Dual channel wireless UHF audio systems - SONY, Deity, RODE...?

R

rob norton

Veteran
At some point I'd like to buy a dual channel UHF system.

For context, the application is monitoring sound/micing talent/documentary subjects while shooting. Taking sound seriously enough to have decent audio considering there's no dedicated sound professional, under no illusions that I'm doing a better job than two people with their own focus, but still trying to hit a ceiling in terms of what one person can offer while also shooting.

In the higher end of the mid range options, I know there are options from Sony, Deity and soon Rode. I'm not grouping lectrosonics in this category because of their price tag, but know people are buying used lectros. I'm also not considering the cheaper brands on B&H.

- Sony UWP-D27 (URX-P41D receiver and pair of UTX-B40 transmitters).
- Deity Theos. I used the older Connect system and it wasn't a great experience. There had to be a completely clear line of sight, otherwise the signal was unusable.

I'm wondering if anyone can help with a few questions:
- Does Sennheiser have a dual channel equivalent to the UWP-D27?
- For the Sony, "true diversity is available only in single-channel mode. In dual-channel mode, the receiver relies on antenna diversity". Is this an issue for the described use case above? And would the upcoming Rode likely behave in a similar way?
- To power the Sony, I've read when not using Sony's hot shoe tech, for dual channels, you can't use the USB-C power and it reverts back to batteries. This isn't a huge deal, but it'd be really cool to power the RX via larger battery when on the Pyxis rig. Do we know if the Rode would act differently and will be able to receive USB-C power when 2 txs are in use?

It seems like it's out of Sony/Rode, with the Sony being older and the Rode not yet being proven. Without knowing more, I'm leaning towards the recently announced Rode.
 
I own a pair of Sony UWP-D26. I've used them for many years, never let me down. They have great range and just work. That's all I care about. I don't trust Deity. There are a couple of annoying things with UWP. The first the battery indicator is useless so much so Sony includes a built in timer. The other thing is they use their own TRRS order that's isn't compatible with conventional wiring so you can't plug a non Sony mic without rewiring it.
 
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I looked up close at the new RØDELink II yesterday. It’s an interesting package, but there are still many unanswered questions. I was struck by how little the RØDE reps actually new about the system as we were asking questions. There was a lot of, “That’s a great question. I have no idea.”

It’s going to come in around the $1400-1500 price range. It will only have a 3.5mm > 3.5mm output cable, so connecting to XLR inputs on a mixer/recorder or camera will require a custom-wired Y-cable. There’s no manual control on the transmitters; all settings are controlled through the receiver, and it looks like the receiver can send control data to the transmitters. We were not able to actually listen to the system as they didn’t have it set up for that, which is kind of ridiculous.

Under the hood, it’s got some Lectrosonics influence, since Lectro and RØDE are now both part of Freedman Group. But questions they were unable to answer included whether multiple receivers can be tuned to the same transmitter (if different cameras or bags need to party dial to the same talent), and how many of these systems can be used at the same time. I guess those answers will come, eventually.

The systems sold in the US will record and transmit simultaneously. It’s a direct patent violation, but Freedman doesn’t seem to care. That’s another conversation for another day.

As far as quality, a lot remains to be seen. I do like that the whips on the RX are SMA, but the whips on the TXs are fixed. I did mention to the reps that those should also be SMA, as transmitter whips will be destroyed faster than anything. Otherwise, construction seems solid. The big question is quality of performance. It’s something to keep an eye out for.

Regarding Theos: they don’t sound great, but the bigger issue is that they have terrible RF spray. So much so that many large venues that employ RF coordinators do not allow those systems at their games and events.
 
The Newshooter video from NAB with Rode discussing the Rodelink left me pretty impressed with the system. Given the price, it is a Theos competitor. If testing proves it out, I think it will far surpass Theos. It is specifically designed to be a camera-mounted system and not to be used in a bag. The display and controls are on the opposite side from the antennas, so as to operate in a horizontal position on top of a camera. The 3.5mm cables indicate they are targeting the mirrorless camera market. I really like that the transmitters have no display/controls. That's the way it should be. Just wire it up and forget about it. It's dumb to have to dick with a talent's transmitter. Especially after it is installed.

Alex, your question about how many can operate at one time..... good one. That never ocurred to me. One would hope that even if not intended, since it is targeted to mirrorless cameras, what an oops it would be if two users could not operate within the vacinity of each other. Whoever showed it to you....surprising they didn't know. They must not be too well connected with the factory or if they are.....hmmm,.
 
Alex, thanks for share your thoughts on the RODELink II UHF. Odd that RODE didn't have a wireless-savvy person to answer your questions...Especially since it was NAB (and not NAMM or something)....You'd think they could borrow someone from Lectro... Still, I hope the Lectro team was able to influence the design (as in: make sure there's no spurious RF spray, there is a reasonable noise floor, etc).

But not having a working model that you could demo... How far away is this thing from really shipping?

As for the Zax transmit/record patent... I'm guessing Freedman figures their "about $2 Billion" valuation will give them enough money to fight a legal battle with Zax (a battle Zax previously won over Lectro). Or maybe there was some quiet licensing. I guess we'll find out soon. I hope the Rode system sounds good...

If in a bag, I figure I (or some company) could build cables to run clip-on whip antennas (or fins I guess) from the top of the bag to the SMA connectors at the bottom of the RX. The 3.5mm output, though...in theory it could be fine, but let's see what Rode did...

And sort-of like Paul, I can probably live, if forced, with controlling the TX via the RX. Just so long as I don't HAVE to use a smartphone.

But you know, if Shure came out with a dual-channel SLXD+ receiver, well that could be pretty compelling sort of in this price range.

And if Zax came out with $700-$900 transmitters to go with their almost-shipping-(they-say) two-channel DCiRX receiver ($1600, iirc?), that could be very interesting.... Alex (or anyone), did you get a chance to chat with Zaxcom?
 
Jim Feeley said:
And if Zax came out with $700-$900 transmitters to go with their almost-shipping-(they-say) two-channel DCiRX receiver ($1600, iirc?), that could be very interesting.... Alex (or anyone), did you get a chance to chat with Zaxcom?
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I'm still eyeballing the DCiRX. Glenn mentioned in his Gotham Sound interview at the show that it would be available in 2 weeks, so I guess we'll see.

I would also love it if Zaxcom came out with some slightly less expensive transmitters. I currently have a couple of Sennheiser G3 wireless kits that have been fine for what I normally do, but I'd love to step up to a more professional sound ecosystem and if I do go with the DCiRX, which I'm thinking I will, then it's off to eBay for the G3's and a search for used Zaxcom stuff most likely.
 
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