenna mountings allow full rotation for optimal placement. For normal operation, both Antenna A (left) and Antenna B (right) should be vertical. Antennas can be folded inward for transport. Refer to the 'Setting Up and Using' section for installation details.
2: RF (Radio Frequency) Level Meter
This "ladder" display indicates incoming radio signal strength. The "100%" segment indicates optimum strength. Fewer lit segments indicate a weaker signal; no segments mean no signal is being received. Refer to the 'Setting Up and Using' section for more information.
3: Volume (Channel B) / Power Switch
This control turns the CR277 power on and off. When the receiver is on, the Power LED is lit. The knob sets the audio signal level for the Channel B output jack. Reference level is achieved when the knob is at its "10" setting.
4: Audio PEAK LED
When lit, this LED indicates signal overload. The HT7's input Level adjustment must be attenuated. Refer to the 'Setting Up and Using' section for details.
5: Power LED
A red LED that illuminates when the receiver is powered on.
6: Volume Control (Channel A)
This knob sets the audio signal level for the Channel A output jack. Reference level is achieved when the knob is at its "10" setting.
Guided Tour - CR277 Rear Panel
The rear panel of the CR277 receiver includes connection ports and controls:
1: MIX OUT Switch
This switch determines the signal sent to the OUTPUT B balanced output. "ON" sends the combined signal for Channel A and B. "OFF" sends only the signal from Channel B. Refer to the 'Setting Up and Using' section for more information.
2: OUTPUT B / MIX OUT
An electronically balanced, low impedance (600 Ohm) 1/4-inch TRS jack for connecting to mixers or amplifiers. It carries the signal from Channel B (when MIX OUT switch is "OFF") or the combined signal from Channels A and B (when MIX OUT switch is "ON").
3: Squelch B Control
This control sets the maximum range for the CR277 Channel B receiver before audio dropout. The factory setting is usually recommended. Adjustment can be made with the supplied plastic screwdriver. Refer to the 'Setting Up and Using' section.
4: DC Input
Connect the supplied 15-volt, 350 mA power adapter here. Use the provided strain relief for the cable. ⚠️WARNING: Do not substitute any other power adapter, as this can cause severe damage and void the warranty.
5: Squelch A Control
This control sets the maximum range for the CR277 Channel A receiver before audio dropout. The factory setting is usually recommended. Adjustment can be made with the supplied plastic screwdriver. Refer to the 'Setting Up and Using' section.
6: OUTPUT A
An electronically balanced, low impedance (600 Ohm) 1/4-inch TRS jack for connecting the CR277 Channel A receiver to your mixer or amplifier.
Guided Tour - HT7 Transmitter
The HT7 handheld microphone transmitter features the following:
1: Audio On-Off Switch
Sets the transmitter to transmit audio ("On") or mute the audio signal ("Off"). The carrier signal remains active when muted, preventing "pop" or "thud" sounds. This switch does not turn off transmitter power; use the Power ON-OFF switch (#3) for extended periods of non-use.
2: Battery Level Meter
Three multicolored LEDs indicate battery power: Red (Low), Yellow (Mid), Green (High). When the red "Low" indicator lights, RF performance is degraded, and the battery needs replacement.
3: Power ON-OFF Switch
Turns the HT7 transmitter on or off. Ensure it is off when not in use to conserve battery power.
4: Microphone Input Level Control (trim-pot)
This input sensitivity control is factory preset for optimal level with the provided microphone capsule. Manual adjustment is not recommended but can be done with the supplied plastic screwdriver. Refer to the 'Setting Up and Using' section.
5: Battery Holder
Insert a standard 9-volt alkaline battery here, observing polarity markings. Duracell MN1604 is recommended. Rechargeable Ni-Cad batteries may not supply adequate current for more than four hours. ⚠️WARNING: Incorrect battery insertion can cause severe damage and void the warranty.
* Be sure to mute the audio signal at your external mixer or amplifier before turning transmitter power on or off to avoid an audible pop.
Setting Up and Using the Concert Series System
The basic procedure for setting up and using your Concert Series Wireless System takes only a few minutes:
- For correct operation, the receiver and both transmitters must be set to the same channel. Remove all packing materials and verify that the CR277 receiver and HT7 transmitters are on the same channel. If channels do not match, contact your distributor or Samson Technical Support (1-800-372-6766 in the U.S.).
