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Wireless Microphones Technology Showcase

You need to find a wireless microphone system that will suit your particular requirements.

Wireless Microphones Technology Showcase

May 13, 2011 4:50 PM,
by Mark Johnson

AKG WMS 4500

Given the recent and ongoing changes in FCC wireless system legislation, those looking to buy any quantity of wireless systems would be well-served to do their due diligence prior to making a purchase and familiarize themselves with the current rules regarding wireless system usage.

Among other things, such as keeping up to date with the regulations regarding licensing, it’s also important to know just what frequencies are available for a given geographical area as mandated by the FCC . And it’s important to know what frequencies are available given the usage in the local area, say a 50-mile radius of the location.

Fortunately, many of the major wireless manufacturers offer tools—online and otherwise—to help with frequency availability and by posting or linking to the latest updates from the FCC . Many of the systems available have the ability to scan for clear channels. But for more indepth information about what the airwaves look like in your local area, there are professional services that will perform frequency scans. For those with a bent toward DIY , there are scanners available for purchase or rental. Whatever your fancy, with the wireless landscape in pretty much a state of flux for the foreseeable future, it’s a good idea to periodically run checks to see what’s happening in your geographical region.

What’s the frequency?

Beyond all of that, you still need to find a wireless microphone system that will suit your particular requirements. There are many options to choose from, and some manufacturers offer multiple types within their product lines. With the tightening of available UHF spectrum, manufacturers are producing products that operate in other areas of the UHF spectrum, such as the 900MHz ISM or in the 2.4GHz bands. There are, of course, VHF systems that function in the frequencies below 300MHz, as well as systems that operate in the SHF frequencies above 3GHz. While the bulk of the systems available are analog UHF systems, some manufacturers have invested in digital transmission technology. Infrared (IR) technology is also available in some systems.

Frequency allocation in the UHF range is broken up into TV channels 14 through 51 (470MHz through 698MHz); what is now known as the 700MHz band (698MHz through 806MHz) for digital services and public safety; the 900MHz ISM band (902MHz through 928MHz) named but not limited to applications for industrial, scientific, and medical usage; and the 2.4GHz band (2400MHz through 2483.5MHz) for Wi-Fi and Bluetooth devices.

Each of the technologies carries its own set of strengths and weaknesses. For example, IR transmission can be very secure (the signal cannot be transmitted through walls); however, it requires a clear line of sight between the transmitter and the IR receiver. So it’s a good idea to be clear regarding what your particular goals and needs are in a wireless system. Again, manufacturers’ websites and customer support lines can be a great resource in helping to determine what type of system will serve you best. Since only an example or two from each manufacturer is highlighted in this article, be sure to check the websites listed for additional models and systems.

AKG offers the WMS 4500, which features an integrated data interface for PC controlling and monitoring. Also featured are AutoSetup, Environment Scan, and rehearsal functions. Transmitters can operate for up to 15 hours on AA–size batteries or 12 hours with optional rechargeable battery pack.

The company’s DMS 700 digital microphone system features proprietary signal encryption and 40 preprogrammed frequencies and the ability to operate up to 100 channels simultaneously. Low-cut filter, three-band EQ, and dbx compressor/limiter are integral.

Audio-Technica SpectraPulse

Audio-Technica makes a couple of transmission choices available with its SpectraPulse Ultra Wideband technology—which operates outside of the TV channel spectrum— as well as UHF systems. The SpectraPulse system includes the drm141 digital receiver module, up to two aci707 audio control interfaces, and up to 14 mtu101 or mtu201 microphone transmitter units.

Also available from Audio-Technica, the 5000 series UHF system features a dual receiver configuration, IntelliScan automatic frequency scanning, and Ethernet 10BASE -T data/control connection for remote computer monitoring and control.

Audix RAD-360

The RAD-360 wireless microphone system from Audix is a UHF system that operates between 614MHz and 662MHz with 193 selectable frequencies (per system group of 24MHz, spaced 125kHz apart). The handheld transmitters feature a -6dB, -12dB, or -24dB pad and can use interchangeable microphone head assemblies from Audix’s OM series.

Taking a different tack, Azden’s IR-CS infrared classroom system comprises the IRR-30P receiver/amplifier that allows use of two microphones (the handheld IRH-15c and neck-worn IRN-10). Also included are the external IRD-60 infrared sensor and ACS-6.5 in-ceiling speaker.

