Tech Focus: Bodypacks, Part 2 - A Look at the Leaders in Wireless Transmitters Several are designed specifically for sports production By Dan Daley, Audio Editor Thursday, January 7, 2021 - 12:14 pm
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With RF bodypack audio transmitters increasingly important to broadcast sports, here's a selection of leading current models.
Click here for Tech Focus: Bodypacks, Part 1 - Wireless Transmitters Are Integral to Sports Audio's Future
Audio-Technica
Audio-Technica ATW-T5201
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. The transmitter is available in two frequency ranges - DE1 (470-590 MHz) and EF2 (580-608 MHz, 653-663 MHz) - to provide complete coverage of the receiver's bandwidth. It has a cH-style screw-down 4-pin connector and supplies 5V DC bias to power condenser microphones. Switchable RF power provides seven hours of battery 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 (two AA alkaline). The ATW-T5201 includes a field-replaceable whip antenna and a protective carrying case. www.audio-technica.com/
Electro-Voice Electro-Voice RE3-BPT
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 or rechargeable NiMH cells. An ultrasonic sync function simplifies 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 magnetic sliding latch and lock mechanism keeps the battery door securely closed and makes opening to access the batteries effortless. Recharging contacts provide for functional use with the optional BC2 charging station, allowing the NiMH rechargeable cells in two bodypack transmitters to be charged without removal. www.electrovoice.com/
Lectrosonics Lectrosonics DBu
The DBu digital encrypted beltpack transmitter features AES 256-bit CTR encryption with four key policies; among them is the shared key, designed specifically for sports-broadcast applications. The DBu offers 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, talkback, or power, making the unit flexible as well as 24-bit/48-kHz digital audio for pristine sound quality.
The SSM (Super Slight Micro) digital hybrid wireless micro transmitter weighs only 2.3 oz. with battery, 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. The 2.52- x 1.48- x 0.57-in. 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, export only).
The SMWB (single AA) and SMDWB (dual AA) transmitters can be configured as either transmitters or as 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 SMWB and SMDWB feature the standard TA5 connector with servo-bias mic input found on all previous SM Series units and all current TA5 beltpack units. The Micro SD memory card can be used to update firmware in the field. The transmitters also 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 is a fully water-resistant transmitter with a membrane keypad and a 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 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/
Q5X Q5X family of QT-AD10 Axient Digital transmitters
Developed in collaboration with Shure, the new family of QT-AD10 Axient Digital 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. They are available in various frequency blocks between 470-694 MHz and 941-960 MHz. Both the QT-AD10 transmitters and Q5X's long-established family of QT-5100 analog transmitters (470-700 MHz) are available in identical form factors developed over the past decade specifically to meet the demanding requirements of the sports sector. All models - PlayerMic, AquaMic, RefMic, CoachMic, BeltMic - are standard with an eight-hour runtime. The PlayerMic S version is the smallest remote-controlled PlayerMic to date and features a soft, tough, sweat-proof
