AudioMedia - October 2008 - (Page 65)

AM By using the supplied rack mount kit, one or two units can be put into U of space. When you power up the unit, it takes a few seconds to get ready and then it starts to transmit as per the last used settings. The software seems smooth whilst navigating through the simple menu system, which does what it says on the tin efficiently and with simplicity. Even when sending quite a low level into the transmitter, the sound at the other end was clear and detailed. Whatever techniques have been employed to send the radio signal work very well, as there is never a pop, click, or fuzzy moment to be heard – the worst that can happen is the audio signal drops out if you go out of range or hit a null spot in a room. sequencer, or ambient microphone. + v is provided on the ring for powered microphones, so if you use an iPod or similar device it is recommended to use a mono adaptor to protect the device. There is a hardware switch to mute this input mounted on one side of the pack. Scanning for available frequencies is always handy in a noisy RF environment. The M R can scan all the frequencies in a group and choose the first channel which has no traffic on it, you can then choose to use this frequency or scan for other options. Once set on the receiver you will have to manually set the transmitter to match. Like many other IEM systems, the M offers a few audio modes – a simple stereo mode transmits the left input to the left earphone, and the right input to the right earphone. In personal mix mode, the user gets both the left and right inputs in both ears, with the balance between the inputs being controlled with the balance pot. This is typically used for a band mix in mono plus a single instrument like a vocal, where the performer can set the balance between the band and the vocal in his/her own ears. The system comes complete with a set of hi-fidelity earphones complete with three sizes of rubber ‘caps’ to fit on the earphones. These rubber caps have good isolation properties and give the bass a deepness when inserted firmly into the ear. 10|08 About the size of a packet of cigarettes, the transmitter is very, very light – g without batteries to be precise. It feels a little flimsy to me, but I have been assured that the plastic case is super modern composite and able to withstand abuse. I have been unable to test this theory on account of AudioTechnica needing the review unit back unharmed. The receiver is powered from two AA cells, which should last up to eight hours (almost enough time for The Lord of the Rings). On the business end of the pack there is a . mm headphone jack with a locking ring, dual concentric volume/pan control, and antenna connector. To one side there is another . mm input jack socket for aux input signals. Designed for use with a microphone or line level source, the aux input is a great innovative feature of the system. The idea is to provide the user with control over local sources such as a click track, M3R R eceiver “Anyone used to hearing radio systems will be familiar with those ‘fizzzzzzzzssssshhhhur-pop’ moments caused by dropouts in the radio signal. Nothing can be done about the laws of physics unfortunately, but Audio-Technica has managed to reduce these to a minimum…” Anyone used to hearing radio systems will be familiar with those ‘fizzzzzzzzssssshhhhur-pop’ moments caused by dropouts in the radio signal. Nothing can be done about the laws of physics unfortunately, but Audio-Technica has managed to reduce these to a minimum, and when dropouts do occur, the unit will mute without those distracting noises. I really noticed this compared to other systems – when walking about slightly out of range of the transmitter (like being in a dressing room before the gig) the audio fades in and out without any annoying pops, clicks, or fuzzes, which can put performers off. The advanced pilot tone and squelch technology employed in the M system works very well, walking down the road listening to the system proves the point – audio was interrupted in a subtle way with no other audible artefacts. The dynamic range of the system is very good for an IEM product – whatever compression/ I n Use expansion technology is employed does a transparent job, as music with a wide dynamic range still sounds clean and detailed, the frequency response is also suited to modern digital requirements. Using the supplied earphones while playing drums actually allowed quite a lot of ambient sound to be heard clearly – the drums themselves and guitar amplifiers were very present. Using custom moulds produced a more isolated sound, and closed back headphones just looked silly. Choosing the right earphones is obviously a huge factor in getting the right amount of isolation for each situation and person. Some performers can get a feeling of isolation with a very tight IEM mix, so often some ambient microphones will be slung up to relay the atmosphere of a gig to the performer. If you are looking to get an IEM system, the M may well meet your requirements – I found the whole system very easy to use, and I like the very modern light materials, and low power consumption. ∫ I N F O R MAT I O N £ GB£599.95 (inc.VAT) A Audio-Technica Limited (UK), Technica House, Royal London Industrial Estate, Old Lane, Leeds LS11 8AG T +44 (0) 113 277 1441 W +44 (0) 113 270 4836 A Audio-Technica US Inc., 1221 Commerce Drive, Stow, Ohio 44224 T +1 330 686 2600 W www.audio-technica.com AUDIO MEDIA OCTOBER 2008 65 http://www.audio-technica.com

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of AudioMedia - October 2008

Audio Media - October 2008 Content Recording Post Broadcast Geofocus:�Portugal &�Spain What's Up UK IBC Report Microtech Geffel UM 930 Steinberg Cubase 4.5 ADK�Hamburg &�Vienna Final Cut: House of Fallen Lexicon PCM96 Review The Conch Awards Feature Sound Devices 788T Review Lexicon PCM96 Allen &�Heath Zed R16 Power: Fact & Fiction, PT.2 Product Sampler Plug-ins Video Guide AMSR Plasa Report Audio Technica IEM�M3 Rushes Live Mixing Techniques:�Bruce Johnston Drawmer 4x4 Kickbox

AudioMedia - October 2008

For optimal viewing of this digital publication, please enable JavaScript and then refresh the page. If you would like to try to load the digital publication without using Flash Player detection, please click here.