G3 (470-505 Mhz) , J1 (554-590 Mhz), and M1 (662-698 Mhz)
Some of the frequency bands I have come across in looking for bodypacks for lav mics.
The differences and issues depending on location or situation?
Any preferences to brand or model?
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Which country are you based in? This will make a difference in which bands you're legally aloud to use.– Andrew SpitzNov 7, 2010 at 7:39
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At least 15 characters and my response is the United States– C3SoundNov 7, 2010 at 13:21
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2 Answers
It really does not make a difference - just make sure you get something with plenty of diversity. I prefer the Lectrosonics wireless sets - I've never had a problem finding open frequencies. They are also very expensive. You can get away with using the Sennheiser G2 series without too many problems - just not as durable or reliable.
The reason they have changed from the traditional 700MHz range in the US is the recent shutdown of analog television stations. It used to be an open frequency, but is nos reserved for emergency communication. If you find a great deal on a mic that is in the 700 range - DO NOT BUY IT. Not only is it not a good idea, soundwise, but it is also illegal to operate. Wireless mic manufaturers are operating in the proper ranges now and will not sell you a pack that is illegal or running in high traffic. They only sell those ranges in case you have a theater or venue with dozens of mics and have potential for overlap - lets you break up the sets of mics a bit better. In the field, you never really know what you'll run across.
What frequency you pick is generally determined by the area you'll be working in. Check out this link and enter your zip code to see what frequencies are already in use for the area in questions:
answered Nov 8, 2010 at 1:34
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@Matthew - I see a lot of Vacants in the higher frequencies. It would seem like I would want to use a band in the upper register, but what problems come with that? Does a higher band mean a shorter distance of coverage before signal degradation?– C3SoundNov 8, 2010 at 3:34
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@C3Sound - The range of your wireless units isn't affected by which frequency they're in. Which frequencies are you seeing a lot of vacancies? If you're seeing it at the upper end of Block 26 through Block 29 that's because the FCC has recently cleared those frequencies to be auctioned off to digital TV, more TV channels, etc. Nov 11, 2010 at 3:31