Managing wireless RF frequencies for microphones is fundamental to successfully managing audio for your event.
Sources of Interference
Radio Frequency interference, or RF interference for short, can come from a variety of things. Television broadcasts, microwave ovens, other wireless microphones… the list literally can go on and on and on. So how does one mitigate risk from potential RF interference sources? Well, there are several approaches.
First, and most importantly, its critical to scan for available radio frequencies wherever you may be. Both the Shure Axient and ULX-D lines of wireless audio systems provide for robust frequency scanning, allowing you to quickly and easily identify areas of the spectrum where it is currently safe to operate wireless microphones. After scanning for available frequencies, set up each wireless microphone on a separate, safe, wireless frequency.
After your wireless microphones are setup, make sure that you have lots of batteries. This is important because as batteries loose power, it begins to impact the transmission performance of wireless microphones. A good rule of thumb on Shure microphones is when you see 2 bars of battery power remaining, change your batteries as soon as possible.
Lastly, it is always good practice to use a pair of active, directional antennas which can be positioned up and away from your audio visual equipment. “Fins”, as they are affectionately known, will reduce the potential of electrical interference from your equipment impacting your wireless audio signals.
RF Spectrum Management
Despite all these precautions, it is still possible for unexpected and unknown RF interference to impact wireless audio. These “RF hits” are particularly challenging to manage, because they can strike randomly and without warning. The best tool available for mitigating “RF hits” is Shure’s AXT600 Axient Spectrum Manager. As part of Shure’s Axient Digital line of wireless microphone technology, the Axient Spectrum Manager continuously monitors, evaluates, and displays backup frequencies in real time, and can automatically (or manually) switch frequencies for Axient equipment if needed.
Used in conjunction with Shure’s Wireless Workbench software, the Axient Spectrum Manager provides the most robust means to monitor and manage wireless RF frequencies to ensure audio success for your event.
Mitigating Risk, Managing Success
The AXT600 along with Wireless Workbench are core components of GlobeStream Media's event audio solutions. They allow us to map and visualize the wireless spectrum at any venue, quickly identify safe primary and backup radio frequencies, and deploy rock-solid wireless audio solutions ensuring the highest levels audio quality and performance even in the most challenging environments.