Tech Focus: Bodypacks, Part 2 — A Look at Leaders in Wireless Transmitters

New versions offer durability, flexibility, and safety in ever-smaller packages

Here’s a roundup of current models of leading RF bodypack audio transmitters.

Click here for Tech Focus: Bodypacks, Part 1 — Wireless Transmitters Grow in Importance With Rising Demand for On-Field Audio.

Audio-Technica

Audio-Technica ATW-T3201 bodypack transmitter

The ATW-T3201 3000 Series fourth-generation bodypack transmitter features a rugged, ergonomic metal body, highly visible OLED screen, power/mute indicator LED, soft-touch controls, 125-Hz high-pass filter, and a programmable function button that can be set to switch to a backup frequency or mute the transmitter. Two frequency ranges — DE2 (470–530 MHz) and EE1 (530–590 MHz) — are available to provide complete coverage of the receiver’s bandwidth. It has a cH-style screw-down 4-pin connector, accommodating A-T’s cH-style lavalier and head-worn microphones, or cables. Switchable RF power provides 8 hours (alkaline) of battery life in the high setting/9 hours (alkaline) in the low, 9 hours (Ni-MH 1,900mAh) in the high setting/9.5 hours low (Ni-MH 1,900mAh). It requires two AA batteries (not included). The ATW-T3201 includes a field-replaceable whip antenna and a protective carrying case. http://www.audio-technica.com/

Electro-Voice

Electro-Voice RE3-BPT-FL lightweight bodypack transmitter

The RE3-BPT compact, lightweight UHF bodypack transmitter accepts a wide variety of input devices. The all-metal body is robust and durable and operates on two AA alkaline batteries or rechargeable NiMH cells. An ultrasonic sync function enables simple system setup by syncing the transmitter to the receiver frequency-tuning and other functional data. The selectable output power (band-specific) assists in overcoming the challenges of both long and short transmission ranges. The tuning bandwidth affords generous frequency-tuning options helping to avoid various sources of possible interference. The unique magnetic sliding latch-and-lock mechanism keeps the battery door closed securely and enables effortless access to the batteries. Recharging contacts provide for functional use, with the optional BC2 charging station allowing the NiMH rechargeable cells within two bodypack transmitters to be charged without removal. http://www.electrovoice.com/

Lectrosonics

Lectrosonics DBSM digital encrypted beltpack transmitter

The DBSM (single AA) and DBSMD (dual AA) digital encrypted beltpack transmitters feature AES 256-bit CTR encryption with four key policies, including “shared key,” which is specifically designed for sports-broadcast applications. The DBSM and DBSMD offer wideband tuning (470-608 MHz for U.S., 470-614 MHz for export), a highly linear RF output stage for reduced intermodulation distortion, and 10-, 25- and 50-mW RF power settings. A special super-narrow HDM (High Density Mode) transmission option allows more than 24 channels to be packed per 6-MHz TV channel without the need for frequency coordination. The DBSM and DBSMD feature 24-bit/48-kHz digital audio, and the compact, all-metal casings are well-sealed from sweat and dust. These units include a microSD card slot and can be configured as transmitters or recorders.

The SSM (Super Slight Micro) digital hybrid wireless micro transmitter weighs 2.3 oz. with battery, tunes across three standard Lectrosonics frequency blocks, features power settings at 25 or 50 mW RF power, and runs on a rechargeable lithium-ion battery. The SSM responds to RM remote commands, compatible with the Lectro RM smartphone app.

The SMWB (single AA) and SMDWB (dual AA) transmitters can be configured as either transmitters or recorders, with files stored on Micro SD card memory in the industry-standard Broadcast Wave (.wav) format at 24 bits. The units tune across 76.8 MHz or three standard Lectrosonics frequency blocks and come in several frequency ranges. RF power for these models is selectable at 100, 50, or 25 mW.

The WM fully water-resistant transmitter features a membrane keypad and specially designed machined-aluminium housing. The WM offers 1,024 frequencies in 25-kHz steps and is available in nine frequency blocks, each covering a 25.6-MHz bandwidth. Features include selectable RF power at 50, 100 and 250 mW; dual bicolor modulation LEDs for accurate gain adjustment; and a backlit LCD for ease of use. http://www.lectrosonics.com/

Q5X

Q5X RefMic HD

The latest additions to the Q5X family are the QT-AD10 Axient Digital transmitters. Developed in collaboration with Shure, the new transmitters offer Q5X’s safe, small, and rugged form factors with Shure’s market-leading Axient Digital technology, which adds encryption and improved spectral efficiency. The QT-AD10 transmitters are available in various frequency blocks between 470-694 MHz and 941-960 MHz. Models include the PlayerMic, AquaMic, RefMic, CoachMic, and BeltMic — all standard with an 8-hour runtime.

The QT-AD10 Axient Digital transmitters work exclusively with Shure Axient Digital receivers. QT-5100 analog transmitters can be used with proprietary Q5X QR-3200 dual rack-mount receivers or QR-M3 mobile receivers. Both are wideband (470-700 MHz) and feature new high-quality “Mode 2” companding. QT-5100 analog transmitters can also be implemented with analog receivers from Shure, Sennheiser, Lectrosonics, or Wisycom using compatibility-mode settings.

PlayerMic S, the smallest remote-controlled PlayerMic to date, features a soft, tough, sweat-proof, and flexible polymer enclosure with dimensions of 3 x 1.5 x 0.4 in. and a runtime of 4 hours. The waterproof AquaMic now has an XL version with a 36-hour battery life, up from 16.

