The ongoing discussion regarding the FCC’s new ruling on wireless mic frequencies seems to have left out a really important group of products and users that are impacted by this ruling.
Wireless intercom, ” in ear” wireless monitors (IEM,s), wireless instrument transmitters and IFB’s (interupptable feedback units), all have been designed and marketed for operation in the 800 MHz frequency range. They will all be impacted and will have to be replaced, even though they are not specifically listed in the FCC ruling, if they transmit on the newly restricted frequencies.
The technology that makes UHF wireless mics possible has found lots of other uses within the entertainment production industry. The stage performer with a wireless mic in hand is likely to also be wearing a set of wireless in-ear monitors which may well be also operating in the 800MHz range. The same goes for a guitar player using a wireless rig. He may well have a wireless mic, in-ear monitors and a wireless instrument transmitter in use all at the same time.
Wireless intercom has allowed technicians to roam production spaces without being tethered to a cable. The most popular systems now in use operate in the same frequency range as wireless microphones.
Finally IFB’s (the small ear pieces you see in a television anchor’s ear) are also impacted. These devices allow the director or producer to speak directly to on-air talent. In order to allow the weatherman to move about the tv set freely, these devices need to be wireless.
If you use any of these devices, you’ll need to check the frequencies (it should be stamped directly on the transmitter and receiver). You may well be replacing more than just your wireless mics.
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