Is AKG PR40 any good? at DVinfo.net

Rafal Krolik · August 7th, 2004, 08:49 AM

AKG PR40 Portable UHF Wireless Lavalier System with MP40 Micropen Transmitter (Frequency KR3) is listed at B&H at a very affordable price. If any of you have any personal experience ith this system, please share it. I plan on using it for an ocassional wedding/interview situations.

Jay Massengill · August 7th, 2004, 11:43 AM

I don't have any personal experience with the PR-40, but I do use the AKG PR-81 and it's very satisfactory over short ranges and with mic inputs that can be attenuated for it's hot signal.
The main things I would worry about with the PR40 is that it only uses a single frequency. You can't adjust it away from interference if you encounter it.
It also uses a non-locking mini-plug output, but it is a protected right-angle plug so it shouldn't be too vulnerable to pulling out.
Generally AKG makes very good products, but I would test a system like this extensively before using it on an important project.

Rafal Krolik · August 7th, 2004, 12:22 PM

Thanks for your answer Jay. I just looked and will go with the PR81. Out of curiosity, I noticed that B&H has two of these, and the only difference I see is a reference in the parenthesis at the end of the product description. One says US54 and is out of stock and the other one is US58 and is available. ???
Thanks again.

Jay Massengill · August 7th, 2004, 01:05 PM

That's the frequency band that each model occupies. It's equivalent to United States Television Channel 54 and 58. You can look on most wireless manufacturers websites and find a chart to see what channels are occupied in your area. Many of these UHF channels carry new digital TV signals, some of which aren't yet actually broadcasting. That's why you need to look it up rather than just tuning around on your antenna-equipped TV or HDTV. You must avoid these occupied TV channels because even though the PR-81 can be adjusted to several frequencies, you can't escape a TV station right in the middle of your band.
These units are also available on US55 and US59 from other vendors if that's what you need.

Rafal Krolik · August 10th, 2004, 03:01 PM

Oh Geez, and we have ch 58 here in Milwaukee. UGGGGGGHHHHHHHHHHHHH. I guess I'll find out what happens in two days.

August 7th, 2004, 08:49 AM	#1
Rafal Krolik Regular Crew Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Milwaukee, Wi Posts: 160	Is AKG PR40 any good? AKG PR40 Portable UHF Wireless Lavalier System with MP40 Micropen Transmitter (Frequency KR3) is listed at B&H at a very affordable price. If any of you have any personal experience ith this system, please share it. I plan on using it for an ocassional wedding/interview situations.

August 7th, 2004, 11:43 AM	#2
Jay Massengill Trustee Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Burlington Posts: 1,976	I don't have any personal experience with the PR-40, but I do use the AKG PR-81 and it's very satisfactory over short ranges and with mic inputs that can be attenuated for it's hot signal. The main things I would worry about with the PR40 is that it only uses a single frequency. You can't adjust it away from interference if you encounter it. It also uses a non-locking mini-plug output, but it is a protected right-angle plug so it shouldn't be too vulnerable to pulling out. Generally AKG makes very good products, but I would test a system like this extensively before using it on an important project.

August 7th, 2004, 12:22 PM	#3
Rafal Krolik Regular Crew Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Milwaukee, Wi Posts: 160	Thanks for your answer Jay. I just looked and will go with the PR81. Out of curiosity, I noticed that B&H has two of these, and the only difference I see is a reference in the parenthesis at the end of the product description. One says US54 and is out of stock and the other one is US58 and is available. ??? Thanks again.

August 7th, 2004, 01:05 PM	#4
Jay Massengill Trustee Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Burlington Posts: 1,976	That's the frequency band that each model occupies. It's equivalent to United States Television Channel 54 and 58. You can look on most wireless manufacturers websites and find a chart to see what channels are occupied in your area. Many of these UHF channels carry new digital TV signals, some of which aren't yet actually broadcasting. That's why you need to look it up rather than just tuning around on your antenna-equipped TV or HDTV. You must avoid these occupied TV channels because even though the PR-81 can be adjusted to several frequencies, you can't escape a TV station right in the middle of your band. These units are also available on US55 and US59 from other vendors if that's what you need.

August 10th, 2004, 03:01 PM	#5
Rafal Krolik Regular Crew Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Milwaukee, Wi Posts: 160	Oh Geez, and we have ch 58 here in Milwaukee. UGGGGGGHHHHHHHHHHHHH. I guess I'll find out what happens in two days.