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Wireless Microphones Technology Showcase

May 13, 2011 4:50 PM,
by Mark Johnson

Electro-Voice R300

The Electro-VoiceR300 offers 32 preset channels, with compatible groups of eight channels for simultaneous use. The R300 operates in the A, B, and C bands (618MHz through 634MHz, 678MHz through 694MHz, and 850MHz through 865MHz, respectively). The system features ClearScan to locate the clearest available channel and EZsync infrared channel transfer from receiver to transmitter. Battery life is 14 hours from two AA batteries.

LectrosonicsVenue Receiver is a 6-channel modular receiver fits up to six VRS or VRT modules. It features Digital Hybrid Wireless technology, DSP emulation for compatibility with analog wireless systems, and USB and RS-232 computer interface. Lectrosonics offers multiple belt-pack transmitters as well as the UT handheld transmitter and HM plug-on transmitter.

Line 6’s solution to the crowded TV bands is the XD-V70 system that operates in the 2.4GHz ISM band. The system features simultaneous use of 12 user-selectable channels. Battery life with two AA batteries is 8 hours on high-power mode and 10 hours on low-power mode. The handheld transmitter also offers modeling of seven different microphones as well as the ability to accept certain thirdparty mic capsules.

MiPro Act-7

The Mipro Act-7 series comes in single, dual, or quad receiver systems, which feature Mipro’s AutoScan and Automatic Channel Targeting (ACT). The system provides the ability to select and save 16 used-defined presets from up to 2,881 frequencies. Computer set up, control, and monitoring are provided via Mipro RCS27 software. The system uses the ACT-7Ha handheld and the ACT-7Ta body-pack transmitters.

The 2W-1KU wireless system from Nady provides two independent UHF receivers delivering 1000 user-selectable channels apiece. The system operates in Band 1 (672MHz through 696.975MHz), and it features Auto-Scan for locating clear channels and Auto-Sync Channel (ASC ) to send group/channel information to the transmitter via IR.

The RevolabsHD Venue wireless microphone system operating frequency range is 1.92GHz through 1.93GHz, outside the TV bands. Each system is two channels with a maximum capability of four channels in a given area. Microphone options include XLR adapter for a handheld, tabletop, wearable, and Countryman earset adapter. The approximate range is 300ft. The rechargeable lithium polymer batteries provide up to 8 hours of operation.

Another system operating in the ISM 2.4GHz band is the SabineSWM7000 series series featuring Smart Spectrum, which enables up to 70 simultaneous users. The transmitters can use either AA alkaline or rechargeable NiMH batteries. Mic SuperModeling provides a library of virtual capsules that model the sounds of other microphones. The system also features FBX Feedback Exterminator, parametric EQ filters, a compressor/limiter, and an adaptive de-esser.

Samson AirLine Micro

Samson’s AirLine Micro earset wireless system features the micro-size AH2 transmitter and AR2 receiver. The transmitter is self-contained in the earset, which uses an omnidirectional mic. The receiver (2.36”x1.67”x.51”) uses a rechargeable lithium-ion battery, and the AR2 dock also serves as a charger. Both the transmitter and the receiver use a USB DC input for power and recharging.

Sennheiser ew 512 G3

The ew 512 G3 presentation set from Sennheiser features an Ethernet port for external computer monitoring and control. Also featured are 20 channel banks and six user banks, each with 32 factory-preset channels. The system includes an integrated equalizer. The SK 500 G3 bodypack transmitter comes outfitted with an MKE 2-ew Gold omnidirectional microphone.

Sony DWM-01

Shure’s UHF-R Wireless System is capable of simultaneous use of up to 160 compatible systems. Features include IR synchronization that allows configuration of transmitter settings from the receiver and auto frequency selection/scan to locate clear channels. The system includes an RJ-45 port for connection to an Ethernet network for system setup, monitoring, and control.

The Sony DWX digital wireless system features the Cross Remote Monitor/Control function, which allows up to 82 transmitters to be managed. It uses Sony’s WiDIF-HP wireless interface. The system is composed of the DWM-01 mic, DWR-R01D receiver, RMU-01 remote control unit, and AN-01 UHF antenna.

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