Sony Pixel Power calrec Sony

Tech Focus: Bodypacks, Part 2 - Wireless Transmitters Are Smaller Than Ever, More Flexible

05/01/2022

Tech Focus: Bodypacks, Part 2 - Wireless Transmitters Are Smaller Than Ever, More Flexible Leading models come with a variety of features and functions By Dan Daley, Audio Editor

Wednesday, January 5, 2022 - 12:10 pm

Print This Story | Subscribe

Story Highlights

Increasingly essential to audio capture for broadcast sports, wireless bodypack transmitters are small, light, flexible, and powerful. Here's a look at some current leading models.

Click here for Tech Focus: Bodypacks, Part 1 - Wireless Transmitters Reflect RF-Industry Challenges.

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. 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 5 V DC bias to power condenser microphones. Switchable RF power provides seven hours of battery (two 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 a protective carrying case. www.audio-technica.com/

Electro-Voice RE3-BPT

Electro-Voice 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 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. A magnetic sliding latch-and-lock mechanism keeps the battery door closed securely and eases opening to access 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. www.electrovoice.com/

Lectrosonics 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 for a wide variety of applications from broadcast studios to the playing field. A special super-narrow HDM (high-density mode) transmission option allows packing more than 24 channels per 6-MHz TV channel without the need for frequency coordination. The DBSM and DBSMD feature 24-bit/48-kHz digital audio for pristine sound quality, and the extremely compact, all-metal casings are well-sealed from sweat and dust. Each unit has a microSD card slot and can be configured as transmitter or recorder. The DBSM and DBSMD 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.

Lectrosonics DBSM

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. It measures 2.52 x 1.48 x 0.57 in. 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, export only).

The SMWB (single AA) and SMDWB (dual AA) transmitters can be configured as either transmitter or recorder, with files stored on microSD-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 also found on all previous SM Series units and all current TA5 beltpack units. The microSD memory card can also be used to update firmware in the field. These 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. It 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 QT-AD10

Developed in collaboration with Shure, the newest additions to the Q5X family of QT-AD10 Axient Digital transmitters offer Q5X's safe, small, and rugged form factors and Shure's market-leading Axient Digital technology, which adds encryption and improved spectrum eff
LINK: https://www.sportsvideo.org/2022/01/05/tech-focus-bodypacks-part-2-wir...
See more stories from svg

Most recent headlines

11/12/2025

AI for Sustainability: Lessons from Sarajevo

Thomson and the Center for News, Technology and Innovation (CNTI) convened a two-day workshop in Sarajevo bringing together more than 35 journalists, editors, p...

11/12/2025

ESPN's Aims for Spectacular With Heisman Trophy Show

ESPN's Aims for Spectacular With Heisman Trophy ShowEvent firsts include 1080p HDR production airing on both national broadcast and cableBy Dan Daley, Audio...

11/12/2025

SVG Students To Watch: Frankie Patton, University of Colorado

SVG Students To Watch: Frankie Patton, University of ColoradoThe 2025 grad is hitting the ground running as a PA on national broadcastsBy Brandon Costa, Directo...

11/12/2025

SVG Summit 2025 Technology Exhibits Preview, Part 3

SVG Summit 2025 Technology Exhibits Preview, Part 3By SVG Staff Thursday, December 11, 2025 - 7:24 am Print This Story | Subscribe Story Highlights The 2...

11/12/2025

SVG Sit-Down: What Makes Gen Z, X, and Y Fans Tick? Dave Gavant of WSC Sports Goes Inside the 2025 Fan Engagement Survey

SVG Sit-Down: What Makes Gen Z, X, and Y Fans Tick? Dave Gavant of WSC Sports Go...

11/12/2025

SVG Summit 2025 Preview: 5G, MXL, Spectrum Loss, and Outerspace on Tap for Tuesday Tech Talks'

SVG Summit 2025 Preview: 5G, MXL, Spectrum Loss, and Outerspace on Tap for Tues...

11/12/2025

2025 Sports Broadcasting Hall of Fame: David Levy, Turner Titan and Master of All Sports-Media Trades

2025 Sports Broadcasting Hall of Fame: David Levy, Turner Titan and Master of Al...

11/12/2025

SVG Launches Follow the Money' Podcast: Go Inside the Sports Media Biz with Sam McCleery and John Kosner

SVG Launches Follow the Money' Podcast: Go Inside the Sports Media Biz with...

11/12/2025

A Deep Dive Inside Game Creek Video's Bird and Magic Mobile Units, Home to Amazon's NBA on Prime Video'

A Deep Dive Inside Game Creek Video's Bird and Magic Mobile Units, Home to A...

