AKG WMS 40 PRO Wireless Instrument Set
Freedom is a beautiful thing, but traditionally, it has come with a price. Over the last decade, we’ve seen an explosion in the use of wireless technology and as a result, many new freedoms exist. Wireless technology is certainly all around us. We find the technology in everything from internet connections, cell phones and personal data assistants to even our garage door openers. And yes, while this technology has traditionally been expensive, the cost is now a fraction of what it used to be.
The church has also benefited from the advent of wireless technology. The most common wireless item found in the church is the lavalier microphone. Because of this technology, ministers are no longer shackled to a fixed location, but instead, are able to roam at will while delivering their message. To state it plainly, wireless technology is so widespread, most of us could not imagine life without it. In this review, we’re going to take a look at a unit that enables instrumentalists to also enjoy the freedom of wireless technology. This unit is manufactured by AKG and is called the WMS 40 PRO Instrument Set Single.
In January, 2006, AKG announced the release of their third generation of WMS 40 range wireless Products. According to AKG, this new line includes “three levels of all-new, application-focused systems with the right balance of cost and capacity for vocalists, musicians, lecturers, coaches, trainers, worship leaders – anyone who needs both clear communication and freedom of movement.” The WMS 40 PRO Instrument Set Single is one of these application- focused systems. This system is designed for instrumentalists, like guitarists, and operates on a single fixed frequency.
Upon opening the box, the WMS 40 PRO Instrument Set Single includes the ½ rack space SR 40 PRO Single stationary receiver, the PT 40 PRO transmitter (clip-on belt pack type) and a 40-inch long “guitar” cable called the MKG L. This particular cable features a ¼-inch TRS instrument connector and a locking mini-XLR connector for input connection to the bodypack transmitter.
The SR 40 PRO Single Receiver is a model of simplicity. The ½ rack space unit features a sturdy metal case with a center plastic window concealing three indicator lights and a large on/off button. Attached to the front of the unit is a threeinch metal swivel antenna. Next to the antenna is a single volume control knob. On the back of the unit is a single ¼-inch output jack and a 12-volt power supply jack (the unit comes with a 12-volt power supply). Above the power supply jack is a nice addition of a plastic strain relief for the power supply cable. I’ve experienced the frustration of having a power supply cable short out and therefore, I particularly appreciate this addition.
The PT 40 PRO pocket transmitter is 2.5- inches wide and 2.75-inches long and is extremely light weight. It features a flexible three-inch antenna pointing straight up from the unit and a metal belt clip attaches to the back. Along the top of the unit are not only the antenna, but also the mini XLR input jack and a three position on/off/mute switch. The PT 40 PRO can operate for up to thirty hours on a single AA battery, and it also accepts rechargeable AA batteries. Along the bottom of the pack are terminals which allow charging from an external charging station, which is not included. As an added bonus, the PT 40 PRO also accepts a wide array of lavalier microphones. This feature allows the PT 40 PRO to be quickly converted from instrument usage to say, a wireless setup for a guest speaker.
In use, the WMS 40 PRO Instrument Single performed flawlessly. For the testing, I ran the output of my Taylor 714 CE acoustic guitar into the PT 40 and the output of the SR 40 into my Focusrite preamp. I was especially interested in whether or not the WMS 40 PRO Instrument Single would cause my guitar to sound unnatural or overly compressed. Several years ago, I experienced so much over compression from a different manufacturer’s wireless unit that I decided against using it. AKG addresses the WMS 40’s handling of dynamic range with an acronym called “HDAP,” which stands for “High Definition Audio Performance.” This technology, according to AKG, “ensures the legendary, realistic AKG sound and perfect audio transmission.” They also go on to say that “It delivers all the highs, lows, and transient attack of your instrument so your audience hears all the nuances of your playing. With its ultra-wide frequency response and wide dynamic range, it sounds and feels just like a hard-wired system.”
With all of this in mind, I decided to try the guitar first through the WMS 40. The sound through the WMS 40 was clear, bright and punchy and most importantly, I didn’t notice any over-compressing or “squashing” of the sound. In addition to the great sound, there was very little, if any, noise generated from the WMS 40 system. The true test, however, came when I bypassed the WMS 40 and plugged directly into the mic preamp. There was no change in the sound, which was very impressive. With regards to the sound, I wouldn’t hesitate to use this unit in any live setting.
Some problems, however, may arise with regards to the fixed frequency. In certain settings, especially those with a high amount of RF or multiple wireless systems, the user may encounter RF interference problems. The end user would need to make a list of all the frequencies used in a particular location to ensure against potential frequency conflicts. If there are frequency conflicts, one may want to upgrade to AKG’s WMS 40 Flexx Set which allows multiple frequency selections.
In conclusion, I was very impressed with the WMS 40 PRO Instrument Single and I wouldn’t hesitate to use it in my own guitar rig. Therefore, I also wouldn’t hesitate recommending it to other instrumentalists. As I had mentioned, freedom has traditionally come at a price, but that’s not the case with the WMS 40 PRO Instrument Single. With a suggested retail price of $250 and a typical selling price of $179, even those on the leanest budget can attain wireless freedom.
