Wireless Interference

[Eric Toline]

Since you’re getting interference in two different locations it’s probably not RF issues. I would first check the lav mic for an intermittent connection by plugging it into your system and listen for any noise that can be induced by moving the mic cable at the ends. If there’s a problem at the connector end it most likely be repaired, if it’s at the capsule end, a new mic is called for.

If that doesn’t solve the problem then I would seriously think about a new wireless system. It doesn’t pay to try and get it fixed as the cost will be close to what you paid 4 years ago.

Eric

[Peter Groom]

have you tried moving frequencies
Peter

Post Production Dubbing Mixer

[Linda O’connell]

Thanks for the advice. I will probably just invest in a new one. I had “heard” that sometimes even cell phones can interfere with mics but that doesn’t seem to be the case. Just wanted to make sure it wasn’t “normal” before I bought a new one.

[Bob Kessler]

Is the wireless VHF or UHF? VHF does tend to be more susceptible to random RF hits, and is also more susceptible to drop-outs when something comes between the transmitter and the receiver. If/when you upgrade get UHF and something of better quality than Samson.

Peace,

Bob
____________________________________________________________________
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[John Fishback]

The Sennheiser G3 wireless receiver will scan the RF spectrum for open channels (frequencies). You select one and then sync the transmitter’s frequency to the receiver. This takes about a minute and you can do it at every location you shoot.

Another thought is to check the setting of the squelch control on your receiver. Basically, squelch sets how sensitive you want your receiver to be to transmissions in your area. The idea is your transmitter will be the strongest signal since it’s close. So the squelch is set to open up when it “hears” your transmitter’s signal. If your squelch is set too low, your receiver might “hear” brief bits of other transmissions. In this case either local or strong distant transmitters might activate the squelch for a moment causing an audio glitch.

John

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[Ty Ford]

Hello Linda and welcome to the Cow Audio Forum.

I’m not sure how you’re deciding that cell phones are not the problem, but smart phones can drop the effective distance of wireless mics to a foot or less. Been there. Done that.

I have, on several occasions, passed a basket around to collect everyone’s cell phone so they won’t be tempted to fire up and screw up the audio.

Cell phones can be sort of off and still cause problems. They need to be DEAD OFF.

Regards,

Ty Ford
Cow Audio Forum Leader

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