Please confirm my understanding at DVinfo.net

Mike Hanlon · January 31st, 2011, 06:37 PM

Sorry if this sounds lame, but I heard something from an audio "expert" the other day that I know is incorrect, but wanted to verify my correct (?) understanding with this trusted body.

The discussion involved wireless microphones such as those commonly used in live theater, with regard to frequency use. The "expert" told me that the spectrum is divided such that individual manufacturers are allocated specific ranges so that they don't interfere with each other.

A quick search at B&H showed me that there are some manufacturers that overlap each other on some products, so I know exclusive allocation cannot be true, i.e. my expert is wrong.

Is there perhaps an aspect of the expert's assertion, some grain of truth, that I am not aware of?

Thanks for the help,
Mike.

Robert Wiejak · January 31st, 2011, 08:35 PM

There is no such thing as “…individual manufacturers are allocated specific ranges…”. They all share the frequencies on a secondary basis with TV.

Bill Davis · January 31st, 2011, 09:28 PM

Perhaps they're confusing RF mics with Cel Phones?

In cel phones, manufacturers and retailers are often issued "banks" of cel numbers that they can use for their customers purchases.

But in low power radio mics, the FCC regulations are such that every manufacturer has to work within the spectrum that every one else has access to.

John Willett · February 1st, 2011, 07:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mike Hanlon

Sorry if this sounds lame, but I heard something from an audio "expert" the other day that I know is incorrect, but wanted to verify my correct (?) understanding with this trusted body.

The discussion involved wireless microphones such as those commonly used in live theater, with regard to frequency use. The "expert" told me that the spectrum is divided such that individual manufacturers are allocated specific ranges so that they don't interfere with each other.

A quick search at B&H showed me that there are some manufacturers that overlap each other on some products, so I know exclusive allocation cannot be true, i.e. my expert is wrong.

Is there perhaps an aspect of the expert's assertion, some grain of truth, that I am not aware of?

It all depends on which country you are in.

Firstly - manufacturers are definitely not allocated specific ranges.

Where you can legally use radiomics varies from country to country and region to region within that country, not from manufacturer to manufacturer.

Each manufacturer will calculate intermodulation-free frequencies differently - so it's very important to get the manufacturer of your radio to calculate the frequency set for you - they will give you the best and safest set.

So IM-free frequency sets will vary with manufacturer, but it's nothing to do will allocation.

Mike Hanlon · February 1st, 2011, 11:42 AM

That's a relief, glad to know I wasn't wrong about something so basic.

Thanks again for the help.

Mike.

January 31st, 2011, 06:37 PM	#1
Mike Hanlon Regular Crew Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: San Jose, CA Posts: 180	Please confirm my understanding Sorry if this sounds lame, but I heard something from an audio "expert" the other day that I know is incorrect, but wanted to verify my correct (?) understanding with this trusted body. The discussion involved wireless microphones such as those commonly used in live theater, with regard to frequency use. The "expert" told me that the spectrum is divided such that individual manufacturers are allocated specific ranges so that they don't interfere with each other. A quick search at B&H showed me that there are some manufacturers that overlap each other on some products, so I know exclusive allocation cannot be true, i.e. my expert is wrong. Is there perhaps an aspect of the expert's assertion, some grain of truth, that I am not aware of? Thanks for the help, Mike. __________________ VM Productions

January 31st, 2011, 08:35 PM	#2
Robert Wiejak Regular Crew Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Alberta Posts: 61	There is no such thing as “…individual manufacturers are allocated specific ranges…”. They all share the frequencies on a secondary basis with TV. __________________ __________ Rob.

January 31st, 2011, 09:28 PM	#3
Bill Davis Trustee Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Scottsdale, AZ 85260 Posts: 1,538	Perhaps they're confusing RF mics with Cel Phones? In cel phones, manufacturers and retailers are often issued "banks" of cel numbers that they can use for their customers purchases. But in low power radio mics, the FCC regulations are such that every manufacturer has to work within the spectrum that every one else has access to. __________________ Classroom editing instructor? Check out www.starteditingnow.com Turnkey editor training content including licensed training footage for classroom use.

February 1st, 2011, 11:42 AM	#5
Mike Hanlon Regular Crew Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: San Jose, CA Posts: 180	That's a relief, glad to know I wasn't wrong about something so basic. Thanks again for the help. Mike. __________________ VM Productions