Real World: What's Up With Wireless Systems?
Times are changing rapidly
By
Gary Stanfill
Whether or not we’re ready, the wireless world has entered a time of
rapid change, brought on by DTV (digital television), changing government
policies and new technology. Several wireless microphone system manufacturers
are responding to these forces with new and often innovative gear, while
others seem to be still “lacing up their shoes.”
Those manufacturers who have yet to react are in the process of learning
how painfully soon “what’s new” becomes old news. On the other side of
the sales counter, users are finding prices starting to ease back up after
a long period of decline. What’s up with that?
A primary driving force behind all this are the simple fact that finding
usable frequencies is getting harder every day. This is partially due
to the steady growth in the number of wireless mics and wireless in-ear
monitoring (IEM) systems in use at a typical venue or concert. The main
reason, however, is DTV and all of the current (and planned) changes in
frequency allocations. The situation is only going to get worse in coming
years.
The net result is that the days of fixed-frequency wireless are well past,
especially for live and touring sound. In addition, increasing frequency
congestion raises the ante on equipment performance, which increases costs.
Wireless manufactures are confronted by the need to offer systems their
customers can actually use, now and in the future, at least if they plan
on being in business in five years. And buyers are looking at higher costs
and perhaps the need to buy new gear well before the old systems are worn
out.
In the March 2003 issue of Live Sound, we took a “Real World Gear” look
at compressors and compressor/limiters, many of which have been around
for a good many years and are justifiably popular. Unfortunately, wireless
is different. Thanks to the changing wireless environment, a “vintage”
wireless mic is simply old. No matter how good it sounds, how great the
range, how much you like it, if it won’t work, it doesn’t matter.
Accordingly, we are going to focus on currently available wireless systems
that can hopefully see you through the difficult times ahead. We have
limited our look to UHF handheld systems with frequency agility and at
least eight selectable channels. As you will see, there is quite a range
in number of channels, features and approaches. There are also some systems
with new technology and some unique features.
We encourage you to always try out a wireless system before you buy it.
Despite what you may have been told, no wireless system available today
sounds just like a wired mic. You might also find that all the features
are great, but it just doesn’t sound right. Or you might like the sound
but the range isn’t good enough, or there is too much interference.
Our goal is simply to let you know what’s “out there” and help you make
a short list of systems that might meet your needs. Minus that killer
new system that is going to come out next month, of course!
Shure UHF Systems
|
|
 |
List Price: $2,435.00 with SM58 mic element Manufacturer Take: Shure’s top-of-the-line UHF frequency agile system. 554 - 584 MHz, 662 - 692 MHz and 782 - 806 MHz versions, with 960 to 1,200 available channels spanning four or five TV channels. Features include remote battery monitoring, internal power supply, headphone monitor, preset channel/group assignments and metal single or dual one rack-unit receivers. Versions with the Beta 58, 87, Beta 57A and Beta 87C mic elements are available. |
Gary Stanfill’s Take: The Shure UHF Series has been around for several years and is widely used for broadcasting, live sound, concerts and other high-end applications. It has good frequency agility, very good sound quality and a wide choice of mic elements. Transmitter power output is lower than some competitive units, but the range is usually adequate. A good selection of optional antennas and other accessories is available. The Shure UHF Series is deservedly popular despite its somewhat higher than average price.
Sennheiser 550 Series
|
|
|
List price: $4,164.90 with two SKM335 handhelds Manufacturer Take: A heavy-duty professional wireless system for demanding applications. 518 - 550 MHz, 630 - 662 MHz and 740 - 772 MHz versions available, with 16 user-presettable switchable channels selected from the 1,280 available channels. Features include built-in antenna distribution for 16 channels, internal AC supply, transformer-coupled outputs, headphone monitoring and two channels per one rack unit. Transmitters with Sennheiser E835, E845 and E865 mic heads available. |
GS Take: The 550 series is a beefed-up version of Sennheiser’s popular Evolution 500 system and uses the same transmitters. Offers heavy-duty construction to stand up to the rigors of touring and two channels in one rack-unit. The built-in antenna distribution is a nice feature that can save space and dollars. As with the other Evolution systems, the 550 offers very good frequency agility, several frequency ranges, decent RF and audio performance, and some nice features.
AKG WMS 4000
|
|
|
List price $1,298.00 with HT 4000 handheld Manufacturer Take: The WMS 4000 offers 1200 channels in each of several 30 MHz bands extending from 650 - 790 MHz. Other features include automatic frequency scanning, a remote control and monitoring interface, remote battery monitoring, color status display and AA transmitter batteries. Unusual “jog” setup controls. Six interchangeable heads are offered and transmitter power is 25 - 30 mw. |
GS Take: A relatively new system from AKG that has very competitive features and performance. The frequency agility is very good and several frequency ranges are available. The large number of interchangeable mic heads is also notable, as is the 12 - 15 hour rated battery life. AKG has a good reputation and the audio and RF performance should both be good.
