I know most here don't follow wireless like I do but there was big news last week at the FCC. They approved a new standard called WMAS (see thread title) that can support 32 (maybe more) wireless devices in a 6 MHz broadcast channel. This is the same spectral space used by about 8 traditional wireless mics. The system is configurable for bidirectional operation for use with mics or in-ear monitors. It also supports control channels between all devices and the base station. Sennheiser had the lead in developing the technology and getting regulatory approval. Others are sure to follow suit.
This technology is really a game changer for those that need high channel counts such as broadcasters or Broadway shows. What is more is that the new technology will not interfere with the traditional mics or vice-versa in most instances. Furthermore, this technology can be used with a part 15 license (such as is the case iwth our current mics) instead of a part 74 license which is reserved for broadcast related use.
The technology behind this has existed for quite a while OFDM, TDD, TDMA. OFDM is the modulation used in 3GLTE and some LANs. TDD is used in 4G/LTE and WiFi. TDMA was used in GSM cell phones. All put together, the WMAS radio traffic is spread across the full 6 MHz RF channel at very low powers. Our typical wireless mic uses a narrow 200 kHz channel at relatively high powers. The broadband nature of the signal prevents it from being interfered by the narrowband mics. And, the narrowband mics aren't interfered with because of the low power of the broadband signal. It is all really cool stuff.
I doubt any DJs would be buying WMAS systems. This stuff is for professionals that currently buy Shure Axient, Sennheiser 6000 Series, Lectrosonics and the like. However, what it does mean for DJs is that as more of the pros go to something like this, we will be able to coexist better.
This technology is really a game changer for those that need high channel counts such as broadcasters or Broadway shows. What is more is that the new technology will not interfere with the traditional mics or vice-versa in most instances. Furthermore, this technology can be used with a part 15 license (such as is the case iwth our current mics) instead of a part 74 license which is reserved for broadcast related use.
The technology behind this has existed for quite a while OFDM, TDD, TDMA. OFDM is the modulation used in 3GLTE and some LANs. TDD is used in 4G/LTE and WiFi. TDMA was used in GSM cell phones. All put together, the WMAS radio traffic is spread across the full 6 MHz RF channel at very low powers. Our typical wireless mic uses a narrow 200 kHz channel at relatively high powers. The broadband nature of the signal prevents it from being interfered by the narrowband mics. And, the narrowband mics aren't interfered with because of the low power of the broadband signal. It is all really cool stuff.
I doubt any DJs would be buying WMAS systems. This stuff is for professionals that currently buy Shure Axient, Sennheiser 6000 Series, Lectrosonics and the like. However, what it does mean for DJs is that as more of the pros go to something like this, we will be able to coexist better.