11/12/2025

How Sound Effects for Monsters Funday Football' Emulated the Sonic Soul of Monsters, Inc.'

How Sound Effects for Monsters Funday Football' Emulated the Sonic Soul of ...

11/12/2025

SVG New Sponsor Spotlight: CSP Mobile Productions' Len Chase on Upgrading Truck Fleet to 1080p, HDR, and ST 2110

SVG New Sponsor Spotlight: CSP Mobile Productions' Len Chase on Upgrading Tr...

11/12/2025

Spotify and The Game Awards Debut Gaming-Inspired Spotify Singles From Labrinth, Evanescence x GUNSHIP, and Bilmuri

Having the right song soundtrack your moves can make all the difference when gam...

11/12/2025

Celebrate Taylor Swift's Record-Breaking Year and New Docuseries with Exclusive Playlist Cover Art Stickers

It's been a big year for Taylor Swift. Her highly anticipated album The Life...

11/12/2025

L3Harris Ramps Up Production of Next-Gen Missile Tracking Satellites at Expanded Florida Facility

New satellites for the SDA Tranche 1 Tracking program in production at L3Harris&...

11/12/2025

L3Harris Delivers First Meadowlands Production Unit to US Space Force

The Meadowlands system, a compact and mobile version of the CCS, uses ground-based radio frequency units to disrupt satellite communications....

11/12/2025

L3Harris Demonstrates Interoperable Network to Unify Department of War and U.S. Government Agencies

The L3Harris demonstration united tactical communications devices, counter-UAS c...

11/12/2025

2025: L3Harris Year in Review

Throughout 2025, L3Harris delivered innovative solutions to U.S. and allied warfighters across every domain. With an unrelenting commitment to excellence, our...

11/12/2025

Nielsen reveals exclusive new data and insights in annual Tops of Sports report

A Majority of the World's Population (51%) Identify As Soccer Fans The 2025 MLB postseason notched 58.2 billion viewing minutes, up +24% from the prior y...

11/12/2025

Zixi Names Roi Sasson Vice President, Engineering

WALTHAM, Mass. Video-over-IP software provider Zixi said Roi Sasson has joined the company as vice president, engineering....

11/12/2025

LG Ad Solutions Expands Local CTV Data Coverage

MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif. In a move that highlights the growing competition between broadcasters and CTV platforms for local advertising, LG Ad Solutions has announ...

11/12/2025

Boston Conservatory Earns Several Best of Accolades in 2025

Boston Conservatory Earns Several Best of Accolades in 2025 Highlights include a faculty Grammy win, a seventh consecutive year on Playbill's list of co...

11/12/2025

Lawo, SMPTE To Conduct ST 2110 Practical Lab

RASTATT, Germany Lawo and the Society of Motion Picture and Television Engineers (SMPTE) have partnered to launch the SMPTE ST 2110 Practical Lab, an immersive ...

11/12/2025

Comcast's Xfinity Revamps National Video Plans

PHILADELPHIA Comcasts Xfinity operating brand has announced the launch of new national video plans with all-in pricing that the operator said will provide custo...

11/12/2025

Analyst: Pay TV Video Subs Rise for First Time Since 2017

After eight years of declines, MoffettNathansons new Cord Cutting Monitor for Q3 2025 shows that pay TV subscribers to linear TV packages rose by 303,000, the f...

11/12/2025

Happy Holidays from Berklee

Happy Holidays from Berklee Enjoy this years holiday student-performance video. December 10, 2025 By Office of the President Dear Berklee community, As w...

11/12/2025

VEON's Banglalink Receives Regulatory Approval to Launch Digital Payment Services to Advance Financial Inclusion in Bangladesh

11 Dec 2025 VEON's Banglalink Receives Regulatory Approval to Launch Digita...

11/12/2025

Sky Arts paints a picture of Britains beauty as Landscape Artist of the Year returns on 14 January

Thursday 11 December 2025 Sky Arts paints a picture of Britain's beauty as ...

11/12/2025

Meet the Most Relatable Hero This Holiday: Main Trailer and Poster Unveiled for Cashero'

Back to All News Meet the Most Relatable Hero This Holiday: Main Trailer and Po...

11/12/2025

'High Tides': Netflix Shares Release Date Final Season

Back to All News High Tides: Netflix Shares Release Date Final Season Credit: Netflix / Thomas Nolf Entertainment 11 December 2025 GlobalNetherlandsBelgium...