Audio-Technica 4000 Series
|
|
|
List price: $999.00 for model AEW-420D Manufacturer Take: The 4000 series offers 200 RF channels over a range of 655.500 - 680.375 MHz. Has status displays on both transmitters and receivers, remote battery monitor, dual-band compandor, balanced and unbalanced outputs, internal power supply, AA transmitter batteries, metal transmitter cases and receiver linking. Automatic frequency scanning with coordination of linked receivers. Four models of handheld transmitters are available, two dynamic and two electret. |
GS Take: Nice LCD display and the automatic coordination of linked receivers can be very helpful. Good selection of mic heads and the feature list is extensive. The dual-band compandor should provide very good audio quality and the RF performance is decent. Switchable high/lower transmitter power output can extend battery life, but the maximum power is 35 mw, only average. At this product level, more available RF channels would be nice.
Electro Voice RE-1
|
|
|
List price: $1,550.00 with CS-1000 767A handheld Manufacturer Take: The RE-1 offers 950 available channels in each of two ranges; 680 - 704 MHz and 722 - 746 MHz. Automatic frequency scanning, remote battery monitoring, and dual-band compandor are standard. Transmitter offers 5 or 50 mw output. Single or dual receivers are available, the dual has some useful extra features, such as USB remote monitoring and headphone jack. Interchangeable mic heads, including the RE 510 electret. |
GS Take: Very good frequency agility, automatic frequency search, remote computer monitoring, interchangeable mic heads, dual-band compandor and a nice LCD display are all attractive features. Has phasing diversity instead of true diversity. Only the dual receiver has all the features. Good RF performance and somewhat above-average audio can be expected, especially with the RE 510 head.
Sennheiser 300 Series
|
|
|
List price: $1,235.00 with SKM335 handheld Manufacturer Take: Part of the 100/300/500 Series, which differ from each other primarily in features and details. All offer the 1280 channels in each of three ranges: 518 - 550 MHz, 630 - 662 MHz and 740 - 772 MHz. Features for the 300 series include eight user-programmable preset frequencies, XLR and 1/4-inch phone outputs, remote battery monitoring and availability of a large number of accessories. Transmitters with Sennheiser E835, E845 and E865 mic heads are available. |
GS Take: The moderately-priced Sennheiser Evolution series was quite a departure for a company known primarily for its expensive high-end systems. The 1280 available channels was also ground-breaking at the time, but has since been matched by other companies. Transmitter power is 30 mw, a bit less than some competitive units. All the Evolution series offer decent RF and audio performance and a number of useful features, but the excellent frequency agility is still their primary claim to fame.
Lightspeed 9000 Series
|
|
|
List price: $1,075.00 (1 channel) with HM-800 handheld Manufacturer Take: Offers 1000 channels in each of five frequency ranges and a one rack unit modular receiver accommodating one to four receiver strips. Features include a lighted LCD status display, dual band compandor, optocoupler limiter, high gain receiver antennas, internal antenna distribution network and “AA” transmitter batteries. Transmitter power output is 50 mw and the receiver sensitivity is very good. |
GS Take: This system offers very good frequency agility and excellent RF specifications. The emphasis is on solid RF and audio performance, and less on cosmetics and nonessential features. Audio specifications are also very good, and the sound quality should be excellent. With a better microphone element, this system could be a real contender.
Shure ULX Standard Series
|
|
|
List Price: $1,050.00 with SM58 mic element Manufacturer Take: Shure’s value UHF frequency agile systems. 554 - 590 MHz, 662 - 698 MHz and 748 - 784 MHz versions are available; all have 1440 available channels spanning 6 TV channels. Features include automatic frequency search, balanced and unbalanced audio output, remote battery monitoring and LCD display External DC supply. Versions with the Beta 87A and Beta 58 mic elements are also available. |
GS Take: Shure’s lowest cost UHF frequency agile system shares transmitters with the more expensive ULX Professional system, but the receiver lacks RF level meters and has a plastic case. The frequency agility is among the best available. Transmitter power output is 20 - 30 mw, lower than some competitive units. Shure mic heads, good audio, and decent RF performance at a very reasonable price point. If you’re on a budget, well worth checking out.
