Upload
others
View
6
Download
0
Embed Size (px)
Citation preview
by Wayne DolnickIt seems that every day we hear ofa new must-have feature in every-thing from the ubiquitous iPod toour personal favorite microphone.But, in reality, does the latest mi-crophone offering with a newpainted finish or new lighter-weight carbon fiber body make it amust-have? That depends on yourbudget, your proclivity to beingfirst on the block with the newpiece of tech gear, and overall be-lief in marketing hype.
But some things change for thebetter with qualified product im-provements—say hello to wirelessmicrophones 2006, specifically to-day’s new group of UHF-basedwireless microphone systems.
Most likely if you have asystem that is older,possibly picks up in-terference, is suscep-tible to RF and is limit-ed for expansion, youprobably have a high-band, VHF-based wire-less system.
Why UHF instead ofVHF? UHF physically us-es smaller antennae, witha potentially shorter transmissionrange and possible multi-pathdropouts. But with a “diversity” sys-tem, which is based on multiple an-tennae on the receiver, greaterbandwidth, potentially greater dy-namic range and a radio spectrumthat is eight times greater than VHF,
a larger number of systems can runsimultaneously.
If you are the AV specialist ofyour house of worship and are cur-rently using a wired podium micro-phone, now is the time to look atthe plethora of wireless systems.From a small congregation to a verylarge one, wireless systems will al-low for more interactivity betweenclergy and the congregants—a veryworthy investment, whose upgrade-ability is only limited by the initialsystem purchased.
If you’re already wireless, butwish for a clearer signal, and are in
the market for anew handheld or two,
then a new UHF sys-tem may be in order.The choices are varied,with features previouslynot available in wirelessmicrophones, includingbetter reception, morechannels for continual
sound, a larger selectionof optional capsules, and
even integration within Ether-net-controlled systems.Wireless systems are quite easy
to set up and install if you have amodicum of technical skill. A wire-less system is based on a receiver,transmitter and microphones.Three basic types of transmittersexist—one being the microphone it-self, called a handheld; and the oth-er a small, lightweight box that isusually attached to the person’sclothing via a clip, called a bodypack; and the third, a plug-on.
Simple, so far. Now, choosing themicrophone style, depending onthe system selected, can be madespecifically for vocals or instru-
S Y S T E M S T E C H90M a r c h 2 0 0 6
www.systemscontractor . com
Avlex’s MIPRO MA-909 Wireless MixerAvlex’sMIPRO MA-909 profes-sional wire-less mixer isa UHF true-diversity 16-frequency agile wirelessmixer that combines up to two wire-less microphones, a CD player, micand line inputs into a rackmountable2-space control mixer with a wirelesstransmitter. Indicate 299 on Fast Facts card or visitwww.thru.to/systemscontractor.
beyerdynamic’sOpus 560 Wireless System
The Opus 560wireless systemfrom beyerdynamicis based on the
modular Opus800 system.The 560’s Au-toScan/ACT
function allows complicated system se-tups to be easily and quickly pro-grammed onsite. The receiver automat-ically searches for a free channel, whichthen can be transmitted via infrared tothe matching transmitter. The Opus 560is a vocal set comprised of receiver (NE
500 S) and handheld transmitter (SDM860 microphone). A rugged transportcase is also included.Indicate 298 on Fast Facts card or visitwww.thru.to/systemscontractor.
Azden’s APS 25bBattery PoweredSpeakerAzden’s APS25b batterypoweredspeaker canoperate with-out beingplugged intoan AC outlet,making itcompletely wireless. It uses an inter-nal, rechargeable battery that allowsthe speaker to operate for severalhours before needing to berecharged.
The APS 25b gives installers theability to have the right system for al-most any situation. The built-in wire-less receiver systems can be usedwith either body-pack lavalier orhandheld mics. By attaching one ofAzden’s plug-in transmitters to thehouse mixing console, the house feedcan be sent to any number of speak-ers wirelessly. Wireless receiver mod-ules can be changed any time with-out tools.Indicate 300 on Fast Facts card or visitwww.thru.to/systemscontractor.
Can You Hear Me Now?Wirelessly Into The Future
Shure’s SLX UHF system
F R E EPROJECTOR MOUNT
STAMPEDE EXCLUSIVE PROMOTIONPremier Distributor of Presentation & Home Theater Products
InFocus, the industry pioneer and
worldwide leader in the projection
market, teams up with Stampede, the
leading North American value-added
distributor of presentation and home
theater products, to bring you
the world’s best & brightest projectors.
