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

Tech Focus: Bodypacks, Part 2 - A Look at Leaders in Wireless Transmitters New versions offer durability, flexibility, and safety in ever-smaller packages By Dan Daley, Audio Editor

Wednesday, January 3, 2024 - 7:00 am

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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 e

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