Wirele Bodypack Transmitters: A Look at the Leaders

Rounding up this month's coverage of RF bodypack audio transmitters, here's a selection of some current models.

Audio-Technica

The AEW-T1000a UniPak bodypack transmitter features an LCD display, soft-touch controls, and field-replaceable helical and flexible-wire antennas. It has a four-pin locking connector and offers both low- and high-impedance inputs plus a bias connection, for use with dynamic and electret condenser microphones, as well as Hi-Z instrument pickups. Switchable RF power provides eight hours of battery life in the high (35-mW) setting and 10 hours in the low (10-mW) setting (2 AA alkaline). A three-position sliding control cover prevents accidental shut-off/channel-switching. 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 and features selectable RF output power and rechargeable-AA-battery operation with optional BH-200 charger. 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 microphone, including the RE97Tx and RE97-2-Tx. Other features include a cellphone rotating belt clip and a smart battery. www.electrovoice.com

Lectrosonics

The SMV Series brings Lectrosonics' Digital Hybrid Wireless technology to miniature transmitters in two configurations. The optional RM unit provides hands-free remote control of audio-input gain, frequency, lock or unlock modes, and sleep-mode on/off functions for both models. The Servo Bias input provides a programmable, regulated voltage to accommodate a wide variety of electret microphones, eliminating the need to install resistive pads for some mics to prevent overload of the input stage, divide the bias voltage down for some low-voltage mics, or reduce the limiter range at minimum gain settings. Two bi-color LEDs permit adjusting input levels for proper modulation.

The WM version is a water-resistant transmitter with a waterproof membrane keypad and a specially designed water-resistant machined aluminum 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 in any environment. The WM is powered by two AA batteries, 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 for hands-free setting changes. www.lectrosonics.com

Quantum5X

Quantum5X's analog bodypack transmitters are designed and built with the athlete in mind. The QT-256 series offers 256 channels at 100-kHz steps with an available frequency range between 600 and 698 MHz and output power ranging from 30 to 200 mW. The standard QT-256 enclosure is milled from solid industrial aluminum and is the size of two AA batteries. The unit is the smallest analog waterproof transmitter and has been used by a variety of professional sports leagues and teams, including MLB.

The QT-1000 PlayerMic offers the same RF profile as the QT-256 but comes in a flexible, sweat-proof polymer enclosed case and is 4 in. long. It has an internal antenna and is offered with a detachable or hard-wired lavaliere microphone.

The QT-5000 RemoteMic has 4,000 channels available in 25-kHz spacing and an output power range between 30 to 150 mW. Functions that can be wirelessly controlled from a laptop or handheld controller include on/off, monitor status and battery level, frequency adjustment, mic gain, and groupings of any QT-5000 transmitters. The form factor is the same as the QT-1000; risk and discomfort to the talent are minimized by the unit's rubberized encasement and flexible design.

Quantum5X has just launched a new bodypack transmitter for the NBA. It is similar to the QT-5000 in that it is controlled remotely but is 30% smaller and has a broader RF range (500-600 MHz). It has a modified companding solution with the ability to accommodate a wide array of microphone elements. The remote-control functionality has also been enhanced with the ability to adjust RF output power and improved battery-charge status.

Every Q5X transmitter leverages the latest lithium-ion battery technology, providing six to 12 hours (depending on battery size and transmitter power) on a single charge. www.q5x.com

RTS

The BTR-240 bodypack uses license-free 2.4 GHz technology and offers multilevel security and audio encryption, ClearScan channel selection, a choice of two independent or simultaneous audio channels, eight full-duplex beltpacks or a virtually unlimited number of half-duplex beltpacks, an easy-to-read LCD display, two-wire and four-wire wired intercom interfaces, XLR in/out for interfacing with general audio systems, auto-select for condenser or dynamic microphones, and wired or wireless TR-240 beltpack operation. www.rtsintercoms.com

Sennheiser

The SK 9000 is compatible with three-pin LEMO-connector lavaliere microphones, but instruments with line signal and guitars also benefit from the cable-like audio transmission. The housing of the SK 9000 is made of die-cast magnesium to offer maximum robustness at very low weight. The user interface features an icon-based menu structure and infrared synchronization with the receiver. Exchangeable energy packs with environment-friendly lithium-ion technology supply the required energy while saving thousands of batteries over time.

The SK 5212-II ultra-compact bodypack uses one AA battery and provides transmission

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