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FCC regulations for the use of wireless microphones have changed and wireless microphone users are directed to vacate the 700MHz band after June 12, 2010. Sony discontinued its previous range of WL-800 and UWP Series of wireless microphone models operating on UHF-TV channels 62/64 (758-782 MHz) or 66/68 (782-806 MHz) and replaced them with new models operating on UHF-TV channels 30/32 (566-590 MHz) or 42/44 (638-662 MHz).

Sony customers with WL-800 Series "B" suffix models who want to modify their existing channels 62/64 or channels 66/68 wireless systems to operate on channels 30/32 or channels 42/44 (on a charge basis) can contact Sony Service in Teaneck N.J. (201-833-5300) to inquire. This WL-800 Series modification program will end by September 2010.

After the modification program ends, existing WL-800 Series "B" suffix models can no longer be modified and will need to be replaced. Sony customers with previous UWP Series systems operating on channels 62/64 or channels 66/68 should consider replacing their wireless systems with new UWP systems that operate in channels 30/32 or channels 42/44.

Robert Scovill, world class live sound engineer/producer once again took to the road with Tom Petty this summer 2010. The July issue of Live Sound features some of Robert's thoughts about the 2010 Heartbreakers tour.

Robert explains what live sound is all about: "What we want is a transparent presentation of the way things are. Using modern technology to reveal traditional and established sounds."

Robert has been at the forefront of technology and adoption of new live sound techniques and products for years.  He's arguably among the best live sound engineers of all time. 

When discussing the PR35 and its use on the 2010 Heartbreakers tour, Robert said, "For past tours, for sake of continuity, the (Neumann) KMS 150 was also the preferred microphone for the backing vocals. Based on the results of a shoot-out among other mics prior to this tour, however, the Heil Sound PR35 microphones landed the job for sonic reasons and also because they're tight in regard to surrounding noise."

It's almost tiring to repeat the refrain, but the Heil PR35 is an amazing microphone  - that you need to try - and that compares favorably to microphones that are triple the price.  At $274, the PR35 is a relative bargain and has found its way to stages with such names as Tom Petty, Carrie Underwood, Stevie Wonder, Charlie Daniels, and many more. 

If you've never tried the PR35, you owe it to yourself to check it out, as a part of your sound system.  We have the PR35 and the RC35 (the wireless capsule for use with any Shure brand wireless microphone). 

The PR35 features a large diaphragm dynamic microphone element, three-position bass roll-off, and -40 dB of rear rejection to provide unmatched isolation.  The PR35 is quickly becoming the go-to vocal microphone for leading music artists.

For more information, please check out our website.  The Heil PR35 comes with a money-back guarantee for 30 days.  Try it in your own system to make sure that it's right for you. 

Thursday, July 8, 2010 02:55 AM
By Elizabeth Gibson 
THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH

Liz Wheeler, left, and Vicky Welsh-Bragg rehearse for the Actors' Theatre production of Dark of the Moon at Schiller Park. They'll have to use different wireless microphones.

When the stars of the Columbus Children's Theatre start to sing, a wireless microphone carries their lyrics over the chords of musicals like Jesus Christ Superstar or The Wizard of Oz.

So when the Federal Communications Commission banned a common variety of wireless microphone, it was a problem.

"Now we have very expensive equipment that's worthless," said William Goldsmith, the theater's artistic director. "There are thousands of these microphones around the country that are now worthless."

Goldsmith said the four microphones that the theater had used cost about $1,000 to $2,000 each.

Whether for a sermon, a corporate board meeting, a school assembly or even a children's karaoke machine, wireless microphones that operate on a 700-MHz frequency are out.

"If you're not off it, you need to get off it. This is a matter of public safety," said Matt Nodine, chief of staff of the FCC's wireless telecommunications bureau.

The vast majority of wireless microphones are fine, especially newer equipment. But the FCC identified 3,000 different types of organizations with the problematic microphones. The FCC has more information at www.fcc.gov/cgb/wirelessmicrophones.

These microphones use frequencies that existed in the space between the signals from television stations. When TV went digital a year ago, it freed up most of the 700-MHz frequencies.

But once the TV stations were out of the way, companies spent about $19 billion buying up the frequencies in an FCC auction. Large blocks of available frequencies don't pop up often, and they were in demand for new Internet-friendly cellular-phone systems.

The microphones could cause interference when a phone company or a police department tries to use its newly acquired frequency.

"You might be sitting in church listening to the preacher's sermon and a trooper drives by the church, and suddenly you're hearing the trooper's radio traffic instead," said Darryl Anderson, director of the MARCS radio service used by police and safety agencies across the state.

The worst-case scenario is that the police dispatcher would hear the preacher instead of an officer calling for help, although Anderson said that was less likely.

The state's radio system is expanding to the 700-MHz bandwidth so it can take advantage of modern technology. The first eight towers that use that frequency will be going up in Cuyahoga County within the next three months.

FCC officials tried to spread the word in advance, but it still cost microphone users money.

Xenos Christian Fellowship on the North Side spent $8,000 to $10,000 on new equipment, and Faith Life Church in Johnstown had to spend a few thousand dollars.

"I guess it's an excuse to get new stuff," said John Ondo, Faith Life Church's media director. "We weren't hit too bad because we just moved and got a new system, but I'm sure other people had it worse."

Actors' Theatre, which depends heavily on wireless technology for its outdoor performances in Schiller Park, relied entirely on 700-MHz microphones, Artistic Director John S. Kuhn said. The group is halfway to raising the $8,000 needed to replace 12 microphones.

"We're sort of all (affected)," Kuhn said. "Nothing is going to change. The deed has been done, and it's going to have a large impact on so many organizations and nonprofits with no recourse."

egibson@dispatch.com

In the process of reviewing recent amplifier failures, it was discovered that defective parts from one of its vendors had made it into production of several models of Crown amplifiers. As a result, corrective action is needed on the following amplifiers manufactured and shipped from September 1, 2009 and April 30, 2010.

Amplifiers affected are Crown XTi1000, XTi2000, XTi4000, CDi1000, CDi2000, CDi4000, DSi1000, DSi2000, DSi4000.

Many of these models contain power supply resistors that demonstrate a very short lifetime. When these resistors fail, the amplifier will not turn on. No other safety and performance issues exist, but because the amplifier stops functioning, it is important to address this with corrective action.

All units that have been delivered to customers will be reworked or replaced to the customer’s satisfaction.

Any model that was shipped after April 30, 2010, regardless of manufacture date, has already been corrected.

You can simply contact anyone at Truth Seeker/Geartechs.com to help you arrange to have amplifiers replaced or updated. Or you can go the the Crown website to check to see if amplifiers you received are affected by the problem.

Simply go to: www.crownaudio.com/ca2010 and enter the serial numbers from these units.

The website will tell you which amplifiers need the corrective action, and which do not.

While it is regrettable that defective parts have caused these problems, Crown takes full responsibility and is active in dealing with the problem and making sure all customers are taken care of.  If you have questions, please call 800-747-7301.