by Pete Tidemann

One of the new products from Telex in the New Year is the FMR-1000 UHF wireless microphone. This compact 1/2-rackspace unit is a multi-channel UHF frequency wireless system that includes a number of features previously unheard of in the RF microphone world. Our review unit contained a receiver and two antennas, the hand-held transmitter with an Electro-Voice N/D767a microphone element, and a body pack transmitter with an omni-directional lavalier mic: the ELM-22.

The world of wireless microphones became more complicated after the telecommunications bill was passed through Congress, clearing the way for more TV stations and emergency frequencies that encroach upon the sound engineer's small range of operation. To help minimize interference, the FMR-1000 features two frequency sets labeled A and B.

The FMR-1000 receiver employs the Telex technology called Clearscan, a process to scan wireless frequency availability in a venue, providing the user with a recommendation of the best channels for wireless operation. Since RF interference is the most common problem in using wireless microphones, this technology is invaluable to the church that uses multiple wireless microphones during a service.

You can perform this test for any given length of time. For example, there may be no interference at 8PM on Saturday night during your sound check, but Sunday morning, when the church across the street is in worship, the probability of interference may be quite different.

Operating Clearscan, and selecting the best available frequencies, is a simple two-step process. First, you scan all the unit's available groups of frequencies (there are 10 factory- preset groups, as well as 10 user-definable groups available). The receiver automatically scanned the frequencies in my area and gave me group 5 with the most channels available. The second step is to scan within that group to find the individual channels with the least amount of interference. In my case, I used the first frequency listed: channel 11. The frequencies in a group are listed in the order of best to worst selections for interference.

To set up multiple wireless mics, you Clearscan the available groups first, set the first receiver and transmitter with the best channel available, leave the transmitter on and move to the next receiver in line to scan for the next best frequency within that group. Even though I only had one unit for testing, I could see that this technology would be perfect for avoiding the pitfalls of dropouts or interference with multiple RF microphones.

The Sound Check Screen is another unique feature in this system. It allows you to walk the transmitter around the room and see the peak level, squelch setting and drop out in the area. In cases where the service participants move through the congregation or outside of the sanctuary, this test will allow you to see if your RF channel will drop out in certain areas. If it does, then you need to adjust the position of the antennas, switch channels to a clearer frequency, or simply inform the presenter to avoid those areas.

The lock out feature on the transmitters and receiver is simply engaged to protect against unauthorized personnel changing the internal group and channel settings, a problem often occurring with a well-meaning but inexperienced operator.

On the backside of the receiver you will find the output connectors, one balanced XLR and one ¬-inch unbalanced jack. Either will work for the output, but the best choice for a long cable run is to use the XLR connector, thereby avoiding the ground loop or induction of noise into the line.

The power supply is external but is not the traditional wall-wort style. Rather, it is in line with the cord so it can be mounted inside the rack and only takes up one space on the power strip. Also on the back of the unit, and opposite the power connector, is another exciting feature, a USB port for future updates on the system software.

There is also a strip (Phoenix-type) connector on the back panel that allows for hard-wired connection of the audio signal, a TTL battery-low and transmitter-on signals. This can be handy for fixed installations and allows for remote indicator LED lights to be mounted where the minister or sound person can see them.

In my evaluation, the hand-held transmitter, model HT-1000, performed flawlessly and the N/D767a element sounded warm and musical without any EQ adjustment on the console. The bottom cover of the transmitter screws off to reveal the group/channel selection and a high- or low-gain setting. When switched into high mode, the output is increased and the range of the transmitter reaches much further. This is intended for use with long-range events, but can also increase the possibility of intermodulation distortion between multiple frequencies.

The HT-1000 handheld transmitter has thread fittings that can accommodate other microphone elements, such as a Shure Beta 87 head. This is a valuable feature, and one that I especially appreciate because of the varying requirements in sound reinforcement. Making this product compatible with other microphone elements was a thoughtful addition on the part of Telex.

The power switch for the transmitter is not recessed inside the microphone but instead located on the outside of the transmitter. Many pastors like to switch on their own microphones during worship, and as long as the squelch setting is adjusted correctly, this poses no problem during the service. However, depending on the person using the microphone, it is easy for someone to inadvertently switch it off if they are not careful. Telex was prepared for this though and included a software feature that allows the sound person to disable the on/off switch. This on-lock feature can be programmed to work every time the unit is powered on or for just one on/off cycle.

I also like the WT-1000 belt-pack transmitter and lavaliere combination for a number of reasons. Constructed from cast magnesium, the transmitter is solid and sturdy with a removable ¬-wave antenna. The removable antenna is impressive because this is one part that seems inclined to fail on many systems. On this unit, you can easily replace it by screwing another in its place. Not only can you use this transmitter for lavaliere microphones, you can also use it as a guitar wireless with the appropriate adapter. Housed inside the flip-down lid are the switches to adjust group/channel and gain, as well as a switch for instruments or voice. The omnidirectional ELM-22 lavaliere microphone is small and unobtrusive and sounded good, although I often choose a cardioid microphone to maximize gain-before-feedback. The belt pack includes the standard TA4F connector so you can use other lavaliere microphones as well.

The belt pack clip is somewhat unique. There is a separate piece, much like that of a cell phone belt clip that attaches to the presenter's belt or belt loop. The belt pack transmitter then clips in and out of that piece. This made it easy for me to remove the belt pack and change batteries with no hassle, and also gives the person wearing it more comfort. And, because it swivels, it provides extra flexibility, especially when sitting down. Both transmitters feature a unique battery holder that will work no matter which way the battery leads are oriented. For easy monitoring, there are battery level indicators on both transmitters and the receivers' front panel.

In some church installations, the microphones are mixed through an automated mixer with no adjustable user controls. To provide a little more control, the FMR-1000 receiver has one band of parametric EQ on the front panel with three pots to control level, Q, and frequency. This is another helpful and unusual addition that can come in handy.

Also, you can add a 20-character label to the front-panel LCD screen on the receiver-more than enough space to put names and channel assignments if you wish.

The wireless system ships with a standard ¬-wave antenna for the receiver, however, for better reception, I would recommend the «-wave antennas. For additional insurance against interference, you may also purchase an antenna distribution system that you connect multiple wireless receivers. Directional paddle antennas boost the receive gain of the system and can be remotely located in sight of the transmitters for fault-free operation.

The Telex FMR-1000 is a flexible and powerful wireless system that would be an excellent choice for many churches. As most sound engineers know, wireless interference can cause the best of occasions to turn bad, and the FMR-1000 system is one way to solve many of these difficulties and make sure that the message is heard, loud and clear.

Pete Tidemann is principal of Linear Velocity, an audio consulting firm based in Minneapolis, MN. He can be reached at hanzlander@earthlink.net.