Wireless Lav Frequencies

S

StephenEastwood

New member
Hello, thanks for taking the time. I am wondering about wireless lavs, I have a few Sennheiser systems, all the same group, "B" I am starting a TV show where we will ultimately have more, I was wondering if I would be better off with multiple units all the same group (Block I think they call it) or if I should have multiple Groups so they have more available frequencies per set or two sets. In other words should I have maybe 5 or 6 sets all the same set of frequencies, each obviously only connecting to one receiver, or should I split the frequencies between pairs, would one cause more interference than the other? Also is it advisable to mix a set of say Sony UHF with the sennheiser sets or better to keep them all the same brand?

Currently I have 2 G3's and 1 G2 set, would need maybe 3 more sets total


Thanks for any help.
 
In the USA, go for A block. Because eventually B block is going to be auctioned off by the government to the cell phone providers, like C block before it. Google it, you'll learn more about the plan and the timing.

Aside from that practicality, the pairs (xmit / rcvr) will usually only interfere with other pairs if set to the exact same frequency. The A and B blocks both contain a large number of channels; you'll likely easily find six separate usable channels in either A or B; if you're spreading across both legal blocks you'll likely just have an easier time of it.
 
Bruce Watson said:
In the USA, go for A block. Because eventually B block is going to be auctioned off by the government to the cell phone providers, like C block before it. Google it, you'll learn more about the plan and the timing.

Aside from that practicality, the pairs (xmit / rcvr) will usually only interfere with other pairs if set to the exact same frequency. The A and B blocks both contain a large number of channels; you'll likely easily find six separate usable channels in either A or B; if you're spreading across both legal blocks you'll likely just have an easier time of it.
Click to expand...
^This^... And some of the auction details are coming out: http://www.lectrosonics.com/US/Wireless-Resources/fcc-spectrum-updates.html I would buy A or G block only. The people that bought C block IMO really took a hit when it was auctioned. I believe Sennheiser offered something like a $150-$200 buyback for a G2 set :/
 
My understanding is that it will be a few years before we in the US lose access to the 600MHz range of frequencies (where Sennheiser Group B sits). But ya, why buy new systems in that range?

OTOH, Sennheiser G3 units include banks of presets that allow you to use up to 12 systems without intermod. That's pretty cool if enough of the banks are clear of interference (and odds are you'd be able to find a bank that has enough open frequencies for six systems, I'd guess), but appears to work best when using systems in the same block. Here's an article on B&H's site but written by an actual mixer that gives a good overview of the feature and how to use it:
https://www.bhphotovideo.com/explor...ple-sennheiser-g3-wireless-microphone-systems

There's also a neat app called FreqFinder that can help you avoid intermod when setting up a lot of wireless systems. One great feature what its ability to account for the likelihood that US-based TV transmissions will be a problem at you particular location. Note, however, when I've used it we're setting up Lectrosonics systems... I'd guess it'd work with Sennheiser G3, though would it be better than the built-in G3 banks? Don't know. But cool app and the developer has some good background info on his site:
http://newendian.com/index.php?title=FreqFinder
 
Sennheiser systems are now available in what they call the A1 block, which sits below A. 470MHz-516MHz.
 
Yes, the Sennheiser's on-line frequency finder can help staying away from local TV interference. There's usually a range with at least -70 or -80dB of low modulation (even in most large cities), though if not completely vacant, it's usually adequate to run six channels in the same bank. The G2/3 receiver's on-board scanner is good for folks who feel lucky.
 
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