First off, in a move that affects the vast majority of churches, the FCC announced a decision to protect most wireless microphone users from "white space devices." Two TV channels will be reserved nationwide for wireless microphone use, enough for most locations to operate 12 to 16 wireless microphones, in-ear monitoring systems and intercom systems without interference. Additional channels between 14-20 will also be available due to other restrictions that govern their operation. Large-scale users can receive extended protection for specific events through the geo-location database prescribed by the FCC in 2008.
In a late-September conference call, Shure representatives relayed a three-step plan of action from the FCC. The plan advises users to first proceed with operating their wireless systems they always have. The entire TV band remains available for their use. If users encounter interference, the second step is to move to the protected or reserved channels. Third, if the operation is too big (too many channels) or interference continues to be a problem, users may register with the database and the FCC will consider extending additional protected bandwidth.
Shure joined with lawmakers from Chicago, Nashville, Tenn., and Las Vegas in praising the thorough and detailed research that preceded the FCC's ruling. "For the vast majority of situations, this ruling is very positive," says Mark Brunner, senior director of global brand management with Shure.
Now for news item No. 2. Earlier, QSC Audio announced a new line of digital audio mixing consoles, the product of a new partnership with Greg Mackie and Peter Wells of M&W Pro Audio.
To date, QSC's business had focused on amplifiers, processors, networks, and most recently, loudspeakers.
Greg Mackie, founder of Mackie Designs, retired in 2003 after Loud Technologies acquired the company. The announcement from QSC says Mackie's long-time friend, Peter Watts, who has developed consoles for 35 years, convinced him to come out of retirement to develop a new line of digital consoles. With concepts and preliminary designs in hand, Mackie and Wells began looking for a partner. "We needed a pro-audio partner with established sales, marketing and distribution," Mackie says. "A partner with a solid reputation for quality and reliability-one that had the technical capabilities to develop advanced digital mixing consoles and the manufacturing know-how to produce the products."
Design work on the products will be done by both M&W and QSC, while manufacturing, distribution, sales, marketing and technical support will be handled entirely by QSC. The first products are to be announced in early 2011.
QSC's VP of Marketing, Gerry Tschetter, says the new products will definitely be applicable to the church market. "The new consoles will bring some capabilities that will resonate quite well with the house-of-worship, sound reinforcement community."
More on these and other developing stories in the November/December issue.
Best Regards, Brian BlackmoreEditor-in-chief and Publisher
