Audio-Technica recently released the fourth-generation of its 3000 Series wireless microphone. The result is a nicely featured and well conceived single-channel analog wireless that sounds good and is easy to set up and use. Let’s take a look at the technology and the details of this new system.
Analog vs. Digital
Many of the newer wireless systems feature digital transmission technology, including Audio-Technica’s System 10 and System 10 PRO, which operate in the 2.4 GHz spectrum. While digital systems can offer unique advantages in a crowded RF spectrum, A-T and some other prestigious companies continue to offer high-performance analog RF systems—using a reliable, mature technology aided by wide bandwidth receivers, scanning capabilities, pre-coordinated frequency groups, and sophisticated squelch circuitry. Though requiring a somewhat higher transmission power, and with a frequency-modulated analog channel typically occupying more spectrum than a digital system, the analog methodology doesn’t introduce any latency into the signal.
System Features
The system consists of a half-rack sized receiver housing one channel, with a variety of menu options and the ability to sync a transmitter via an IR link. Each receiver unit is standalone, with detachable antennas and an input for an external power supply. It offers both balanced XLR and unbalanced quarter-inch outputs, with menu-adjustable output levels and a ground-lift switch. The receiver is true diversity, with two separate antennas feeding different receiver circuits, and circuitry to select the best received signal.
The auto squelch circuitry adjusts the squelch setting (which mutes the audio output based on the level of the received RF signal from the transmitter) to maximize system range while minimizing potential interference. The auto squelch is further refined with menu selections of “High” to prioritize sound quality, “Normal,” and “Low” to prioritize range. Squelch level can also be set manually via the menu in increments from 1-13. Effectively, you can tailor the tradeoff between the possibility of interfering RF noise and how far away you can operate the transmitter.
The tuning bandwidth of the system is a generous 60 MHz operating in the UHF spectrum, equivalent to 10 U.S. television channels.
A cool feature of the 3000 Series is the ability to set a backup frequency, either manually or via group/channel, and assign it to the function button on the transmitter—located on the base of the handheld and the top panel of the bodypack. After it has been set, all you need to do in case you need to change the frequency to avoid interference is to push and hold the button for a moment, and the frequency will change on both the transmitter and associated receiver in about 5 seconds. Another push will take you back to the original frequency. Since there is only one function button, and the transmitter mute is also assigned to that button (on the handheld), you need to choose which is more important for that particular user.
The tuning bandwidth of the system is a generous 60 MHz operating in the UHF spectrum, equivalent to 10 U.S. television channels. You should have plenty of available channel options even in more crowded urban environments. Maximum recommended simultaneous channels per band is 40 systems, though you would need a very clean RF environment to approach that many channels. Either pre-coordinated group/channel frequencies or manual settings in 25 kHz increments are possible. Even with the recent clearing of the 600 MHz band, the 3000 Series provides two full bands, and part of another, that will steer clear of that range. The offered bands are 470-530, 530-590, and 590-650 MHz.
Depending on the particular microphone capsule selected, stated frequency range for the handheld is 25 Hz to 16.7 kHz, and for the bodypack is 31 Hz to 15.5 kHz. Maximum range is up to 100 meters, or greater than 300 feet.
ATW-R3210 Receiver and Settings
The receiver has a generous OLED display window, which is very crisp and legible with white characters on a black background. The main screen displays the frequency, transmitter battery level, and RF signal level, along with group/channel and audio level. There are also very obvious indicators to show that the associated transmitter is off, or muted—important information accessible at a glance. With a turn of the rotary encoder, the display changes to a horizontal presentation of instantaneous audio level from -40 to +6 dBu, and received RF level from -88 to -72 dBm in 2 dB increments. You can switch between displaying the audio level from the perspective of the transmitter or the receiver output.
A cool feature of the 3000 Series is the ability to set a backup frequency, either manually or via group/channel, and assign it to the function button on the transmitter.
A quick press of the rotary encoder unveils the settings menu. From there you can initiate an RF scan by pre-coordinated group or manually set a frequency. The first six groups scan a 10 MHz block of spectrum, and return up to 12 compatible channels, depending on existing TV and other radio signals in that band. The next two groups scan 30 MHz and return up to 24 compatible channels, and the final two scan the full 60 MHz for up to 32 channels. This allows a good bit of flexibility on where to place your wireless mic frequencies.The particular channel can be named, using an alpha-numeric list. The “Audio” setting selects the receiver’s output level, from -60 dB to 0 dB. Transmitter sync’ing is accessed via the menu. The “Utility” menu includes settings for locking receiver functions, screen brightness, display settings, frequency selection, and more. The two BNC connectors provide menu-switchable 12VDC power for remote powered antennas, via Utilities.
