Sennheiser SKP 300 G3 plug-on transmitter is a very handy accessory to just about any audio kit. The transmitter allows those top-notch microphones to become wireless, saving space by eliminating cables which also provides freedom. No wireless signal is complete without a receiver, and the EK 100 G3 is welcome match here.

The applications are numerous, for news reporters, this allows more freedom in the mics to chose, as well as the liberty to move from place to place without being dragged down by cables. Event video companies should be able to provide emcees or other speakers with mic very quickly with the SKP 300 G3. Narrative film makers can get creative with a full compliment of mics.

There are eight frequencies available, and three variants to the model that reach different portions of the spectrum, SKP 300 G3-A is 516-558MHz, SKP 300 G3-G is 566-608MHz, and SKP 300 G3-B is 626-668MHz. Each of these maintains the same overall price of $530. Power is provided to both the transmitter and condenser mics by a pair of AA batteries. Being able to provide phantom power only furthers the versatility that this box represents. If you don’t want the power to be shared from one source, opt for a sensible accessory, the rechargable battery pack, SK2015-G2. As for physical presence, the SKP 300 G3 measures nearly 14-inches on its longest side, then about 3×5-inches for the rest of the round edged 24oz. box.

Our team at NAB 2012 was rather impressed with the universal capabilities of the SKP 300 G3, so they saw it fit to check out, snap a pic and make sure anyone that’s interested can find it for themselves. We like the fact that it’ll reduce our dependence on a single complete wireless system and will make it simpler to swap wireless mics.

Please discuss in the Videomaker forums.

Nady Systems recently announced the introduction of their UWS-100—a new 100-channel select UHF Wireless System with 100 frequencies, per 24MHz wide band, manually selectable, or by autoscan feature,  for open channels.  The UWS-100 offers state-of-the-art PLL UHF performance with 120dB dynamic range and operation up to 500’ line-of-sight.  Other features include:  ASC™ (Auto-Sync Channels) download which sends selected GROUP/CHANNEL information to transmitter via IR sender for easy frequency synchronization; Tone Squelch™  circuitry for protection from RF interference; Front Panel Touch control buttons for ease of channel selection and ASC™ operation; and DigiTRU Diversity™ for maximum range and dropout protection.

The UWS-100 receiver features rugged all metal housing. Choice of transmitters include:  UHT-100 handheld or UBT-100 bodypack with choice of 3 input select modes—LT for lavalier mic use, HM for Headmic™ use, or GT for instrument use.  All transmitter options provide 100 easily selectable channels via ASC™ IR download of selected channel for easy synchronization with receiver.

The UWS-100 is expected to ship in July, 2010.

With more and more devices crowding the airwaves it can be hard to find an available frequency without interference while setting up your wireless mics. Sennhesier has a solution, an audio tool for finding open frequencies that incorporates the FCC TV broadcast database.  Simply enter either a City or Zip Code and the application provides you with a list of available and used frequencies. This is another one of those must have tools for any filmmaker serious about getting great audio without spending time looking for an open frequency which we all know can be very time consuming.