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AKG DMS700 V2 - With a 512-bit encryption and low latency, the new DMS700 V2 offers artists and engineers additional confidence in digital wireless performance with reliable, easy-to-use wireless components.
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AUDIO-TECHNICA 2000 SERIES - Frequency-agile, 10-channel analog UHF wireless offered in two frequency bands, with half-rack receivers, handheld and beltpack transmitters. Receiver provides scan feature, ToneLock squelch, and switchable antenna power.
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AUDIX RAD 360 - Frequency-agile analog UHF operating in 614 – 662 MHz range, with handheld and beltpack transmitters and a variety of microphone options. Half-rack receiver rack-mountable with optional kit, and optional antenna multicoupler available. Tone key squelch and selectable frequencies within two 24-MHz groups.
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Beyer Opus 910 - Frequency-agile analog UHF wireless with scan feature, half-rack or two-channel full-rack receiver, handheld and beltpack transmitters operating in various bands between 482 – 698 MHz. Pre-coordinated groups and channels with frequency display and ability to select own frequency. Transmitter and receiver battery level indicators. Ability to control via PC. Setting of transmitter via infrared from receiver. Optional remote antennas and multicoupler.
No matter how the details of a technology change, the basic functions and applications of audio equipment remain the same—music and voice must be clearly heard and understood from a distance. Specific to wireless applications, the technology allows mobility and flexibility without the entanglement of wires and the benefit of being able to engage the congregation more directly.
One of the key drivers for innovation in wireless microphones is the changing environment prompted by the wide variety of wireless devices now in common use, and their effect on the RF landscape, as well as the legislation put in place so they can all “play together.” For some of you, this has meant that your existing wireless solutions are experiencing new problems. So how will these innovations—including digital wireless—help you continue to spread the Word?
The Wireless Environment – An Example
As the wireless spectrum has become more crowded with diverse applications, frequency bands that were once clear, or at least practical for wireless microphone use, are experiencing widespread interference. An example of this evolution is those highly touted frequency-agile UHF wireless units from not too many years ago, operating in the 700 MHz band. First came the mandated digital television conversion to HDTV, which rendered the former clear spaces between the video and audio signals useless (resulting in high background noise and shortened range for your wireless transmitters), and then the more recent clearing of large swaths of that band for public safety and wireless carrier services. With billions of dollars of revenue involved, the fate of your wireless microphone investment was lost in the noise.
Is it Interference or Something Else?
If your wireless microphones have been experiencing more problems lately, try to isolate whether the system itself is faulty for some reason, or if a new source of interference has arisen. Sources of interference include digital television (DTV), computers and digital processors/equipment, faulty electrical equipment and lighting fixtures, intermodulation from multiple wireless transmitters, other wireless systems in use, such as in-ear monitors or wireless intercoms, and smart phones and cell phones worn by a presenter and in close proximity to a beltpack or other transmitter (or the cable to a lavalier or headset mic).
Test a problem wireless channel in isolation with all other transmitters and receivers off, and see if anything changes. If you are hearing audio anomalies, temporarily remove the receiver antennas and bring the transmitter closer to the receiver; this should lower the background interference from other sources and allow you to hear what is coming from the transmitter by itself. If it’s OK, it is likely RF interference from an outside signal. Use remote antennas to lessen the distance to the transmitter, reposition the receiver for better line-of- sight, or try another channel.
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Gary Parks has previously served as marketing manager and wireless product manager for Clear-Com intercom systems, and has also worked with loudspeaker and wireless product management at Electro-Voice, in addition to serving as a technical writer at Meyer Sound. He is currently with eDX Wireless and is also a freelance writer. .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
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