Wireless Audio

Our church (Christian Life Church) has been enjoying wireless audio for nearly a year now. After an expensive decision and faithful donations, we run twelve Shure SLX receivers, twelve SLX bodypacks and five SLX handheld SM58 microphones. The great thing about the bodypack transmitters is that they can take either a lapel pickup, Countryman earset mic, XLR adapter (to use with standard wired mics) or a TS phono plug to go direct from an instrument.

The wireless receivers run directly from two powered unidirectional antenna paddles giving us a true diversity system with zero dropout. We run two frequency series between 518 - 542 MHz and 638 - 662 MHz.

There are many factors to consider when looking for wireless audio and it's important to do your homework. Here is what I would like to recommend:

1. Stay with a brand that is strong in wireless pro audio technology - Read reviews in buying guides and audio experts to help you guide you in your decisions. I also strongly suggest to use a single brand for current and future expansions because not all wireless systems can work cross-platform.

2. Decide how many units you want to implement currently and for expansion later. This is important because if you under guess yourself, you will limit your ability to expand later. For example, we have the Shure SLX running twelve units simultaneously, but it is designed to run up to 20.

3. Use a frequency finder service directly from the manufacturer's source (like their website) to help determine the current and allotted TV stations in your local area to avoid competing frequencies (http://www.shure.com/ProAudio/TechLibrary/WirelessFrequencyFinder/index.htm).

4. Keep in mind there will be ongoing costs of batteries. We replace each battery with fresh new ones each Sunday. We buy industrial AA by the bulk and only pay approx $0.31 each (the more, the better lower the price).

Please Note: There are many changes due to new DTV laws and FCC requirements, but after Feb 19, 2009 all DTV broadcast will be running 100% and analog broadcast will be a thing of the past. For detailed info, download http://www.audiosystemsgroup.com/wirelessDTV.pdf