radio mics

[EVENTPRODUCTIONSOUNDLIGHT]

Hi all just want to get peoples opinions as to what radio mic system to go for im looking at geting a twelve way system for theatre productions and have just finished using twelve sennheiser ew300 g2 systems with hsp2 head sets and asp2 distribution system.

 

however after talking to a few people in the industry some are saying to go for the trantec systems either the s5.3 or the s5.5 with hm22 head mic

 

please can I have any opinions or any other surgestions before I outlay on the new kit

 

do I go sennheiser or trantec or any other surgestions

 

thanks guys :) :)

[SoLiEn]

you are aware of the switchover in 2 years time that will make that kit unuseable without retuning right?

[chrismca09]

Trantec 5.5 for the mere reason its channel 38/39 instated already where as the sennheiser kit isn't, so you'll be buying into the new channel. I take it that you will be using lapel mikes? I used the 5.5 for a 2 week run and had no problems at all, plus they only require 1 AA battery and last for flipping ages!

[Bobbsy]

Both the makes/models you mention are fine. If all was equal, I'd probably have a slight preference for Sennheiser but, as the two previous posters have pointed out, the bigger issue right now is the frequency changeover happening in 2012. Trantec already have gear available on the new frequency; Sennheiser, at last report don't.

 

If you will be working in an area where Channel 38 is already available, then that would make Trantec the obvious choice. If you're somewhere where you CAN'T use 38 yet, then you need to really think about whether you should purchase anything at all

 

The JFMG site has a "finder" page that will tell you the status of Channel 38 in your area.

 

Bob

[noizeman]

There will be (in a few months) a radio mic that will work between 470+870MHz in the same unit so ch 69 now and 38 when you need to switch over.

 

I cant give much more info at the moment but it may well be worth hanging on for a little while

[EVENTPRODUCTIONSOUNDLIGHT]

chears guys we can use ch 38 in our area so it will be trantec I think s5.5 with lapel mics and there miniture head sets

[Solstace]

Don't forget: there are frequencies available that aren't ch 69 or 38.

 

Might not work for most here, but for fixed installs (like mine) this can work out very nicely, albeit at a higher licensing cost. Advantages are that you know more about what is going on in that spectrum in your local area (likely only TV), and the chances of some oik rocking up with their own show/kit and broadcasting their 'fascinating' architecture narrative over your show are somewhat reduced. Further, we get to shout at those who do.

[Jivemaster]

Terralec have been stocking 2012 compatible multi mic systems, ready cased and equipped with aerial and amplifier and distribution and cables.

 

Waiting may bring options from other manufacturers!

[Ynot]

Trantec already have gear available on the new frequency; Sennheiser, at last report don't.

I'm trying to get official confirmation but as I understand it there should be a new revision of the Sennheiser G3 gear available from September which will be CH38 based.

 

I seem to recall we have a Senn rep hereabouts on the BR do we not?

[boswell]

Don't forget: there are frequencies available that aren't ch 69 or 38.

 

Might not work for most here, but for fixed installs (like mine) this can work out very nicely, albeit at a higher licensing cost.

 

Trouble is, we have no idea what the costs will be, as a fixed install, we use Ch29 at the moment but are reluctant to buy more kit for this channel in case the costs shoot up after the auction.

 

 

A concurrent post has been automatically merged from this point on.

 

I seem to recall we have a Senn rep hereabouts on the BR do we not?

AndyL is the BR man you want :)

[andy_s]

Trantec already have gear available on the new frequency; Sennheiser, at last report don't.

I'm trying to get official confirmation but as I understand it there should be a new revision of the Sennheiser G3 gear available from September which will be CH38 based.

 

I seem to recall we have a Senn rep hereabouts on the BR do we not?

 

The advert in LSI last month (july 2010) says that Sennheisser ch38 options include G3 series, 2000 series and 3000/5000 series. Doesn't say when they become available ...

[dboomer]

Don't forget: there are frequencies available that aren't ch 69 or 38.

 

.

 

Including 2.4G, 5G and Infrared :)

[Bobbsy]

I'm waiting to hear from the early adopters how well the systems on microwave frequencies perform in real world conditions. Certainly, using FHSS (frequency hopping spread spectrum) makes sense as a way to use the available bandwidth at 2.4GHz--but frequencies that high can be badly affected by any physical obstructions, including bags of water like the proverbial fat lady who sings the finale. Cable losses in antenna leads if these have to be any sort of length could also become an issue. Finally I'm wondering what happens if somebody in a nearby venue also tries to fire up the maximum 12 channels.

 

However, I'm seriously hoping they work as well as advertised--they could be a very useful solution now that bandwidth has become a profit centre for the government.

 

Bob

[AndyL]

Sorry, I haven't been around the BR much lately, work getting in the way... :)

 

Sennheiser Evolution Wireless G3 frequency range GB is shipping from Sennheiser UK already. They were originally expected for September but have arrived early.

 

I wouldn't expect prices are any different from other frequency range, we have never differentiated between G3 frequency ranges on price.

 

Range GB covers 606MHz to 648MHz.

 

Andy

[cedd]

Remember if you go for Trantec, the major differences between the s5.3 and the s5.5 are;

 

Ability to edit channel name/frequency by USB, and the ability to use ch38 & ch39 on the s5.5 (24 available channels).

 

If the usb editing isn't important to you (certainly isn't to me) and you only want 12, I'd be looking at the 5.3. They're cheaper, and if you decide to go for more channels later (in ch38) you just make sure any subsequent units you buy are s5.5 instead and work from their 13 frequency upwards.

 

And I too am waiting with interest to see how other Blue Roomer's get on with the 2.4Ghz systems in the line 6 thread currently running). I may well look for a couple as problem solvers/emergency extra channels. As far as my ch38 kit goes, I'm sold on Trantec. One battery safely for 2 shows, what a saving!