proper input/output settings for Sony wireless UWP-D (UTX B03/URX P03) system?

[Josh Bass]

Hey guys. Hoping one of the audio experts can help me on this. Used the relatively new Sony UWP-D wireless system a few times last week, had mixed results. One day was good, next day not so good, with exact same transmitter/receiver/camera settings. Not so good day had some nasty hiss. . makes me think I got the gain staging wrong somewhere.

This was with an EX1, can't say where the trim was set in the menus (don't own the gear so can't check right now), but I had the output level on the wireless receiver set to 0, which gave me a good level (peaks around -10 on EX1 meter) with the cam's audio pot at 5/halfway when lav is in a normal lav position and speaker is speaking at normal volume. Don't know what the transmitter level (if there even is such a setting) was set to, but it was showing about half way on the built in meter when I tested it with my voice at normal speaking volume/lav mic position.

Manual for this system and youtube tutorials are no help in saying where the various meters on the wireless system should be for good levels (they just say something along the lines of "make sure it's not distorting"). . .so I don't know if I'm setting those correctly. Anyone used this system and have thoughts on what you should be seeing on the built in meters on the transmitter/receiver for proper gain staging/audio levels?

Thanks.

 

[Rick R]

If the hiss is constant, it's likely a gain staging maladjustment... .. If it's intermittent,RF interference.
Check the attenuation settings on the transmitter and set the input as high as possible (easy). but low enough for unexpected peaks (not so easy). An average meter reading of around 60-75% should be sufficient. The compander must be set the same on both the transmitter & receiver. The camera's Phantom Power (or Plug-in power) should be OFF!
Set the camera's record volume at around 60% and adj. the receiver's output level accordingly. (DO NOT use auto gain) Most of the bungled mics with wireless systems are sub-par, so a higher quality replacement is recommended. Typically $100 to $500 usd.

 

[Alex H.]

Must of the bungled mics with wireless systems are sub-par...

A rather appropriate typo.

For what it's worth, I've always experienced a palpable nose floor in the Sony systems, both the old UWP-V1 and the new UWP-D, even with better lavs.