Two manufacturers of high-quality audio equipment have joined forces (and products) to offer a vocal handheld digital wireless microphone system, with the potential to deliver studio-level audio in a live setting. Using the flagship Line 6 XD-V75 digital wireless as the means of transmission, the full audio potential of the Earthwork's SR40V handheld microphone may be delivered. Though the system is not yet shipping, I have experienced both separately, and am looking forward to the results of this collaboration.
The SR40V is a hypercardioid condenser microphone that offers excellent polar response and remarkably consistent frequency response both on- and off-axis, with high gain-before-feedback and sound pressure handling up to 145 dB SPL. Its frequency response is neutral and even from 30 Hz – 40 kHz, +/-2dB, with a warm, modest proximity effect when used close up; even though the response above 20 kHz or so cannot be heard as a pitch, it can be sensed and adds to the realism of the audio image.
The transient (impulse) response of the mic diaphragm is virtually instantaneous, and tracks the audio source without any additional “ringing”, so that the details of the source are transparently reproduced. The sound is like a high-end studio condenser. Each mic is individually hand-tuned and extensively tested, and the design is durable and roadworthy. The WL40V wireless head version is used with the Line 6 handheld transmitter.
Line 6 is one of the pioneers in digital wireless, and the XD-V75 represents their fourth generation. The system consists of a half-rack receiver with detachable antennas and a generous backlit display in a sturdy aluminum chassis, and a selection of handheld and bodypack transmitters. Provided rack-mount kits allow two receivers to be mounted side-by-side in 1RU, with powered BNC (antenna) connectors for daisy-chaining multiple systems. Up to 14 simultaneous channels of wireless can be used.
The handheld transmitter features a metal body that resists handling noise, with a backlit LCD status and programming display. The WL40V is robustly threaded onto the transmitter, connecting to internal mating electrical contacts. A mute button silences the audio while maintaining the RF connection with the receiver. When the transmitter is being used closer to the receiver, a low-power setting can be selected to extend battery life. Transmission range between transmitters and receiver antennas is up to 300 feet.
The XD-V75's audio specifications include frequency response of 10 Hz to 20 kHz, 24-bit digital sampling, and a dynamic range of up to 120 dB (A-weighted) without any companding. The digital signal maintains its full quality regardless of distance between transmitter and receiver, and is supplemented with their proprietary Digital Channel Lock technology. In my experience with the system, the audio sounds wired. The system also includes channel scanning and encryption.
To ensure that the microphone capsule reaches its full audio response characteristics, the signal from the mic diaphragm must be flawlessly encoded, transmitted, and then decoded with the same accuracy so that it emulates a wired connection. Line 6's digital transmission methodology, without having to rely on the companding that is necessary for all analog wireless systems, certainly has the potential to make this happen. I am curious if and how they have applied their mic modeling algorithms, as used in their THH12 handheld transmitter, or if they have developed a “straight-wire” bypass for this mic head that allows the pure signal to pass.
Having not yet seen the pricing, though knowing of the individual components, the combination will be greater than a modest investment. However, considering the superlative audio quality inherent in the WL40V microphone capsule and the XD-V75 wireless, and that your sound system is also comparable, vocals and spoken word should sound like they are being captured through a professional studio mic.
