FRONT OF HOUSE
[ MAKING SENSE OF WIRELESS MICS | Kent Morris ]
cause havoc. This is why manufacturers pre-
Wireless mics, and their close relatives,
wireless IEMs (in Ear Monitors) are complex,
interdependent,
location-sensitive,
self-
contained little radio stations. They transmit
on RF (Radio Frequencies) through the air
with weak carrier signals beset by gaggles of
stronger, more numerous competitors vying
for airwave space. Getting them to work
consistently is difficult at best, but, since
singers and speakers demand their inclusion,
let’s look at how we can give our wireless a
fighting chance in the wild.
Most wireless mic and IEM systems work in
the UHF range, typically between 470 and 608
MHz after the latest FCC auction sold away
[ Purchase the
best wireless
the church can
afford for the
select groups of compatible frequencies within
each band.
Purchase the best wireless the church can
afford for the pastor. The one non-negotiable
wireless is the pastor’s. This unit should be
the best available with the highest reliability,
pastor. The one such as Shure UHF-R on the analog side and
non-negotiable part of the package, select a high-quality ear-
wireless is the reliability and sound quality difference versus a
pastor’s. ] parts are readily available.
Sennheiser 6000 Series in the digital realm. As
set mic, such as the DPA d:fine 4066 series. The
low-cost mic is significant, and replacement
most of 608-698 MHz and we had already lost Obtain a distribution system. Antenna farms
698-806 MHz previously. Unfortunately, as the are an invitation for poor RF performance. RF
space for wireless mics has shrunk, we have Venue makes excellent, reasonably priced units
seen a dynamic increase in the demand for like the Distro4-Bundle, which handles four
wireless systems. There is no cheap solution diversity receivers from one paddle antenna
to packing dozens of mics into a crowded RF and includes all the necessary cabling. Their
arena. In other words, high quality wireless Combine4-Bundle does the same thing for
systems are the only choice, and they cost real inherently more complex wireless IEM systems.
money. So, the “Four wireless for $199” deals RF Venue products are designed to work with
are guaranteed not to work in any situation any manufacturer’s systems.
outside a corn field in Nebraska. What, then,
is the best way to allocate limited resources for Budget
wireless? Here are some ideas. are
for
fragile
maintenance.
and
cannot
Wireless
be
mics
dropped
or
abused without damage. Figure on sending
Use wireless only when required. If the worship transmitters in for factory service once every
leader is at a grand piano and does not get up two years on average, based on typical usage.
and move around, use a wired mic. Despite the Buy good batteries such as Duracell Pro Cells
“clean stage” theory, a mic cable is drastically and change them out after two hours use. It is
less noticeable than a wireless mic reproducing a small price to pay for reliable performance.
interference at full level. Each wireless not used Keep a spare head, such as an SM58 on-hand
means more space for those in use, since every in case someone drops a mic during sound
wireless produces not only its fundamental check. Finally, use Micro-Phome sanitizer on all
frequency, but several harmonic frequencies mic elements on a regular basis to prevent the
based on that fundamental. Just as striking spread of germs.
A440 on a piano creates multiple harmonics
within the instrument, so too, wireless mics Wireless mic and IEM systems provide freedom
have spikes all along the RF spectrum. When of movement, but at a price. If the price is
several mics are in simultaneous use, these worthwhile, the results can be solid, repeatable
harmonics can interfere with one another and performance for years to come.
34
August 2017
WorshipMusician.com