PPA R38N FM receivers; EAR 022 surround earphones

Ideal Use Cases

The PPA R38-20 bundle is designed for group listening systems that require twenty individual FM receivers. It is compatible with all Williams Sound transmitters operating from 72 to 76 MHz, making it suited to expanding or equipping a compatible system for multiple listeners. Batteries and EAR 022 surround earphones are included alongside the twenty FM R38 receivers.

Each receiver provides access to 17 wideband channels through its menu. This allows a group of receivers to operate across the listed frequencies from 72.1 to 75.9 MHz while remaining within the supported Williams Sound frequency range.

Why Choose This Model

This bundle consolidates twenty receivers, earphones, and batteries into one package. The receivers combine menu-based channel selection with a 1-inch OLED display, making operating information visible without relying on an external device. A backlit green power button communicates battery condition: it glows steadily when battery strength is good and flashes when the battery is low.

Power can come from two AA alkaline batteries or two AA NiMH rechargeable batteries. The listed operating time is approximately 50 hours with BAT 001-2 non-rechargeable alkaline batteries. With 1500 mAh BAT 026-2 rechargeable NiMH batteries, the listed operating time is approximately 32 hours.

Installation and Integration

The FM R38 receivers integrate with Williams Sound 72–76 MHz transmitters. Their 17 operating frequencies are 72.1, 72.2, 72.3, 72.4, 72.5, 72.6, 72.7, 72.8, 72.9, 74.7, 75.3, 75.4, 75.5, 75.6, 75.7, 75.8, and 75.9 MHz. Channels are accessed through the receiver menu.

Audio connects through a 3.5 mm stereo jack that delivers mono output for either stereo or mono earphones or headphones. The connected earphone or headphone cord also functions as the receiver antenna, keeping the receiving element integrated into the listening connection. The EAR 022 earphone specifications list a 3.5 mm mono plug and a 39-inch cord.

The receiver measures 4.1 by 2.85 by 1.38 inches, or 104 by 72 by 35 mm. Its case is black ABS plastic with an aluminum faceplate in a black and silver finish. The specified operating temperature range is 32 to 122 degrees Fahrenheit, or 0 to 50 degrees Celsius.

Performance Highlights

The receiver uses FM modulation with plus or minus 75 kHz peak deviation, 75 kHz FM deviation, and 75 microsecond de-emphasis. Its specified frequency response is 200 Hz to 15 kHz at plus or minus 3 dB. Signal-to-noise performance is rated at a minimum of 65 dB at 1.0 V, while maximum audio output is 35 mW at 16 ohms. Input overload is specified at 100 mV, and nominal current consumption is 52 mA.

The EAR 022 earphone data specifies an around-ear speaker design with a 23 mm driver. Its frequency response is listed as 20 Hz to 20 kHz, with 32-ohm nominal impedance, 118 dB sensitivity at 1 kHz, and a maximum power input of 30 mW. The listed earphone weight is 15 grams.

What Makes It Different

The combination of twenty receivers and included listening accessories distinguishes this package from a single-receiver purchase. Its selectable 17-channel design supports the full listed group of wideband frequencies, while the OLED screen and illuminated power control provide direct operating and battery information.

A power-saving function places a receiver into sleep mode after approximately three minutes without an RF signal. The option to use disposable alkaline or rechargeable NiMH AA batteries gives operators two documented power approaches. Listed approvals include FCC, Industry Canada, RoHS, and WEEE.

Final Assessment

The PPA R38-20 is a focused receiver-side bundle for compatible Williams Sound 72–76 MHz systems. Its value lies in the twenty-receiver quantity, included batteries and EAR 022 earphones, 17 menu-selected channels, OLED display, and clearly specified battery runtimes. The integrated cord antenna and mono output through a 3.5 mm stereo jack simplify the listening connection, while the power indicator and automatic sleep mode support routine operation across a multi-receiver deployment.