Transmitters & Settings
On both the handheld and bodypack transmitter, the power switch is within the battery compartment. Though this placement takes slightly more effort to turn on or off, typically this is a once-per-event action and it eliminates the possibility of a user accidentally turning off the transmitter mid-service. All the other controls are nearby the power switch, so while you’re there, you can sync the Tx to the receiver if necessary, adjust the gain to match the user’s voice, select the RF power output, lock settings, and so on. The “SET” button activates the menu, and toggles through a variety of settings. The transmitter frequency can be set manually or by group/channel independently, or can be sync’d with the receiver. If desired, it’s easy to have both a bodypack and handheld transmitter on the same frequency to use with a receiver at different times (note that this is an analog system, and having two transmitters turned on with the same frequency yields very obvious degradation of the audio quality).
The 3000 series wireless microphone system provides some sophisticated functions that I would expect on high-level wireless...
The audio gain can be changed in 2 dB increments from -10 to +20 dB, however you have to select and store the gain change before you can audition the results, rather than hear the changes in real time and then choosing the level you like. A high-pass filter can be selected to minimize pickup of low-frequency background noise. The transmitter RF power can be set to 30 mW, 10 mW, or off, so that you can emphasize range with the higher setting or select a lower power for less potential intermodulation with other frequencies and potential frequency reuse in nearby locations. The transmitter also can be named via its own menu, though this procedure is more time-consuming than doing so via the receiver. As mentioned before, the “Function” button can be assigned as an audio mute or a way to activate a backup frequency. The “Utilities” menu permits the selection of battery type so that the battery level metering can be accurate, and control the LED indicator. When used with rechargeable NiMH batteries, both transmitters feature external charging connectors for the optional charging bays. Battery life is eight hours for two AA alkaline batteries at the highest RF output.
ATW-T3202 Handheld Transmitter
The handheld transmitter is well-balanced and fairly comfortable in the hand, durable and with the parts precisely fitted. A small, easy-to-read OLED display shows frequency (or name), battery level, RF transmit status, and HPF if the high-pass is engaged. With the up/down menu buttons, the display can be set to show group/channel, or just the battery and transmit status, if desired. The display times out after about 15 seconds to save battery power.The replaceable microphone heads thread onto the mic handle, and use industry-standard concentric ring contacts. I was sent the C710 condenser head, which had a nice, crisp response and was consistent tonally to about 30-degrees off-axis, and had decent rejection at the sides and rear. I also had the dynamic C510 head, which seemed to exhibit a wider cardioid pattern with less of the condenser crispness in the higher frequencies, yet with a nicely balanced tonality. With either head, the solid transmitter body exhibited low handling noise. If desired, several other microphone heads are available.
ATW-T3201 Bodypack Transmitter
The bodypack is compact and solid, with a metal chassis with the exception of the battery door. The only external controls are a recessed mute toggle switch, and an assignable function button on the top panel. The detachable, threaded whip antenna is rigid enough to not flop around, but flexible enough to move comfortable with the user. A threaded 4-pin connector attaches a selection of headset, lavalier, or instrument cables to the transmitter. The BP892cH MicroSet earset/headset mic—a great-sounding, tiny omni condenser—was sent with the evaluation system.The bodypack has an identical menu button setup to the handheld, and with a similar selection of settings. Because it has a separate mute switch, an additional menu setting allows the switch to be disabled, if necessary. The battery door is securely clipped it place for rugged use, yet is easily enough opened for adjusting settings with a thumb and index finger on both sides pulling down and away—a good, solid design.
Overall Impressions
This latest generation of the Audio-Technica 3000 Series wireless is a solid performer, with the audio quality and enough features to meet the needs of the majority of mid-level users. And the price point for what it offers is quite reasonable. The system provides some sophisticated functions that I would expect on high-level wireless, such as the ability to select and quickly change to a backup frequency, and the wide 60 MHz tuning range. It is well-built, and should provide years of reliable service.
When connected to the audio system, I did notice more self-generated system noise that I have with digital wireless systems—which I find to be dead-quiet. However, it was still well below the level of the audio when using the microphone, and the sound quality is quite good. It can be rack-mounted, but unlike some other systems each receiver requires separate power and antennas. With the UHF bands offered and the number of simultaneous channels that can be used (based on the external RF environment), the 3000 Series would be a good choice for anything from a few channels to a mid-sized installation. Street price for a receiver and handheld transmitter is around $599.