Audio-Technica 3000 Series
|
|
|
List price: $799.00 for model ATW-3141D Manufacturer Take: The Audio-Technica 3000 Series is replacing the previous 7000 Series. The 3000 offers 200 channels over a range of 655.500 - 680.375 MHz. Features include balanced and unbalanced audio outputs, remote battery indicator, AA batteries for transmitter and lighted LCD display. Two receivers can be mounted side-by-side in one rack space with the included adapter. The handheld transmitter has a dynamic mic. |
GS Take: A fairly basic system by today’s standards, with moderate frequency agility and a reasonable feature set, all at an attractive price. It gives the appearance of being a careful balance between essential features and price. No electret mic is offered for the handheld, the power supply is external and there is no mic/line switch, but no “must have” features have been left out. Average RF performance and good audio quality can be expected.
Telex FMR-10
|
|
|
List price $720.00 with HT-10D handheld Manufacturer Take: Telex stresses “affordability” with this unit. It offers 10 channels in each of two bands in the 710 - 734 range, with automatic frequency scanning. Other features include audio and RF level LEDs, RF channel display, phasing diversity and a metal receiver case. Transmitter power output 10 - 15 mw. |
GS Take: A basic frequency agile wireless at a basic price. Even with only 10 channels, it offers much more flexibility than a single frequency unit, and frequency selection is simple. With low transmitter power output, the RF performance will be only average. Ditto audio quality. A budget choice, but service and support are available, not always true of “no name” imports.
Samson Synth 32
|
|
|
List price $439.00 with with Q mic handheld Manufacturer Take: Offers 32 channels in one 3.875 MHz band in the 780 MHz range. Features include colored LCD status display, adjustable squelch, balanced and unbalanced outputs. Other characteristic include an external power supply, 10 mw transmitter output, low transmitter power consumption and permanently-attached receiver antennas. Variety of mic elements available. |
GS Take: A limited degree of frequency agility, a very modest feature set and below average audio specifications limit the appeal of this system. Does not have tone-coded squelch or remote battery monitoring, two important features. The low transmitter power will also limit system range.
Sabine SWM7000
www.sabineinc.com|
|
|
List price $1,249.99 (single channel) with SW70 handheld Manufacturer Take: Unlicensed 2.4 GHz operation with 70 available channels, usable worldwide. DSP audio processing with microphone modeling, feedback suppression and de-essing. Optional multi-receiver remote control system, 1 mw transmitter output, providing good battery life on one rechargeable C cell. Balanced, unbalanced and digital outputs. Optional Audix mic head. |
GS Take: Interesting wireless system that does not require a license and can be used nearly worldwide. Not a true digital system, it’s actually a FM system with special circuitry that allows it to be used in the 2.4 GHz band. Makes heavy use of DSP technology to provide most of its many features. The audio should be above average. However, the claims of “70 systems” and “100 meter range” should be taken in context.
Lectrosonics VR400 Series
|
|
|
List price: Approximately $2,800 with UT400 handheld Manufacturer Take: A new hybrid digital/analog wireless system with 24-bit digital audio combined with UHF analog transmission techniques, just hitting the market as we went to press with this issue. Offers 256 channels in each of 11 frequency ranges between 512 and 793.5 MHz. The receiver accommodates up to six receiver strips and has internal antenna distribution, an internal power supply and a computer interface. The transmitter has 50 mw of output and operates from AA batteries. |
GS Take: Impressive new technology and initial field reports indicate excellent audio quality. Lectrosonics is known for good RF performance and this system is no exception. It also appears to be less affected by interference than regular FM wireless. Although data compression is used to reduce the transmitted bit rate, the audible effects seem to be fairly minor. An impressive technical accomplishment that needs to be supported with a wider selection of mic heads. The wave of the future? Perhaps so.
AKG WMS 80
|
|
|
List price $662.00 with HT 80 handheld Manufacturer Take: A cost-effective frequency agile wireless with 15 preset frequencies in one of three 4-MHz bands between 770.6 and 788.4 channels. Five interchangeable mic heads available. Receiver has front-mounted antennas, balanced and unbalanced outputs and uses an external power supply. |
GS Take: A basic wireless system with modest frequency agility. The interchangeable mic heads and long battery life are nice features, but otherwise it’s a pretty vanilla system by today’s standards. No tone coded squelch, 10 mw transmitter power, very basic controls and indicators, external power supply and permanently attached receiver antennas all detract from its appeal. The audio quality should be decent.
Gary Stanfill has more than 30 years experience in audio, RF technology, communications and wireless systems. He served as president and general manager of Vega, and is now principal consultant for Colmar Systems, based in Southern California. Gary can be reached at gjstanfill@earthlink.net
June 2003 Live Sound International