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Will a wireless mic I can use in the UK also work in America?
I am performing in the UK this summer, and I want a wireless mic. I know there are technical specs I need to meet for what I use (https://www.ofcom.org.uk/manage-your-licence/radiocommunication-licences/pmse/pmse-technical-info/mics-monitors)
My question is: if I get something that meets those specs, will it also work in the US? I could rent a mic there but it wouldnt be cheap, and I’d rather just invest in buying one myself, especially if I can use it in both countries and elsewhere.
That said, I know nothing really about frequencies and wireless gear. I rely on the wisdom of the crowd!
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7 Replies
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“Work” is a misnomer. All wireless will “work” in any country. Being legal as to frequency & RF or power output is the real question. For use in the U.S. the frequency band from 470-598mHz are the future protected frequencies. Power output will range from 10-100mw (milliwatt) with no restrictions.
\”I push the RECORD button and hope for the best\”
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You could go with something like a Shure GLX-D series mic. These operate on the 2.4GHz band which is used globally and are a good short range option. You need to be aware there is the possibility other devices (cordless phones, drones and other RC devices etc) will be operating in this spectrum when you are performing and while the equipment is very good, you can never guarantee it wont be subject to interference. If you are concerned at all about potential problems a safe option is to hire the equipment, but you can always take your own, try it then hire for those venues that are problematic.
Sure we can fix it in post, you don\’t work to a deadline do you?
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Hello Noah and welcome to the Cow Audio Forum.
Checking the UK. it looks like they have provided space for wireless mics in the 600 MHz space. That doesn’t bode well for you because the 660 MHz space is going away here in the US.
https://www.canford.co.uk/Technical/Article/UKLegalRadioMicFrequenciesThere are also frequencies in the UK in the 800 MHz range.(below), but I don’t know of any wireless rigs in that range in The US.
UHF: Band: 863.0 – 865.0 MHz
Available frequencies: From 863.100 MHz to 864.900 MHz
No. of mics: Typically up to 4 frequencies can be used together.
For example, 863.1, 863.7, 864.1 and 864.9 MHz
Transmitter power: 10mW.
Other users: Wireless microphones, domestic cordless headsets and loudspeakersI like the 2.4 GHz possibility. I hav e Rode and Audio-Technica 2.4 GHz wireless that I use lightly here and i haven’t been disappointed yet.
https://tyfordaudiovideo.blogspot.com/2015_01_04_archive.html
https://tyfordaudiovideo.blogspot.com/2018_02_04_archive.htmlIf I were you, I’d visit a trusted retailer in the UK and ask that specific question.
I’ll ask some mfgrs.Regards,
Ty Ford
Cow Audio Forum LeaderWant better production audio?: Ty Ford\’s Audio Bootcamp Field Guide
Ty Ford Blog: Ty Ford\’s Blog -
Noah,
Do you want a body mic with lavalier or a hand held mic?
Regards,
Ty Ford
Cow Audio Forum LeaderWant better production audio?: Ty Ford\’s Audio Bootcamp Field Guide
Ty Ford Blog: Ty Ford\’s Blog -
Body mic with lav so I can play guitar and walk around on stage…
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Is a 2.4 Ghz wireless system at greater risk of interference than other wireless systems? I will be using this in a 100 person theater on stage. I wont be terribly far from the receiver, but I worry about interference from others.
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Hello Noam,
You’ll likely get differing opinions. Mr. Toline who posts here doesn’t like them, saying if someone walks between the transmitter and receiver, you’ll lose the link. I don’t know if this is hearsay or actual experience.
I have had acceptable experience up to 100 feet and sometimes further. I ran the Rode Performer system reliably at a local bar/club with the receiver 15 feet to the side of the stage.
125 feet with the Audio technica System 10 in a filled underground parking garage and through the floor with ease in a 1959 rancher.
Maybe rent one and try it at the venue in question?
Regards,
Ty Ford
Cow Audio Forum LeaderWant better production audio?: Ty Ford\’s Audio Bootcamp Field Guide
Ty Ford Blog: Ty Ford\’s Blog
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