Perfect Fit For New Frequencies

Wireless audio specialists, Raycom, launches microphones and IEM products from US manufacturer, Lectrosonics, for use in channels 65 and 66.

Use of audio wireless equipment in the broadcast and live sound industry has dramatically increased over recent years as the choice and capability of professional solutions has matched the desires of end users.

Wireless products clearly provide a freedom from cable that affords convenience and flexibility however there are certain physical restrictions that control performance, the foremost being the ability to select a suitable noise-free uncontended frequency.

This is no easy task as the available spectrum of allowable frequencies becomes more crowded and its use more restricted.

It was therefore very good news earlier this year when the European Commission announced the addition of two new Europe-wide radio microphone frequency bands to the UK PMSE licence.

As a result, sound recordists and special event organisers using the affordable channel 38 licence now have access to a further 29 MHz in two sections of the spectrum. The most interesting portion being 823 to 832 MHz located within TV channels 65 and 66. The remaining 20 MHz sits between 1785 and 1805 MHz and is therefore not so attractive due to the increased absorption and lower range of higher frequencies along with some geographical restrictions.

One would have thought this increase is good news for anyone wishing to use multiple microphones and IEM systems in a crowded RF environment, however it seems it is not good news that has traveled fast.

Andy Clements, BDM at wireless audio specialists Raycom, says: "There seems to be low numbers of end users who know of the new opportunities available to channel 38 licence holders. This could be due to limited marketing by the guardians of the RF spectrum, however a lack of available products that can utilise the frequencies on offer is likely to be also having an effect on general awareness. This is all set to change as US manufacturer, Lectrosonics, Launch their products in block 32."

The range of wireless microphones and in-ear monitors produced by New Mexico based Lectrosonics has enjoyed increasing popularity for a number of years in the European market. To date they have only been available in frequency blocks of around 25MHz from 470 – 798 MHz. Frequencies higher than this were available until the spectrum above 798 was removed from PSME use in 2012. The latest changes have encouraged Lectrosonics to reestablish block 32 production, at 819 – 844 MHz, perfect for use within the new available frequencies.

Lectrosonics Block 32 products along with everything else within their extensive range are available now in the UK through Raycom.

www.raycom.co.uk

This article is also available to read at BFV online.