The RefMic and the CoachMic each feature a large, robust, integrated non-popping audio-mute switch. All control parameters for both digital and analog Q5X transmitters are adjusted through the same QG-H2 MicCommander handheld remote-control unit featuring Q5X’s proprietary RCAS (Remote Control Audio System). The RefMic will be updated later this year with a new five-state pushbutton. http://www.q5x.com/

Sennheiser

Sennheiser Evolution Wireless Digital EW-DP Series

EW-DX wireless microphone systems quickly assess an RF environment and use equidistant channel spacing to deploy frequencies. Such tools as the company’s Control Cockpit, Wireless Systems Manager, and Smart Assist App allow operators to monitor the system remotely. Additional features include 12-hour battery operation, AES 256 encryption, and a switching bandwidth up to 88 MHz.

The Evolution Wireless Digital EW-DP Series is a fully digital UHF wireless microphone system featuring 134 dB input dynamic range for distortion-free transmission and up to 56 MHz bandwidth for flexibility in any RF environment. The ME 2 omnidirectional lavalier is designed for clear, intelligible dialog; the ME 4 cardioid lavalier is intended to isolate speech in noisy environments. The EW-DP 835 Set comprises the SKM-S handheld transmitter with the MMD 835 cardioid dynamic microphone module; the EW-DP ENG Set includes both the SK bodypack transmitter and an ME 2 as well as the SKP plug-on transmitter with integrated recording function. Intelligent battery-management provides extended battery life of up to 12 hours on transmitter and 7 hours on receiver.

The Digital 6000 wireless-microphone series uses the same long-range mode and proprietary Sennheiser Digital Audio Codec as the Digital 9000, Sennheiser’s top-of-the-range wireless series. The digital two-channel receiver works across a switching bandwidth of 244 MHz (470-714 MHz), which is covered by two transmitter versions (470–558 MHz, 550–608 MHz). Up to eight receiver units can be daisy-chained without the need for an additional antenna splitter. System latency is 3 ms., and Digital 6000 features switchable AES 256 encryption.

The SK 6000 and ultra-compact SK 6212 high-resolution digital wireless beltpack transmitters are compatible with three-pin LEMO-connector lavalier microphones. The operator interface features an icon-based menu structure and infrared synchronization with the receivers. Exchangeable battery packs with lithium-ion batteries for up to 12 hours of battery life are available for the SK 6212. All transmitters are also compatible with the EK 6042 camera receiver. http://www.sennheiser.com/

Shure

Axient Digital ADX wireless transmitter

Axient Digital ADX wireless transmitters are available in a variety of application-specific form factors. Both a frequency-diversity handheld and the first micro bodypack with an internal self-tuning antenna feature high-performance RF, software command and control, and hardware scalability. The ADX1 bodypack transmitter is a durable, lightweight option offering a removable antenna and fully concealed buttons for discreet performance. Providing advanced interference protection, rechargeability, and ShowLink remote control for real-time parameter adjustments and automatic interference avoidance, all ADX transmitters enable excellent functionality and range, and each includes two rechargeable batteries. The ADX1M micro bodypack transmitter delivers pristine audio and is equipped with an internal self-tuning antenna, High Density (HD) mode, encryption, and ShowLink remote control. The contoured form factor and lightweight PEI construction offer both comfort and heat-resistance for better concealment and comfortable wear in a variety of production and broadcast environments. Sealed switches and LEMO connector protect against moisture, and the OLED display provides excellent visibility in low-light environments. The ADX1M micro bodypack includes two SB910M rechargeable batteries. For more-rugged applications, the Q5X Axient Digital-enabled wireless transmitter bodypacks deliver the trusted Shure wireless technology in flexible form factors. Bendable rubber design makes the Q5X PlayerMic easy to conceal and protects sports players from injury if they fall or take a direct hit. The Q5X AquaMic is waterproof and captures crystal-clear audio when fully submerged in water up to 10 meters and offers superior digital transmission with advanced encryption and spectrum efficiency. The MicCommander controls all aspects of the Q5X Axient Digital-enabled wireless bodypacks remotely: setup and monitoring, on/off, frequency, mic offset, RF power, groups, and battery level. Having the controls separate in the MicCommander means that the bodypack transmitters are smaller and more durable than if the interface were integrated. http://www.shure.com/

Zaxcom

Zaxcom ZMT4 transmitter

The company’s latest innovation in IFB monitors will be introduced this month. The VRX1, a body-wearable monitor, incorporates a highly interference-resistant receiver design known as direct conversion. Operational within the VHF range, the VRX1 is seamlessly compatible with Comtek FM transmitters operating at 216 MHz and supports encrypted digital-modulation Zaxcom transmitters. Noteworthy is the VRX1’s ability to enhance FM-audio quality to match that of digital transmission. The VRX1 offers a distinctive optional mode, enabling it to receive encrypted digital transmissions alongside FM analog signals. This feature is particularly vital for applications in sports broadcasting where heightened security measures are paramount. Designed for extended use, the VRX1 offers 13.5 hours of runtime on a rechargeable battery, with 10-channel operation featuring voting capabilities. The VRX1’s rugged design further enhances its durability, making it suitable for diverse environments, at a starting price of $495 for the analog-reception model.

The ZMT4 flagship transmitter is small and light, measuring 2.2 x 1.6 x 0.55 in. and weighs only 2.2 oz. with battery. It lasts for up to 7 hours and has power for all microphones, from a 5-V lavalier to a 48-V phantom-powered mic. It’s constructed with a high-strength impact-resistant nylon polymer casing with rounded edges and machined metal that’s cool to the touch. The ZMT4-Flex is made of a soft yet durable silicone rubber that allows the transmitter to bend and flex, providing an elevated level of safety to the professional athlete. This transmitter features a dual microphone input with stereo two-channel audio transmission, which provides the broadcast audience a stereo perspective with a single transmitter on the player; a built-in rechargeable battery lasts up to 7 hours with 24 hours of standby. http://zaxcom.com/