Audio-Technica releases new wireless systems at NAMM 2018
Fourth generation 3000 Series and third generation 5000 Series systems unveiled in LA
Audio-Technica has introduced two brand new wireless systems at the NAMM 2018 show in the form of the fourth generation 3000 Series and third generation 5000 Series.
With a 60 MHz tuning range – over twice that offered by the previous versions – the 3000 Series systems are available in four frequency bands – DE2 (470–530 MHz), EE1 (530–590 MHz), EF1 (590–650 MHz) and FG1 (650–700 MHz). Frequencies can be scanned and selected on the receiver and synced with the transmitter via IR sync functionality. It also allows users to set a backup frequency that can be quickly swapped by pressing the transmitter’s multifunction button in the event of unexpected interference.
Available system configurations feature an ATW-R3210 receiver along with an ATW-T3201 body-pack or ATW-T3202 handheld transmitter. The ATW-T3201 comes equipped with Audio-Technica’s new cH-style screw-down four-pin connector for secure connection to Audio-Technica’s cH-style lavalier and headworn microphones, or cables. The ATW-T3202 comes with either an ATW-C510 dynamic or ATW-C710 condenser interchangeable cardioid capsule, and its industry-standard thread allows for the use of Audio-Technica and other compatible capsules. Both transmitters feature rugged, metal housings and are powered by two AA batteries.
Meanwhile, the 5000 Series dual receiver has been updated with a tuning bandwidth of 230 MHz: 470–700 MHz, offering users the option of selecting a standard receiver with two balanced XLR outputs (ATW-R5220) or a receiver that also includes a Dante output (ATW-R5220DAN). The full-rack receiver chassis holds two independent receivers and offers antenna power, frequency scan, IR sync functionality, a ground-lift switch and a front-panel headphone jack.
Other new features include an antenna cascade output that connects up to eight receivers so a single pair of antennas can feed up to 16 channels of wireless (these connectors also provide an RF cable check feature to aid in RF troubleshooting), an auto squelch feature that automatically adjusts the squelch setting to maximise operating range while minimising potential interference, and a backup frequency that can be quickly swapped by pressing the transmitter’s multifunction button in the event of unexpected interference. Software enables remote monitoring and control of the wireless system.
Two transmitters are available for use with the 5000 Series: the ATW-T5201 body-pack transmitter and the ATW-T5202 handheld transmitter. Both transmitters feature metal bodies, highly visible dual-mode OLED screens (switchable between standard or performance views to highlight key metering), programmable features, soft-touch controls, and switchable RF power (2 mW/10 mW/50 mW). They are available in two different frequency ranges – DE1 (470–590 MHz) and EG1 (580–700 MHz) – to provide complete coverage of the receiver’s bandwidth. The compact ATW-T5201 is equipped with Audio-Technica’s new cH-style screw-down 4-pin connector for secure connection to A-T’s cH-style lavalier and headworn microphones, or cables. The ATW-T5202 offers low handling noise and includes a high-pass filter. Its industry-standard thread mount allows for the use of six interchangeable A-T microphone capsules, as well as other compatible capsules. The digital Tone Lock squelch effectively blocks stray RF; the digitally encoded tone also communicates transmitter data for receiver display.
5000 Series components and compatible accessories are offered as individual products to offer users maximum flexibility.
The 3000 Series will be available from Spring 2018 and the 5000 Series will be available from Summer 2018. Pricing on both range has yet to be confirmed.
Source: mi-pro.co.uk
