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Sennheiser D1 | Sennheiser’s new EW D1 system is a step-offering in the 2.4 GHz range, offering networked control, auto sensing for maximizing range or saving battery, and “smart” technology for maximizing available channels.
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System 10 Pro 1 | Addressing the relatively limited range of 2.4 GHz systems in dense WiFi environments, Audio-Technica offers remotable receiver modules connected to the receiver frame via Cat-5 cable.
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WiFi Analyzer App | How thick is the WiFi “soup” in your church? The free WiFi Analyzer app for Android may help you determine best receiver locations for 2.4 GHz systems.
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WMS 240V | The WMS 240V from AKG is a solid representative of quality UHF analog systems that continue to offer excellent performance, ample channel counts, good frequency agility and options for external antenna systems and changeable capsules on handheld models.
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Shure QLX-D Systems | UHF digital systems will be the mainstay of mid-size and larger churches in coming decades, and Shure’s QLX-D systems target that market with exceptional channel-packing capability, networked control, interference resistance and transparent sound quality.
Regarding the forthcoming auction of radio frequency spectrum in the United States and its impact on wireless microphone use in your church, please be aware:
The sky is not falling.
Granted, large chunks of it may be coming down, although it may not affect your neighborhood. And it won't happen for another year or two, at least.
What I'm referring to, of course, is the delayed FCC auction of the 600 MHz television spectrum, now scheduled for some point in 2016. Church wireless systems now operating in TV channels 36 to 51 could be affected. However, unlike the blanket prohibition issued a few years ago for the 700 MHz band, this transition will likely be on a gradual, area-by-area basis that should allow many 600 MHz wireless systems to operate for years to come. We hope.
So although there's no need to panic, it's best to heed the scout motto and be prepared. Be aware of what choices you have for wireless spectrum, and the potential for interference not only from TV stations (and any new post-auction owners) but also from nearby neighbors and, increasingly, within your own church.
So, what are your choices?
RF Spectrum Menu:
UHF – Wireless systems in the UHF band operate anywhere between 470 MHz (TV channel 14) and 698 MHz (TV channel 51). These systems can be either analog or digital.
ISM – These are the “Industrial, Scientific and Medical” bands centered at 900 MHz and 2.4 GHz. All systems using these bands are digital.
VHF – Only a narrow frequency slot is reserved, 169 – 171 MHz (just below TV channel 7). All wireless microphone systems currently sold in this band are analog.
Which option(s) are best for your church? That depends on a number of factors and tradeoffs, which will differ depending on church size, geographic location, number of channels needed, sound quality desired, and other radio frequency devices operating both in the neighborhood and inside the church. We'll examine the tradeoffs involved and look at typical available systems for each spectrum.
UHF – Still More of Everything
The great majority of church wireless microphone systems operate in the UHF TV bands, and this is likely to continue well into the future. Mature UHF technology, whether analog or digital, simply has more to offer. Today's better UHF systems offer channel counts typically ranging from dozens for analog up to hundreds for digital. Range is excellent for UHF signals, and wall penetration is very good as well. There are more models with more features to choose from, with offerings from nearly every major maker at price points from under $300 to several thousand for premier digital systems. The only real down side to UHF is the increasingly crowded spectrum—with more crowding certain to come—which will make it harder in some areas to work around potential interference.
One issue that will require additional deliberation is whether or not to purchase new systems in the 600 MHz band, as many remain available. As a general rule it's best to give priority to systems in the 500 MHz band, but other considerations such as current TV station interference and costs may make 600 MHz a viable choice, particularly in systems that can tune multiple channels across a wide bandwidth.
Digital UHF Options
Digital UHF systems will undoubtedly take on an increasing share of the workload as we move into the bandwidth-limited future. Digital systems not only offer higher channel counts and better sound quality (primarily because they eliminate noise-reduction companders), but as a rule they offer more features such as longer battery life, signal encryption, and greater resistance to interference. Costs are higher, though, generally running 10% to 20% more than comparable analog systems.
At the upper end we find Sennheiser's Digital 9000, which provides superlative performance with a host of features such as either High Definition or Long Range Modes, tuning across practically the entire TV band worldwide (470 to 798 MHz), AES3 digital outputs, and rack-mount receiver frame for up to eight channel modules. The handheld transmitter is compatible with all Sennheiser capsules as well as high-end Neumann KK 204 and 205 capsules. This is a system largely for mega churches with serious media ministries, and if you have to ask the cost you probably can't afford it.
A larger swath of mid-to-larger churches might opt for a system like Shure's QLX-D Series, which for roughly $1,000 per channel still provides excellent 24-bit digital performance, up to 60 systems per band and up to 17 in a single TV channel. (Analog can't come close to that.) Other features include network connection for computer control and monitoring, AES-256 signal encryption, and multiple microphone transmitter options.
Neither fish nor fowl is the proprietary digital hybrid technology from Lectrosonics, which transmits compander-free 24-bit digital audio over an analog FM radio link. Geared for the most demanding professionals, the modular receivers capture signals from a series of seven transmitters, including tiny micro body packs when total concealment is required.
