Tech Focus: Bodypacks, Part 2 - A Look at Leading Wireless Transmitters RF devices increasingly feature small size, smart functionality, ruggedness By Dan Daley, Audio Editor Thursday, January 17, 2019 - 8:00 am
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RF bodypack audio transmitters continue to grow in number, features, and functionality. Here is a selection of current models.
CLICK HERE for Tech Focus: Bodypacks, Part 1 - RF Transmitters Get Smaller and Smarter
Audio-Technica ATW-T5201 bodypack transmitter
Audio-Technica
The ATW-T5201 bodypack transmitter features a rugged, ergonomic metal body, highly visible OLED screen, power/mute indicator LED, soft-touch controls, 80-Hz high-pass filter, and programmable function button that can be set to switch to a backup frequency or mute the transmitter. Available in two frequency ranges - DE1 (470-590 MHz) and EF2 (580-608 MHz, 653-663 MHz) - the transmitter provides complete coverage of the receiver's bandwidth. It has a cH-style screw-down four-pin connector and supplies 5V DC bias to power condenser microphones. Switchable RF power provides seven hours of battery (2 AA alkaline) life in the high (50 mW) setting, nine hours in the mid (10 mW) setting, and 10.5 hours in the low (2 mW) setting. The ATW-T5201 includes a field-replaceable whip antenna and protective carrying case. www.audio-technica.com/
Electro-Voice
The WTU-2 compact metal bodypack solution for the RE-2 system is automatically compatible with the Telex RSB-2 mute switch for football applications. It offers selectable RF output power and, with optional BH-200 charger, rechargeable-AA-battery operation. The unit is compatible with RSB-2 referee mute switch.
The BPU-2 compact bodypack transmitter for the RE-2 wireless system is made from high-impact ABS plastic. The single on/off switch also functions as a mute, and the TA4 microphone connector is compatible with any EV lapel and head-worn microphones, including the RE97Tx and RE97-2-Tx. Other features include a rotating cellphone belt clip and a smart battery. www.electrovoice.com/
Lectrosonics DBu digital encrypted beltpack transmitter
Lectrosonics
The DBu digital encrypted beltpack transmitter features AES 256-bit CTR encryption, wideband tuning (470-608 MHz for U.S., 470-614 MHz for export), a highly linear RF output stage for reduced intermodulation distortion, and true 50-mW transmission RF power for excellent range and resistance to dropouts. A multifunction switch can be configured for mute or power, making the unit flexible as well as providing 24-bit/48-kHz digital audio for pristine sound quality.
The SSM (Super Slight Micro) Digital Hybrid Wireless Micro transmitter tunes across 76.8 MHz or three standard Lectrosonics frequency blocks, features power settings at 25 mW or 50 mW RF power, and runs on a rechargeable lithium-ion battery. Dimensions are 2.52 x 1.48 x 0.57 in.; weight is 2.3 oz., including battery. The SSM responds to RM remote commands compatible with the Lectro RM smartphone app. Frequency bands offered are A1 (470-537 MHz), B1 (537-614 MHz), C1 (614-691 MHz), and D1 (691-767 MHz, export only).
The SMWB (single AA battery) and SMDWB (dual AA) transmitters 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 SMWB and SMDWB feature the standard TA5 connector with servo-bias mic input also found on all previous SM Series units and all current TA5 beltpack units. The SMWB and SMDWB units can be configured as either transmitter or recorder, with files stored on microSD card in the industry-standard Broadcast Wave (.wav) format at 24 bits. The microSD memory card can also be used to update firmware in the field. The transmitters feature IR sync for quick setup and can also be configured via RM remote commands, compatible with the Lectro RM and PDR Remote smartphone apps, for hands-free setting changes.
The WM transmitter features a membrane keypad and a specially designed water-resistant machined-aluminium housing. It offers 256 synthesized UHF frequencies in 100-kHz steps in nine blocks, each covering a 25.6-MHz bandwidth. Features include selectable RF power at 50, 100, and 250 mW, dual bi-color modulation LEDs for accurate gain adjustment, and a backlit LCD for ease of use. Two AA batteries power the WM, with internal switching power supplies providing constant voltages to the transmitter circuits from the beginning (1.5 V) to the end (0.85 V) of battery life. The WM responds to RM remote commands, compatible with the Lectro RM smartphone app, for hands-free setting changes. www.lectrosonics.com/
Quantum5X RefMic
Quantum5X
The new RefMicHD was implemented by the NHL in the 2018-19 season for on-referee audio. The model QT5100 transmitter has a large rocker-style mute switch physically integrated into the transmitter's form factor. Previously, the NHL had been using the QT-256 transmitter with a separate on/off mute element. The RefMicHD combines all those functions into a single unit and underwent trials during regular-season games the previous season. The RefMicHD is compatible with receivers from Shure, Lectrosonics, and Wisycom as well as with Q5X receivers.
QT-5100 wideband remotely controlled transmitters are designed for sports applications and are frequency-agile from 470 to 700 MHz with 3,000 selectable channels across 75-MHz blocks in 25-kHz steps. Currently, there are five models of the QT-5100: Incognito, AquaMic (waterproof), RefMic (with integrated non-popping audio mute switch), PlayerMic, and PlayerMic S. The QT-5100 PlayerMic S, the smallest remote-controlled version to date, features a soft, tough, sweat-proof, flexible polymer enclosure; dimensions of 3 x 1.5 x 0.4 in.; and a runtime of 3.5 hours at a 50 mW RF transmit power setting.
The manually
