Mobile Phone Interference with Sennheiser Radio Mics

[Ty Ford]

Hello Paul and welcome to the Cow Audio Forum.

I don’t think there’s been a study of that. You’re talking about that bumble/flutter sound or do you hear people talking?

Regards,

Ty Ford

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[Paul Mcdermott]

It was the more the mumble flutter. The same sound you hear if a mobile is about to ring and it’s beside speakers.

[Ty Ford]

Paul,

I don’t know anyone who has a magic bullet for that and i’ve heard it come in over hard wired mics as well.

Several points that deserve repeating.

1. Balanced connectors and circuits do a better job than unbalanced.

2. Better connectors: molded plastic plugs are inadequate. You need grounded shields.
These help. https://www.markertek.com/Cables-Connectors-Adapters/Audio-Connectors/XLR-Connectors/Neutrik-USA-Inc/NC3FXCC.xhtml?NC3FXCC

Regards,

Ty Ford

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[Peter Groom]

Was the radio mic going in on a jack or xlr?
Peter

Peter

[Paul Mcdermott]

The radio mic goes in on a jack to the transmitter

[Richard Crowley]

Cell phones are notorious generators of RFI (RF Interference). As Ty mentioned, it even affects hard-wired connections when close enough. The reason is that you have the better part of 1 watt of high-frequency pulsed RF in a small, convenient pocket-size package. It is essentially the same kind of technology used for decades in eastern Europe to jam radio signals. It should come as no surprise that such broad-band RF noise should affect wireless microphones of most any quality, and in most any radio band. They are simply bad news everywhere.

It is reputed that a major film producer carries a hammer and nails on the set. If any cast or crew is caught with a cell phone causing interference, either audible or RFI, the device is confiscated and nailed to the nearest doorpost or fence post. Perhaps someday I will have the kind of clout to make that kind of scheme work.

I have abandoned using wireless mics in some live venues because it is impossible to get an audience to turn off all RF emitting devices with 100% compliance. It doesn’t even happen on commercial airplanes.