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In Reply to: Quality of UHF wireless posted by murall on January 9, 2005 at 04:21:59:
"From scanning though some of the responses I've found on the subject, there seems to be a preference for UHF mics over VHF. What gives UHF the advantage? Is that preference strictly because of quality, ease of use, less interference?"VHF wireless mics operate in the 160-220 MHz band (called HVF Hi, also known as TV channels 7 -13) When wireless systems started to become popular, many manufacturers jumped over to the UHF band to get away from the interference in the VHF bands. Wireless mics are considered secondary users on whatever bands they operate on, and are limited to low wattage. That means that they are very suseptable to interference.
UHF band wireless systems operate from about 500Mhz to 900 Mhz (also know as on air TV chans 14 - 88) While these channels were pretty dead in many regions a few years ago , HDTV is starting to take hold and pretty soon these UHF bands will also be crowded.
A good VHF system can work as well as any UHF system. Its not the operating band that gives UHF the edge, its usually the features.
Because of the limited amout of bandwidth available in the VHF bands, and the fact that certain frequencies may combine in use and step on other frequencies (called tripple beats) you basically are limited to using only about 12 VHF mics in a system together at one time. While this will work for a band that only needs a few mics, theatre plays generally need more than that.
Also, because of the limited amount of channels available in the VHF band, if one freq is getting interference there are few other frequencies to choose from (if indeed your VHF systems can even switch frequencies)
A UHF system has hundreds of channels available for use, and many manufacturers systems can use 20 or more channels at a time with no interference to each other.
In addition, many UHF systems feature the ability to change frequencies in case there is interference. Most of the VHF systems do not allow you to switch frequencies. In fact, some of the newer systems will actually SCAN the airwaves looking for clear frequencies for you!
"2nd Q: Can you get good quality out of a lapel mic or is the ear mounted boom noticably better?"Yes, you can get good quality out of a lapel type mic. It all depends on what mic you start with, and where you place it! Most broadway shows place the mic in the actors forhead at the heairline. This way, the mic is always in the same relative position to the mouth, and once EQed for the performer, will usually sound the same no matter where the actor turns their head. Alternate mountings for lav mics are in facial hair (like beards), on glasses frames, or on the side of the head near the ears.
Headworn mics will usually sound a little better and offer better isolation as they place the mic closer to the performers mouth. The downside is that the mic will now be visable.
"Any recommendations for VHF or UHF products???"
I have used Shure Wireless for years with no problems. I have a bunch of older VHF L-4 series units, and a bunch of UHF U series units (their top of the line) Both perform great!
Shure makes nice stuff in all price ranges and feature sets. You will not be disapointed.
Senheiser makes great wireless units as well. They have a lot of features available in their line.
Sony is a big player on the broadway market.
Lectrosonic is the wireless the TV networks and movie folks choose. They are verty pricey, but worth it.
Craig
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- Re: Quality of UHF wireless - Craig Leerman 09:39:13 01/12/05 (0)
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