Introduction of Wireless Applications
With the Digital Mixer applications that are now located on stage to eliminate the snake from the stage to the mixer, a wireless solution can be addressed with in the location of the stage to eliminate the on stage cabling well. This can include vocal microphones, instrument microphones and even the monitoring as well that clean up the stage considerably.
After a little research on all of the frequencies available, I found something interesting. As of July last year, all wireless microphones that operate between the 617-652 MHz and 663-698 MHz frequencies shall cease.
Consumer using wireless microphones with a short-range applications less than 100 meters may use the license-exempt VHF and UHF frequency bands. This includes frequencies below 608 MHz, 614-616 MHz and 653-663 MHz. This will also include 902-928 MHz, 2.4 GHz and 5.8 GHz.
My product selections have recommendation that the 500-600MHz range be used for instrument, the 5.8GHz range be used for vocal and 2.4GHz range be used for in-ear monitoring.
Vocal Microphones
In the vocal application, our first selection goal is to have the ability to select the microphone that you prefer and not just what is provided with the wireless receiver. The LEKATO MW-1 was selected for this application because of it’s size to start. This is a 5.8 GHz device and supports up to four simultaneous connections, operation proximity of 100 feet and 5 hours operation time with a cost of ≈$100.
Instrument Microphones
The instrument application will use the LEKATO WS-70 UHF device with a frequency range of 512 to 541.7MHz and allow for up to 70 simultaneous connections. This will allow for the guitar to provide wireless connection from the guitar to the effects board, effects board to the amplifier and the amplifier to the mixer. These devices provide operation proximity of 130 feet and 7 hours operation time with a cost of ≈$45.
In-Ear Monitoring
In ear monitoring shall be used for the stage monitoring. The wireless in ear monitoring shall be installed and use of the Aux Out connections as required.
This has a potential to reduce cost by eliminating stage monitors and amplifiers as well eliminating the use of stage fill speakers with both having a reduction of the number of cables on stage. This will optimize the setup time function.
The Xvive U4 Digital Wireless In-Ear Monitor System shall be used that provides 2.4GHz band wireless; up to 5 hours operation with a 90ft working proximity. This provides six simultaneous broadcast channels.
This application can provide one-to-one or one-to-many with the purchase of additional recievers and using the smae channel as others
U4 – One to One; Cost: ≈$230 per set
U4R2 – One to Two; Cost: ≈$339
U4R4 – One to Four; Cost: ≈$569
One to Many; Cost: ≈$230 per set plus Cost ≈$130 per addition.
Summary
At the moment, this is my first draft while in the process of the development of a complete functional design specification for this application. This is my first choices at this time and will update as required as changes are made.
Lloyd R Perkins
Live Sound Consultant
PerkAudio and PerkAudio’s House of Horns
Houston, Texas
PerkAudio - Live Sound Consulting 