Every InFocus projector purchased from
Stampede is backed by a knowledgeable
sales staff who take pride in their quick
responses, competitive prices, superior
technical services and sales support.
The combination of these services
enables you to make the margin you
desire on all of your installations.
www.stampede-us.com800.398.5652
www.stampedecanada.com888.459.8181
BUFFALO MIAMI PHOENIX SEATTLE T O R O N-
T O
LP6402200 ANSI Lumens DLP
1024 x 768 native resolution$400 Mfg. Rebateeffective 3/1/06 - 3/31/06
LP8403500 ANSI Lumens LCD
1024 x 768 native resolutionOptional Long throw and
Short Throw lenses available
LP8504500 ANSI Lumens LCD
1024 x 768 native resolutionOptional Long throw and
Short Throw lenses available
LP6002000 ANSI Lumens DLP
1024 x 768 native resolution$300 Mfg. Rebateeffective 3/1/06 - 3/31/06
Right now you can earn a
FREE PROJECTOR MOUNT
Offer valid until 4/30/06. Call your rep for details. Certain restrictions apply. One per projector.
with the purchase of any InFocus projector below.
C1802200 ANSI Lumens LCD
1024 x 768 native XGA$400 Mfg. Rebateeffective 3/1/06 - 3/31/06
C1702000 ANSI Lumens DLP
1024 x 768 native resolution$300 Mfg. Rebateeffective 3/1/06 - 3/31/06
INDICATE 75 ON FAST FACTS CARD OR VISIT www.scn.hotims.com
S Y S T E M S T E C H 91M a r c h 2 0 0 6
ments. Within the type ofmicrophones, one canchoose patterns (car-dioid, supercardioid, om-ni, etc.), again dependingon the system selectedand one’s needs. Thesecapsules allow sounds totravel only into the mi-crophone as desired. Mi-crophones should be se-lected based on one’sprimary use and possiblesecondary need. Hand-held, lavalier, head-wornare all examples. System selectionis based on your needs and whohas an answer for you.
Internally, the capsule or ele-ment of the microphone determinesthe type of sound and pattern ofrecording. Therefore, purchasing ahandheld or lavalier model is de-pendent on one’s needs and theunit’s performance. Most UHF sys-tems allow for additional, optionalmicrophones to be added with vari-ous capsule styles.
Audio-Technica offers variouswireless systems. Recently, thecompany enhanced its 3000 Serieswith auto-frequency scanning, al-lowing up to 16 simultaneous sys-tems per band, maxing out at 32
across two bands. Within eachband, 200 frequencies are selec-table. With the true-diversity UHFreceiver system, you can choosefrom a body-pack transmitter(ATW-3110) or a handheld unit(ATW-3141).
Shure offers its UHF-R systemthat is UHF-frequency-based, allow-ing use of some of the most recog-nized microphones (capsules) thatShure makes. From the SM58 or theBeta58, or any of the other half-dozen or so capsules Shure is notedfor, the UHF-R might answer yourneeds. 1- or 2-channel diversity re-ceivers are available, allowing for2,400 possible frequencies across60 MHz bandwidth from which to
lock onto one of the 40preset compatible sys-tems per band, and up to108 systems with multi-ple bands. The receiversalso have the ability tostore six 60-channel cus-tom frequencies groupsto a flash memory. Forthe average-sized congre-gation, Shure offers theSLX UHF system, with di-versity receiver, optionalhandhelds and/or lavs,head-worn or instrument
microphones, in a more economicalpackage that supports up to 20compatible systems.
Sennheiser’s wireless micro-phone system, the Evo-lution series G2, was re-cently introduced with anupdated
grouping of transmitters, receiversand body packs. The SR3254-U andthe SR3256-U offer single- and dual-channel transmission respectively,with claimed noise suppression of upto 90 dB in a wide dynamic range.The new flagship handheld transmit-ter is the SKM 5200 UHF with eight in-terchangeable mic heads, includingtwo from legendary Neumann. Oper-ating in the 36-MHz bandwidth andswitching at 5-kHz steps, the systemoffers up to 7,200 frequencies.