- Place the CR277 receiver with a clear "line of sight" to the transmitter. An optional rack-mount kit allows mounting in a standard 19" rack. Extend and place both "A" and "B" antennas in a vertical position.
- Ensure the Power on-off switch on your HT7 handheld transmitter is set to "Off."
- On each HT7 transmitter, unscrew the bottom section of the microphone counterclockwise and slide it off.
- Place a fresh 9-volt alkaline battery in the transmitter battery holder, observing polarity markings. Replace the bottom section of the microphone. Leave transmitters off for now.
- Connect the CR277 output jack to the line or mic level audio input of your amplifier or mixer. The CR277 can send a mixed signal of both microphones to a single output, or send them separately. Use the MIX OUT switch on the rear panel: "ON" sends both outputs to OUTPUT B/MIX OUT; "OFF" sends only Channel B to OUTPUT B. Use OUTPUT A for Channel A. Set amplifier/mixer volume down.
- Turn both CR277 Volume knobs fully counterclockwise. Connect the supplied AC adapter to the DC Input on the rear panel and plug into an AC outlet. Turn the Channel B Volume knob until it clicks to power on the CR277; the red "Power" LED will light.
- Turn on the power to one HT7 transmitter. The green "HIGH" Battery strength LED should light if the battery is sufficient. Check the CR277 front panel RF Level meter; more lit segments indicate a stronger signal. If the signal is weak, relocate the CR277 or adjust antenna positions. If all six segments light, the signal is optimal.
- Set audio levels: Turn on your amplifier/mixer (volume down). Set the transmitter Audio switch to "On." Set the CR277 Volume knob to "10" (unity gain). Speak or sing into the mic at a normal performance level, then slowly raise the amplifier/mixer volume until the desired level is reached.
- If distortion occurs: Check if the CR277 "Peak" LED is lit. If not, ensure your audio system's gain structure is correct. If the yellow "Peak" LED is lit, use the supplied plastic screwdriver to turn the HT7's Microphone Input Level control (trimpot) slowly counterclockwise (towards "Min") until distortion disappears. The CR277 Volume knob can be lowered to attenuate the output signal if necessary.
- If the signal is weak or noisy: Ensure the audio system's gain structure is correct and the CR277 Volume is at "10." If the signal remains weak/noisy, use the supplied plastic screwdriver to turn the HT7's Level control (trimpot) slowly clockwise (towards "Max") until the signal reaches an acceptable level.
- Temporarily turn down mixer/amplifier level and turn off the transmitter power, leaving the CR277 on. Restore mixer/amplifier level. If the receiver output is not silent (noise is present), adjust the CR277 front panel Squelch control. For maximum range without dropout, keep the Squelch control at its minimum setting. To eliminate band noise when the transmitter is off, turn the Squelch control counterclockwise (to "Min"), then slowly clockwise until the noise disappears. If no noise is present, leave it at the "Min" position for the greatest overall range.
- When setting up in a new environment, perform a walk-around test. Turn down the audio system, turn on the transmitter and receiver, and restore the audio system level. Speak or sing and walk through the entire coverage area. Minimize the distance between transmitter and receiver for the strongest signal. For fixed installations or extended range applications (over 150 feet), consider angling antennas or installing the receiver in the same room as the transmitters.
- If experiencing difficulties after following these steps, contact your local distributor or Samson Technical Support (1-800-372-6766) between 9 AM and 5 PM EST.
