The Federal Communications Commission handed down a ruling in 2009 that has become very costly to users of wireless microphones. The ruling states that the 700 MHz frequency band [698-806 MHz] will be partitioned so that commercial wireless services and personal wireless devices (iphone, blackberrys, etc) can have their place in the airwaves. This affects all wireless microphones that currently operate in that 700 MHz band. In short, after June 12, 2010, those wireless microphones can no longer be used. Doing so will constitute illegal usage of the 700 MHz band.
For more information on the ban, you can visit the 700 MHz Ban FAQ’s .
All is not lost on your equipment, however. Years ago, one church I know had bought new head-worn microphones for their wireless microphones, replacing the lapel microphones. If you are in this situation, you can still use the head-worn microphone component. This can save you some money.
Therefore, in case you have done the same, I’ve put together a list of wireless microphones that are comparable to an Audio-Technica wireless microphone system that I've seen in several churches. In the case of the first two, the microphone is NOT included so you can use your existing mic's and save a few dollars. The Audio-Technica's provide a great product at a price-point lower than the typical Shure and Sennheiser units available. If the 700 MHz band issue is new to you, these microphone systems are a good place to start.
Audio-Technica ATW-3110a UHF UniPak Wireless System Channel C¹
This wireless system comes with the Audio-Technica ATW-R3100 receiver and ATW-T310 UniPak transmitter.With automatic frequency scanning to find and set the best available channel, 200 selectable UHF channels, true diversity protection from RF hits and dropouts, and soft-touch controls, the 3000 Series wireless delivers truly professional performance. The versatile UniPak body-pack transmitter features a secure 4-pin locking connector compatible with a wide range of microphones, as well as guitar cables. A 3-position sliding cover on the transmitter's control panel prevents accidental shutoff or channel-switching.
Audio-Technica ATW-2110 2000 Series UniPak Wireless System 656-678MHZ
Includes the ATW-R2100 receiver and ATW-T210 UniPak transmitter. Features automatic frequency scanning, True Diversity operation, and Tone Lock squelch system. The metal half-rack receiver has soft-touch controls, LCD display, ground-lift switch, balanced XLR, and unbalanced 1/4" outputs. Includes rackmount kit and detachable UHF antennas. All 10 user-switchable channels are compatible. 656-678mHz.
Audio-Technica ATW-2192-TH Wireless System
The Audio-Technica ATW-2192-TH is a wireless system that includes the ATW-R2100 receiver, ATW-T210 UniPak Transmitter, BP892cW-TH Omnidirectional Condenser Headworn Microphone (beige), element covers, windscreens, and clothing clip.Audio-Technica's innovative 2000 Series wireless delivers professional performance, unheard of in its class. With this breakthrough series, Audio-Technica makes easy setup, automatic scanning and other advanced wireless features affordable as never before.Automatic frequency scanning—standard on all 2000 Series wireless receivers—finds and sets the best available channel at the touch of a button. For those using multiple wireless systems simultaneously, the 2000 Series offers another ease-of-use standout: any of its 10 channels may be used together – eliminating confusing frequency groups and other frequency-coordination problems.
I'm Chris Huff and I've been working successfully behind a mixer for the last twenty years. Since 2008, I've been helping other sound techs learn all about the art of church audio through behindthemixer.com.
Sound Systems: Design and Optimization, Second Edition: Modern Techniques and Tools for Sound System Design and Alignment
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One Insightful Comment on "Reminder To All Wireless Microphone Users"
And how to use both equipments for multiple users/persons?
From:-Alex