Despite fierce competition from the “big three” microphone makers, Audix continues to carve out its fair share of the church market by offering unique innovations (like their Microboom choir mics) and solid value across a range of mid-priced products.
Recently, though, Audix had slipped a step behind in the wireless market as other makers introduced a bevy of new systems. However, rather than jumping in quickly with yet another “me too” product, Audix decided to take the time needed to leapfrog ahead of the pack in a market segment. It looks like they've done it, as their new Performance Series stacks up as a dominant contender among “step-up” wireless systems.
By “step-up” I mean systems that provide performance and features beyond those necessary to deliver the minimum to get by in a serious church application. Yes, you could find workable solutions at marginally lower price points, but you might rue it in the long run. We'll review those critical differences in a bit. First let's check the fundamentals.
Tried and true analog
Performance Series wireless systems are analog and operate in the FM band at frequencies between 522 MHz and 586 MHz (TV channels 22 – 33). Obviously these frequencies are outside the 600 MHz spectrum slated for auction by the FCC, and therefore should remain open for many years (if not decades) to come.
Performance Series offers four different receivers using two levels of technology. The R41 single-channel and R42 dual-channel receivers have 32 MHz of bandwidth and accommodate up to eight compatible simultaneous channels selected from 106 preset frequencies. The R62 and R62 receivers (single and dual channel respectively) cover the entire 64 MHz frequency bandwidth for up to 16 compatible simultaneous systems across 207 preset frequencies. In addition, the R61 also allows manual setting of frequencies – likely needed only in very dense RF environments – across 2,560 selectable frequencies.
The R41/42 systems use microprocessor controlled antenna diversity, while the R61/62 have two separate RF stages for true diversity. Both of the dual-channel systems operate with one power supply and one set of antenna inputs, which means up to eight channels can be fed by one external antenna combiner. Performance specs are good across the board, with both sub-series claiming 45 Hz – 18 kHz frequency response and -105 dB signal-to-noise ratio.
Both the “40 subseries” and the “60 subseries” receivers are paired with the same two transmitters, the H60 handheld and the B60 bodypack. Since both transmitters accommodate the full 64 MHz frequency bandwidth, users can add more “40” system receivers from the other half of the bandwidth, or move up to “60” systems and still use the same transmitters. Battery life on both transmitters is stated at up to 10 hours.
For those of us who have struggled with bare-bones budget wireless, it’s comforting to know we have an affordable option for relief.
Far beyond budget territory
Most of the features listed earlier can be found in better “budget” systems, meaning those falling in the $300 to $500 per channel range. But what follows definitely takes us into the step-up category. Most of the following features won't be found in budget systems, and – though I haven't done thorough research – offhand I don't know of any other system at comparable price points (see below) that offers all of them.
All metal construction – I had a chance to check these out at the Winter NAMM Show in January and I was very impressed with the integrity and solidity of the units. They had the same heft and feel of our church's “German heritage” units that cost significantly more.
Auto-scan with IR sync – Yes, some budget models offer this streamlined set-up, but not all. Also, Audix claims the Performance Series has a new generation chip that scans through over 200 options in the less time than a budget system needs to chug through a couple dozen. Once the receiver scans and finds an open channel, you sync the transmitter via IR with the push of a button. (Important reminder if you've never done this: Make sure all your RF transmitters, mics and IEMs, are on before you scan your new systems.)
Modular, interchangeable capsules on the handheld transmitter – You can start with an Audix OM2 dynamic capsule and later move up to an OM5 or even the silky VX5 condenser. An Audix spokesperson was sufficiently confident of his company's own capsules to reveal that the mounting system is also compatible with most Shure capsules.
Threaded, replaceable body pack antenna – I'm probably not the only church tech who has applied Goop glue to keep a fatigued, hard-wired antenna from falling off.
Four-segment battery meter with remote receiver indication – no idiot LEDs here. And if your receiver is visible at FOH or in monitor world, in the middle of the service you can answer the question, “Did we remember to replace the low batteries on the worship leader's mic?”
High contrast LCD display with full metering – again, you see multi-segment meters, not red and green idiot LEDs.
Selectable 10 mW or 40 mW transmitter power – budget systems with only a half dozen channels don't need this, but it's a good idea to drop your power when running a dozen or more systems (mic or IEM) to prevent intermodulation interference. If antennas are properly placed, 10 mW is plenty. However, 40 mW is better for a long throw outdoors or to penetrate walls. Best to have the choice.
Other features of note
The handheld transmitter has a single, recessed power/mute switch on the barrel side. That location always makes me nervous, but at NAMM I tried gripping across it hard and didn't trigger a mute.
The receivers all have 12 dB of gain adjustment, and the transmitters have 21 dB of level setting to accommodate a wide range of mic capsules, instruments and acoustic levels. Receiver outputs are on ¼-inch and XLR connectors.
Less than you'd think
Audix will be shipping the Performance Series as a range of pre-packed systems with the full menu of options: receiver type, handheld with capsule selection or bodypack with lavalier or headworn microphones, or instrument packages with guitar input or mic setups tuned to flute or sax. Mics supplied with bodypack systems are Audix, of course, and have three-pin mini-XLR connectors. Sigh. Alas, there is no industry standard, but Audix plans to offer an adapter to accommodate other makes.
How much? Well, Audix plans to offer all those step-up features in a single 40 Series with an OM2 handheld for street prices in the $400 neighborhood, and with the 60 Series receiver for under $600. The dual-channel receiver systems are packaged as both handheld, bodypack and mixed. Street pricing tops out at around $1,500 for a dual bodypack with premium headset mics.
And when? Audix expects to start shipping in May.
Without question, with the Performance Series Audix is aiming at the sweet spot of the church market. Smart thinking. For those of us who have struggled with bare-bones budget wireless, it's comforting to know we have an affordable option for relief.