ProAudio Review - March 2008 - (Page 39)

cells. On the ‘body’ side of the pack, the clear graphics tell you not only how to insert the power cells, but also sports a proud “Made in ?the UK” statement. All the tools are here for a great way to deal with wireless mics on set. The transmitter pack can be fitted with fresh cells, programmed with the controller and given out to the talent. If further tinkering is required, there is no need to remove the pack and start poking about with a ball point pen, simply zap it with a remote – after all, we’ve been doing it to our televisions for years. It’s a great idea, eliminating bulk, cost, and lots of buttons for people to fiddle with. There is no need to lock the pack, as the only way to turn it off locally is to remove the microphone plug. Setting the frequency took a little time to get used to, the remote tended to work from one angle only, and a distance of about 20-30cm in a ‘line of sight’ arrangement. The IR beam is very narrow, I found you must aim the remote exactly at the pack you wish to adjust, pointing down the antenna towards the IR sensor. After a while you can be quite precise with the remote and you get used to where it needs to be. The supplied software, ‘Racktop’, can monitor the system with clear understated graphics, edit settings, and provides some well designed tools to get the job done without fuss. Opening up the racktop software is easy, but you do have to connect to active units before they will appear on the screen. Connecting to the unit(s) is a little bit involved, as you need to have a Windows computer and various adaptors to end up with RS485 on a 9-pin D-sub connector. It would seem the reason for this is the long range. You can communicate with a rack (or racks) up to 1,000m away, and that’s a big film set. I would still like to see a USB socket on the rack though, as not everyone needs to be so far away, and the extra cables and adaptors are bulky enough to be awkward. | IN USE Once you are able to see the rack(s) in the software, you are in business. I first tried using a Powerbook G4 and virtual Windows – no joy, but the desktop PC worked first time. I needed a USB-RS232 adaptor followed by a RS232-RS485 adaptor to make it all work. The dynamic display is the default, and provides information about each receiver name, RF, and audio levels. Once you have connected a rack it is a snitch to see all the levels and details like a name for each user. Advanced features include a ‘scan channels’ graph with the 32 frequencies of the system along the horizontal, while signal strength is indicated vertically. If a transmitter is detected a bar will indicate the currently tuned frequency, and if the transmitter power is on or off. Using a matrix like grid of checkboxes, you can choose any receiver and log the audio level and RF level into a time stamped CSV file, viewable in spreadsheet software like Excel. Being able to scan the radio spectrum for ‘gaps’ is used extensively in the live sound industry, with the help of a computer this is now easy on location too – by using the infrastructure of the 2040 system a compatible frequency set can be constructed from the installed frequencies. To ensure stable reception from the transmitters, the receivers employ true diversity reception. The RF is constantly monitored in each receiver and the audio is switched noiselessly to eliminate drop-outs. There are 32 pre-programmed frequencies to choose from; the supplied kit operated between 838.100 and 861.750, but just about anything can be ordered in line with local regulations. Next, the HX2040 is a handheld transmitter. Through a very classy relationship with Schoeps microphones, the microphone can accept any of the 20 capsules from the ‘Colette’ range, regarded for their transparent audio response and fine detail by many engineers. Slick features include an infrared control interface, integrated pop shield, shock-mount, and just one button labeled ‘on’. The single 1.5v AA power cell is enclosed inside the tailpiece, once you close this up it also acts as the antenna. The review kit did not include the HX2040 but if the build quality of the other units is anything to go by then it should be good with solid features. The TX2040 is a more standard sized transmitter already used for wireless audio. The design incorporates the latest advanced technology to enhance multi-channel operation with a switching bandwidth of up to 24MHz and 32 pre-programmed frequencies. The DX2040 portable true diversity receiver has Audio’s unique infra-red interface allowing the user to set all parameters via the SwitchiR, a keyfob-sized remote control unit. The receiver can be internally powered from two 1.5V, AA (LR6) type batteries giving up to five hours use on good quality alkaline batteries (longer using lithium type), and externally powered (with a supply range of 6-18V DC) using cables available from Audio and mounted on a camera easily. A standard six pin Lemo connector interface means existing cables can be used, and the receiver is fully backwards compatible with Audio’s older RMS2020 and RMS2000 ranges. | SUMMARY The whole RMS 2040 Series by Audio Ltd. is ultra compact and uses very modern lightweight materials with great strength. ?By integrating features usually obtained by using extra equipment, such as antenna splitters, you can be sure that the components of the system are correctly aligned and operating efficiently. Ben Burns is a UK-based audio professional and contributor to Pro Audio Review’s sister publication, Audio Media. www.proaudioreview.com March 2008 | ProAudio Review | 39 http://www.linearsystems.com http://www.proaudioreview.com

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of ProAudio Review - March 2008

ProAudio Review - March 2008 Contents Publisher's Page Studio News and New Products Sennheiser MKH 8040 Microphone Digidesign Mbox 2 Micro Studio Spotlight Upsampler X/Audio Live News and New Products Touring Gear From the Road Broadcast News and New Products ION Audio Tape2PC Cassette Archiving System Brauner VMA Large-Diaphragm Microphone Audio Ltd. RMS 2040 Series Post News and New Products First Look NAB Showcase Buyers Guide Single Slice

ProAudio Review - March 2008

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