Seriously bad news about radio mics
Sat, 8 June 2013, 10:16 pmDavid Ashton7 posts in thread
Seriously bad news about radio mics
Sat, 8 June 2013, 10:16 pmAs a result of the analogue tv shutdown and the sale of this spectrum for mobile and wireless data, the 700mz band where most radio mics now work, inc the 40 units I have, will become illegal to use after Jan 2014 and will anyway not work because of interference from the new services.
It is estimated that 850,000 radio mics will be made redundant, useless and illegal.
The new band is a lower frequency, which will not accommodate as many channels in the lower cost units and the professional units which will take many channels are in the $4-6000 range per unit.
It is important to plan ahead because when reality hits early nexr year, the demand for new gear is going to be unable to be met, supply will be very tight and prices very likely to rise.
To solve our problem and hopefully yours, we have taken an agency for "Line 6" digital radio mics, these are award winning mics working in the 2.4gz band and each unit receives 4 frequencies and picks the best signal.
We now have a 12 channel system set up and ready to demonstrate.
So of course I want to sell you gear, that's my business, but whether you choose to deal with me or your favourite supplier you need to act soon to organize for next year.
Our set up is mainly lapel/beltpacks, but we do have a couple of handhelds, these can be profiled to sound like various well known mics.
http://voicecouncil.com/review-line6-wireless-mic/
the review says 12 channels, 14 are now available.
Afetr an initial OMG! No...
Sun, 9 June 2013, 08:58 amWalter Plinge
http://www.acma.gov.au/Citizen/Consumer-info/All-about-spectrum/Wireless-microphones/wireless-microphones.
It will not be illegal to use the mics...see the first para in the website above.
"Currently, a large number of wireless audio systems and devices operate within the frequency range 520-820 MHz. This frequency range is the same as that used by television broadcasting. The wireless audio systems are low power, and are allowed to operate under a Low Interference Poential Device (LIPD) class licence in the unused television channels on the basis of no interference, and no protection from interference."
I venture to suggest that in amateur theatre the low power wireless mics for amateur and community theatre will be relatively unaffected and only the high power, professional rigs e.g The Arena, Concerts etc will be affected.
I believe this means that you can use your exisiting radio mic rig inside providing it doesnt interfere with TV signals and that just isnt hard to check.
That is if you believe the government of course.....but there is bags of good info here.
And, yes, everyone on the 694 to 840 MHz bands will have to replace their wireless rigs eventually, but wait until 2015 and watch the prices come down as the lemming rush subsides.