So how does the 1800 Series do in the real world? Nicely. We tested both transmitters indoors and outdoors. They behaved very similarly to one another, and we tried a few frequencies for variety . . . without much variation. We hooked up to a Sony prosumer camcorder via a BeachTek adapter. We plugged the plug-on transmitter onto a Shure SM57.

Indoors, the signal was still strong sixty feet and three walls away. It wasn't until we asked our subject to walk out of the building and into another over 150 feet away that things started to break up.

Outdoors, with a clear line of sight, we were slightly disappointed. The specs claim 300 feet of operating range. The signal was clear at 200 feet, but we started getting serious dropouts at about 250 feet. Frankly, since the specs said 300 feet, I was hoping to get to 300 feet on a clear day in the rurals of the Sacramento Valley, maybe even 400. I guess that was California dreamin'.

The good news is that the Tone Lock seems to do its job well. On the edge of useability, there is a little bit of static, but a dropout generally results in a respectful moment of silence, not an onslaught of white noise. When you have the signal, you have it securely.

We also wanted to run the "true diversity" through its paces. We took the system into a metal warehouse, hoping to create some multi-path interference. With the subject 40 feet away, the LEDs indicated a lot of bouncing back and forth between the two tuners, but the signal was as clear as a bell.

Then we asked the subject to place a tinfoil cap in the shape of a Viking helmet on his head, saying this would induce greater interference. As far as we know, this had no validity in the testing, but laughing that hard really broke the monotony. The signal was still strong.

Ideally, the best wireless microphone system is the one you are unaware of. The Audio-Technica lapel mic was crisp and bright. The Shure mic sounded as though it were plugged straight into a mixer. What else could you ask for?

OVERALL SYSTEM SPECS
Operating Frequencies: UHF Band D: 655.500 to 680.375MHz
Number of Channels: 996 total per band (25kHz increments)
Modulation Mode: FM
Operating Range: 300 ft. typical
Operating Temperature: 23°F to 113°F
Frequency Response: 70Hz to 15kHz

RECEIVER SPECIFICATIONS (ATW-R1820)
Receiving System: Dual independent RF sections, automatic switching diversity
Image Rejection: >50dB typical
Signal-to-noise Ratio: 104dB at 30kHz deviation (A-weighted), maximum modulation 37kHz
Audio Output Balanced: 27mV (at 1kHz, ±5kHz deviation) on 3-pin mini XLR (TA3M-type)
Monitor Headphone Output: 35mW max. (typical), 32 ohm load (per channel) on 3.5mm jack
Power: Six AA batteries or 12V DC (500mA)
Battery Life: Dual-channel operation, six hours typical
Dimensions: 3.35" W x 5.24" H x 1.42" D
Net Weight: 15 oz. w/o batteries

TRANSMITTERS (Body-pack and Plug-on)
RF Power Output: High 30mW, low 10mW, nominal
Dynamic Range: >105dB, A-weighted
Input Connections: 4-pin HRS-type (body-pack), 3-pin XLR female (plug-on)
Battery Life: Approximately 6 hours (high), 8 hours (low)

• Clear audio
• Delicate dropout
• Durable construction
• Secure connections

• Transmitter backlight dim
• Range may be exaggerated

A high-end wireless system that will give good service for someone who has graduated from being a hobbyist to being a prosperous professional.

Greg Robinson is the owner of an independent production company.

Audio-Technica U.S., Inc.
1221 Commerce Drive
Stow, OH 44224
www.audio-technica.com

$1,795