Analog UHF: A Shopper's Market
Analog UHF remains the solid core of church wireless systems, and likely will remain so for some time to come. Selection is bountiful, with good quality systems starting with street prices around $300 and ranging up to established pro systems like Shure's near ubiquitous UHF-R at over $2,000 per channel.
Typical of entry-level systems is the WMS-240 from AKG, which can accommodate up to eight simultaneous systems in the same frequency band (two bands are available). Features include up to eight hours battery life on a single AA battery; choice of handheld, headworn, lav or instrument transmitters; and compatibility with AKG's range of external antennas, RF amplifiers and splitters.
Just a bit more is the Synth 7 Series from Samson, offering wider tuning bandwidth for up to 20 simultaneous systems. It also has a large multi-color LCD receiver display with remote battery indication—not always included at this price point.
Another step up in features and cost is the RE2 system from EV. The Advanced Clear Scan technology seeks out open channels from over 1112 selectable channels, and battery level shows on the receiver. Transmitters have selectable battery modes for distance or power saving, and the handheld unit accommodates switchable cardioid or supercardioid capsules, dynamic or condenser.
Audix OM series microphones are preferred by many vocalists, and if you want to go wireless with them you can choose a RAD-360 system, which allows you to select the capsule of your choice. Performance and features are very good, with up to 193 frequencies per group, up to 12 hours on two AA batteries, and frequency response of 40 Hz to 18 kHz (capsule dependent).
Mipro is perhaps better known for integration of wireless microphones into its popular portable PA systems, but the company does offer some stand-alone UHF analog systems. One versatile offering is the highly affordable ACT-312/ACT-30H/T system, with both handheld and bodypack transmitters coupled to a dual-channel receiver. The Automatic Channel Targeting feature selects the best frequencies from 961 available, with up to 8 usable simultaneously.
ISM Bands: 2.4 GHz and 900 MHz
This segment of the market is, in today's parlance, “trending.” ISM band systems bestow peace of mind, because these frequencies never will be auctioned off to the telecoms. Any system is good to go anywhere in the country, indefinitely.
There are down sides, however. These bands are getting more crowded every day, as this is where you find Wi-Fi systems of all kinds, from Internet access points to security systems and even thermostats. Fortunately, most wireless mics use “smart” technology that enables them to find their own signals amid the RF clamor. But there is a limit. If there's too much going on in these frequencies, your wireless system may experience limited range, reduced channel availability, or both. Even under optimum circumstances, these systems top out at about a dozen channels. Before committing to this technology, you might want to check out the level of saturation in your church using a tool like the free Wi-Fi Analyzer for Android. Also, be aware that because of the shorter wavelengths, these signals will experience more attenuation from walls than UHF signals. Short distance, line-of-sight is your best bet.
Most of the new activity is in the 2.4 GHz band, with systems now available from at least six makers. A particularly innovative new entry is Audio-Technica's System 10 Pro. Remote antennas do not work well at these frequencies, but A-T neatly sidesteps the problem by allowing you to remote the channel receiver module up to 300 feet via Ethernet, with LED indicators on a rack-mount chassis along with slots for two receivers (should you choose to leave them there). Bodypack and wireless transmitters are available, and cost is only marginally higher than non-remotable options.
Line 6 has focused exclusively on 2.4 GHz systems since the get-go, and continues to refine the technology. The step-up XD-V75 system—still under $500—features the company's renowned DSP emulations of 10 popular vocal microphones.
Though a latecomer to this category, Sennheiser pulled out all the stops with its EW D1 Series. Smart frequency management supports up to eight systems, with auto-scanning and auto channel switching should interference rear its ugly head. Adaptive power technology senses the power needs of the moment, boosting when required and reserving to extend battery life when signal is strong. Automatic sensitivity adjustment lets you use the same bodypack for mic or instrument without rummaging for that little screwdriver.
The 900 MHz band offers fewer options as it is not available in many countries and it must share the band with things like cordless phones, baby monitors, walkie-talkies and the like. But if 2.4 GHz looks maxed out at your church, Shure has two options. The PGX-D is a solid, entry-level system offering up to five simultaneous channels, range of up to 200 feet, and automatic channel scan with transmitter sync. Recently, the company unveiled a new 900 MHz version of its upper-end ULX-D Series, which has all the same premium features as the UHF version (Ethernet connectivity, optimized auto scanning, intelligent battery monitoring for 12+ hours of life, and more) but with maximum channel count of 12 unless you switch to high density mode for up to 73 channels with reduced audio bandwidth.
VHF: Handy for Add-ons
Way back in the early days of wireless, all systems were VHF. However, building on notable technical advantages (including ample spectrum availability for a while), UHF slowly took over the high ground. But VHF survives, though frequency spectrum is scant and most systems are clustered at the low (and very low) end of the quality spectrum.
Why look at VHF? Well, consider my church. We needed a speech-only, pass-around system for our large classroom. I wanted to keep campus UHF as open as possible, and our church has dual band Wi-Fi access points with extenders, Wi-Fi security cameras, and Wi-Fi thermostats are coming next. Hmm….
VHF is still worth a look if all you need is a few channels with basic audio quality and good wall penetration. But don't go too cheap. Of the few models suited for serious church use, look at Audio-Technica's frequency-agile System 9 and Samson's true-diversity Stage 55 Series with ¼-inch and XLR outputs.
