PEM-500 Wireless Personal In-Ear Monitor 16 Channel UHF PLL Synthesized OWNER'S MANUAL CONTENTS INTRODUCTION Thank you for purchasing a Nady PEM-500 Wireless Personal In-Ear Monitor System and congratulations on your choice. This system offers all of the advantages of wireless in-ear monitoring­mobility, more focused audio, freedom from feedback, and elimination of transport issues associated with conventional floor monitors­as well as the longterm health benefits of safe listening levels. For the first time, a wireless in-ear monitor system combines state-of-the-art advanced frequency-agile PLL synthesized UHF technology, high-end performance, ease of use, and unprecedented affordability. The PEM-500 offers a choice of 16 user selectable UHF channels in both the transmitter and receiver(s), as well as stereo (MPX system) or mono mode transmission. This system is indispensable for live-stage music performance, and is loaded with features previously found only in units costing several times more. CONTENTS..............................................................................2 INTRODUCTION ......................................................................3 WARNING ..............................................................................4 SYSTEM FEATURES ..................................................................5 OPERATION ............................................................................6 PEM-500T TRANSMITTER ........................................................6 PEM-500R RECEIVER..............................................................10 SPECIFICATIONS ....................................................................14 SERVICE ................................................................................15 USING THIS MANUAL This booklet gives instructions for the operation of the PEM-500 Wireless In-Ear Monitor System. Please read the instructions for your system completely before operating unit. This manual first lists the features of the PEM-500, and then takes you step-by-step in explaining how to operate your new system, both transmitter and receiver. Each section gives you detailed operating instructions. Also included in this manual are system specifications and servicing information. 2 3 WARNING USING THIS SYSTEM AT EXCESSIVE VOLUMES CAN CAUSE PERMANENT HEARING DAMAGE. ALWAYS USE AS LOW A VOLUME AS POSSIBLE. The Occupational Safety Health Administration (OSHA) has established the following guidelines for maximum time exposure to sound pressure levels (SPL) before hearing damage occurs: 90 dB SPL @ 8 hours 95 dB SPL @ 4 hours 100 dB SPL @ 2 hours 105 dB SPL @ 1 hour 110 dB SPL @ 1/2 hour 115 dB SPL @ 15 minutes Aviod exposure to 120 dB or greater SPL or irreversible ear damage may result. (Note: It is difficult to measure the SPL present at the eardrum in live sound applications. The volume present will be affected by the level setting of your PEM500R, the ambient stage sound from your other instruments and speakers, and the quality of and fit of your in-ear speakers.) Always avoid prolonged listening at excessive sound pressure levels. Use the following guidelines to use this system safely: 1.Turn up the volume to your earphones only enough to hear properly. The PEM500 can provide a high quality monitor mix at significantly lower decibel levels than floor monitors. Whenever possible, use the system with the limiter in the PEM-500R receiver ON. 2. Just as with any in-ear monitor system, The PEM-500 works best when used exclusively by all performers on stage (without any wedges or side monitors). The high sound pressure levels produced by floor monitors (especially if the band plays loud) can bleed through the in-ear monitor earbuds and, in the worst cases, hinder their effectiveness. Experiment with your overall mix to get the maximum benefit from your PEM-500. 3. Turn down the volume immediately if you experience any pain or hearing discomfort or ringing in the ears after use. 4. Have an audiologist check your hearing and ears regularly. If you experience any wax buildup in your ears, do not use the system until an audiologist examines your ears. 5. Wipe the earphones with an antiseptic before and after use to avoid infection. Stop using the earphones if they cause discomfort or infection. An equilateral triangle enclosing an exclamation point is intended to alert the user to the presence of important operating and service instructions in the literature enclosed with this unit. SYSTEM FEATURES · Available on selected frequency bands within the UHF band for interferencefree, long-range performance (up to 8 systems can be operated simultaneously, depending on country and frequency band) · System consists of PEM-500T transmitter and one bodypack PEM-500R receiver, both of which offer 16 channel user selectability. Any number of additional receivers can also be operated with the same transmitter if they are all set to the same channel. · Proprietary companding circuitry for wide Dynamic Range and clear, natural sound · Operating Range: Up to 300 feet typical (depending on site conditions) · Rugged, foam-padded traveling case provides easy, safe transport and storage PEM-500T Transmitter · Rugged, all metal half-rack that can be rackmounted singly or side-by-side with optional rack kits · Microphone input allows wireless cueing of performers on stage · Front panel features input level control, stereo headphone monitor output jack and volume control, select button for choosing one of 16 UHF channels, LED channel display, and Left/Right 10-segment audio input level displays. · Back panel provides BNC jack for the detachable antenna, a Stereo/Mono select switch, a 1/4" TRS balanced microphone input, and XLR jacks for Left and Right Line inputs. · Externally powered by AC power adapter PEM-500R Receiver · Portable bodypack receiver features a power switch, switchable built-in volume limiter, output level control, stereo/mono select switch, and two-color (red/green) 3-way unit ON/Signal/Low Battery LED indicator. · Operates up to 6 hours (depending on volume) on a 9V alkaline battery · Each receiver is supplied with a pair of miniature, lightweight (yet powerful) in-ear speakers with soft rubber mounts in 3 sizes (small, medium, and large) designed for "custom" form-fitted comfort and optimum acoustic transfer and isolation. · Rear clip can be rotated 90° for attaching receiver either vertically or horizontally to clothes. ! 