Question about sennheiser g3 transmitter issue

[MattRobertson]

I have a sennheiser g3 transmitter that is going weird on me for some reason. It will start emitting digital type short dash beeps in the audio mix at seemingly random intervals, but more likely when sound is being picked up. I have tried everything to fix it, and oddly enough, the only thing at all that fixes it, is if i press one of the buttons on the transmitter (ie: the menu button, or the power button) then that digital beeping sound will subside for about 10-15 seconds or so. Anyone had this weirdness before? Is my transmitter just dying?

 

[Noiz2]

My first guess is that you are getting stepped on by another device. Have you checked that your on a clear frequency?

Also while I wouldn't describe it exactly like you have, but smart phones "call home" periodically and create a sound reminiscent of an old modem, kind of. So are all cel phones turned off when you are getting this?

The menu buttons may interrupt reception or perform a mute and that maybe why that "clears it up".

 

[Rick R]

Yes, those symptoms is typical of smart phone interference. This usually sneaks in though unbalanced, poorly shielded cables and/or connections. Not specific to a wireless mic systems or even low budget productions.

 

[Richard Crowley]

Yes, those symptoms is typical of smart phone interference. This usually sneaks in though unbalanced, poorly shielded cables and/or connections. Not specific to a wireless mic systems or even low budget productions.

Exactly. And it is worst when the subject themselves has their cell phone in their pocket right next to the microphone! I always have the presenter hand their cell phone off to someone else to monitor while they are presenting. Presumably, they won't be using the phone during the presentation. Remember that cell phones transmit "pings" back and forth with the nearest cell antenna so the network knows where your phone is when someone calls you. And the authorities can find you by your cell phone, also (if you are the paranoid type)