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11/01/2016

Selecting The Right Wireless Audio Equipment For Film And Sports Production Locations

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When working on a film or sporting production location, there is always a unique set of challenges, particularly when dealing with wireless audio technologies, says Leslie Lello, Customer Support Specialist, Wisycom.

One common challenge is the large amount of different crews with different wireless equipment – both audio and video – operating simultaneously in the same location. There is also typically the need to cover large areas from the studio, set or the OB van to the field and vice-versa. In addition to having to deal with crew and gear in one location, you are often touring all over and need to use the same devices from one country to another. With different cities and countries having different frequency ranges wireless devices can operate, choosing gear with large frequency selectivity is paramount.

One option is Wisycom's range of RF solutions. These devices, which are basically intermodulation free, allow for coverage of large areas due to RF power output. The other important feature, which is fundamental when users are working around the world, is the wideband of transmitters and receivers, which gives users 2400 options when selecting frequency. This will help the user find an open space to communicate when the rest of the transmitters are wedged in a much smaller band window.

When choosing a setup at a large broadcast sporting event or on a film set, the goal is to have the maximum coverage possible with the highest reliability. Having gear with many options in terms of frequency selection is key to ensuring reliability. With hundreds of devices working at the same time in the same place, it is important to be able to move up and down on the frequency band to find free space. Additionally, when working in an OB van or studio, one wants to have control of all devices.

Optical fiber can be another asset on the set/location as it allows users to cover kilometers with RF without having the loss of the normal wireless set up, including but not limited to coax cables. When working over fiber with devices such as Wisycom's MFL Wideband Optical Link, or its compact version MFL-C, the user can cover huge areas, while keeping the best quality possible. In addition, controlling all the areas with a matrix, like the Wisycom MAT288 Programmable RF Combiner, gives you the possibility of turning different areas on and off, (up to 8 with the MAT288) depending on need, in order avoid the risk of interference.

By combining gear with a wide frequency range and fiber to take that coverage even further, a user can have all the elements in place to achieve quality audio throughout. For example, one can use an MFL-TTRR Wideband Optical link in the control room to provide two channels in transmission and two in reception and link to a Fiberbox, with an MFL-C inside, on location where the announcer/talent is transmitting and receiving. A good mic transmitter for this type of application where you would want the mic not to be seen would be a Wisycom MTP40S Bodypack Transmitter, which has 100mW in RF output and a great limiter, which will easily adjust to any sound levels quickly and efficiently. This is especially important when filming with varying sound effects, including capturing a dramatic scene on a movie or an exciting portion of a broadcast.

For those looking to use a handheld mic, another option is the Wisycom MTH400 Wideband Wireless Professional Handheld Transmitter, which has great selectivity and reliability and is able to be used with many high-end microphone capsules from companies like DPA, Schoeps and more. This allows users to have a very versatile head with a strong wideband transmitter, while affording them the sound of the best microphone brands on the market.

Another important factor to consider is the antennas in use for the production. All the areas have to be covered with active and passive antennas. The new Wisycom ADN/ADNA is a perfect choice if you are looking for omnidirectional antenna coverage, working wideband from 400 up to 937MHz and being able to recover up to 18dB of loss.

When considering which wireless products to use in Europe, each individual country has its own set of laws and regulations concerning RF, which often creates confusion and difficulties in finding available frequency spaces when traveling around the continent. These laws and regulations must be taken into consideration when selecting a product. Add multiple RF devices sharing the same space and this becomes a considerable task. With Wisycom's wideband RF capabilities, users will be able to travel as they please always finding an available space to work with, and utilize with many different RF devices, while maintaining the integrity of their work.

Image: Wisycom's MFL Wideband Optical Link.

www.wisycom.com

(JP)
Solidmate Ltd Memory Card Hire London

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