4 5 OPERATION PEM-500T TRANSMITTER 1. Rackmounting the transmitter The PEM-500T requires no installation and can be used on any flat surface. However, in some applications rack mounting is preferred. There are 2 options available for rackmounting the PEM-500T transmitter: singly or side-by-side with another PEM-500T transmitter. · Single mounting: The PEM-500T is supplied with RE-5 RACK EARS (1) which can be attached with the screws provided on the front of the side panels to enable rackmounting the receiver. · Side-by-side dual mounting: Two PEM-500T transmitters can be rackmounted side-by-side using the optional RKT-25 RACK KIT TRAY (2) which holds 2 transmitters. (Note: Do not mount the transmitter(s) in a rack directly above an amplifier or other source of high heat­this could degrade the performance of the PEM-500T. Always ensure adequate airflow and heat dissipation in any rack configuration.) 4. Connecting the Audio Input The PEM-500T transmitter features a 1/4" TRS balanced MIC INPUT (9) and a line level balanced XLR jack for the LEFT and RIGHT LINE INPUTS (10). The MIC INPUT allows the use of a microphone alone for easy cueing of performers while on stage, which can be useful in many applications. It can be used even with input signals also connected to the LINE INPUTS. Select the input jack appropriate for the signal(s) you are feeding to the transmitter: A. For a microphone input, plug a balanced 1/4" TRS or an unbalanced 1/4" TS cable from a dynamic microphone into the MIC INPUT. B. Stereo monitor mixes from your console can be connected to the LEFT and RIGHT LINE INPUTS with balanced XLR connectors. Mono monitor mixes can also be input in this manner. Select STEREO for stereo inputs and MONO for mono inputs, as appropriate, with the STEREO/MONO SWITCH (11). Mono signals are transmitted on both the left and right channels equally with the volume adjustable by the AUDIO LEVEL CONTROL (12). The gain of stereo signals can be further adjusted separately (L/R) by the console monitor feed. With the STEREO/MONO SWITCH set to MONO, a stereo input signal will be transmitted as mono. If the switch is set to STEREO, a mono signal will still be transmitted as mono. If a signal is input only to one of either the left or right LINE INPUTS and the switch is set to STEREO, it will only be transmitted on that side. However, if the switch is then set to MONO, it will be transmitted on both sides as a MONO signal. See also Selecting Stereo or Mono Operation in the PEM-500R Receiver section. (Note: As when making any connection, make sure that the PEM-500T AUDIO LEVEL CONTROL and the console output levels are set at minimum volume before plugging into the transmitter. This will avoid possible loud transients in the PEM500R receiver if it is already turned on, and with earphones plugged into the user's ears.) 2. Powering the Transmitter Plug the 14V AC ADAPTER (3) provided into the AC INPUT JACK (4) on the back of the receiver. Then plug the power supply into an AC outlet. Press the POWER SWITCH (5) once to turn on the transmitter. The POWER ON LED (6) will now light and the transmitter is operational. 3. Antenna Connect the ANTENNA (7) or optional remote antenna on the back panel to the ANTENNA JACK (8). Optimal antenna position is vertical. For maximum range, it is always best to maintain a line of sight (no obstructions) between the transmitter antenna and the receiver(s) at all times whenever possible. 6 7 5. Selecting a Channel/ Multiple System Operation Both the PEM-500T transmitter and PEM-500R receiver offer a choice of 16 channels in the UHF band. Select an open frequency that doesn't interfere with any other PEM-500 or UHF wireless mic system you are also using by pushing the CHANNEL SELECT BUTTON (13) on the front panel of the PEM-500T until the channel you want is displayed on the CHANNEL LED DISPLAY (14). You will also need to select the same channel for the transmitter (see Transmitter Operation instructions above). If different mixes are required for the different performers, additional PEM-500T transmitters and receivers set to other channels must also be used, and each transmitter must be fed a different mix from the console as desired. Depending on the band(s) you are using and open channel availability within the band(s), up to 8 PEM-500 systems on different frequencies can be operated simultaneously to provide multiple discrete mixes to the performers. (Note: Never set more than ONE transmitter to the same operating frequency) [Note: After selecting a frequency on the transmitter, you must also check with the receiver to ensure that the chosen channel is open (i.e., no other transmissions from other sources, such as UHF TV channels in your area, operating at the same frequency). Turn off the PEM-500T transmitter, and monitor the signal from the PEM500R (see PEM-500R instructions, pg. 10). It should be silent. For optimum operation and range, if you receive any transmissions or static you must choose another channel that is clear.] [Note: If, after you complete the set-up, you experience interference or unsatisfactory audio performance, change the channel until the problem goes away. In the extremely rare circumstance that such a problem persists, turn off all UHF wireless mics being used or move their receivers physically away from the PEM500T transmitter. In some instances, UHF wireless mics and the PEM-500 system can interact if they are too close in frequency. Contact the NADY SYSTEMS Service Department for further information if necessary (see SERVICE, pg.15)] 6. Adjusting Levels Adjust the selected audio input level for optimum level for transmission with the LEVEL CONTROL (12). Adjust the control so that the top LEDs on the 10-segment Left and Right LED LEVEL DISPLAYS (15) light intermittently only on loud peaks. This control adjusts both the left and right signals simultaneously in the same manner. For added control and separate levels on stereo inputs, use the left and right stereo monitor output level control on your console providing the signal. 7.Headphone Monitoring The sound technician can monitor the signal being transmitted with a wired pair of headphones via the stereo 1/4" TRS MONITOR OUTPUT JACK (16). The volume can be adjusted as desired with the HEADPHONES VOLUME CONTROL (17). Both the left and right channels of a stereo signal are adjusted simultaneously by this control in the same manner. 8 1 12 15 14 13 17 16 ...