Street Price: $599
Big things can come in small packages, and rightly so with the CADLive WX3000 Wireless Microphone System. It truly covers all the wireless needs an audio tech might face, with CAD packing these features and functions into a nice little black carry case.
Contents
The WX3010 Bodypack wireless system's packaged in a sturdy padlock-ready case, with foam padding on the top and multi-compartment padding on the bottom. This provides separate areas for the receiver, transmitter, AC plug, two antennas, and all of the rack-mounting hardware. The E19 earworn microphone is stored in a zippered pouch that can be placed on top of the receiver box before closing the case.
The mounting hardware includes single and dual rack ears. Additional antenna cables and bulk head BNC connectors are included for moving antennas to the front of the rack or for connecting to a distribution amplifier like the CAD DA4090. This amplifier can also provide power to the receivers and thereby eliminate annoying wall wart plugs.
The CADLive WX3000 Bodypack system comes with an omnidirectional E29 lavalier microphone, gold-tipped 32-inch guitar cable, and either the E19 earworn omnidirectional microphone or the cardioid dynamic TX3000 handheld equipped with the CADLive D90 capsule. Both the lavaliere and the earworn microphone come with additional foam windscreens. The system offers a dynamic range greater than 110dB. The WX3000 Handheld system comes with the all metal construction TX3000 equipped with the CADLive D90 Supercardioid capsule.
The bodypack has a side-facing, high-contrast LCD display that shows RF power, battery strength, transmitter gain, operating frequency and mute indicator. The IR ScanLink and setting controls are inside the AA-battery compartment. The only exposed button is the Mute/Power button on the top of the transmitter. It also features the CADTone Body Pack input—Optimized Impedance interface—Hi-Z for guitar and Lo-Z for microphones.
The receiver features a high contrast display that shows the normal information expected, such as operating frequency, antenna diversity indicators, RF signal, RF and AF displays and battery life meter. The outputs include both a low-impedance balanced audio XLR jack and a high-level unbalanced output via 1/4-inch jack. If not rack-mounted, the rubber feet allow the system to be placed on a desk.
The system also utilizes True Diversity operation to minimize multi-path interference, as well as the CADLock Automatic Tone Encoded Squelch to eliminate unauthorized transmissions in the signal path.
The WX3000 wireless system offers numerous features designed to reduce interference in situations where multiple wireless systems are operating—features not often found in this price range.
The last feature is the selectable transmitter power of 10, 30, or 50mW, so by using the appropriate power for different situations, the best connectivity can be achieved even when blasting through RF environments, without adversely affecting the system's 15 hours of battery life.
Wireless frequencies
The wireless systems are currently available in the 580-600 MHz, 655-679 MHz and soon to be available 470-489 and 518-542 MHz bands. The instruction manual includes charts with channel and group number for quick wireless channel configuration. For those using multiple CADLive wireless transmitters at the same time, the manual includes a chart for simultaneous usage, with appropriate group and channel assignments, so wireless frequencies don't interfere with each other.
While it's always necessary to know where all wireless devices live, the system also uses a clear-channel scan (proprietary CAD ScanLink technology) and the IR ScanLink control to find a clear channel and pair the receiver and transmitter together—assuming the IR sensors are within a few inches of each other. The IR ScanLink is available with both the bodypack and the handheld microphone.
Testing
This system was tested within our church sanctuary with the receiver in the sound booth and the pastor on stage, roughly 60 feet apart, with the wireless body pack and the E19. The wireless frequency connection was strong and devoid of interference thanks, in part, to the receiver's clear channel scan tool. The pastor's voice came through clear with a slight bit of warmth to his voice. Although I prefer a vocal microphone that rolls off the lows and boosts a bit of the highs, by design, the flat response of the E19 did provide the flexibility to sculpt the EQ to exactly what I wanted.
I used the ear-worn microphone myself, while another tech mixed, and was able to test out the holding power of the ear piece. It's not bendable, but did flex to fit on my ear and it stayed put without moving or discomfort. The E19 comes with an attached pop filter but if the same person will always use it, I'd remove the pop filter for a cleaner on-stage appearance. Both the E19 and the E29 include spare pop-filters.
The mute/power button on the top of the body pack has a nice tactile click when it's pushed and requires just enough pressure to prevent an accidental mute. However, the case itself is a light plastic and wouldn't take kindly to being dropped—not that musicians (or techs) are ever hard on equipment. In addition, the transmitter antenna can't be replaced.
The transmitter/receiver can be obtained in either the 580-600 MHz band or the 655-679 MHz band. Given the United States F.C.C. current frequency auction of the 600MHz band, I recommend the 580-600MHz version. Even though the auction is ongoing and there would be a few years allowed for meeting compliance, I'd stay away from the higher band. While it might be several years, every piece of audio equipment should be purchased with longevity in mind.
Generally, I'm not a fan omnidirectional lavalier mics such as the E29 because of their tendency to feedback in certain situations where the audio tech must be aware of monitors, open microphones, and reflective surfaces. For that matter, I prefer the earworn microphone over a lavalier any day, but that's my preference.
A great bonus with the E19 microphone is the detachable cable that can be replaced for far less than the cost of replacing the
full microphone.
Usage
The CADLive WX3010 Bodypack system, based on the carry case and available microphone choices, makes it an obvious solution for churches, in addition to outdoor events. Pop open the case, plug it in, scan and link the microphone, and it's go time. It's also a great buy for a permanent installation where the band's make up varies week to week. Need an extra wireless pack for a guitar? Well, there's a guitar cable included with this system. Not a problem—okay, I'm not going to get into a tone debate, but the fact is, it's an option. A similar cable could be purchased for an existing system, but if you're ready to buy an all-new wireless system, isn't it nice to have that included?
It also makes a great backup system, given the wireless frequency availability has been considered. A good tech has a wired microphone ready in case of a wireless problem. But, wouldn't it be great to swap in a spare wireless microphone instead?
The CADLive 4000 Series is also available, which upgrades to a metal bodypack, upgrades the handheld microphone, works in the 902-928MHz frequency range, and has a higher dynamic range of 115 dB.
The CADLive 3000 Series starts at $599, and the WX3010 system includes a guitar cable, an E29 lavalier microphone and the E19 earworn microphone. The WX3000 handheld system includes the TX3000 handheld microphone. A great deal for everything included. And if you're working at a portable church, loading and unloading gear every week, it's definitely worthy of consideration.