Specifications
System Specifications
| Channels | N:6, U:6, E:4, B:4 |
|---|---|
| Frequency Type | F3 |
| Modulation Type | FM |
| Noise Reduction Type | Compander/Expander |
| Distance | 300 feet |
Transmitter (HT7)
| Oscillation Type | Direct PLL |
|---|---|
| Pre-emphasis | 50 µsec |
| Antenna | Integral Antenna |
| Maximum Input Level | 3 V p-p |
| Battery Type | Duracell MN1604 9-volt alkaline |
| Operating Temperature | -20° C / 55° C |
| Switches / Controls | Power ON/OFF, Audio ON/OFF, Mic Level Volume |
| Display (LED) | Battery Low/Mid/High (corresponds to <5.3 V / 5.3-7 V / >7V) |
| Operating Voltage | 9 Volts +20% / -40% |
| Current Consumption | 47 mA |
| RF Power | 10 mW |
| Frequency Stability | ±20 kHz |
| Spurious Ratio | 2.5 nW |
| Deviation | 20 kHz (16.5 kHz - 23.5 kHz) |
| T.H.D. (Overall) | 0.5% (3% max) (@AF 1 kHz, RF 46 dBu) |
| AF Frequency Response | 50 Hz - 15 kHz (±3 dB overall) |
| Battery life | 12 hours |
Receiver (CR277)
| Oscillation Type | PLL |
|---|---|
| De-emphasis | 50 µsec |
| IF Frequency | 10.7 MHz |
| Antenna | 1/4 Wavelength Rod |
| In/Out | DC Inlet, Balanced Output, Unbalanced Output |
| Display (LED) | Receiver A/B (Green), Power On (Red), Peak (Yellow), RF Level (5 pc) |
| Level Control | Audio Level Volume, Mute Level Control |
| Operating Temperature | 0°C / 50° C |
| Operating Voltage | 12 Volts ±10% |
| Current Consumption | 160 mA (at all LED lights) |
| Receiving Frequency Range | US: N Channels 642 - 646 MHz Export: U Channels: 801 - 805 MHz |
| Sensitivity | 18 dBµ (@THD 2%) |
| Squelch Sensitivity | 0 - 40 dBµ (Adjustable) |
| Selectivity | ±150 kHz (AF Out Ratio -60 dB) |
| T.H.D. (Overall) | 1% Max (@AF 1 kHz, RF 46 dBu) |
| S/N Ratio (Overall) | 90 dB (w/IHF-A Filter) |
| Residual Noise | 90 dBv (w/IHF-A Filter) |
| Band Mute | ±40 kHz / ±100 kHz (RF IN: 46 dBu EMF) |
| AF Frequency Response | 50 Hz - 15 kHz (±3 dB overall) |
| Audio Output Level - Balanced | -20 dBm (Line), -40 dBm (Mic) |
| Audio Output Impedance - Balanced | 600 Ohms |
Specifications subject to change without notice.
Concert Series Frequency Conversion Chart
Channel Frequencies
| Channel | Frequencies | Channel | Frequencies | Channel | Frequencies |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| N1 | 642.375 MHz | U1 | 801.375 MHz | E1 | 863.125 MHz |
| N2 | 642.875 MHz | U2 | 801.875 MHz | E2 | 863.625 MHz |
| N3 | 644.125 MHz | U3 | 803.125 MHz | E3 | 864.500 MHz |
| N4 | 644.750 MHz | U4 | 803.750 MHz | E4 | 864.875 MHz |
| N5 | 645.500 MHz | U5 | 804.500 MHz | ||
| N6 | 645.750 MHz | U6 | 804.750 MHz |
Concert 277 UHF Wireless Handheld Systems - Authorised Frequency Ranges
| Country Code | Authorised Frequency Range |
|---|---|
| AT, BE, CH, DE, DK, ES, FI, GB, FR, IE, NL, NO, PT, SE | 863–865 MHz |
| DE, FR, IT * | 801 - 806 MHz, 863 – 865 MHz |
| GR | 801-806 MHz |
| US, CA * | 642-646 MHz |
* For other countries, please contact your national frequency authority for information on available legal frequencies and legal use in your area.
FCC Rules and Regulations
Samson wireless receivers are certified under FCC Rules part 15 and transmitters under FCC Rules part 74. Licensing of Samson equipment is the user's responsibility and depends on user classification, application, and frequency selected.
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 provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in residential installations. The equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy. If not installed and used per instructions, it may cause harmful interference to radio communications. There is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If interference to radio or television reception occurs (determinable by turning equipment off and on), the user is encouraged to try correcting it by:
- Reorienting or relocating the receiving antenna.
- Increasing the separation between the equipment and receiver.
- Connecting the equipment to an outlet on a circuit different from the receiver's circuit.
- Consulting 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 device complies with RSS-210 of Industry & Science Canada. 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.
Contact Information
Samson Technologies Corp.
45 Gilpin Avenue
Hauppauge, New York 11788-8816
Phone: 1-800-3-SAMSON (1-800-372-6766)
Fax: 631-784-2201
Website: www.samsontech.com
Copyright 2009, Samson Technologies Corp. Printed, January 2009 v1