11/12/2025

Made in Texas: How Netflix House Dallas Is Leaving a Lasting Footprint

Back to All News Made in Texas: How Netflix House Dallas Is Leaving a Lasting Footprint From left to right: America's Sweethearts: Dallas Cowboys Cheerl...

11/12/2025

The Second Part of 'One Hundred Years of Solitude' Will Arrive in August 2026

Back to All News The Second Part of One Hundred Years of Solitude Will Arrive i...

11/12/2025

Website launch for pianist Georgina

It's not every day we're asked to create a website for a classical musician! So, we were delighted to help pianist Georgina Duncan as she embarks on he...

11/12/2025

2026 HPA Tech Retreat Brings Together Visionaries to Navigate Media's Next Chapter

The Hollywood Professional Association (HPA) today announced additional programm...

11/12/2025

Shane Lowry, Oti Mabuse and Brendan Fraser among the guests on this week's Late Late Show Christmas Special!

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas! Irish golfing hero Shane Lowry...

11/12/2025

The RT Sport Sportsperson of the Year Nominees 2025 Revealed

RT Sport Awards 2025 live on RT One and RT Player at 8:05pm on Saturday 20 December On Saturday 20 December live on RT One and RT Player at the earlier ti...

11/12/2025

Ride Into Adventure With Capcom's Monster Hunter Stories' Series in the Cloud

Hunters, saddle up - adventure awaits in the cloud. Journey into the world of M...

11/12/2025

Fair City star Stephanie Kelly revealed as fifth contestant for Dancing with the Stars 2026

Sash is ready to samba as Fair City star Stephanie Kelly is revealed as the late...

10/12/2025

Sound-Alike Commercials Are Part of Sports' Soundtrack

Sound-Alike Commercials Are Part of Sports' Soundtrack Johnny Cash for Coca-Cola is the latest in a long litany of sonic approximationsBy Dan Daley, Audio ...

10/12/2025

Immersive Sound Is Logical Next Step for Sports Venues

Immersive Sound Is Logical Next Step for Sports VenuesSound-systems suppliers are sanguine, but the market has its challengesBy Dan Daley, Audio Editor Wednes...

10/12/2025

The Romans Built Arenas for Immersive Sound 2,000 Years Ago

The Romans Built Arenas for Immersive Sound 2,000 Years AgoThe historic Arena of Nimes in France is still in use todayBy Dan Daley, Audio Editor Wednesday, De...

10/12/2025

SVG Summit 2025 Preview: Audio Workshop Hits on Immersive, Virtualized, and Next-Gen Streaming Workflows

SVG Summit 2025 Preview: Audio Workshop Hits on Immersive, Virtualized, and Next...

10/12/2025

SVG Summit 2025 Technology Exhibits Preview: Audio Spotlight

SVG Summit 2025 Technology Exhibits Preview: Audio SpotlightBy SVG Staff Wednesday, December 10, 2025 - 8:21 am Print This Story | Subscribe Story Highlig...

10/12/2025

SVG Europe Audio: Listening to the Sounds of Powder and Ice at Milano Cortina with a Behind the Scenes Tour of OBS and NBC's Audio Set Ups

SVG Europe Audio: Listening to the sounds of powder and ice at Milano Cortina wi...

10/12/2025

Advancements in Audio Technology: Capturing the Atmosphere of Live Sports

Advancements in audio technology: Capturing the atmosphere of live sports By David Davies Tuesday, November 25, 2025 - 09:27 Print This Story Although wor...

10/12/2025

Everything Smelled of Popcorn: The Art of Bringing the Complex Sound of Esports to Fans With Sound Supervisor Matt Gilbert

Everything smelled of popcorn: The art of bringing the complex sound of esports ...

10/12/2025

2026 Sundance Film Festival Unveils 97 Projects Selected for the Feature Film and Episodic Program

Top L-R: Ha-Chan, Shake Your Booty!, Hanging by a Wire, Broken English, Buddy C...

10/12/2025

You're in Control: Spotify Lets You Steer the Algorithm

For the first time, Spotify is giving users the power to steer the algorithm. Gustav S derstr m, Spotify's Co-President, CPO, and CTO, shares the vision beh...

10/12/2025

L3Harris to Produce Additional Solid Rocket Motors for Precision-Guided Artillery System

L3Harris' new contract for Guided Multiple Launch Rocket System Insensitive ...

10/12/2025

US Space Force Expands Offensive Space Programs Through L3Harris Foreign Sales

L3Harris Meadowlands system has been designed with an open architecture software system that allows for more flexible and efficient software updates. This capab...