 Multiway
Radio Mics - 8 - Setting up the system 4 |
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Now you must take some time to walk round the performance area with each mic and check that you are not getting and interference or drop out. Make sure that all the other transmitter packs are on the stage and set to 'on'. This will alert you to inter-modulation problems which would otherwise be missed if you checked the packs singly. You are listening out for hiss, crackles and other forms of noise - a specific sound for radio systems are high frequency, short lasting bursts sometimes called 'birdies' as they are akin to birdsong. All these are signs of interference. If the signal 'drops-out' or disappears, this is either because of loss of signal, interference or 'de-sense'. Your first response to all these problems should be to check for interference sources and remove them where possible. You might also try moving the aerials. If common sense tells you that there should be adequate signal, then suspect de-sense. As this occurs when there is too much signal, (or too much interference), try disconnecting the aerial connections to that receiver (which will mean going into the back of the rack) and replacing them with a paperclip wedged onto the aerial connectors. If this cures the problem, you have too much signal. For a more permanent fix, you will need to insert an attenuator at the main aerial inputs to the distribution amplifier. We can supply attenuators if necessary. Generally, 6-10dB attenuation is required. If all is well, you should now have a fully-functioning, reliable multi-way radio system. We shall look into the issues of microphone attachment and how to cope with your mics during the run of a show in a future 'How To' guide. |
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Wireless Mics and the Audio Professional by Jim Brown (see the links section) Theatre Sound by John A. Leonard (see the books section) |
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