The PROVANTAGE Handbook / Wireless systems
A wireless microphone uses two linked systems: the acoustic path that captures the person and the radio path that transports that signal.
A familiar microphone capsule does not make the radio link dependable. Channel coordination, antennas, cable loss, transmitter discipline, batteries and live monitoring determine whether wireless operation remains controlled.
The RF environment changes
REHEARSAL
IS A
SNAPSHOT.
Other productions, broadcasters, venue systems and uncoordinated devices can alter the spectrum after an early scan. Audience arrival can also change RF propagation. Planning needs current information and show-time monitoring.
A disciplined workflow
SCAN.
COORDINATE.
CONTROL.
Inventory
List every wireless microphone, in-ear, intercom and other known RF system, including tuning ranges and operating areas.
Environment
Obtain current regulatory guidance, venue information and an on-site spectrum scan at an appropriate time.
Coordination
Create a compatible frequency plan accounting for occupied spectrum, spacing and intermodulation behaviour.
Coverage
Design antenna position, distribution, cable paths and RF gain around stages, backstage and presenter movement.
Control
Label transmitters, lock settings, manage batteries, record assignments and restrict unplanned devices.
Monitor
Watch RF and audio performance, rescan when conditions change and use a controlled response plan.
Antenna-system reality
LINE OF SIGHT.
USEFUL LEVEL.
LOW NOISE.
More RF gain is not automatically more reliability.
Antennas, distribution, splitters, filters, cable loss and receiver input level form one system. Excess gain can overload stages or amplify unwanted energy; inadequate gain can reduce useful margin. Design and verify the path rather than turning every control upward.
When interference appears
DO NOT
CHANGE FREQUENCY
AT RANDOM.
Identify the affected channel and operating area, confirm battery and hardware condition, inspect RF indications, compare the coordinated plan and move through a prepared spare or recalculated channel under one owner.
What the RF brief should contain
CHANNELS.
PEOPLE.
MOVEMENT.
Supply the venue, spaces, programme, wireless count, device tuning ranges, presenter and performer movement, camera or broadcast involvement, rehearsal windows and known third-party systems.
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