DISCOVER WHY THE SINGLE BIGGEST THREAT TO WIRELESS MICROPHONES IS IN YOUR POCKET

Wireless microphones are essential to modern production values. From live performance to big

events, corporate conferences to your local church, wireless systems are everywhere.

THE IMPORTANCE OF WIRELESS MICROPHONES

For wireless microphones and in-ear systems to work we need access to clean

RF (radio frequency) spectrum; this is fundamental rule number one.

CLEAN SPECTRUM

Wireless microphone systems have long operated in UHF bands IV & V (470 – 854MHz). UHF spectrum is

the preferential space to operate in and has become open to exploitation by other services in recent

years.

BUT NOT JUST ANY SPECTRUM

These UHF bands offer the largest quantity of high quality spectrum

required for large professional events.

WHY UHF?

As you've probably guessed, it's related to your mobile. The last 15 years have seen the explosion of

mobile phones, and then, in rapid succession, the growing demand to have ever faster and reliable

wireless internet access available on these devices.

WHAT’S HAPPENING TO UHF?

…The problem stems from the recent expansion into next generation 4G data services and how this affects the UHF spectrum used by wireless

microphones.

In short, large portions of UHF spectrum were re-allocated to the mobile industry through a process known as the Digital Dividend Review (DDR).

MOBILE PHONES IN ISOLATION AREN’T THE PROBLEM…

THE GROWTH OF MOBILE

They are best suited to provide excellent coverage thanks to their propagation

characteristics.

IT’S NO WONDER UHF SPECTRUM IS IN SUCH HIGH DEMAND

With the 800MHz band now cleared for 4G mobile data services, the mobile sector

has now set its eyes on the 700MHz band as well.

WHAT DOES THIS MEAN FOR

Rights and licenses to use spectrum are now big business. If the trend continues, there

may soon be insufficient amounts of spectrum available to reliably operate

wireless audio systems in the UK.

CONSEQUENCES

Wireless microphones use UHF spectrum daily to produce content, the very same content that is streamed to millions of smart phones using the very same spectrum! If wireless microphones do not have clean spectrum to operate in, the

audio will be interrupted and the production values of UK events will be significantly diminished. For example, try to imagine the Olympic ceremonies or your favourite artist,

but you can’t hear them properly!

THE IRONIC THING IS…

Electromagnetic spectrum is a national resource, just like gold or oil, there is only so much of it. And, if the

Government continues to clear more UHF spectrum, we will eventually run out.

ONE THING IS CERTAIN

Visit LosingYourVoice.co.uk to learn more and download your FREE guide to wireless microphones in

the UK.

DON’T LOSE YOUR VOICE