Radio Microphones

Radio microphone systems fall primarily into two categories, hand-held and beltpack. Within the hand-held category there are options for microphones with narrow, medium and wide pick-up angels. The beltpack systems give you the option of using a tie clip mic, a headset microphone or an instrument cable. (The above options need to specified at the time of purchase). VHF and UHF are the two frequency bands on which radio microphones operate.

VHF

VHF radio microphones range considerably in price. As always, the more you pay, the more reliable the system is, and the better quality the microphone element is. We believe all the systems we provide offer good quality and value for money. Higher priced units will often be diversity units (with two aerials and receivers switching between them to help increase the range of the radio microphone) and some will be frequency agile, able to change operating channel to avoid other radio microphone users.

The congestion of the licence free band is the biggest problem. In most towns with two or three churches it can prove very difficult to find a free channel on a Sunday morning.

UHF

UHF radio microphones were conceived to allow a larger numer of systems to be in use at one time. A West End style musical may have over 30 radio microphones systems, and in the West End it could easily be within a few yards of two other theatres with similar needs.

Channel 69

UHF radio microphones require an annual licence. This is an ongoing expense that needs to be met, and remembered.

Channel 70

provides a block of four radio microphone frequencies that are licence-free. They do share waveband with things such as video senders, and some remote control systems, but as yet we have not heard of any problems, and do not anticipate that we shall.

Licence Free Operation

All of the radio microphones shown here can operate on licence free channels. Combining VHF and UHF models means that a total of nine licence free channels can be achieved. Should you need more, please call to discuss you requirements on 020 8767 3533 or email us at info@cunnings.co.uk.