Sennheiser AC 3000 Active Transmitter Combiner 8:1

Brief Description

The Sennheiser AC 3000 is an 8-to-1 active transmitter combiner. It allows signals from up to eight SR 3054 transmitters or four SR 3056 twin transmitters to be combined onto a single antenna, such as the A 2003 UHF directional antenna or the A 1031 U omni-directional antenna. This enables the creation of high-quality transmission systems with up to 8 channels.

Areas of Application

• Multi-channel in-ear monitoring systems for broadcast or stage use.
• Multi-channel systems for applications requiring talk-back signals, such as studios.

Safety Instructions

Danger!

Overheating or overvoltages (e.g., from lightning strikes on the mains supply) can cause units with a mains connection to catch fire. [fire-hazard-symbol]

• Always set up the unit in a well-ventilated place.
• Ensure air vents are not covered or blocked.
• Never stack more than two units directly one above the other.
• Do not place the unit near heat sources or expose it to direct sunlight.
• Use overvoltage protection or disconnect the unit from the mains during thunderstorms.
• The AC 3000 contains moving parts (fans). Dust and pollution can impair fan function. Regularly check and clean fans. Fan failure can lead to overheating and permanent damage.

Warning!

Opening units or using damaged mains cables can result in a dangerous electric shock. [electrical-hazard-symbol]

• Never open the unit.
• Only use undamaged mains cables.
• Defective units must be repaired by authorized personnel. Opening the unit yourself voids the warranty.

Warning!

Improper setup of units and cables can cause personal injury or unit damage. [warning-symbol]

• Set up the unit on an even surface or mount it in a rack.
• Route cables to prevent tripping hazards.

Attention!

Liquids or small conductive parts entering the unit or its sockets can cause short-circuits and damage.

• Keep liquids and small conductive parts away from the unit.
• Clean the unit with a damp cloth only. Do not use solvents or cleansing agents.

Delivery Includes

• 1 x AC 3000 Active Transmitter Combiner 8:1
• 1 x Mains cable
• 1 x Rack-mounting kit
• 4 x Sets of self-adhesive plastic feet
• 1 x Instruction manual

Additional required items include BNC cables for connecting transmitters and the antenna, an antenna (A 2003 UHF directional or A 1031 U omni-directional), and up to eight SR 3054 transmitters or four SR 3056 twin transmitters.

Operating Elements

The front panel of the AC 3000 unit features the following:

• 1 POWER LED: Indicates power status.
• 2 POWER (ON/OFF) switch: Used to turn the unit on or off.
• 3 RF inputs (RF IN 1 to RF IN 8): Eight BNC connectors for connecting transmitters.
• 4 Fans: Three low-noise fans for cooling the unit.
• 5 ANT socket: BNC connector for antenna output.
• 6 IEC mains socket: For connecting the mains power cable.
• 7 RF signal indication LEDs: Eight LEDs that illuminate to show signal presence at each input.

Connection Diagram

The diagram illustrates the connections for an 8-channel system. It shows multiple RF inputs (RF IN) from transmitters connecting to the AC 3000 unit, which then outputs to a single antenna (ANT) via the RF OUTPUT.

Putting the Unit into Operation

Setting up the Unit

Place the AC 3000 on an even, horizontal surface to prevent tipping, or mount it in a 19" rack.

Warning: The AC 3000 and connected transmitters generate significant heat. Ensure adequate ventilation by keeping air vents clear and providing sufficient airflow, especially when multiple units are rack-mounted. Never stack more than two units directly on top of each other.

Connecting the Antenna

The AC 3000 can be used with the A 2003 UHF directional antenna or the A 1031 U omni-directional antenna. The antenna combines signals from all connected transmitters without distribution attenuation. Connect the antenna to the ANT output (labeled 5).

Note: Each AC 3000 requires its own antenna; they cannot be daisy-chained.

Connecting the Transmitters

Connect up to eight SR 3054 transmitters or four SR 3056 twin transmitters to the AC 3000. Use BNC cables to connect these to the RF inputs (labeled 3), designated RF IN 1 through RF IN 8.

Connecting the Mains Cable

Connect the mains cable to the IEC mains socket (labeled 6) and then to the mains power supply.

Note: The AC 3000 is compatible with any mains power supply from 100 V to 240 V AC (50 to 60 Hz).

Operation

Turning the AC 3000 On and Off

To turn the unit on, press the POWER (ON/OFF) switch (labeled 2). The POWER LED (labeled 1) will light up red. To turn the unit off, press the POWER switch again. The POWER LED will then turn off.

RF Signal Indication

The AC 3000 features eight control LEDs (labeled 7) on the front panel. These LEDs illuminate when an input signal is present at the corresponding RF input.

Troubleshooting

One or Several LEDs for Input Signal Indication Do Not Light Up

• Check if transmitters are correctly connected to the corresponding inputs.
• Verify that the connected transmitters are turned on.

Disturbed Reception or No Reception

• Transmitting antennas may be out of the reception area.
• Transmitters or receivers may not be turned on.
• Batteries in receivers may be missing or low.
• Antennas may not be connected correctly.
• Connecting cables might be defective.
• High cable attenuation due to excessively long or incorrect antenna cables.
• Selected transmission and receiving frequencies may be outside the operating frequency window.

Accessories

The following accessories are available from Sennheiser:

• A 2003 UHF Passive directional antenna (Cat. No. 03658)
• A 1031 U Passive omni-directional antenna (Cat. No. 04645)
• GZL 1019 A1 BNC-BNC coaxial cable, length 1 m (Cat. No. 02324)
• GZL 1019 A5 BNC-BNC coaxial cable, length 5 m (Cat. No. 02325)
• GZL 1019 A10 BNC-BNC coaxial cable, length 10 m (Cat. No. 023266)

Specifications

• Antenna combiner: 8-to-1
• Frequency range: 470 – 870 MHz
• Distribution attenuation: 0 dB (±1 dB)
• RF input power: max. 100 mW per input
• Impedance: 50 Ω
• Power supply: 100 V – 240 V AC, 50 – 60 Hz
• Current consumption: max. 120 VA
• Temperature range: -10 °C to +55 °C
• Weight: 3 kg

Guarantee

The guarantee period for this Sennheiser product is 24 months from the date of purchase. Accessory items, rechargeable or disposable batteries have a shorter service life dependent on usage. The guarantee period starts from the date of original purchase; retain the sales receipt as proof. Repairs carried out without proof of purchase will not be reimbursed.

Guarantee service covers the removal of material and manufacturing defects through repair or replacement. Excluded are inappropriate usage, mechanical damages, incorrect operating voltage, wear and tear, force majeure, and pre-existing defects. The guarantee is void if the product is tampered with by unauthorized persons.

For claims, send the device, accessories, and sales receipt to the responsible service partner. Use original packaging to minimize transport damage. Legal rights against the seller are not affected.

The guarantee is valid in all countries outside the U.S., provided no national law limits these terms.