Here is some additional commentary on the recent FCC decision. I think the concluding line of the article by Bill Evans sums it up best:

The future is not entirely clear, but be prepared for interference from lots of stupid and worthless text messages to start hitting your wireless mics and ears in the near future.

FCC Puts Screws to Live Event Audio Industry

The important thing to keep in mind is that we don’t know what is going to happen, but we all need to be watching this very closely and be ready to defend our uses when the time comes.

With all the big news about elections lately, many of you may have missed the vote that the FCC placed on the same day you were casting your vote to elect a new President of the United States, or possibly to uphold marriage in some states. (I say uphold marriage because that is what the people in every state that I’m aware of voted to do.) The Federal Communications Commission voted on Tuesday to approve white space devices. White space is the area reserved for television stations, but not actually in use by one. Historically, this white space has been used by wireless microphones and other broadcast related devices. In ear monitors fall into this category as well. (Assisted Listening Systems typically operate like an FM radio station in another spectrum.) This decision is on top of the earlier proposal to restrict use of wireless microphones in the 700 MHz band.

The FCC is attempting to reassure us that they will allocate some channels to wireless microphone use and that the other white space devices must comply with a database indicating on what frequencies they are allowed to operate in what areas. It seems that the FCC is going to establish a database for operators to register their venues in an effort to reduce interference. While the FCC indicates this database will give complete protection for wireless microphones to registered venues, I don’t feel so confident.

From what I have read, every test of a white space device has in essence failed. They have not been able to adequately adapt to the frequencies that are in use by wireless microphones and have caused harmful interference. Limiting the amount of frequencies that are available for microphones will work in many markets, but as many already know, it can be hard to find a clear channel now in Southern California and other crowded markets. Reducing this number further is only going to make frequency coordination that much more important in live events.

You may be wondering what you can do as this does really affect everyone. This isn’t just audio companies, but theaters, churches, corporate professionals, hotels and amusement parks who will need to deal with the consequences of this action. At this point, it doesn’t seem that there is much we can do other than continue to monitor the situation and be ready to give input to the FCC again when they ask for it. (The period for comments has already passed at this time.)

FCC Chairman Kevin Martin did make the following note regarding the new white space devices and protecting wireless microphones:

Prior to going to market any white space device will undergo a rigorous certification process.  Today’s item protects broadcasters’ operations.  It also protects entertainment, sports and other significant venues, including the unlicensed operation of many wireless microphones and other wireless devices in those areas.  Additionally, channels have even been set aside to protect wireless microphones in major markets.

It seems that the FCC is worried about microphones and recognizes their importance to the world. Hopefully the testing of white space devices will prove to be successful and this will not create any problems on our microphones. So far, this does not impact any microphones you may already own. However, I would probably suggest putting some serious thought into renting wireless microphones you may be considering purchasing in the next year.

For those who are unsure exactly what is going on with this DTV transition, you may be interested in reading this article from EV. Expect more information on this transition to be coming in the next few weeks and months.

Electro-Voice wireless microphone operation above 698 MHz in the United States – Electrovoice.

Please note that it is not yet illegal to USE wireless products above 698, just illegal to manafucturer or sell them. How are these changes going to impact you?

Our Shure Rep, Mike from Audio Geer, was nice enough to bring a new toy with him to our open house earlier this week, the new UR1M (info | shop). This is the first time I’ve been able to see the micro bodypack from Shure since we saw the early design models on a secluded portion of a show floor a long time ago.

I must admit my first struggle with the bodypack was opening the battery compartment. There is a little switch like piece on the bottom of the pack which must be opened to gain access to the batteries and controls. I’m sure this was designed to keep talent out of the controls, but it seemed kind of a hassel to deal with. Maybe wtih time it will be easier for me to open the flap.

The unit seemed just like the pre produciton models we saw. Nicely built and an incredibly good use of space. It will take some getting used to for users to put AAA batteries in the unit instead of the AA batteries used in it’s big brother the UR1. Even more interesting is that they go in the same direction instead of alternating as in most other units. Removing the batteries was easy which is good since it can be a pane in some other units.

I didn’t have the opportunity to fire it up and listen to the sound coming through the airwaves. I’m sure that it sounds as good as we would expect from products in this range and is comperable to the other UHF-R products in audio dynamics and compression.

The controls were easy to use and the display was easy to read, a great must on all devices and something I was worried about with the smaller unit. It was weird pushing buttons on the bottom of the unit (once the battery compartment is open) as opposed to the buttons under the display on most other units (like the UR1). The buttons were firm and did not require special tools or toothpics.

I am a fan of the threaded TA4F input connector on the UHF-R series packs. I just wish that Shure would allow us to purchase elements with the threaded connectors already installed.

All in all, I’m looking forward to using the new micro bodypack even though I will probably not ever actually wear it or experience the benefits of it that a cast member would. I guess I’m just really happy that Shure has this addition to their line.