An affordable UHF wireless sys-tem was recently introduced bySennheiser in its entry-levelfreePORT with three plug-and-playvariations. Using diversity technolo-gy with switchable UHF, the
freePORT has a vocal,presentation and
speech option. AKG Acoustics offers
the new WMS 40 Pro Wire-less system, a third-genera-tion product whose design
allows for systems pur-chased based on need. TheWMS 40 Pro Flexx Diversitysystem allows for three user-
selectable frequenciesper channel, withthe WMS 40 Pro Sin-
INDICATE 73 ON FAST FACTS CARD OR VISIT www.scn.hotims.com
Sennheiser’s freePORT system
( continued on page 92 )Audio-Technica’s 3000 Series system
S Y S T E M S T E C H92M a r c h 2 0 0 6
gle having fixed frequencies, andthe WMS Pro Dual, with two trans-mitters and two independent chan-nels in a single half-rack. The ap-proach taken by AKG is based onmarket need more than engineeringprowess. If a simple system is need-
ed and one can use a fixed frequen-cy, the WMS 40 Pro Single is the an-swer, or, for more options, the WMS40 Pro Dual system allows for twopeople on the same receiver. An-swering an RF interference problem,the choice would be the WMS 40Pro Flexx.
If you work with a very large con-gregation and need more control ofthe room, AKG has introduced its
first HiQnet controlled wireless sys-tem. The WMS4000 can integratewithin the Harman family using theHUB 4000Q. Up to eight WMS 4000systems can be controlled and mon-itored simultaneously. If this is a de-sired feature, this is a productworth serious consideration. TheWMS 4000 system has dynamicrange up to 120 dB and a reportedfrequency response of 35 Hz-20 kHz.
Electro-Voiceoffers the RE 2UHF wireless sys-tem, with twovariants—the RE-2 and the RE-2Pro. Offering upto 1,112 possiblefrequencies viathe 28-MHz operating bandwidth inthe receiver, the systems allow forthe use of one of three handheldsplus a lavalier, with the RE-2 Pro al-lowing for one of two premium hand-helds to be used for a clearer spoken-word and a better vocal response. Tooutfit a larger facility or one that in-corporates a full choir and musicalsection, look at the RE-1.
As you can see, a wireless sys-tem allows for multiple users, ex-pansion, remote control and theability to pick microphones whosepatterns support your needs. Thedecision should be based on whichbrand and which system offer op-tions meeting your requirements,not whose product is the cheapest,or the most feature-laden.
Audio-Technica...www.audio-technica.comAKG...www.akg.comElectro-Voice...www.electrovoice.com Harman...www.harman.comShure...www.shure.comSennheiser...www.sennheiser.com
www.systemscontractor . com
Network Audio Solutions
SymNet is the world class solution for delivering and processing sound in virtually any commercial application. From housesof worship to boardrooms, convention centers to stadiums, and shoppingmalls to nightclubs, SymNet can handle your complex Digital Signal Processing and routing needs. Only from the engineers at Symetrix.
Visit our web site below to learn about SymNetDesigner 6.0 – now with Acoustic Echo Cancellation!
www.SymNetAudio.com +1 (425) 778-7728
Yes, SymNet can do that.
Engineered by Symetrix
A Quick Look At Common Microphone Patterns
Polar pattern, as the word suggests,is based on sound shape around a“pole” (think of the North Pole). Andthe polar-pattern is nothing morethan a graphical representation ofthe capsule’s directionality, hence theterms omni- and uni-directional.
Cardioid refers to a pickup areaaround the microphone whose pat-tern is concentrated in the front,with less on the sides, and is not assusceptible as some from feedback.This pattern resembles a flat tire,where the microphone is the axel,forming a type of unidirectionalplot. On a flat plot, the pattern ap-pears like a heart, with the mostsensitivity (absorption) coming fromthe top of the plot, or front of themic, with almost a complete null atthe back, or at 180 degrees.
Supercardioid and hypercardioidsare variants of the cardioid, whosepatterns are similar, but with lessfeedback, and a narrower “beam.”An omni-directional polar-patternmight be desirable for a choir or aband to record with, but might causeissues if a live PA system were nearit, with its susceptibility for pickingup sounds from all around.
INDICATE 77 ON FAST FACTS CARD OR VISIT www.scn.hotims.com
W I R E L E S S M I C S( continued from page 91 )
EV’s RE2 system