Wireless transmission frequencies (microphone)-help me out?

[Driller]

I'm looking at hand wireless held mics (and transmitter systems for in ear monitors) but the specifications seem very confusing.

They talk about:

1) Bandwidth in KHz
2) Frequency in MHz
3) Band eg A, B, C, D, E etc
4) Channel. They mention channels 69, 70 and the latest in the UK being 38.

Could a kind soul explain all this simply?

I've been looking at systems from Sennheiser as I use a wired E945 and it's great.

(Mods, I wasn't sure whether to put this in Music or Science-if it doesn't get any luck could we move it? Thanks.)

[Driller]

Wow, thanks for all that valuable info, you know your stuff!

I'm still not sure about the difference between "channel" and "band" though.

On one of those links you kindly gave me it says that channel 38 is 606-614 (MHz?) but this chart says this is also called "GB":


European wireless microphone manufacturers' UHF frequency range options:

Range A = 516 - 558 MHz (includes frequencies in TV channels 26 to 31)

Range G = 566 - 608 MHz (includes frequencies in TV channels 33 to 37 and a bit of 38)

Range GB = 606 - 648 MHz (includes frequencies in TV channels 38 to 42)

Range B = 626 - 668 MHz (includes frequencies in TV channels 40 to 45)

Range C = 734 - 776 MHz (includes frequencies in TV channels 54 to 59)

Range D = 780 - 822 MHz (includes frequencies in TV channels 59 to 64)

Range E = 823 - 865 MHz (includes frequencies in TV channels 65 to 70)

And range "E" includes channels 65-70

So why do we talk about transmitters only doing channels 38 and 70 (and not 69!) when you can buy brand new transmitters that cover all these channels?

(I think I'm being dim clearly).

[Driller]

Ok that's clear now, thanks.

Two bits of info I didn't include is that this will be for use in and around Paris and it's for gigs in a rock band so the location will change (a bit).

I know the rules are a bit different for Europe and that normally no licence is required. I believe that channel 38 is not available here but 70 is.

What do you do for a living out of interest?

ETA I mean, I assume it's linked to this!

Edited by Driller on Sunday 7th September 20:28

[Driller]

Mr Pointy said:

Ah, can't help you too much them I'm afraid.

Well you've helped massively already, thanks very much!

Le TVR said:

The problem came from the EU directive that attributed 789 - 866 MHz to 4G applications.
The only legal response to the question must come from ARCEP, probably on their espectre website.

A good analysis from AT:

http://eu.audio-technica.com/fr/support/FAQ_France...

Great link, thanks for that. Why do the Frogs have to do things so differently to everyone else?

Jazzy Jefferson said:

I sell Sennheiser and other wireless equipment for a living.

Made me laugh, you came along just like Roger The Shrubber Glad you did though :-)

Jazzy Jefferson said:

The simplest way to look at is... How many wireless system are you intending on running? If its more than 3 or 4, you need to worry about channels and frequencies.

If it's no more than 3-4 systems, get Band E, or Channel 70 systems. These are licence free.

I need a system with 1 mic (I use an E945 so thought it would be nice to have this. I would use a condenser version but it's heavy rock and I'm worried it would be too sensitive) and an IEM system for my in ears.

Don't think they do a system that does both.

As you're a specialist though I'd love to know the practical differences between the ew 100 vs 300 vs 500. Not clear at all on the website. I can put in whatever money it takes but I don't want to waste anything on features I won't use.

Out of interest do bands A-D not work in the UK?

Edited by Driller on Wednesday 10th September 13:54

[Driller]

Jazzy Jefferson said:

Yes, Shrubberies are my trade. I arrange, design, and sell shrubberies.

Jazzy Jefferson said:

945 is a good shout. As you say, condensers can be a bit lively. Alhtough, not impossible to work with.

If you need an IEM and a mic, then stick with channel 70 systems, keeps it easy from a licencing point of view. Sadly, wireless mics work on a "per mic" basis, so you need a full mic system, and an IEM system. You're right, there isn't a system that does both.

In simple terms, going up to a higher model allows you to use a greater number of systems. So if you wanted to have 20+ wireless mics, you would need a 500 series. As anything below this, does not have the range to program or allow this. You get better mics on the 500 series. 100 and 300 are the same as one another.

For us more normal folk who don't use such numbers, the 100 series is absolutely fine.

However, the 300 series (iirc) has metal bodies and chassis, which of course means greater durability, and they also ship with rack mounting kits, so easier to mount/transport. As well as the ability to use a greater number of systems. There's a few other small things like a headphone output, and other things I cannot recall.

Sennheiser IEM systems are only available within the ew300 series and up, so you'd have to get that. To match it, an EW345 system would be great. However you could save a few quid and go for the EW145 system instead?

The other bands will work in the UK, however it may be illegal to use them, or you might find something else is already transmitting on them.

Hope that helps.

Edited by Jazzy Jefferson on Thursday 11th September 11:59

Certainly does, that's brilliant thanks. I was going to buy through Thomann, what sort of set up does your company have, do you sell to the general public in limited quantities? ie one of each